The Beaverton Police Department is again participating in a year-long National Traffic Safety Campaign in 2020. The focus of this campaign is taking impaired drivers off our streets, keeping Beaverton a safe city to travel and live.

Officers were out on targeted patrols for impaired drivers during the month of June and made 31 DUII arrests. Of the 31 arrests, two people refused to take a breath test and a warrant for a blood draw was granted, five were believed to be under the influence of controlled substances, and two were under the age of 21. Of those charged with an alcohol-related DUII, and who provided a breath sample, the average BAC was 0.14%.

The highest BAC in June was 0.32% and the lowest was 0.06%. Nine people had a BAC of 0.15% or higher.

During the month of July, officers will continue their efforts to take impaired drivers off the streets of our "No Refusal" city. This High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) detail was paid for by grant funds from Oregon Impact and ODOT. "Drunk Driving", "Impaired Driving", or "Buzzed Driving" all have the potential to claim lives and will often result in jail time. The men and women of the Beaverton Police Department ask you to please use a designated driver or find an alternate, sober ride home.

##BPD##

CORVALLIS, Ore. – On July 6, 2020, at 2:13 pm, deputies from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single-vehicle rollover crash, south of Corvallis.

Ashley Kropf, 23, of Halsey, Oregon, was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Kropf was delivering mail for the US Postal Service on Llewellyn Rd, one mile west of Highway 99W, when for unknown reasons, left the road and rolled her 1990 Nissan passenger-vehicle.

There is no indication of alcohol or drugs as being a factor in the crash.

Llewellyn Road was closed for ­­approximately five hours while the Benton County Sheriff’s Office Crash Team investigated. 

Anyone who witnessed the crash is encouraged to contact Deputy Horn at 541-766-6858 or email brian.horn@co.benton.or.us. 

XXX

In addition to the July 3 search-and-rescue detailed in our previous press release, on the following day (Saturday, July 4), the Clackamas County Search & Rescue Team assisted with the rescue of a 52-year-old injured hiker.

Subject Kimberly Whipkey was hiking east of Upper Twin Lakes with her husband on July 4 when she hurt her knee.

The pair reached out to authorities for help.

A U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement officer requested assistance from Clackamas County SAR. The CCSO Search and Rescue Ground Team, Pacific NW Search and Rescue (PNWSAR), and Mountain Wave responded.

Rescuers located the injured female hiker about 3 miles out on the Barlow Trail. After a medical assessment, it was determined she would need assistance getting out.

PNWSAR rescuers took over medical care for Whipkey and transported her back to the trailhead in a wheeled Stokes basket, with help from the CCSO Ground Team.

Upon reaching the trailhead, Kimberly Whipkey was released to her husband, who drove her home at 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 5.

A total of 20 search-and-rescue volunteers participated in the rescue. Mountain Wave provided a critical role by maintaining communications with search teams during the rescue.

Learn more about CCSO Search and Rescue here: https://www.clackamas.us/sheriff/sar.html

[END]

EARLIER: Missing hiker, 72, rescued July 3 near Trillium Lake

A 72-year old woman who got lost while hiking with a friend southwest of Trillium Lake on Friday, July 3 was found safely a few hours later.

Catherine Howell, 72, was hiking with her dog "Early" and her friend near Trillium Lake on Saturday.

Early ran off -- prompting the pair to split up to try and find the dog.

One of the hikers went back to the car and found Early waiting there, but then the dog ran off again.

Howell, however, did not return to the car -- prompting her hiking partner to call 911 at 3:30 p.m. Friday.

The Clackamas County Search & Rescue Team was activated. SAR Coordinators called on special teams to assist, including the CCSO Ground Team and the Trail Running Rescue Team. Three USFS law enforcement officers also assisted.

Two teams deployed through the trail system, locating Howell less than a mile up the trail. Early the dog was with her.

Rescuers then assisted Howell and her dog down the trail and back to the parking lot. Both were tired but uninjured.

Howell, an experienced hiker, told searchers she had taken a wrong turn but had gotten back on the main trail and was trying to get find her way out when rescuers located her. 

Learn more about CCSO Search & Rescue here: https://www.clackamas.us/sheriff/sar.html.

The Trail Running Rescue Team comprises skilled off-road ultramarathoners who can deploy on roads and trails during search and rescue missions.

Photos from the rescue are attached.

[END]

Please reference CCSO Case # 20-013950

At 6:02 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, 2020, Clackamas County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a fatal traffic crash in which a motorcyclist was killed after his Kawasaki Ninja collided with a Chevy Silverado pickup on SE 362nd Avenue in Boring.

As seen in the attached photos, deputies arrived at the 10400 block of SE 362nd Avenue to find a Chevy Silverado pickup and Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle with heavy damage next to a large debris field.

Clackamas Fire and AMR EMTs were already on-scene treating the involved parties. EMTs pronounced the rider of the motorcycle -- Robert W. Burke, Jr., 40 -- deceased at the scene. CPR was not attempted.

SE 362nd was closed in both directions at the 10400 block in Boring while authorities investigated the crash. The Sheriff's Office Criminal Reconstruction and Forensic Technicians (CRAFT) responded to the scene to help. The driver of the truck remained on scene and cooperated with authorities.

Early reports indicate Burke and a fellow motorcycle rider were traveling south at a high rate of speed on SE 362nd when the Silverado attempted to turn northbound onto SE 362nd from the northwest entrance to a mobile-home park. The Silverado stopped abruptly when the driver saw Burke approach, and the deceased rider attempted unsuccessfully to veer around the truck before impacting the front of the Silverado.

A passenger in the Silverado was transported by AMR to a local hospital.

Family notifications are complete.

Photos from the crash scene are attached.

[END]

Please reference CCSO Case # 20-013809

An officer-involved shooting this afternoon left one Clackamas County Sheriff's Office sergeant wounded and the subject dead following a confrontation at the Mt. Hood Village RV Resort in Welches. The sergeant's injuries are not life-threatening.

At 2:46 p.m. on Friday, July 3, 2020, Sheriff’s Office deputies and Sandy Police officers responded to a welfare check on a possibly suicidal subject at the Mt. Hood Village RV Resort in Welches. Deputies received information from a family member that the subject was in mental-health crisis.

Deputies responded to the Mt. Hood Village RV Resort, located at 65000 E. Hwy. 26 in Welches.

Upon arrival, deputies contacted a 58-year-old white male subject. A Patrol deputy who is also a crisis negotiator was on-scene and attempted to reason with the subject in an attempt to de-escalate the situation.

Investigators are still conducting interviews and reconstructing the ensuing confrontation. At this writing, investigators have determined that law enforcement personnel attempted to deploy less-lethal options to subdue the subject, without success; the subject produced a handgun; and one member of law enforcement shot the subject, killing him.

During the confrontation a Sheriff's Office Patrol sergeant was shot in the arm. The injured sergeant did not fire his weapon. The injured sergeant and officers on-scene immediately began to provide first-aid to the subject. Deputies then realized the sergeant had been shot and had him stop providing aid. They placed a tourniquet on the injured sergeant's arm.

The sergeant was alert and communicating with AMR and Hoodland Fire paramedics at the scene. Life Flight was called, but the deputy was transported to an area hospital by AMR ambulance after the wounds were determined to be non-life-threatening. He was treated and released.

The Sheriff's Office and the multi-agency Clackamas County Major Crimes Team are leading the shooting investigation. Currently, detectives from Tualatin PD, Oregon State Police, Mollala PD, Canby PD, and Lake Oswego PD, as well as CRAFT and CSI technicians are processing the scene and detectives are conducting interviews. Personnel from the Clackamas County District Attorney's Office and Clackamas County Medical Examiner's Office are also on-scene.

Photos from the scene are attached. B-roll video can be downloaded from this Dropbox address:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/47v69rnssz9zjd9/2020-07-03-WelchesOISBroll.mp4?dl=0

The deceased suspect's name will not be released at this time pending family notifications.

The injured sergeant's name will not be released at this time pending family notifications.

[END]

B-ROLL VIDEO OF NEW FLAG AT WILLAMETTE FALLS:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0je8adnaksx0thq/2020-07-03-Broll-WillametteFallsFlag.mp4?dl=0

For July 4, our Marine Unit deputies did something special: They replaced the tattered American flag at Willamette Falls.

If you navigate the Willamette River or look out at the Willamette Falls from one of the viewpoints, or perhaps catch a glance on your commute, you may have noticed a flagpole with a tattered U.S. flag in the middle of the falls. Our deputies recall seeing Old Glory and the pole there for the last 10 years.

Our Marine Unit deputies noticed the flag was in bad shape. It had been there for years and was tattered, worn and faded -- hanging only from its lower grommet.  

So Marine Unit deputies did a little research to try and determine who was responsible for the flag's presence at the Falls.

Portland General Electric and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife are responsible for this area of the falls. They seemed likely to be the responsible parties for the flagpole.

As it turned out, neither entity placed the flagpole there.

The structure is on is a combination of the Blue Heron Paper Mill site's diversion dam and the fish ladder. But no one at the mill knew how the flag got there.

Deputies took a closer look -- and realized this was not even a traditional flagpole, which would have a halyard (rope) to easily lower or raise a flag.

Instead, the Willamette Falls flagpole is a 20-foot-long log painted white, with a couple of eye-bolts at the top to attach a flag.

At the top of this makeshift pole was a non-functioning solar light, presumably used to comply with the requirement to illuminate the American Flag when flown overnight.

The log/flagpole was jammed between some steel and concrete, with sticks wedged inbetween to secure the makeshift flagpole in place.

Our deputies decided to replace this flag for two reasons:

1. This is a dangerous location for boaters, and our Marine deputies did not want someone to be in danger taking it upon themselves to fix this flag.
2. The other reason seems obvious: This symbol of our great nation needed to be replaced.  

The deputies went to work. They lifted the pole out of its hold in order to remove the old torn flag. They replaced it with a new flag. The deputies then reset the pole, topped with a fresh Stars and Stripes.

We hope you take a moment this holiday weekend to enjoy Old Glory flying above Willamette Falls from one of the many available viewpoints. Deputies also want to remind people that the Willamette Falls Flag is planted in a dangerous location -- and ask people to enjoy the view from a safe distance.

Photos are attached, and video can be downloaded from this Dropbox address:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0je8adnaksx0thq/2020-07-03-Broll-WillametteFallsFlag.mp4?dl=0

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY: To speak to members of the Marine Unit about the flag restoration, contact PIO Sgt. Mendoza.

[END]

Clark County Fire District 6 has a Fire Levy lid lift on the August 4 Primary Election ballot. Normally, we would ask to meet with you in person to answer questions if you planned to editorialize on the ballot measure.

These are not normal times due to COVID-19. We are emergency service professionals, who deal with responding to infectious diseases on a regular basis. We are willing to meet in person using procedures that we employ for public interactions to prevent potential spread of the virus. If an in-person meeting is not doable, we would welcome any questions you have in writing or by phone about our ballot measure.

Call volumes for Clark County Fire District 6 have increased almost 30 percent in five years – 13 percent in the last year alone. Our lid lift would return the Fire Levy to the previously voter-approved amount of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Funding would be used for additional personnel to respond to higher call volumes; improve firefighter training; earthquake-proof our busiest station in Hazel Dell; and, add or replace aging apparatus.

We appreciate our partnership with the news media to share information about how we work to save lives and property. Please let me know if you have any questions or want to do a social distancing or zoom interview.

Chief Kristan Maurer

Clark County Fire District 6

On 7/1/2020 at 11:49 pm, CCSO deputies and EMS personnel were dispatched to a collision involving a car and a pedestrian in the 12700 block of NE 359th Street.  Upon arrival, first responders discovered a man lying in the roadway.  He had been struck by a Ford Transit work van traveling west on NE 359th Street.  NE 359th Street is a 50 mph two-lane rural roadway with no shoulder located north of Battle Ground.

The driver, identified as Aleksandr Kechick, stated that the male crossed directly into his path from the south side of the roadway.  After the collision, Kechik and a passerby provided aid to the male until EMS personnel arrived.  The male, later identified as Jordan A. Soliday, was transported to an area hospital with critical injuries.  Kechik provided a statement to deputies and remained at the scene.  Kechik was not arrested nor was he issued any citations.

Sadly, Soliday succumbed to his injuries and died at the hospital at around 5:30 am on 7/2/2020

Soliday, age 23, was a resident of north Battle Ground.  Kechik, age 57, is a resident of Brush Prairie.

The Clark County Sheriff's Office Traffic Unit is actively investigating this collision.

Update: Video with audio of rescuers available on request

Date: 7/7/2020

Bicyclist struck by Train

Kelso - Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue responded to a reported pedestrian struck by a southbound BNSF train between Allen Street and Cowlitz Way at 10:55 pm. Kelso Police responded and located a bicycle that lead them to find a male victim pinned under the train, still conscious but critically injured.

With assistance from BNSF, approximately 80 feet of train was uncoupled and a coordinated slow move was completed over the top of the victim, while Cowlitz 2 firefighters worked to stabilize the patient. The patient was extricated at 11:27 PM  and immediately rushed to a Cowlitz 2 ambulance where he was transported emergently to St. John Medical Center as a Trauma Team Activation

Cowlitz 2 responded with 7 personnel that included 1- Fire Engine, 1- ALS ambulance and a Battalion Chief from the Kelso Station. Kelso Police as well as BNSF also responded to the incident. Initial units arrived on scene within 3 minutes and the patient was located within 6 minutes of the initial 911 call placed by train operators.  

Scene command was terminated at 11:44 PM

Kelso Police and BNSF will be investigating

While pedestrian/ train accidents are rare they are almost always preventable. No one should ever travel on a railway or cross railways other than at approved crossings. There is a crossing in the area of the incident but none where the victim was struck.

LT. Dan W. Cothren, Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue 

Cowlitz County, WA – Firefighters from Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue and Longview Fire Department rescued a 54-year-old man who fell down a 30-foot embankment near railroad tracks in the area of Beacon Hill Drive and Mountain View Drive Sunday afternoon at 1:30.  The man was walking his dog on the tracks when he slipped and fell down the embankment and called for help.  Longview Fire’s rope rescue team secured the man in a rescue basket and maneuvered the man up the embankment.  Ten firefighters and a Chief Officer responded to the call.  The man was transported by ambulance to Peace Health St. John’s Medical Center for minor injuries.  No other injuries were reported.   

Kelso/Lexington area- Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue responded to a reported pickup truck fire at the intersection of Westside HWY and Early Bird Drive at 3:35 AM, this morning. Dispatchers updated that the driver of the vehicle was injured with bystanders attempting to pull him out of the vehicle.

C2FR responded with 2- Fire Engines, 1- Ambulance and a Battalion Chief from the Lexington and Kelso Stations. Initial units arrived on scene within 6 minutes and located the pickup which had completely rolled over, struck trees and was fully involved with fire. Bystanders, including a St. John RN that had just left from her shift, were with the driver who had received potentially serious injuries.

The driver was transported emergently, by C2FR Paramedics to St. John Emergency Department

Fire was extinguished within 10 minutes and all C2FR units returned to service by 4:55 AM

WSP will be investigating

C2FR, WSP and CCSO Deputies responded

Governor Inslee Pauses All Phase Advancements State-Wide and Expands Face Covering Requirements- At-Home Independence Day Celebrations Encouraged  

July 3, 2020 at 0800 hrs.

Governor Inslee has announced a statewide two-week pause on the reopening process, following a statewide increase in new COVID-19 cases and the percentage of tests coming back positive. As a result, Cowlitz County will remain in Phase 2.

Health officials support the governor’s decision to pause the reopening process. Officials are seeing a dramatic increase in the number of new cases in Cowlitz County and steps must be taken now to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community if we want to be able to safely move to Phase 3.

Wearing face coverings and maintaining physical distancing are easy things we can do to help keep our community open and our residents healthy. In addition to the two-week pause, Governor Inslee announced a new face covering requirement. Beginning Tuesday, the state will require all businesses to refuse service to customers not wearing face coverings. There are some exemptions to the order, including people with certain disabilities or health conditions, people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and children under the age of 2.

Lastly, health officials are urging people to stay home this Fourth of July weekend as the county experiences an increase in COVID-19 cases. From March 1st  to June 1st Cowlitz County saw 73 total positive cases. From June 1st to June 30th Cowlitz County saw 115 total positive cases.

Cowlitz County’s case numbers are going up and this is a dangerous time for gatherings. Residents should not disregard physical distancing simply because it’s a holiday weekend. COVID-19 is primarily spread through close contact with respiratory droplets expelled when someone who is infected coughs, sneezes or talks. Even people who do not have symptoms may be infected and can spread the virus to others. Gathering with others presents an opportunity for the virus to spread.

Health officials urge Cowlitz County residents to celebrate this Independence Day at home. Any gatherings should be limited to no more than five people from outside of the household – the largest gathering size allowed under Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan. Cowlitz County residents can also take steps to keep themselves healthy and help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Everyone should continue to maintain physical distancing and wear face coverings in public. Remember to wash hands frequently, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available, cover coughs and sneezes, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, frequently disinfect high-touch surfaces and stay home when sick.

Cowlitz County Health and Human Services and the Incident Management Team will continue to provide local updates on the Cowlitz COVID-19 coronavirus webpage at www.cowlitzcovid19.com.

###

El Gobernador Inslee hace una pausa en todos los avances de fase en todo el estado y amplía los requisitos de cobertura facial: se alientan las celebraciones del Día de la Independencia

3 de julio de 2020 a las 0800 hrs.

El gobernador Inslee anunció una pausa de dos semanas en todo el estado en el proceso de reapertura, luego de un aumento estatal en los nuevos casos de COVID-19 y el porcentaje de pruebas que dieron positivo. Como resultado, el Condado de Cowlitz permanecerá en la Fase 2.

Los funcionarios de salud apoyan la decisión del gobernador de pausar el proceso de reapertura. Los funcionarios están viendo un aumento dramático en el número de casos nuevos en el condado de Cowlitz y ahora se deben tomar medidas para frenar la propagación de COVID-19 en nuestra comunidad si queremos poder pasar de manera segura a la Fase 3.

Usar cubiertas para la cara y mantener el distanciamiento físico son cosas fáciles que podemos hacer para ayudar a mantener nuestra comunidad abierta y a nuestros residentes saludables. Además de la pausa de dos semanas, el gobernador Inslee anunció un nuevo requisito de cobertura facial. A partir del martes, el estado requerirá que todas las empresas rechacen el servicio a los clientes que no usan cubiertas faciales. Existen algunas excepciones a la orden, incluidas las personas con ciertas discapacidades o condiciones de salud, las personas sordas o con problemas de audición y los niños menores de 2 años.

Por último, los funcionarios de salud están instando a las personas a quedarse en casa este fin de semana del 4 de julio, ya que el condado experimenta un aumento en los casos de COVID-19. Del 1 de marzo al 1 de junio, el condado de Cowlitz tuvo un total de 73 casos positivos. Del 1 al 30 de junio, el condado de Cowlitz vio 115 casos positivos totales.

"Los números de casos del condado de Cowlitz están aumentando y este es un momento peligroso para las reuniones", dijo el Dr. Steven Krager, oficial de salud del condado de Cowlitz. "No podemos ignorar el distanciamiento físico simplemente porque es un fin de semana festivo". COVID-19 se transmite principalmente a través del contacto cercano con gotitas respiratorias expulsadas cuando alguien infectado tose, estornuda o habla. Incluso las personas que no tienen síntomas pueden estar infectadas y transmitir el virus a otras personas. Reunirse con otros presenta una oportunidad para que el virus se propague.

Los funcionarios de salud instan a los residentes del condado de Cowlitz a celebrar este Día de la Independencia en casa. Cualquier reunión debe limitarse a no más de cinco personas de fuera del hogar, el tamaño de reunión más grande permitido bajo la Fase 2 del plan de reapertura del estado. Los residentes del condado de Cowlitz también pueden tomar medidas para mantenerse saludables y ayudar a retrasar la propagación de COVID-19 en la comunidad. Todos deben continuar manteniendo distanciamiento físico y usar cubiertas faciales en público. Recuerde lavarse las manos con frecuencia, use un desinfectante para manos a base de alcohol cuando no haya agua y jabón disponibles, cubra la tos y los estornudos, evite tocarse la cara con las manos sin lavar, desinfecte con frecuencia las superficies de alto contacto y quédese en casa cuando esté enfermo.

Los Servicios Humanos y de Salud del Condado de Cowlitz y el Equipo de Manejo de Incidentes continuarán brindando actualizaciones locales en la página web del coronavirus Cowlitz COVID-19 en www.cowlitzcovid19.com .

The Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce the promotion of Robert Stumph from Deputy Sheriff to Sergeant effective July 1, 2020. A Civil Service promotional examination was held in June of 2018 that created a promotional list for the Sergeant position. Utilizing the Rule of 3, Sgt. Stumph was selected from the list. He will be one of 7 Sergeants in the Sheriff’s Office and has been assigned to supervise a patrol shift. Stumph is a 2001 graduate of Mark Morris High School and a 2005 graduate of Central Washington University with a degree in Law and Justice. He was hired by the Sheriff’s Office in 2007. In his career he has served as a Patrol Deputy, Detective, and an Agent assigned to the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Drug Task Force.

Sheriff Brad Thurman

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. This week: knowing your risks when using mobile banking apps. 

Mobile banking apps are popular: they make it easy to deposit funds, pay bills, and transfer money. In fact, U.S. financial technology providers estimate more than 75 percent of Americans used mobile banking in some form in 2019. Given stay-at-home orders and physical distancing requirements, even more Americans have become willing to use mobile banking as an alternative to physically visiting branch locations. To that point: One U.S. financial study has shown a 50% rise in mobile banking just since the beginning of the year.  

With increased use, though, comes increased risk. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov) is warning consumers that mobile banking presents a prime opportunity for fraudsters to exploit customers. There are two primary concerns: app-based Trojans and fake banking apps. 

App-based banking trojans infect your smartphone or tablet when you download malware with what otherwise looks to be a legitimate game or tool. When you try to access the real banking app, the malware activates – giving you a false login page to capture your ID and password. You likely won’t even know that you have given the scammer your info because the malware then directs you to your legitimate banking site. 

The second concern is a little more straight forward: fake banking apps created to look like your bank’s real app. Once you enter your ID and password, you will see an error message and the app will work to bypass security codes sent to you. Fraudulent banking apps are one of the fastest growing smartphone-based scams. In 2018, U.S. security research organizations found an estimated 65,000 fake apps on major app stores. 

What can you do to stay safe? 

• Go to your bank’s website to download the app directly. 

• Use a trusted, official app store if you otherwise need to download apps. 

• Enable multi-factor authentication on devices and accounts. Use biometrics, hardware tokens, or authentication apps whenever possible. Layering different authentication standards is a stronger security option. 

• Monitor where your Personal Identifiable Information (PII) is stored and only share the most necessary information with financial institutions. 

• Use the strongest password possible and create unique passwords for all financial accounts. 

• Don’t ever click on attachments or links in emails, texts, or social media posts. Don’t give your password to anyone. Financial institutions will not ask you for this information over the phone or by text message. 

If you encounter what you believe to be a suspicious banking app, call your bank using contact information publicly available on its webpage. 

If you have fallen victim to mobile banking app exploitation or any other online fraud, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov) at www.IC3.gov or call your local FBI office. 

###

On Sunday, July 5, 2020, Lincoln City Police responded to a report of possible identity theft by two suspects at the Shearwater Inn.

Officer Tolzman arrived in the area a few minutes later and located the male suspect. The Officer asked the suspect to stop, but the suspect instead started running away. During the foot chase, the suspect dropped a handgun from his waistband. When the Officer caught up to the suspect, the suspect continued to fight the Officer and resist arrest.

The struggle continued into the parking lot, where the suspect was able to create distance between himself and the Officer. The suspect then tried to swing at the Officer's head with a fist. The Officer attempted to use a Taser to stop the suspect, but the suspect’s girlfriend was nearby and punched the Taser out of the Officer’s hand and then hit the Officer in the chest.

Officer Craig arrived to assist Officer Tolzman and Officer Tolzman was able to retrieve his Taser from the ground and deploy the Taser after the male suspect continued to disobey commands. The Taser deployment was successful and the male suspect was detained in handcuffs without serious injury.

The male suspect refused to identify himself, but was later identified as 40-year-old Daniel Lloyd Howton Jr of Salem and Portland. Howton also had warrants for his arrest out of Marion County and Multnomah County.

The female suspect/girlfriend was identified as 28-year-old Emily Ruth Huse of Vancouver, WA.

During the investigation, Officers learned the handgun dropped by Howton was reported as stolen from Portland in March of 2020.

Howton was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail for Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Attempted Assault on a Police Officer, Attempted Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Identity Theft, Interfering with Police, Disorderly Conduct II, Harassment and the two warrants. His bail was set at $262,500.00.

Huse was lodged at the Lincoln City Police Department for Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument. There will be other pending charges for interfering with the apprehension of Howton. The Lincoln County Jail denied entry to Huse due to COVID-19 procedures and she was issued a criminal citation and released later on 7/5/20.

The Lincoln City Police Department would like to thank the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, PacWest Medical, and North Lincoln Fire for their assistance during this incident.

Submitted By:  Sergeant Jeffrey Winn

The Lincoln City Police Department has an update regarding subjects arrested during a disturbance on the ocean beach area in front of the Inn at Spanish Head on July 4th. A group of seven subjects were arrested as a result of the incident. At the time of the arrests, one of those in the group refused to identify himself. That subject was transported to the Lincoln County Jail and lodged there pending his identification.

Once the subject was down at the jail he was identified to be Oleg Saranchuk (45) of Clark County Washington. It was determined that due to a language barrier and some lack of cooperation the subject originally identified as Oleg Saranchuk (in the original mug shot photo spread) had been misidentified, and was in fact Andrey I. Leonchik (41) of Clark County, Washington. Both men were charged with the following crimes: Riot, Interfering with Police, Disorderly Conduct II, Harassment, Possession of Illegal Fireworks, and Offensive Littering. Andrey Leonchik was cited and released from the Lincoln City Police Department. Oleg Saranchuk was later released from the Lincoln County Jail.    

The case investigation is being referred to the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office for further review and determination of charges. Attached is an initial media release from the District Attorney’s Office, and all further information regarding this case will be released by them.

The Lincoln City Police would like to thank the community members and other citizens for their support and positive encouragement.

Submitted By:  Sergeant Jeffrey Winn

On Saturday, July 4th, 2020 at about 9:33 PM, Lincoln City Police were dispatched to the ocean beach area in front of the Inn at Spanish Head on a report of group of people shooting off illegal fireworks and causing a disturbance with other citizens on the beach. 

The initial officers arriving on scene in one of the Lincoln City Police Department’s beach ATV’s were immediately surrounded by this group of about 10 people who began taunting and challenging the officers for seizing illegal fireworks. Several other officers arrived on scene and learned that this same group of white people had been taunting and challenging a family of black persons by yelling racial slurs at them, insulting them and using Nazi salutes towards them. The black family advised they felt intimidated by the actions this group had displayed towards them. The on scene officers formed a line between the group of white persons and the black family allowing the black family to safely leave the beach and return to their room. During this time several in the group of white persons continued to taunt the officers, trying to challenge them to fight. Other members from the group of white persons then began shooting off multiple large illegal aerial fireworks in front of the officers. After several more officers arrived on scene, they moved in on the confrontational and highly intoxicated group and began placing them under arrest for a variety of criminal charges.  

Gennadiy Kachankov (30), Antoliy Kachankov (28), Andrey Zaytsev (28), Oleg Saranchuk (45), Ruslan Tkachenko (22), all of Clark County Washington were charged with the following crimes, Riot, Interfering with Police, Disorderly Conduct II, Harassment, Possession of Illegal Fireworks, and Offensive Littering. They were cited and later released. An additional male, who refused to identify himself and who had no ID on his person, was transported to the Lincoln County Jail for fingerprint identification and charged with the above listed crimes. In addition Yuriy Kachankov (30) of Clark County Washington was also charged the above listed charges along with Resisting arrest. He was also cited and later released.

The Lincoln City Police would like to thank the members of the Toledo Police Department and Lincoln County Parole and Probation, who assisted us with the 4th of July coverage and this incident. 

Submitted By:  Sergeant Jeffrey Winn

Under Authority Of:  Chief Jerry Palmer  
 

On July 4, 2020 at approximately 1:49 PM the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Newport Police Department, and Oregon State Police responded to a hit and run vehicle accident near the north end of the Yaquina Bay Bridge in Newport. Multiple 911 calls were received reporting a maroon Chevrolet pickup had struck multiple vehicles in the area injuring 2 juveniles and 1 adult. As the event unfolded bystanders observed the driver of the suspect vehicle flee from Chevrolet pickup into dense foliage nearby.

Deputy Akin and his K9 partner Bonni deployed to assist Newport Police officers in locating the suspect. K9 Bonni successfully tracked, located and apprehended the suspect identified as Dylan A. Johnston age 26 of Toledo.

Johnston was transported to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries sustained during the K9 apprehension. 

Johnston was charged with two counts of Assault III, Hit and Run, Assault on a Public Safety Officer, Possession of a Concealed Weapon, and DUII. His bail was set at $330,000

####

Karl Vertner, Patrol Sergeant

541 265 0681

Date:      July 2, 2020             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Sheriff Curtis L. Landers

                 (541) 265-0652

                 lcsheriff@co.lincoln.or.us

                                                                               YOUNG DRIVERS

Each year thousands of young people obtain their driver’s license and join the ranks of the motoring public.  Most of these young people are prepared and their parents took a vested interest in their training in becoming responsible drivers.  However, there are still a small percentage of young people who need to be reminded about being a responsible driver. 

Here are some simple tips for today’s young drivers:

Slow Down!  There is never a good reason to travel faster than the posted speed limit.  This is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle crashes involving young drivers.  It seems as though young people feel a need to show off to their friends on how fast their car can go.  They get into their car with a group of their friends, the music volume goes up and the gas pedal goes down.

Pay Attention!  Don’t take for granted that everyone is watching out for the other guy.  There are still people who drink and drive.  There are pedestrians who are crossing the street or walking along the roadway.  There are people riding their bicycles or walking with their child or their dog.  All of us should pay attention while we are operating a motor vehicle.  This is not a good time to be calling friends on your cell phone and looking for what music to play.  By paying attention to the road in front of you as well as what may be coming up from behind, the risk of a mishap is significantly reduced.

Turn Down the Music!  Playing your favorite music as loud as you can with your friends in the car seems fun, but the risk of distraction to the driver and everyone around them is tremendous.  Aside from being rude and disruptive to others, it is illegal for any sound amplification system to be audible outside the vehicle from 50 feet or more when the vehicle is on a public highway or premises open to the public.  It is important that all of our senses are utilized to determine what is occurring around us.  Horns and sirens on emergency vehicles are intended to be heard for the safety of everyone on the road. 

Be Cautious and Courteous.  This time of the year there is more traffic than usual.  Plan ahead and start earlier if necessary.  There are going to be a lot of people visiting our coastal area who may not be familiar with the roads, so they will be driving slower.  Plan on taking a few minutes longer to arrive at your destination.  Avoid conflicts with other drivers and be courteous to one another.

Please remember when you are driving, that you are responsible for your actions and the safety of your passengers.  Make sure everyone is properly seated and wearing their safety belt.

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.

Linn County Sheriff Jim Yon reports his Office is investigating a shooting in the area of Fuller Lane and Russell drive, Lebanon.  This morning at 04:20 a.m., the Sheriff’s Office received a 9-1-1 call reporting the shooting of a male.

Linn County Deputies and Lebanon Police Officers responded to the area where the victim was located.  The Lebanon Fire Department transported the victim with non-life threatening injuries to Corvallis Good Samaritan Hospital.  The assailant left the area prior to our arrival.  Detectives are continuing the investigation into the matter. 

If anyone has information on this incident, please contact Detective Lovik at 541-967-3950.

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Lebanon Police Department and Lebanon Fire Department. 

On July 7th, 2020, at approximately 10:34 pm, deputies were called to the 4800 block of Brooklake Road NE to the report of an unconscious person lying in the road.  While waiting for emergency responders to arrive at the scene, the anonymous caller reported witnessing a white 2000’s Chevrolet Camaro leave the scene after running over the man.  Marion County Fire District #1 arrived on scene while deputies were still responding and determined the victim was deceased.

The victim, an adult male in his 30’s, is not being identified at this time pending notification of their next of kin.

Brooklake Road was closed to traffic until just after 4:00 am while investigators from the Marion County Multi-Agency CRASH Team processed the scene.  Investigators are asking anyone with information about the hit and run, including the original anonymous caller, to contact the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at 503-588-5032.

On June 10th, 2020, deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office were called to the 3600 block of 47th Avenue NE after a family residing in a duplex reported a foul odor coming from underneath the residence.  While investigating the odor, deputies located human remains in the crawl space.  Detectives from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office took over the investigation.

On June 12th, 2020, the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy on the remains, determining the manner of death to have been homicide.  After initial efforts to identify the victim were unsuccessful, on June 24th, the Sheriff’s Office released a sketch of one of the victim’s tattoos in an effort to get the community’s help identifying the victim.  After receiving many tips from community members, the victim was positively identified as Josiah Bagnall, 18, of Salem.

Detectives continued to follow up on community tips and investigative leads, identifying Alexander Mosqueda-Rivera-Burdette, 18, as a suspect in Bagnall’s death.  Through the investigation, detectives learned Bagnall was killed in early 2020 at an apartment in the 4600 block of Silverton Road NE.  On July 2nd, 2020, Mosqueda was arrested by detectives at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Building and lodged at the Marion County Jail for the charge of Murder in the second degree.

Due to this being an open investigation no further details will be released at this time.  Investigators do not believe there is any continued danger to the community related to this incident.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank our community members for providing tips which led to identifying Mr. Bagnall.  During this investigation, the Sheriff’s Office has been assisted by the Marion County District Attorney’s Office, Marion County Medical Examiner’s Office, Keizer Police Department, Oregon State Police, Salem Police Department, and the Woodburn Police Department.

Mosqueda is currently scheduled to be arraigned on Monday, July 6th, 2020, at 1:30 pm at the Marion County Circuit Court Annex. 

On June 10th, 2020, investigators with the Marion County Sheriff's Office recovered human remains in the crawl space beneath a duplex in northeast Salem.  Initial efforts to identify the deceased were unsuccessful.  On June 24th, 2020, a sketch of one of the victim’s tattoos was shared with the public in an effort to help identify the victim.  After receiving many community tips, the victim in this case has been positively identified as Josiah Bagnall, 18, of Salem.

Detectives are continuing to investigate Mr. Bagnall’s death.  We are asking anyone who has information about Mr. Bagnall and the events leading to his death to call our tip line at 503-540-8079. 

Due to this being an open investigation, no additional information will be provided at this time.

On June 10th, 2020, investigators were called to investigate human remains discovered in the crawl space beneath a duplex in northeast Salem.  Following an autopsy, the death was determined to be a homicide.  Investigators are asking for the community’s help identifying the victim.

The victim is an unknown race male, under 50 years of age, approximately 5’8”, 130 lbs, and appears to have dark colored hair.  The victim has two visible tattoos; “Baby Boy” is tattooed above the right knee and a second small unidentifiable tattoo is on the right side of the rib cage.  When discovered, the victim was wearing a Champion brand t-shirt.

If anyone has information which may help identify the victim they are being asked to contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 503-540-8079.

Detectives from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office are continuing to investigate the human remains discovered beneath a duplex in northeast Salem on June 10th, 2020.  An autopsy was conducted on Friday afternoon at the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office where the manner of death was determined to be homicide.  Investigators are still working to identify the victim who is believed to have been deceased for multiple weeks.  Investigators are asking community members who may have information about the identity of the victim or the investigation to contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

On June 10th, 2020, deputies received a call from a family residing in the 3600 block of 47th Avenue NE reporting a foul odor coming from beneath the duplex they live in. When deputies assigned to the East Salem Service District went to investigate they discovered human remains underneath the duplex. The remains appear to be that of an unknown age male.

Detectives from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene and have taken over the investigation. Investigators are working to identify the deceased. At this time the cause and manner of death have not yet been determined, an autopsy is scheduled for Friday, June 12th.

Investigators are asking anyone who may have information about this case contact the Sheriff’s Office. Community members can submit anonymous tips:

• Online at https://www.co.marion.or.us/SO/Pages/tip411.aspx

• Text TIPMCSO and your tip to 847411

• Call our Tip line at 503-540-8079

On July 7, 2020, at about 3:14 PM, a security officer from Willamette Valley Medical Center, (WVMC) 2700 SE Stratus Ave, called Yamhill Communications Agency (YCOM) and reported a suspicious package in the parking lot of the Hospital.  The package was described as about 4”x6”x4” that was wrapped in cardboard, duct tape, and appeared to have wires coming from it.

Officers arrived at approximately 3:24 PM and observed the package sitting in the grass near a garbage can, in the parking lot in front of the Hospital.  The observations of the suspicious package reported to YCOM were confirmed by officers.  Due to the suspicious nature of the package, WVMC staff limited ingress and egress at the main entrance to the Hospital and the immediate parking area around the package was secured by officers

The Oregon State Police Explosives Unit was contacted, and two Explosives Unit Troopers responded from Salem to investigate the suspicious package.  Upon x-ray examination, the package was surmised to be a 12-volt battery and not an explosive device.  This was confirmed by physical examination.  The scene was deemed safe and opened up at about 4:50 PM

We appreciate the cooperation from patients and clients who waited approximately an hour and half before being allowed to access their parked vehicles.  We would also like to thank the professional response by WVMC administrative staff and security assisting with limiting hospital access and information sharing with arriving patients while waiting for OSP Explosives Unit Troopers to arrive.

McMinnville Police were assisted by Oregon State Police Explosives Unit, WVMC staff and WVMC security contractor, G4S.

CASE: 20-4502

DATE: 7/3/2020

On 7/2/2020 at approximately 12:06 pm, 2-year-old Jack Barrett was struck by an unknown vehicle which sadly resulted in his death.

Detectives yesterday afternoon were able to eliminate the white two door truck as a vehicle of interest, which was reported to them by a neighbor. The truck was eliminated as a vehicle of interest after review of nearby video collected and timelines.

Today, Milwaukie detectives are specifically looking for any additional information from the other drivers who were on SE Wichita Avenue between the times of 11:30 am and 12:15 pm yesterday. This additional information can greatly enhance timelines, leads and information detectives are currently looking into.

This is an extremely sad and difficult time for the family, and they continue to be in our thoughts as we work through this tragic incident.

Drivers who were on SE Wichita Avenue during the timeline provided, or anyone with information regarding the incident, are requested to call the non-emergency dispatch number 503-786-7500 and ask to speak with detectives.

(End)

PIO Officer Brad Walther plans on providing another interviewl on July 3rd, 2020 at 4:00pm regarding the Hit & Run fatality/Case 20-4502. For media interested, please meet Officer Walther out front of the public safety building located at, 3200 SE Harrison Street Milwaukie, Oregon 97222 at 4:00 pm tomorrow. Thank you.

(End)

CASE:20-4502

UPDATE

Milwaukie Detectives continue to follow multiple leads during the hit and run investigation. Detectives no longer believe a white truck was involved.  Detectives are still working the case and are asking the community for their help in this investigation. If you have information you believe directly connected to this investigation, or have vehicle information related to the case, please call the non-emergency dispatch number 503-786-7500 and ask for detectives.

(End)

Case 20-4502

SE Wichita Ave has been re-opened to vehicle traffic.

This is an ongoing investigation and detectives are looking onto multiple leads. Anyone with information regarding the hit and run are asked to call the non-emergency dispatch number 503-786-7500 and request to speak with detectives.

(End)

CASE:20-4502

UPDATE

Milwaukie Police are asking for the communities help regarding todays earlier hit and run in the 9500 block of SE Wichita Ave which resulted in a two-year-old boy’s death. Detectives are following multiple leads to include the previous mentioned vehicle of interest, a white 2 door truck.

The name of the two-year-old boy and family members are not being release at this time. This is a very difficult time for family and our hearts and thoughts are with them.

If you have information regarding this case, please call the non-emergency dispatch number 503-786-7500 and ask for detectives.

(End)

CASE:20-4502 

On 7/2/20 at 12:06 pm, Milwaukie Police responded to the 9500 block of SE Wichita Ave. in Milwaukie regarding a hit and run involving a two-year-old having been struck. Police are currently investigating the incident and SE Witchita Ave is closed between SE Firwood Street and SE Hazel Street.

A vehicle of interest is: White, two-door pick-up truck.

Milwaukie Police ask anyone with information regarding this incident to please call 503-786-7500.

(End)

On Wednesday, July 1, at approximately 10:46 p.m., Multnomah County Sheriff’s patrol deputies responded to a report of a shooting in the 4400 Block of SE 302nd Ave. in unincorporated Multnomah County. When deputies arrived, they located one adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital. He is expected to survive.

Deputies learned the alleged shooter was still on the property and repeatedly hailed for the man to surrender. When he did not immediately exit the home, deputies requested available SWAT members to assist. After 45 minutes, shortly after midnight, the man, identified as Robert Raymond Gillis Jr., 66, exited a building on his own and was arrested without incident. Gillis was booked on charges of attempted murder, assault in the first degree and unlawful use of a weapon.

There is no threat to the public. This an ongoing investigation. We’d like to recognize the outstanding work by MCSO patrol deputies and Gresham Police officers to bring this to a peaceful end. No further information can be released at this time.

On the morning of July 5, 2020, Newberg-Dundee Police officers responded to a report of a suspect that had just stolen a victim’s Toyota Land Cruiser.  Officers located the stolen vehicle moments later as it drove through town.  The suspect attempted to elude police through downtown Newberg and crashed the Land Cruiser into an occupied Buick Regal near E. Franklin & College St.  Officers took the suspect into custody from the Land Cruiser, but then learned the Buick Regal was also stolen from a completely unrelated crime that had been reported about three weeks prior.  The driver of the stolen Buick was found to be under the influence of intoxicants and arrested as well.

The suspect driving the stolen Land Cruiser, Randy Lee Cooper (27 years old), of Portland, was arrested for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Attempting to Elude Police, Assault-3, Reckless Driving and other related crimes.

The suspect driving the stolen Buick, Kristin Nicole Begue (25 years), of Newberg, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle.

Due to the ongoing water emergency in the City of Newport, Newport Fire Department is ending burn season early. Back yard debris burning is closed starting today for the City of Newport and the areas of Newport Rural Fire Protection District that are North and East of the city limits of Newport.

Only the portion of the Rural Fire District located South of Newport will be allowed to continue back yard debris burning through July 5th. This is because that area’s water is supplied by Seal Rock Water District, which is not under any water restrictions.  

All back-yard debris burning in all areas will be closed for the summer starting Monday, July 6. Debris burning season will open back up this fall, usually around October 1, when the fall rains return. Please call Newport Fire Department at 541-265-9461 if you have any questions.

Bret Alan Hagenno was taken into custody today - July 8, 2020.  The details of the arrest will be posted when they are available.

On June 24, 2020 at approximately 3:45 P.M., a shooting occurred at Pinecrest Drive and Tiffany Way in Grants Pass OR. Detectives located Theodore Homer Robison (55) from Josephine County there shot several times and he was pronounced deceased..

Investigators have identified as a suspect and believe he could be armed and dangerous.

Hagenno is described as 6 foot tall, approximately 250 pounds and balding. He may or may not have a beard and is known to frequent Josephine and Jackson Counties.

Oregon State Police Major Crimes Section Detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating Hagenno who is wanted for Murder II in Josephine County. If anyone has seen Hagenno or knows his whereabouts, they are asked to contact the Oregon State Police Southern Command Center at 541-664-4600 and reference case SP-20-173329.

Hagenno is considered to be armed and dangerous. If located, do not contact and call the police (911).

Previous Release from June 15, 2020

On June 24, 2020, at approximately 4:00 P.M., Josephine County law enforcement responded to the area of Pinecrest Drive and Tiffany Way for a homicide investigation. 

The deceased has been identified as Theodore Homer Robison (55) from Josephine County.

Investigators are asking for the public's assistance.  If anyone in the area of Pinecrest Drive and Plumtree Lane has video surveillance cameras, they are asked to contact investigators.  

The Oregon State Police are the lead investigators and are being assisted by the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety, Josephine County Sheriff's Office and the Josephine County District Attorney's Office.  

If anyone has any information they are asked to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch Center at 541-664-4600. Reference case number SP20-173329.

On Monday, July 6, 2020 at 10:03 P.M., Lake County 911 received an emergency call reporting a shooting at 11 North G Street in Lakeview, OR.

Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies and Oregon State Police Troopers responded and found Jacob Wheat (26) of Lakeview, OR. laying in the parking lot.  Wheat was critically injured and died while responding officers attempted first aid.

The Lake County Major Crime Team was activated to investigate.

Law enforcement believes there is no active threat to the community.

The Lake County Major Crime Team consists of the Lake County District Attorney’s Office, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police.

Anyone who has information regarding this investigation or was in the area of the incident, and has not been contacted by police is encouraged to contact the Lake County 911 non-emergency line at 541-947-2222 or the Oregon State Police Southern Command Center at 541-883-5711.

On Monday, July 6, 2020 at approximately 6:20 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 20 near milepost 75 - at the Hwy 20 and Hwy 22 Junction.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Dodge Ram 1500, operated by Corey Brett (51)  of Creswell, OR. was westbound on Hwy 20 when it turned left (across Hwy 22 to stay on Hwy 20) and into the path of a Nissan Rouge, operated by Kaitlyn Allen (20) of Salem, OR. that was eastbound on Hwy 22.

Allen was transported by Air Ambulance to St. Charles in Bend where she was pronounced deceased. 

Brett had no known injuries as a result of the crash..

OSP was assisted by Sisters Fire and Rescue and ODOT.

On Monday, July 6, 2020 at approximately 8:50 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 97 near milepost 118.  

Preliminary investigation revealed a Hyundai Accent, operated by Beauden Yetter (21) of Terrebonne, was southbound when it crossed into the northbound lane and collided with a Chevrolet Suburban operated by Surun Roth (57) of Stockton, CA.

Roth and his passenger Mean Sok (68) of Stockton, CA. were transported to St. Charles with non-life threatening injuries.

Yetter sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.  

OSP was assisted by the Redmond Police Department, Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Redmond Fire/Rescue and ODOT.  

The Freightliner operator is being identified as Christopher Parks (31) of Portland. 

On Saturday, July 4, 2020 at approximately 9:13 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a single vehicle crash on Hwy 101 at milepost 91, south of Pacific City.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a white 2020 Freightliner rental truck was being driven northbound on Hwy 101 when for unknown reasons the Freightliner crossed the southbound lane, went off the road, and struck a tree.

The operator sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.  The name will be released when we ensure family has been notified.

Hwy 101 traffic was slowed at this location but remained open during the investigation.

OSP was assisted by Nestucca Fire and Rescue, Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office, and ODOT.

On Saturday, July 4, 2020 at approximately 2:30 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a crash on Hwy 197 near milepost 38.

Preliminary investigation showed that a Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by Nathan Pyle (46) of Dallas, OR. was riding northbound in a group of motorcycles.  The riders were slowing to turn left onto Juniper Flat Rd.  Pyle was not able to stop and crashed avoiding the other motorcycles.

Pyle sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by the Wasco County Sheriff's Office, South Wasco Ambulance, Juniper Flat and Fire and Rescue, and ODOT.

The Oregon State Police is aware of a concern an OSP Trooper made a hand signal that some could interpret as racist or sympathizing with racist ideology. The OSP condemns all racist behavior and ideology, so we of course were alarmed and concerned by the reports- which accompanied a small video snippet of a larger event. The OSP Trooper identified in the video did not engage in any white supremacy behavior, implicitly or explicitly. 

The agency commissioned an immediate review of the event, which occurred during a protest at Oregon's Capitol on Saturday July 4th- as OSP troopers were policing an event that attracted counter- protestors.

The body camera of the involved trooper was reviewed- in addition to the body cameras of troopers in the general vicinity.  Information indicates the trooper had just witnessed two protestors engaged in a physical altercation and one man was knocked to the ground.  Troopers arrested Christopher Davis (50) of Salem on charges of Disorderly Conduct and Harassment and he was transported the Marion County Jail. The man that was knocked to the ground recovered his footing and interacted with troopers in the vicinity (the portion of the video that is being displayed by the media and social media).  An OSP trooper approached the man and asked if he was unharmed- while simultaneously displaying the hand signal commonly associated with "okay." The trooper was wearing a face covering and operating in a noisy environment. Another trooper advised the man they would be taking his information, which they did for a criminal investigation.  

Best available evidence indicates the trooper was simply checking on the man's status and used the universal signal to signify this inquiry, which the man gestured he was- then patted this trooper and a second trooper on their shoulders in an apparent signal of appreciation. The man was the victim of a crime.

OSP condemns all racist behaviors and does not allow white supremacist behaviors by our officers and staff. We  appreciate that the public would be concerned and rightfully outraged if an OSP trooper were to flash an offensive gesture.  We would share in that outrage and concern. In this instance, we would ask the public await the complete information before condemning a trooper with an irreparable and harmful label. Additionally, some members of the public are misidentifying the trooper in the video with another trooper who was working the event.

Link to YouTube footage of troopers body camera. https://bit.ly/3gypVut

On Thursday, July 2, 2020 at about 11:40 p.m., a single vehicle roll over crash was reported to dispatch, in the 1500 block of Perrydale Road, Dallas, Polk County.  It was reported there was a subject in the vehicle and that the vehicle was on fire.  The Polk County Sheriff's Office arrived and with assistance by citizens on scene, extricated the passenger, due to the engine compartment being on fire.  The male driver, 24-year old Azaiah Stephenson, of Dallas, Polk County, had been ejected during the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene.  The male passenger, 31-year old Philip Vigil, was transported to Salem Hospital, where he was being treated for suspected non-life threatening injuries.  Mr. Vigil is also a resident of Dallas, Polk County.

The roadway was shut down for about 6-hours, opening back up just shortly after 6:00 a.m. on Friday, July 3rd.

The investigation is ongoing; however, it was apparent Mr. Stephensen had been traveling northbound on Perrydale Road, when he left the roadway, for unknown reasons, ending up in the opposite ditch.  Mr. Stephenson then struck a culvert and tore the driver's side of his vehicle open, causing him to be ejected.  Due to the extensive damage to the vehicle, it appears speed was a contributing factor.

Polk County Sheriff's Office conducted next of kin notifications.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the SW Polk Fire District, Dallas EMS, Dallas Police, Polk County Medical Examiner's Office and the Polk County District Attorney's Office.

On June 29th, 2020, at approximately 1:20am, Salem Police officers responded to the 2000 block of Lancaster Dr NE on a report of a beer theft at a nearby 7/11 convenience store. A short time later, officers in the area of the theft were contacted by multiple victims, who reported they were robbed and their property stolen. The victims were able to provide a description of the suspects, which matched the description of the suspects in the earlier beer theft.  Both victims were transported to the hospital by medics and were treated for potential serious, but non-life threatening injuries.  The crime scene was located nearby which further connected the robbery suspects to the suspects who committed the theft of the beer from the 7/11. 

Anyone with information regarding these crimes are asked to call the Salem Police crime TIPS line at 503-588-8477.

###

The Yamhill County Fire Defense Board, which represents the 13 fire departments and districts in Yamhill County, have decided to follow local Oregon Department of Forestry officials in opening fire season on July 6th. This effectively closes open burning season and is based on the anticipated higher temperatures and increasing fire danger. 

With the additional complications of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year the Oregon Department of Forestry has asked that the public to voluntarily refrain from burning as the added smoke in the air could intensify COVID-19 symptoms.  

In the Willamette Valley, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality regulates open burning, but cities, counties and fire districts may create additional restrictions. Oregon regulates backyard burning into two permanent established seasons: Spring, from March 1 to June 15, and Fall, from October 1 to December 15. However, it may be closed on any given day during the season, due to weather or air quality issues, so people are required to check the appropriate burn line on a day-to-day basis. 

Fire pits and barbecues are allowed year-round, except during fire weather watches and red flag warnings. 

In most of Yamhill County, fire districts share a common burn line number, at 503-472-3344. It is updated daily throughout burn season. This announcement is available at http://smkmgt.com/burn.php.  

However, Dundee and Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue (Newberg) have their own lines to call: 503-538-4182 for Dundee and 503-259-1789 for TVF&R - Newberg. 

Fire districts may bill for having to extinguish fires that are illegal, or that get out of control because of negligence. 

Please see the brochure (https://www.oregon.gov/ODA/shared/Documents/Publications/NaturalResources/BurningQuestionsSmokeBrochure.pdf) from Oregon Department of Agriculture for information on what can be burned and for definitions of the different types of burns.  

Controlled burns by logging operations are regulated by the state Forestry Department. 

Around 11:45 PM on July 2, 2020 Dallas, Sheridan, SW Polk, and West Valley crews were dispatched to a single vehicle crash on Perrydale Road between Highway 22 and Orchard Knob Road. The call originally came in noting that there was someone trapped inside the vehicle, with the vehicle on fire. Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived on scene and confirmed one person was trapped in the vehicle and one person had been ejected from the vehicle during the crash. The Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies found the engine compartment on fire and was able to douse the fire with an extinguisher. Dallas Ambulance personnel arrived on scene and transported one patient to Salem Hospital. The other occupant was pronounced dead on scene. Perrydale Road remained closed for investigation until around 6 AM.

Our crews would like to thank Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies for their quick response. We would like to remind everyone to drive safely and cautiously, especially throughout the busy holiday weekend.

Please see the Polk County Sheriff’s Office press release (https://www.flashalert.net/id/PCSO) for more information.

At 1:10 p.m. this afternoon (7/2/20), Tigard Police officers responded to the report of an attempted carjacking at the Washington Square Mall. A woman reported two young men with a gun tried taking her car near the JC Penney store, but were unsuccessful.

Officers set up containment in the area and began a K-9 track to search for the suspects. Investigators determined the suspects went back into the mall through another store, then left the area on a TriMet bus heading for the Beaverton Transit Center. Despite an extensive search involving partner agencies, officers were not able to immediately locate the suspects.

The investigation remains ongoing. We’d like to thank our partners at Beaverton Police and King City Police for their quick assistance today.
###

Two residential fires occurred overnight in Vancouver. Fire crews reported that both started on the outside of the residence, burned up the vinyl siding and threatened fire in the attics. Helpful neighbors used garden hoses at each location to slow the spread of fire until fire units arrived.

The first fire occurred at 10:51PM on July 4th at 6508 NE 104th Place. Four engines and one ladder truck from Vancouver Fire responded to the incident. On arrival, crews found the fire on the outside of the house had been extinguished by a neighbor. No fire reached the attic, though technicians from Clark County PUD and Northwest Natural Gas were requested to the scene to assess fire damage to the respective meters. Fire crews remained on scene for approximately 30 minutes to ensure that no hidden fire was in the walls or attic. Seven residents were displace and were assisted by the American Red Cross. No injuries were reported from the scene. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Vancouver Fire Marshall’s Office.

The second fire came in at 12:45AM on July 5th at 3203 Watson Ave, Unit B. Two engines and two ladder trucks from Vancouver Fire and one engine from Clark County Fire District 6 arrived to find a fire on the outside of the residence extinguished, but active fire burning in the attic of the single story duplex.  Fire crews were sent inside each unit to extinguish the attic fire. The fire went out quickly and crews remained on scene for approximately one and half hours ensuring hot spots in the attic were extinguished. The American Red Cross came to the scene to assist the four residents who were displaced. No injuries were reported at the scene. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Vancouver Fire Marshall’s Office.

####

At 0239 a single unit from Vancouver fire was dispatched to the Regency apartments at 11301 SE 10th St for a smoke detector activation. While enroute the 911 center continued to receive reports of smoke in the area of the complex and upgraded the response to include 6 additional Vancouver fire units. First arriving crews found a first floor apartment with smoke coming from a partially opened window, crews had force their way into the apartment and found a fire burning in the kitchen that was quickly extinguished. The initial arriving crew searched the apartment and found an unconscious victim in a bedroom within the first minute of gaining access to the fire unit. Firefighters rescued the victim and he was treated by VFD crews on scene for smoke inhalation and a medical condition and released. 2 engines remained on scene for smoke removal

UPDATE

Darla Pardo's former employer asked that the attached picture be used without their company logo.

Vancouver Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in finding a missing woman who has not been seen since 6/14/2020. Darla Jean Pardo is 60 years old. She is Caucasian with dark brown hair, and hazel eyes. Darla is about 5'7" tall and weighs about 160 lbs. She wears glasses. She is not known to have been driving a vehicle.

Darla rents a room from a couple in Vancouver and works for a property management company in Portland. She told her landlord and her employer she was leaving for a one week vacation around 6/12/2020 and left on 6/14/2020. Her destination was not disclosed. Darla never returned from her absence and did not respond to attempts to contact her. Darla does not have any known family or close friends in the Clark County area.

Anyone with information on where Darla Pardo may be is asked to call 911.

   Missing juvenile located.  Thank you for your assistance. 

The Vancouver Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating a missing juvenile. Twelve year old, Kaya Isham, was last seen in the area of the 9300 block of NE 6th Street, Vancouver WA, around 10:30-11:00 pm on July 3rd. She is possibly headed to the area of SE 1st Street and 164th Ave.

Kaya is described as an Asian female, 5’2” tall, 125lbs, long brown hair, brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black hooded jacket and grey sweat pants. If you see Kaya or have any information on her whereabouts please call 911.

Vancouver, Wash. –On July 1, 2020, the Kalama, Washington Police Department began a child sexual exploitation investigation involving a 14 year old victim who was being groomed for sex by a 39 year old male in Florida.  The male had been communicating with the girl for several months over a variety of social media platforms and was posing online as a 20 year old.  As the primary Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) affiliate in SW Washington, the Vancouver Police Department’s Digital Evidence Cybercrime Unit (DECU) was requested to provide assistance in the case.

DECU detectives and Kalama Police met with the victim and her family, then assumed her online persona and began an undercover operation to identify and expose the suspect. During online chats with the man, detectives learned the he was currently somewhere in Vancouver, Washington and was making plans to meet the victim. 

Because the suspect knew the location of the victim’s residence, the victim and her family were notified and a safety plan was set up with Kalama Police Department.  DECU detectives immediately wrote warrants and emergency orders to several electronic and online service providers in an attempt to locate the suspect.

After finding the suspect in the downtown area of Vancouver, detectives from the Vancouver Police Department Neighborhood Response Teams set up surveillance, while DECU detectives continued chatting with him.  The suspect advised he was on his way to the victim’s house to bring her a cell phone and was observed leaving his hotel on a bicycle.  He arrived shortly thereafter at the victim’s house where he was seen by detectives hiding a plastic bag in the victim’s backyard.  He was arrested without incident by surveillance teams.  The bag was later found to contain a cell phone hidden in a box of gum packets, some chocolate bars and a love letter to the victim.

A subsequent search warrant on the three phones the suspect possessed revealed the sexually exploitive chats with the victim and DECU undercover officers, thousands of depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit activity and a Google map used to located the victim’s residence. The love letter found in the bag detailed the man’s obsession for the girl and how he had immediately gone to her house after arriving in Washington on a bus. He also explained that he purchased her the cell phone so they could communicate secretly.  The letter went further to detail that he even watched the victim’s younger brother playing in the yard.

Detectives executed a search warrant at the suspect’s hotel room and located what appears to be a kidnappers kit which included heavy duty flex cuffs, handcuffs, duct tape, rubber gloves, face wrap/blindfold, lubricant, a sex toy, several large knives, a hatchet, and a .45 caliber handgun and ammunition.  An additional cell phone,  laptop computer and a thumb drive were also seized and are being forensically examined.

Samuel Aaron Leonard, 04/18/81, of New Port Richey, Florida, was arrested and booked on the following charges:

-Communication with a minor for immoral purposes

-Possession of child pornography in the 1st degree

-Dealing of child pornography in the 1st degree

-Sexual exploitation of a minor

Significant follow up will be conducted by DECU in the coming weeks, including computer forensics on numerous cell phones, the laptop and the thumb drive that all appear to have depictions from hundreds of other minors the suspect was communicating with across the United States.  DECU is currently working with Florida ICAC teams in the Pasco, County Florida area to serve warrants on the suspect’s residence.

The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agent assigned to DECU will be referring this case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office Western District for consideration of federal charges related to his travel across state lines to facilitate these crimes.

This case could easily have had a tragic ending had alert parents and siblings of the victim not been paying close attention and alerted authorities.  The Vancouver and Kalama Police departments are very grateful for the cooperation and assistance given by this family and the numerous  law enforcement agencies involved in this case. 

The Vancouver Police Department and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force encourages anyone who believes a child is being exploited online to call 9-1-1 to report their concerns to law enforcement immediately. 

###

Vancouver, Wash. –On July 2, 2020, at approximately 10:24 p.m., Vancouver Police responded to a vehicle fire in a parking lot at 2901 NE St. Johns Blvd. When officers arrived they also located a 63 year old male suffering from burns. According to witnesses, the victim was sitting inside his vehicle and an unknown male approached the vehicle and poured gasoline on both the vehicle and the victim. The victim gets out of his vehicle and the suspect lights the vehicle on fire, which engulfs the victim in flames. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment for his burns.

The Vancouver Police Department Major Crimes Unit is investigating. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the Vancouver Police Department Tip Line at 360) 487-7399.

The investigation is ongoing and nothing further is releasable at this time. 

###

Vancouver, Wash. – Vancouver Police Public Information Coordinator Kim Kapp will be out of the office Monday, July 6, 2020.  

Lt. Kathy McNicholas will handle PIO duties that day, during office hours (8am-5pm), and can be reached at (360) 487-7442 or at kathy.mcnicholas@cityofvancouver.us.

As always for inquiries outside of business hours or on weekends or holidays, please call dispatch on the media line and request a call back from on duty personnel.

###

On Wednesday, July 8, 2020, at 12:20 p.m., Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a burglary call located at an apartment complex near the 18200 block of NW Heritage Parkway.  Deputies learned a nine-year-old girl was in her living room and noticed a man walking in the green space behind her apartment. The man saw the girl looking at him and began walking towards the back door of her apartment. He then walked in the unlocked sliding glass door and confronted the girl in her living room.

The man began yelling at her for watching him and punched her two separate times - once in the left shoulder and once in the groin area. The girl sustained minor injuries.

The victim's seven-year-old brother witnessed the man leaving the back door of the apartment. 

A canine track was attempted, but the man was not located.

The man is described as a black male, 18 to 25 years old, six feet tall, and was wearing blue jeans and a red hooded sweatshirt with the word "Gap" on the front.

If anyone knows the identity of the man or saw him in the area during the incident, deputies ask you to call non-emergency dispatch at (503) 629-0111.

On Friday, July 3, 2020 at 11:35 a.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies assigned to the city of Cornelius were dispatched to a report of a man with a gun in the 100 block of South Magnolia Avenue.

The first deputy arrived just three minutes after the initial 911 call, but the suspect had already left in a vehicle. The victims told deputies that a man who was known to them came to their front door and threatened them with a semi-automatic handgun that had an extended magazine.

At 12:04 p.m., a patrol sergeant located the suspect vehicle in the Rock Creek area of Washington County. A man matching the suspect’s description jumped out of the car and ran. After a short foot pursuit, he was detained.

The man was identified as 22-year-old Jalen Jerome Traylor. A semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine was located inside the suspect’s vehicle.

Mr. Traylor was booked into the Washington County Jail on the following charges:

• Felon in Possession of a Firearm
• Menacing
• Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Sunday, July 5, 2020 - Woodburn, OR – On Saturday, July 4 at 11:57 p.m., the Woodburn Police Department (WPD) responded to a report of a shooting victim in the 400 block of Vine Avenue. Officers arrived and found a 21-year-old male suffering from a single gunshot wound. The victim's injury appeared to be non-life-threatening and he was transported to a local area hospital in stable condition. 

No suspect(s) have been identified at this time, but witnesses stated that a dark colored Cadillac sedan was involved in the shooting. WPD is asking anyone with information to contact Detective Aaron Devoe or Detective Sergeant Keith Kimberlin at 503-982-2345.

                                                                                                         ###

Summary 

Connecting virtually has become vital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual health care appointments, also known as telehealth visits, have become a crucial tool for health care providers to provide ongoing care for patients with chronic medical conditions and timely diagnosis of new conditions. This tool will be critical throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. A coalition of eleven independent medical provider groups throughout Oregon are urging the Oregon Legislature to enact pay parity legislation to ensure insurance companies cover this important tool long term. 

Coalition Statement: 

A coalition of 1,300 independent medical providers throughout Oregon, including doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other health care professionals, is disappointed that legislation to mandate pay parity for telehealth medical visits did not moving forward in the recent special session of the Legislature.  We consider it an urgent need directly related to the COVID-19 crisis. These telehealth medical visits and pay parity have been fundamentally important to ensuring access to health care during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While we appreciate the Governor’s efforts to help address the situation, unfortunately, the Governor’s announcement to extend telehealth parity reimbursement rates through 2020 does not have the force of law.  We had hoped that in working with the Governor’s office and state legislators that we could have found a permanent solution to benefit all Oregonians. We appreciate the strong support we have from many members of the Legislature, which is consistent with their consideration of pay parity legislation during prior sessions of the Legislature.

Our independent providers serve more than 60 percent of all Oregon residents – rural and urban.  While we understand that the agreement set out by Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) can be seen as a bridge to future legislation, it falls short of providing long-term stability for Oregonians who have quickly become comfortable with receiving much-needed health care through virtual settings, and it does not adequately address care for new waves of COVID-19 that may erupt next year. Our coalition recognizes that the state of Washington has already enacted a permanent telehealth parity requirement that is proving successful and Oregon could follow that model.  We worry that short-term thinking could now endanger the long-term viability of independent medical providers, who have had to lay off hundreds of staff members and furlough many doctors.

We look forward to working with the Governor and the Legislature on a permanent fix via legislation. We will continue to work with many others critical to provision of good health care, including organizations like the Oregon Medical Association, the Oregon Nurses Association, the Oregon Rural Health Association, the Oregon Association of Family Practitioners, the Nurse Practitioners of Oregon, and many more.

Broadway Medical Clinic
East Cascade Women’s Group
North Bend Medical Center
NW Primary Care Group
ORM Fertility
Oregon Anesthesiology Group
Oregon Medical Group
The Corvallis Clinic
The Oregon Clinic
The Portland Clinic
Women's Healthcare Associates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Hotline: 503-813-6018

PacifiCorp issues largest request for new energy projects in company history

 Request for proposals will add enough renewable energy to power more than three million homes

PORTLAND, Ore. (July 7, 2020) — PacifiCorp today issued the largest request for proposals for energy projects in company history, seeking competitively priced resources that can connect to its 10-state transmission system. Pacific Power is a division of PacifiCorp, which is already the largest regulated utility owner of wind power in the West. These projects will significantly increase the amount of renewable energy resources serving Pacific Power customers.

PacifiCorp’s most recent Integrated Resource Plan outlines the company’s plans to add 1,823 megawatts of new solar resources, 595 megawatts of new battery energy storage and 1,920 megawatts of new wind resources by the end of 2023. This is enough to power nearly three million typical homes with renewable energy.

The company will accept bids featuring different resource types and bid structures, including forms of power-purchase, battery storage, and build-transfer agreements. PacifiCorp will not be submitting any self-build resources and therefore won’t be competing with independent developers on their projects. Projects must be able to achieve commercial operation by December 31, 2024. Long-lead projects, such as pumped storage, can submit offers with commercial operation dates beyond December 31, 2024.

“These projects represent PacifiCorp’s longstanding and enduring commitment to create an energy future that is affordable, reliable and increasingly sustainable,” said Rick Link, PacifiCorp vice president of resource planning. “Our All-Source RFP is a catalyst to help realize that future and enable our customers and communities across the West to benefit from lower-cost renewable energy to grow their economies, run their businesses and homes.”

The 2020 all-source request for proposals is based on findings from a broad range of studies and technical analyses developed through an open and extensive public process, with input from an active and diverse group of stakeholders, including customer advocacy groups, community members, regulatory staff, and other interested parties. PacifiCorp met with stakeholders in five states and hosted 18 public-input meetings over nearly two years to develop a plan to provide the cleanest, least-risk and lowest-cost electricity for customers.

While it is anticipated that most bids will feature wind and solar resources, projects of any variety of qualifying energy production will be considered, allowing developers to present technologies and resources that fit their business model and best position them to compete in the energy market. PacifiCorp anticipates a robust response and a diversity of proposals.

Detailed information about the 2020 all-source request for proposals is available here: https://www.pacificorp.com/suppliers/rfps/all-source-rfp.html

# # #

ABOUT PACIFIC POWER

Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 773,000 customers in 243 communities across Oregon, Washington and California. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, serving nearly two million customers in six western states as the largest regulated utility owner of wind power in the West. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Soldier who was supporting Operation Joint Guardian.

Oregon Army National Guard Pfc. Alexander Blake Klass, 20, from Willamina, Oregon, died as the result of a non-combat related incident, July 4, 2020, at Camp Novo Selo, Kosovo. The incident is under investigation.

Pfc. Klass was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oregon National Guard, Springfield, Oregon. 

Klass joined the Oregon Army National Guard on Jan. 19, 2019 as an Infantryman. He mobilized in January of 2020 and was scheduled to return home from Kosovo in November.

“This is a tragic situation and our primary focus is supporting the family during this difficult time," said Brig. Gen. William J. Prendergast IV, Land Component Commander, Oregon Army National Guard.

The family has requested a period of privacy for healing and reflection. We ask that the community respects the family’s wishes at this time.

For more information regarding Pfc. Alexander Blake Klass, media may contact Maj. Stephen S. Bomar, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs at omar.mil@mail.mil">stephen.s.bomar.mil@mail.mil; agpa@mil.state.or.us, or at (503) 584-3885.

Attached Photo: Pfc. Alexander B. Klass

Defenses.gov Newsroom Release:

https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2261512/dod-identifies-army-casualty/

-30-

SALEM, Ore. - Soldiers from the Oregon National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment and the 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment are due to arrive home from deployment on July 4, after serving in Jordan.

The 38 Oregon Soldiers returning home are members of the Scout platoon, Headquarters Company 2-162 Infantry and the 2-218 Field Artillery Fire Support Section. 

The Soldiers were part of the Jordanian Operational Engagement Program, deploying in various rotations from September 2019 to July of 2020. The Soldiers trained with the Jordanian Security Forces and Armed Forces, completing essential Soldier tasks such as basic rifle marksmanship, crew serves weapons and medical proficiency skills at the platoon and squadron level.

The Oregon Guardsmen had just come from Fort Bliss, in El Paso, Texas, where they were quarantined for 14 days, in accordance with COVID-19 federal guidelines, which included additional medical screening and current procedures as they return home to Oregon.

For media inquires and additional information regarding family homecomings with Soldiers returning; please contact Capt. Jessica Clarke at 503-584-3917. 

The Oregon Guardsmen from the 2-162 and 2-218 deployed with members of the 1st Squadron, 303rd Cavalry Regiment from the Washington Army National Guard, who started returning home on July 2nd.

-30-

Charges include assaults on law enforcement officers, destruction of federal property, and disorderly conduct

PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that seven people have been arrested and face federal charges for their roles in weekend riots at the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse in Portland.

According to court documents, since May 26, 2020, protests in downtown Portland have regularly been followed by nightly criminal activity including assaults on law enforcement officers, destruction of property, looting, arson, and vandalism.

Rowan Olsen, 19, of Portland, is charged with disorderly conduct, creating a hazard on federal property, and failing to obey a lawful order; Shant Singh Ahuja, 28, of Oceanside, California, is charged with destruction of federal property; and Andrew Steven Faulkner, 24, of Beaverton, Oregon; Gretchen Margaret Blank, 29, of Seattle, Washington; Christopher Fellini, 31, of Portland; Cody Porter, 28, of Portland; and Taimane Jame Teo, 24, of Eugene, Oregon, are charged with assaulting federal officers.

The Hatfield Federal Courthouse has been a repeated target of vandalism, sustaining extensive damage. U.S. Marshals Service deputies and officers from the Federal Protective Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection working to protect the courthouse have been subjected to threats; aerial fireworks including mortars; high intensity lasers targeting officers’ eyes; thrown rocks, bottles, and balloons filled with paint from demonstrators while performing their duties.

On July 2-3, 2020, Olsen is accused of using his body to push on and hold a glass door at the Hatfield Courthouse closed, preventing officers from exiting the building and causing the door to shatter. With the door broken, a mortar firework entered the courthouse, detonating near the officers. The officers used shields and their bodies to block the open doorway for approximately six hours until demonstrators dispersed.

On July 4, 2020, Ahuja is accused of willfully destroying a closed-circuit video camera mounted on the exterior of the Hatfield Courthouse.

On July 5, 2020, Blank is accused of assaulting a federal officer with a shield while the officer was attempting to arrest another protestor.

On July 5-6, 2020, Faulkner, Fellini, Porter, and Teo are accused of assaulting federal officers with high intensity lasers. At the time of his arrest, Faulkner also possessed a sheathed machete.

All seven defendants made their first appearances in federal court on July 6, 2020 and were released pending trial.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

These cases are being investigated jointly by the U.S. Marshals Service; FBI; U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Federal Protective Service; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Homeland Security Investigations.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

# # #

Photo descriptions (attached):

1. Glass courthouse door broken by Olsen
2. Pyrotechnic mortar exploding in courthouse lobby after glass door was broken by Olsen
3. Fellini possessions seized during arrest
4. Front of shield used by Blank to assault federal officer
5. Back of shield use by Blank to assault federal officer

Please note the corrections below to the defendant's name and age. At the time of his arrest, Olsen presented officers with a false name (Kiefer Alan Moore) and date of birth.

PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that a Portland man has been arrested for his role in an overnight attack on the Hatfield Federal Courthouse.

“The lawless and violent acts of extremists across the political spectrum cannot continue. Violence directed at federal, state, and local law enforcement and property destruction is inconsistent with the aims of social justice,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “These are criminal acts and individuals who engage in them will be held accountable.”

Rowan M. Olsen, 19, aka Kiefer Alan Moore, was arrested by Federal Protective Service officers in the early morning hours of July 3, 2020, and a criminal complaint alleging destruction of government property is being presented to a U.S. Magistrate Judge. Olsen will remain in custody until his first appearance in federal court on July 6, 2020.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Last night’s demonstration marked a significant escalation in violence against federal property in Portland. Officers from the Federal Protective Service and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as well as U.S. Marshals, were assaulted with bottles, rocks, commercial-grade fireworks, and improvised explosives. Other incendiary devices were thrown into the Hatfield Federal Courthouse.

These actions are illegal and will not be tolerated. Perpetrators of violence against federal law enforcement officers and property will face arrest and prosecution.

# # #

The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) has created and published a statewide, online database of DPSST Professional Standards actions in accordance with HB 4207 which passed during the 2020 Special Session of the Oregon Legislative Assembly.

The database will include the names of all public safety officers who have been the subject of a DPSST certification action, their employing agency (when applicable), and a link to the DPSST investigation and Final Order once issued (which will include a description of the facts underlying the denial, suspension or revocation action) occurring on or after June 30, 2020 (The effective date of HB 4207). A sample case has been uploaded as a placeholder.

For broader transparency, a listing of all individuals who were the subject of a DPSST professional standards action prior to June, 2020 has also been published, along with a list of open, pending DPSST professional standards cases.

The database can be found on-line at https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/cj/pages/professionalStandards.aspx

DPSST’s Director Eriks Gabliks said “Today’s announcement is the latest step in Oregon’s ongoing efforts to strengthen trust between law enforcement and community.  DPSST, in partnership with the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training (BPSST), over the past few years has implemented a number of transparency initiatives including the implementation of Information Resource Inquiry System (IRIS) to show officer training, certification and employment history, the installation of equipment allowing livestreaming of Board and Policy Committee meetings, the publishing basic curriculums on DPSST webpage and the continued monthly publication of DPSST Ethics Bulletins as an educational resource.

Additional information relating to DPSST’s professional standards processes, instructions on how to make a public records request, links to previous Board and Policy Committee meeting minutes and information on how to subscribe to receive notifications from DPSST, to include agency updates, meeting minutes and public comment opportunities are also available at https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst

# # # DPSST Web Ex Sessions On-Line: Basic Police Training, Police Use-of-Force Training, Police Accountability # # #

The tragic death of George Floyd due to the actions of Minneapolis police officers has led to lots of discussions, both in Oregon and around the nation, regarding police training and accountability.  The actions of the Minneapolis police officers are inexcusable.  While DPSST has always actively engaged with stakeholders, it was of the utmost importance for us to pause our work as we mourned the death of Mr. Floyd and listened to the questions and concerns being raised about policing in our state and nation.  Many of the questions within our state have been regarding the training and accountability of Oregon law enforcement officers. 

To address these questions, to share information, and to answer questions, last month DPSST held a number of virtual sessions specifically for local community leaders, elected officials, state legislators, and media.  One session addressed Oregon’s criminal justice professional standards system.  Another focused specifically on police use of force training in Oregon offered by DPSST.  And the last covered the basic police training program offered at DPSST to all newly hired city, county, state, tribal, and university law enforcement professionals.  Participants had the ability to ask questions of DPSST staff during each of these sessions.

Each of the sessions were recorded and have been posted for viewing on the DPSST webpage at https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/CJ/Pages/InformationalFiles.aspx   While each of the presentations covered the same information, each generated different questions based on the background and specific interests of those participating.  We have also posted the responses to the questions that were asked and are in the process of completing this document as we gather the information for those questions that need an answer.

## Background Information on the BPSST and DPSST ##

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) operates the Oregon Public Safety Academy which spans more than 235 acres in Salem. The Academy is nationally recognized for its innovative training programs and active stakeholder involvement.  Eriks Gabliks serves as the Director and Darren Bucich, Chief of McKenzie Fire & Rescue serves as the Chair of the Board. The department implements minimum standards established by the Board for the training and certification of more than 40,000 city, tribal, county and state law enforcement officers, corrections officers, parole and probation officers, fire service personnel, telecommunicators, emergency medical dispatchers and private security providers.

DPSST provides training to more than 25,000 students each year throughout Oregon and at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem, certifies qualified officers at various levels from basic through executive; certifies qualified instructors; and reviews and accredits training programs throughout the state based on standards established by the Board.

Board on Public Safety Standards and Training

Agenda

July 23, 2020

The Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2020 in the Boardroom at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem.  For further information, please contact Theresa Janda at (503) 373-1553 or esa.janda@state.or.us">theresa.janda@state.or.us.

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.

The meeting will be live-streamed on the DPSST Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/DPSSTOregon/

1.  Introductions

2.   Executive Session      

 The Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold an executive session to consider exempt public records. The executive session is being held pursuant to ORS 162.660(2)(f). This session is closed to the public.   

        General Session   

3.   David Fuller DPSST No 16332 – Withdraw NOI/Administrative Closure

Recommended to the Board unanimously by the PPC on June 18, 2020.

4.   Minutes

Approve minutes from the April 23, 2020 Meeting.

5.  Fire Policy Committee

    a.  Fire Policy Committee Update – James Oeder, Chair

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

      A.Elijah Cronin DPSST #F38682 (Lebanon Fire District)  - Deny

      Recommended to the Board unanimously by the FPC on June 9, 2020.

      B. Taeton R. Harrington DPSST #F38068 (Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue) - Deny

      Recommended to the Board unanimously by the FPC on June 9, 2020.

      C. Anthony D. Monroe DPSST #F18280 (Toledo Fire Department) - Revoke

     Recommended to the Board unanimously by the FPC on June 9.

      D. Kelly R. Vallance DPSST #F34182 (McMinville Fire Department) - Revoke

      Recommended to the Board unanimously by the FPC on June 9.

6.  Criminal Justice Policy Committees

    a. Police Policy Committee Update – John Teague, Chair

    b. Telecommunications Policy Committee Update – Linsay Hale

    c. Corrections Policy Committee Update – Nadine Purington, Chair

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

        A. Nigel Deluna DPSST#54679 (Mt. Angel Police Department) – No Action

        Recommended to the Board unanimously by the PPC on June 18, 2020

        B. Thomas Houpt DPSST#60473 (Grant County Sheriff’s Office) – No Action

        Recommended to the Board unanimously by the PPC on June 18, 2020

        C. Robert Johnson DPSST#50633 (Medford Police Department) – No Action

        Recommended to the Board in an 8/2 vote by the PPC on June 18, 2020.

        D. Corbin Lantz DPSST#42610 (Department of Public Safety Standards & Training) – Revoke

        Recommended to the Board unanimously by the PPC on June 18, 2020

        E. Terry Lohf DPSST#27923 (Lakeview Police Department) – No Action

        Recommended to the Board in a 6/4 vote by the PPC on June 18, 2020.

        F. Sebastian Precup DPSST#60628 (Portland Police Bureau) – No Action

        Recommended to the Board unanimously by the PPC on June 18, 2020.

        G. Patricia Lyon DPSST#57573 (Coffee Creek Correctional Facility) – Revoke

        Recommended to the Board in a 7/6 vote by the CPC on June 16, 2020

        H. Lianna Mechanic DPSST#53161 (Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office) – No Action

        Recommended to the Board in a 12/1 vote by the CPC on June 16, 2020

         I. Michael Payne DPSST#34804 (Snake River Correctional Institution) – No Action

        Recommended to the Board unanimously by the CPC on June 16, 2020.

        J. Sara Stewart DPSST#60771 (Curry County Sheriff’s Office) – No Action

        Recommended to the Board unanimously by the PPC on June 18, 2020

        K. OAR 259-006-0000, 259-008-0290, 259-008-0067 – Proposed Rule Change - Approve.

        Establishing DPSST applicant moral fitness standards.

        Recommended to the Board by the TPC on June 10, 2020; Recommended to the Board by the CPC on June 16,      2020; Recommended to the Board by the PPC on June 18, 2020;. 

        L. Law Enforcement Memorial Wall Nomination – Marshal Zacharia H. Stroud, Harney City

        Recommended to the Board unanimously by the PPC on June 18, 2020.

        M. Committee Appointments

•  Zachary Kenney, representing non-management Law enforcement; Re-Appointment to the PPC; 2nd term effective 7/23/20
• Erica Stohlhand, representing APCO; Re-Appointment to the TPC; 2nd term effective 7/23/20
• Tim Svenson, representing OSSA; Re-Appointment to the TPC; 2nd term effective 7/23/20

    e. Administrative Rules Relating to Certification and Licensure Requirements Impacted by the COVID-19     (Coronavirus) State of Emergency - Approve

    Adopts new rules to address additional discretionary needs and extend the temporary provisions for certification         maintenance in all disciplines impacted.

   f. OAR 259-012-0035 – Proposed Rule Change - Approve

    Student dismissal and appeal.

   g. OAR Chapter 259 Proposed Rule Changes  – Approve

    Establishing required use of legal name.

7.  Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee

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

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

       A.  Committee Appointments

• Michael Holsapple to fill vacant position representing Private Investigators; Appointment to the PSIPC; 1st term effective

8.  Administrative

    a.  Citizen Correspondence – Information Only

9.  Director's Report - Director Gabliks

10.  Next Meeting Date:  October 22, 2020

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) will be offering wildfire training to members of the Oregon National Guard starting Saturday (7/11) through (7/17). As part of this training there will be two live-fire (field burn) training sessions on the 12th and the 16th. Again these two burns are planning training events that will be held at the Oregon Public Safety Academy at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, OR.

Note: People with breathing difficulties in the immediate area may need to take precautions. This should last from approximately 1pm to 9pm on both days.

The live-fire training is part of the wildland firefighter training the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is providing to 400 citizen-soldiers and citizen-airmen from the Oregon National Guard being proactively trained in case their assistance is needed to support wildland firefighting efforts around the state.

The request for DPSST’s assistance was made by the Oregon Military Department which received federal funds to proactively train members of their organization in case their assistance will be needed by the Oregon Department of Forestry to support wildfire suppression efforts around the state.

The state has a long standing agreement between the Oregon National Guard and Oregon Department of Forestry known as Operation Plan Smokey.  This plan stipulates the details of how Oregon National Guard members will be utilized to assist in firefighting efforts. This agreement is reviewed annually by the leadership of both agencies and Governor Kate Brown’s Office.

The training provided to the members of the Oregon National Guard by DPSST is the same training that is required of all public and private wildland firefighters. Many people call this "red card" training. Training will include classroom, hands-on, and live fire training elements.

McKenzie Fire & Rescue Chief Darren Bucich was selected by the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training (BPSST) at their last meeting on April 23, 2020 to serve as the new Chair.  He replaces outgoing Chair, Patricia Patrick-Joling, public member representative from Lincoln County, starting July 1, 2020.  Darren has served one three-year term on the Board, representing the Oregon Fire Chief’s Association and will be serving a second term.  Darren has been active in the Oregon fire service since 1999.  He is also the Past-President of the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association.

Officer DaNeshia Barrett of the Beaverton Police Department was selected by the Board to serve as the new Vice Chair.  She will replace Sheriff Brian Wolfe of Malheur County who was on the Board representing the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association.  Sheriff Wolfe's second, three-year, term expired on June 30, 2020.  DaNeshia Barrett is serving her first term on the BPSST, representing Non-Management Law Enforcement.  DaNeshia started her law enforcement career in 2010 with Beaverton where she has served in various assignments.  She is also a Police Legitimacy & Procedural Justice instructor.

The Board consists of 24 members representing Oregon’s public and private safety professionals, and includes a representative from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, a City Manager, a District Attorney, an elected Fire District Director, and a private citizen.  All members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate.

The Board is responsible for the establishment of minimum standards for the training and certification and for making determinations regarding the denial, suspension or revocation of public and private safety certifications and licenses for Oregon’s 42,000 police officers, corrections officers, parole and probation officers, fire service personnel, telecommunicators, emergency medical dispatchers, regulatory specialists of the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, private security providers, private investigator and polygraph examiners.

The Board is supported by five policy committees and a number of sub-committees representing the public and private safety disciplines, which provide technical expertise and serve as vital links to public safety organizations.

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is responsible for the implementation of the standards established by the Board for training and certification. DPSST provides training to more than 25,000 students each year throughout Oregon and at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem; certifies or licenses qualified individuals at various levels from basic through executive and certifies qualified instructors. Eriks Gabliks serves as the Director of DPSST.

In two rounds of FY2020 Career Opportunity Program grant awards, the Oregon Arts Commission and The Ford Family Foundation have collectively awarded $112,342 to 40 artists for career development projects. The awards include $55,121 from the Oregon Arts Commission and $57,221 in supplemental funding for 19 established visual artists through a partnership with The Ford Family Foundation’s Visual Arts Program. Individual grants range from $1,000 to $8,000.

Career Opportunity Grants support individual Oregon artists by enabling them to take advantage of timely opportunities that enhance their artistic careers. Most grants support the artists’ participation in residencies, exhibitions or performance opportunities.

“This grant program invests in the career growth of talented Oregon artists,” said Anne Taylor, Chair of the Arts Commission. “We also are so proud to support artists in representing Oregon outside of the region and internationally.”

The Ford Family Foundation funds are available to established Oregon visual artists who are producing new work in the fields of contemporary art and craft.

“We see these critical investments in artists’ careers as a core element of our Visual Arts Program,” said Anne C. Kubisch, president of The Ford Family Foundation. “We hope the funding leverages other support and successes for them.”

FY2020 Career Opportunity Program grant award recipients are:

Laura Aguero, Salem

Oregon Arts Commission $1,459

To support a guest-soloist performance with the Orquesta Universitaria de Musical Popular in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico.

May Anuntarungsun, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500   

The Ford Family Foundation $200  

To support an eight-week residency and exhibition, “The United,” at the Pittsburgh Glass Center. The Center will host Anuntarungsun for the creation of new works and pay for one-way shipping.

Olivia Awbrey, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500

To support the debut album release promotion for the Olivia Awbrey band, which includes traveling to the Treefort Music Festival and a UK tour.

Jill Baker, Corvallis

Oregon Arts Commission $1,245

To support fees and travel for an immersive drawing workshop for practicing artists in Northern New Mexico to take place in May of 2021. Baker will be one of six artists participating in a session focusing on craft, materials and ideas relative to drawing.

Claire Barrera, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500

To support Barrera’s weeklong residency at Greywood Arts in Cork, Ireland, to research their project "tu eres mi otro yo."

Simon Boas, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500

To support travel for Boas’ solo exhibition/new media art installation about masculinity and sexual consent at the ArtMill in Prague, Czech Republic.

Michael Boonstra, Eugene

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500

The Ford Family Foundation $2,500

To support material costs of a new body of work planned for exhibition in November of 2020 at the Truckenbrod Gallery in Corvallis.

Mike Bray, Eugene

The Ford Family Foundation $4,400

To support a solo exhibition of Bray’s work at Gallery Fourteen30 in February 2021.

Paula Bullwinkel, Bend

Oregon Arts Commission $1,117

To support travel and shipping materials for an artist residency at The Vermont Studio Center in Johnson, Vermont.

Lyra Butler-Denman, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500

To support post-production of the short film “BARDO” to be submitted to the National Organization for Arts in Health conference.

Rachael Carnes, Eugene

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500

To support the further development and performance of a full-length immersive theatrical experience based on the life of Sarah “Sally” Hemings in collaboration with the Director of the African American Experience and Slavery at Monticello, regional performers and the people of Charlottesville.

Susan Chan, Tigard

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500

To support travel to Germany for residencies at three music institutions as well as to present and perform a lecture-recital at the European Piano Teachers Association 42nd International Conference that celebrates the 250th birthday of Ludwig van Beethoven.

Lisa Conway, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500   

The Ford Family Foundation $750

To support participation in an Artist-Invites-Artists residency session at the Red Lodge Center Clay Center in Red Lodge, Montana.

Fernanda D'Agostino, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500

The Ford Family Foundation $5,500

To support a solo show in Lisbon, Portugal, for the Environmental Biennial as part of the International Green City Initiative 2020. The exhibition will take place at the Museum of Water and will include a 10-day residency.

keyon gaskin, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,450

To support the production of a new performance and textile work commissioned by Lucy Cotter, the curator-inresidence at Disjecta Contemporary Art Center. The site-specific, architecturally engaged performance, with a working title of "Faint Feel," will take place at Disjecta in December 2020.

Bean Gilsdorf, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500   

To support the completion of work for a December 2020 body-themed exhibition at Disjecta Contemporary Art Center, as well as inclusion in the subsequent exhibition catalog.

Anne Greenwood, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500

The Ford Family Foundation $2,840

To support documentation of Greenwood’s new work, “Lunar Maria,” for the exhibition SPOR | TRACES in Iceland, as well as travel to attend the opening and to conduct lichen research for new work “Enmesh” for SCIENCE STORIES exhibit and to promote the call for participation in “FLIGHT: What Migratory Birds Show Us.”

Sabina Haque, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500

The Ford Family Foundation $3,600

To support (Un) Belonging, a multimedia installation at Paragon Gallery in late 2020. In partnership with Portland Community College’s DACA Dream Center, Haque will present a large drawing installation with video projections of hand-drawn animated borders, exploring our essential desire to belong.

Diane Jacobs, Portland

The Ford Family Foundation $4,050

To support the completion of a multifaceted artist book celebrating Mt. Hood’s ecological richness and cultural importance for a January 2021 exhibit at Passages Bookshop Gallery in Portland.

Michael Kelly, Beaverton

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500

To support the preparation of work, specifically framing and a catalogue, for a solo exhibition of Kelly’s work at Imprint Gallery in Astoria in March and April of 2021.

Anya Kivarkis, Eugene

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500   

The Ford Family Foundation $6,500

To support travel and the production of work for two exhibitions in Munich, Germany, that coincide with Schmuck 2020, the most significant annual international jewelry event in the world.

Kendra Larson, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500

To support an exhibition of paintings at the Art Gallery at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg in February and March of 2021. The award will support travel, documentation and a catalogue.

Bethany Marcel, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500

To support two writing residencies, a two-week residency in January 2020 at the Vermont Studio Center, the largest arts and writing residency program in the U.S., and a one-week residency in November 2019 at Spruce Art in Pennsylvania.

Sarah Marguier, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,000   

To support travel for a two-week residency at Espace en Cours, a performing art residency space in Paris, in collaboration with choreographer Maya M. Carroll.

Robbie McClaran, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500

The Ford Family Foundation $2,810

To support preparation and framing of exhibition materials, photographs, maps, texts and for a series of four scheduled exhibitions of McClaran’s "The Great River of the West, a photographic survey of the Columbia River, from its source in British Columbia to its confluence with the Pacific Ocean."

Laura Medina, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,250

To support the purchase of materials for installation of a new immersive Mixed Reality experience during Medina’s exhibition at Fuller Rosen Gallery alongside Devin Harclerode in fall 2020.

Luz Mendoza, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500

To support the studio recording of a new choral work created in collaboration with the Camas High School Choir.

Andrew Myers, Corvallis

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500

The Ford Family Foundation $1,000

To support professional photography of a curated solo exhibition of Myers’ work at the Bush Barn Art Center in Salem, including the design and publication of an exhibition catalogue.

Whitney Nye, Bend

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500

The Ford Family Foundation $2,000

To support the purchase of materials, shipping, documentation and cataloguing of new work during Nye’s fellowship at Vermont Studio Center in November 2019.

Julia Oldham, Eugene

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500   

The Ford Family Foundation $1,000

To support "SHTF," a multi-media solo exhibition for which Oldham will create an installation exploring the fall of civilization, climate change and artificial intelligence/deep learning at Smack Mellon in Brooklyn, NY, in January 2020 in collaboration with Brooklyn-based artist Chad Stayrook.

Vanessa Renwick, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500

The Ford Family Foundation $5,000

To support the exhibition of large paintings on fabric for the Stumptown Fellowship show in January/February 2020 and the Painted Desert Project on the Navajo Nation.

Anya Roberts-Toney, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500

The Ford Family Foundation $225

To support Roberts-Toney’s solo exhibition of new paintings at Nationale, a contemporary art gallery in SE Portland.

Laura Ross-Paul, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500   

The Ford Family Foundation $3,000

To support the creation of a 60-image catalogue combining various bodies of work that were inspired by Ross-Paul’s experience as a patient pioneer and advocate for treating breast cancer using cryoablation. The catalogue will include a critical essay by writer Sue Taylor and an interview by curator Linda Tesner.

David Rueter, Eugene

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500   

The Ford Family Foundation $6,000

To support three months in São Paulo for the production of an exhibition at the 34th Bienal de São Paulo and at the artist-run space Um Trabalho|Um Texto. The exhibitions will bring significant new international exposure and opportunities for Rueter and his two collaborators.

Christina Rusnak, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,100

To support travel to a residency at the Visby International Centre for Composers in Visby Sweden.

Arvie Smith, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500   

The Ford Family Foundation $2,550

To support the creation of a 32-page publication based on Smith’s Ground Beneath Us 2019 residency in Waterford, Virginia, for release in time for his public lecture at The Ground Beneath Us Summer Fellowship Institute in Waterford, Virginia, in August 2020.

Kate Speranza, Astoria

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500

To support airfare, materials/shipping and the residency program fee at Arteles Creative Center in Finland for a month-long residency in February 2020.

Jennifer Vaughn, Eugene

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500

To support the exhibition/travel costs for exhibition at two galleries in Pittsburgh: Phosphor Project Space and Casey Droege Projects. Vaughn will also be in residence at Casey Droege Projects.

Kate Wagle, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500

The Ford Family Foundation $3,296

To support materials, production, printing and framing for a solo exhibition of current work at the new Center for Art Research at the University of Oregon in Eugene.

Bobbi Woods, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,500

To support production and travel for Woods’ work using language as material to challenge established structures of power in a solo exhibition at Flood Plain in St. Louis, Missouri.

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The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, funding and arts programs through its grants, services, and special initiatives. The Arts Commission is supported with general funds appropriated by the Oregon legislature and with federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust.

(Salem, Ore.) — In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Oregon Disabilities Commission and the Northwest ADA Center are hosting weekly Lunch and Learn sessions in July.

“The ADA was a crucial civil rights law in 1990 and it remains an essential resource for people with disabilities in securing full rights for participation in society,” said Michael Richardson, director of the NW ADA Center.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we needed to switch from a large event to something that would allow us to maintain physical distancing,” said Joseph Lowe, staff to the Oregon Disabilities Commission.

Instead of a one-day event in the Human Services Building in Salem, there will be four weekly Lunch & Learn sessions, from noon until 1 p.m., via Zoom.

“The Zoom sessions will help more Oregonians have access to this important information,” Lowe said. “The topics will be useful to people who aren’t familiar with the ADA and to those who have been involved since the beginning. We hope to get a large turnout to further ADA knowledge in Oregon.”

Lunch and Learn registration: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItcuCvrzsqGTXMtF-0R7vZbxuzVk0XloM

Here’s the schedule:

Tuesday, July 7  
ADA History
Michael Richardson, Director, NW ADA Center

Tuesday, July 14  
Disability Language & Etiquette
Linda Clemon-Karp, Continuing Education Coordinator, NW ADA Center

Tuesday, July 21: 
Assistive Technology & Universal Design
Brian Sacre, Access Technologies, Inc.

Tuesday, July 28
Effective Communications & COVID-19:  Lessons Learned
Emily Cooper, Legal Director, Disability Rights Oregon

These sessions will be accessible to people with disabilities. Captioning and American Sign Language interpretation will be provided. For questions about accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact egonDisabilities.Commission@dhsoha.state.or.us">OregonDisabilities.Commission@dhsoha.state.or.egonDisabilities.Commission@dhsoha.state.or.us">us. Requests should be made at least 48 hours in advance of the meetings.

About the event sponsors:

The Oregon Disabilities Commission is charged by state statute to advise the Department of Human Services, the Governor, the Legislative Assembly and appropriate state agency administrators on issues related to achieving the full economic, social, legal and political equity of individuals with disabilities. ODC also acts as a coordinating link between and among public and private organizations serving individuals with disabilities.

The Northwest ADA Center is funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), and is part of the ADA National Network. The ADA National Network Centers are a national platform of ten centers comprised of ADA professionals and experts charged with assisting businesses, state and local governments, and people with disabilities as they manage the process of changing our culture to be user friendly to disability and the effect the variety of health conditions can have on society.

# # #

(Salem, Ore.) – Zion Gallaher, age 16, is a foster child who went missing from Portland, Oregon on June 7, 2020. is still missing He is believed to be in serious danger. Because of his mental health and behavioral challenges, he may present higher functioning than he actually is, or may behave erratically.

The Oregon Department of Human Services, Child Welfare Program, asks the public to help in the effort to find him and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see him. He knows the downtown Portland, Sandy and Independence, Oregon areas well.

Name: Zion Gallaher
Date of birth: Jan. 8, 2004
Height: 5’10
Weight: 180 pounds
Portland Police Case #20-185646
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #1392960

Anyone who suspects they have information about Zion Gallaher’s location should call 911 or local law enforcement.

A small number of children in foster care may be in significant danger when they run away or have gone missing. As DHS 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.

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Salem — The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation announced today that preliminary rate decisions for 2021 individual and small employer health insurance plans will remain as currently filed by the state’s health insurance companies.

Preliminary rate decisions are for individuals who buy their own coverage, rather than getting it through an employer, and for small businesses. The division must review and approve these rates before they can be charged to policyholders.

In the individual market, preliminary decisions for the six companies range from an average 3.5 percent decrease to an average 11.1 percent increase, for a weighted average of 1.8 percent. Under the preliminary decisions, Silver Standard Plan premiums for a 40-year-old in Portland would range from $425 to $466 a month.

In the small group market, the preliminary decisions for the nine companies range from an average 1.1 percent decrease to an average 7.0 percent increase, for a weighted average of 3.7 percent. Under the preliminary decisions, Silver Standard Plan premiums for a 40-year-old in Portland would range from $335 to $405 a month.

See our chart for a full list of preliminary decisions.

“Our transparent rate review process has been critical to understanding how health rates will be set for 2021,” said Andrew Stolfi, insurance commissioner and Department of Consumer and Business Services director. “We look forward to gathering more information from insurers and the public during the upcoming hearings before final decisions on 2021 rates are made.”

These preliminary decisions will undergo continued review and discussion through virtual public hearings streamed online Tuesday, July 7, and Wednesday, July 8. All Oregonians are encouraged to participate in the public comment period and view the public hearings.

The public comment period closes on July 8 at 11:59 p.m. There are two ways to comment on a company’s rate request:

• During the virtual meeting: To testify by phone or email, send an email to stephen.w.kooyman@oregon.gov on Monday, July 6. Include your name and phone number in the email, and join the web meeting at the link posted on the day of the hearing. The division will call on you during the public testimony portion of the hearing.
• Online. Click here to comment online and view the company's rate request documents.

Visit the division’s health rate public hearing page, to review each insurance company’s public hearing schedule, and submit comments regarding specific health insurance company’s rates.

Final decisions will be announced by early August.

                                                                                                         ###

About DCBS: The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, go to www.dcbs.oregon.gov.

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 www.dfr.oregon.gov.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, David L. Letcher, died the morning of July 7, 2020. Letcher was incarcerated at Deer Ridge Correctional Institution (DRCI) in Madras. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the medical examiner will determine cause of death.

Letcher entered DOC custody on September 3, 2014, from Multnomah County with an earliest release date of April 21, 2021. Letcher was 60 years old. Next of kin has been notified.  

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 14,500 individuals who are incarcerated in 14 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

Deer Ridge Correctional Institution (DRCI) is located four miles east of Madras in central Oregon. DRCI is a multi-custody prison that currently houses 947 minimum-custody incarcerated adults. DRCI provides a range of correctional programs and services including education and trades programs, mental health treatment, cognitive and parenting programs, and institution work crews. Construction began in October 2005 with the first minimum-security adults in custody (AICs) arriving in September 2007. DRCI is the largest minimum-custody facility in the state and Oregon’s fourteenth prison.

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SALEM, Ore – Fire season will officially be in effect on all Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) protected lands Monday, July 6. The North Cascade and West Oregon protection districts are the last two to declare fire season. ODF’s Southwest Oregon District was the first to declare fire season May 1.

Fire season is declared based on conditions at the local district level, with restrictions intended to help prevent human-caused wildfires. Fire season generally runs through mid-October and ends based on local conditions.

For residents within ODF’s 12 fire protection districts, the arrival of fire season means the end of unregulated outdoor debris burning, a leading cause of wildfires. While permits to burn may be issued in some areas, debris burning is generally prohibited throughout the summer due to increased wildfire risk. Violators burning without a permit will be cited and held liable for fire suppression costs.

Other public use fire restrictions are also in effect in several areas. The use of fireworks, tracer ammunition and exploding targets are illegal within ODF protection boundaries, as well as other state and federal lands. Campfires, the mowing of dry, cured grass, cutting and welding, power saw use and other spark-emitting activities are regulated at the local level, depending upon the conditions and fire danger. For example, during low fire danger, mowing may be allowed all day. However, during moderate, high and extreme fire danger mowing may be restricted to early morning or prohibited entirely until conditions improve.

ODF encourages the public to stay informed of current fire restrictions by visiting the agency’s Fire Restrictions & Closures website or calling their local ODF or protective association office. To learn more about preventing human-caused wildfires, visit Keep Oregon Green on the web at www.keeporegongreen.org.  

Forest operators are required to follow fire season requirements, including providing a water supply, fire tools, spark arresters on equipment, and fire watch. Similar to fire danger restrictions for the public, operators must follow rules under the four-tiered Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) system.  

ODF protects over 16 million acres of private, county, state and federal land.

###

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Governing Board of the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) will meet on Monday, July 13 at 8:30 a.m. To adhere to the state’s social distancing requirements and to slow the spread of COVID-19, this public meeting will be conducted as a virtual meeting.

The meeting agenda is available at https://www.oregongeology.org.

The DOGAMI Governing Board sets policy and oversees general operations, and adopts a strategic plan every six years. The Board meets at least quarterly. As active members of their communities, Board members provide an important connection between Oregonians and DOGAMI's mission of providing earth science information and regulation to make Oregon safe and prosperous.

###

Salem, OR—As the deadline approaches to make estimated Corporate Activity Tax (CAT) payments for the second quarter, the Oregon Department of Revenue reminds taxpayers of relief available to those businesses negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As adopted in administrative rule 150-317-1500, the department will honor a business taxpayer’s good-faith efforts to comply with the CAT and not assess penalties if they document their efforts to comply, including how COVID-19 has impacted their business.

If businesses know they’ll owe $10,000 or more in annual corporate activity tax in 2020 and can pay, they should make estimated quarterly payments and comply with the law to the fullest extent possible.

However, penalties will not be assessed for underestimated quarterly payments or for not making a quarterly payment for the Corporate Activity Tax, if businesses don’t have the financial ability to make the estimated payment.

If businesses have been impacted by COVID-19 and are finding it difficult to calculate or pay an estimated quarterly payment, they should keep documentation showing:

• Their inability to pay a quarterly payment because of insufficient funds due to COVID-19.
• Their inability to reasonably calculate a quarterly payment or annual tax liability due to their business being impacted by COVID-19.
• That the taxpayer is unclear at this time whether the business will owe corporate activity tax in April 2020 due to COVID-19 impacts, after taking into consideration exclusions and subtractions in the law.

Businesses uncertain about their economic future due to the COVID-19 crisis, or those that have been closed during this crisis and have no ability to determine that they will owe a tax this year, won’t be penalized.

Registration for the CAT is still required. Businesses must register within 30 days of reaching $750,000 in Oregon commercial activity in the calendar year. Registration is available through Revenue Online and the department offers a series of online resources to help with registration on the CAT page of the agency’s website.

The CAT webpage also includes links to the administrative rules that govern the tax, a list of basic frequently asked questions (FAQ), and a Beyond the FAQ section that includes high-level summaries of the rules and other topics to help answer taxpayer questions.

Taxpayers with general questions about the CAT can email cat.help.dor@oregon.gov or call 503-945-8005.

Visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get tax forms, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments; call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish); 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon; or email questions.dor@oregon.gov. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), call 800-886-7204.

WHO:              David Gerstenfeld, Acting Director, Oregon Employment Department

WHEN:            Wed., July 8, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. PT

WHAT:            Oregon Employment Department Acting Director David Gerstenfeld will hold a video conference media briefing to share updates on unemployment claims processing on Wed., July 8 at 1:00 p.m. PT. Gerstenfeld will provide an update on the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program claims processing as well as several other updates about the customer service experience.

WHERE:         Via Zoom video conference; Members of the media must RSVP for call information by emailing OED_Communications@oregon.gov by 12:00 p.m. PT on Wed., July 8. Video conference information will be provided to all reporters who RSVP.

OTHER:          The Oregon Employment Department is updating a claims processing progress data dashboard daily. Visit this link for week day updates. A recording of the video conference will be sent out shortly after the media briefing concludes.

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July 8, 2020

Program contact: Jacee Vangestel, 503-945-2852, jacee.m.vangestel@dhsoha.state.or.us

What: A public meeting of the Oregon State Hospital Advisory Board.

When: July 16, 1-3 p.m.

Where: The public can attend via toll-free conference line at 503-934-1400, participant code 20123340#.

Agenda: After the public comment period, the board will discuss an OSH update on the COVID-19 response and take questions.

Details: The Oregon State Hospital Advisory Board advises the superintendent, Oregon Health Authority director and legislators on issues related to the safety, security and care of patients. Members include consumers, providers, advocates, legislators, community members, consumer families and OSH union members.

For more information, see the board’s website at http://www.oregon.gov/oha/osh/Pages/advisory-board.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:

• 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 Jacee Vangestel at 503-945-2852, 711 TTY or jacee.m.vangestel@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

July 8, 2020

Media contact: OHA External Relations 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 217 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 4 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed four more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 224, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 217 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 10,817.

The new cases are in the following counties: Baker (3), Clackamas (19), Clatsop (1), Columbia (1), Coos (2), Curry (1), Deschutes (3), Douglas (2), Harney (1), Hood River (1), Jackson (5), Jefferson (1), Josephine (2), Lane (10), Lincoln (3), Linn (8), Malheur (12), Marion (15), Morrow (10), Multnomah (30), Umatilla (43), Union (3), Wasco (1), Washington (31), Yamhill (9).

Oregon’s 221st COVID-19 death is an 85-year-old woman in Benton County who tested positive on May 31 and died on June 28, at her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 222nd COVID-19 death is a 55-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on June 22 and died on June 28, at his residence. He had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 223rd COVID-19 death is a 91-year-old woman in Marion County who tested positive on June 18 and died on July 5, at her residence. She had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 224th COVID-19 death is a 36-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on June 3 and died on July 7, at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. He had underlying medical conditions.

Weekly Report released

Today, OHA released its Weekly Report which showed that during the week of June 29 to July 5, 32,355 persons were tested for COVID-19 in Oregon with 5 percent recording a positive result.

COVID 19 continued to surge during that week with 1,910 new cases an increase of 51 percent over the previous week. In addition, 11 Oregonians were reported to have died, one fewer than the previous week.

OHA to host media call

OHA Director Patrick Allen will hold a weekly media availability at 11:15 a.m. Friday, July 10. To participate, media are invited to call 844-721-7239, access code 6939096.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

The daily total has been corrected from 219 cases to 218.

July 7, 2020

Media contact: OHA External Relations 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 218 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 5 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed five more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 220, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 218 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 10,605.

The new cases are in the following counties: Benton (2), Clackamas (18), Columbia (2), Coos (4), Crook (1), Douglas (3), Hood River (3), Jefferson (2), Josephine (3), Klamath (1), Lake (1), Lane (15), Lincoln (1), Linn (1), Malheur (7), Marion (23), Morrow (2), Multnomah (52), Polk (6), Umatilla (20), Union (5), Wallowa (1), Wasco (2), Washington (27), Yamhill (16).

Oregon’s 216th COVID-19 death is a 93-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on June 25 and died on June 30, at Providence Portland Medical Center. He had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 217th COVID-19 death is a 74-year-old woman in Yamhill County who tested positive on June 23 and died on June 30, at Willamette Valley Medical Center. She had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 218th COVID-19 death is a 56-year-old woman in Linn County who tested positive on May 27 and died on July 5, at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center. She had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 219th COVID-19 death is an 80-year-old man in Marion County who tested positive on June 14 and died on July 6, at his residence. He had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 220th COVID-19 death is a 62-year-old woman in Marion County who tested positive on June 10 and died on July 6, at Salem Hospital. She had underlying medical conditions.

OHA investigating workplace outbreak

An outbreak of 22 cases of COVID-19 has been reported at Columbia River Processing in Morrow County. The cases include all persons linked to the outbreak, which may include household members and other close contacts to an employee. The outbreak investigation started on June 16, but the initial case count was below the threshold for public disclosure.

State and county public health officials are working with the business to address the outbreak and protect the health of the employees.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

July 6, 2020

What: A regular public meeting of the Public Health Advisory Board.

Agenda: Approve June meeting minutes; discuss racism as a public health crisis; determine next steps for updating PHAB Health Equity Review policy and procedure; discuss the COVID-19 response; approve 2020 Public Health Accountability Metrics Report; receive an update from the Incentives and Funding Subcommittee; PHAB member discussion.

When: July 16, 2-4 p.m. A public comment period will be held at the end of the meeting.

Where: By Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/730818593, meeting ID 730 818 593; or by conference call at 669-900-6833, meeting ID 730 818 593.

Oregon’s Public Health Advisory Board provides guidance for Oregon’s governmental public health system and oversees the implementation of public health modernization and Oregon’s State Health Improvement Plan.

# # #

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 Cara Biddlecom at 971-673-2284, 711 TTY, or a.m.biddlecom@state.or.us">cara.m.biddlecom@state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

July 6, 2020

What: A public meeting of the Oregon Cannabis Commission via conference call.

Agenda: TBD.

When: July 20, 1-4 p.m.

Where: By telephone conference call at 877-848-7030, access code 753428.

Background: The Oregon Cannabis Commission was established in the 2017 legislative session through HB 2198. The commission consists of the state health officer or designee, and an eight-member panel appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The commission is tasked with determining a possible framework for future governance of the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program, and steps to address research on cannabis in areas of public health policy and public safety policy, agronomic and horticultural best practices, and medical and pharmacopoeia best practices. The commission also provides advice to the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission regarding statutes governing medical and retail cannabis. Visit the commission's website at http://www.healthoregon.org/cannabiscommission for more information.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use the 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 material in other languages.
• Braille.
• Large print.
• Audio and other formats.

If you need help or have questions, please contact Shannon McFadden at 971-673-3181, 711 TTY or shannon.m.mcfadden@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

July 6, 2020

Media contact: OHA External Relations 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 168 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 0 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — The state’s death toll from COVID-19 is unchanged from yesterday and remains at 215, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 168 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 10,395. The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (1), Clackamas (16), Clatsop (3), Columbia (3), Deschutes (2), Douglas (1), Hood River (1), Jackson (1), Jefferson (1), Josephine (3), Lane (10), Malheur (10), Marion (16), Morrow (4), Multnomah (41), Polk (1), Tillamook (1), Umatilla (16), Wasco (3), Washington (34).

OHA Releases Weekly Testing Summary

OHA released its Weekly Testing Summary today, which showed that for the week of 6/28-7/5, 39,914 tests were conducted. Of those tests 5.3 percent were positive. Oregon’s number of tests performed has been steadily increasing, but the number of positive cases and the test positivity rate have increased significantly since late May. This suggests increasing numbers of individuals with COVID-19, which is expected now that all counties are in Phase 1 or Phase 2 of reopening. Recent large outbreaks around the state have also contributed to these increases.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

July 6, 2020

What: A public meeting of the PartnerSHIP, which is tasked with developing the 2020-2024 State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP), to review and approve strategies for the 2020-2024 SHIP.

Agenda: Review priority populations and recommendation to center Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC); provide feedback on implementation framework; and review and approve final strategies.

When: July 9, 1-4 p.m. The meeting is open to the public. A five-minute public comment period will be held at about 1:10 p.m. Comments are limited to two minutes each.

Where: By Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/94742586748, meeting ID 947 4258 6748; or by phone at 669-900-6833, 94742586748#.

Oregon’s State Health Improvement Plan identifies interventions and strategies to address health related priorities in our state. The SHIP serves as a basis for taking collective action with cross-sector partners to advance health equity. The SHIP will be based on findings from the State Health Assessment.

Health departments develop and implement a health improvement plan at least once every five years.

The Public Health Division is using the Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) framework, widely used by CCOs and local health departments. The MAPP framework uses six phases. The SHA is developed over the first three phases, while the SHIP is developed and implemented over the second three phases.

Information about the PartnerSHIP can be found at healthoregon.org/2020ship.

# # #

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 Catherine Moyer at 971-673-1132, ine.moyer@dhsoha.state.or.us">catherine.moyer@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

July 5, 2020

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed two more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 215, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 301 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 10,230.

The new cases are in the following counties: Clackamas (25), Columbia (3), Crook (1), Deschutes (8), Douglas (4), Hood River (5), Jackson (3), Jefferson (1), Josephine (3), Lane (10), Malheur (15), Marion (38), Morrow (9), Multnomah (72), Sherman (1), Umatilla (41), Union (1), Wasco (3), Washington (51), Yamhill (7).

See table below for total cases, deaths, and negative tests by county.

Oregon’s 214th COVID-19 death is 96-year-old woman in Lincoln County who tested positive on June 30 and died on July 2, in her residence. She had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 215th COVID-19 death is a 70-year-old man in Marion County who tested positive on June 11 and died on July 3, at Salem Hospital. He had underlying medical conditions.

More information is known about Oregon’s 213th COVID-19 death. She is an 86-year-old woman in Lincoln County who tested positive on June 29 and died on July 1, at Samaritan Pacific Community Hospital. She had underlying medical conditions.

Note: Technical issues prevented negative test results from being processed and reported yesterday; those results were processed into the database yesterday. Today’s total includes negative test results for 7/3/20 and 7/4/20. We do not have a separate figure for yesterday.

1 - This includes cases confirmed by diagnostic testing and presumptive cases. Presumptive cases are those without a positive diagnostic test who present COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. County of residence for cases may change as new information becomes available. If changes occur, we will update our counts accordingly.

2 - This includes cases who test negative and are not epi-linked to a confirmed case.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

# # #

Corrected table to reflect total deaths as 213.

July 4, 2020

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed four more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 213, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 303 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 9,930.

The new cases are in the following counties: Baker (1), Benton (2), Clackamas (26), Clatsop (2), Columbia (2), Deschutes (11), Douglas (1), Gilliam (1), Jackson (7), Jefferson (1), Josephine (8), Klamath (5), Lake (1), Lane (12), Lincoln (1), Linn (1), Malheur (31), Marion (18), Morrow (11), Multnomah (58), Polk (3), Tillamook (1), Umatilla (49), Wasco (4), and Washington (46).

See table below for total cases, deaths, and negative tests by county.

Oregon’s 210th COVID-19 death is 93-year-old man in Umatilla County who tested positive on June 27 and died on July 1, in his residence. He had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 211th COVID-19 death is a 74-year-old man in Umatilla County who tested positive on June 21 and died on June 26, at Good Shepherd Medical Center. He had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 212th COVID-19 death is a 94-year-old woman in Clackamas County who tested positive on June 16 and died on June 29, in her residence. She had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 213th COVID-19 death is an 86-year-old woman in Lincoln County who tested positive on June 29. Her date and place of death, and underlying medical conditions are being confirmed.

1 - This includes cases confirmed by diagnostic testing and presumptive cases. Presumptive cases are those without a positive diagnostic test who present COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. County of residence for cases may change as new information becomes available. If changes occur, we will update our counts accordingly.

2 - For additional details on individuals who have died from COVID-19 in Oregon, please refer to our press releases.

3 - This includes cases who test negative and are not epi-linked to a confirmed case.

4 - Negative test results are pending due to a technical issue with the test reporting database.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore. — The state’s death toll from COVID-19 is unchanged from yesterday and remains at 209, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 344 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 9,636.

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (7), Clackamas (22), Clatsop (1), Columbia (3), Coos (1), Crook (1), Deschutes (9), Douglas (1), Jackson (9), Jefferson (5), Josephine (3), Klamath (2), Lake (1), Lane (16), Lincoln (18), Linn (2), Malheur (20), Marion (32), Morrow (10), Multnomah (59), Polk (5), Sherman (1), Tillamook (1), Umatilla (49), Union (8), Wasco (10), Washington (46), and Yamhill (1).

The Health Authority also released a table showing recent trends in cases by county between mid-June and the beginning of July.

These trends show where the COVID-19 virus is spreading at the fastest rate and which counties have the highest rates of “sporadic” transmission – i.e., cases that do not have a clear epidemiological link to other outbreaks or clusters of infections and therefore indicate that the virus is spreading uncontained in a community.

Governor Kate Brown identified eight counties that will be placed on a “Watch List” based on these data: Jefferson, Lake, Lincoln, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, Union, Wasco. State and local health officials will closely monitor the situation in these counties in coming days and prioritize additional resources to suppress the virus in these hotspot communities.

Recent Data on COVID-19 Spread by County

(June 18, 2020-July 1, 2020)

See the table below for total cumulative cases, deaths, and negative tests by county, as of July 3, 2020.

1This includes cases confirmed by diagnostic testing and presumptive cases. Presumptive cases are those without a positive diagnostic test who present COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. County of residence for cases may change as new information becomes available. If changes occur, we will update our counts accordingly.

2For additional details on individuals who have died from COVID-19 in Oregon, please refer to our press releases.

3This includes cases who test negative and are not epi-linked to a confirmed case.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

July 2, 2020

What: A public meeting of the Public Health Advisory Board's Incentives and Funding Subcommittee.

Agenda: Approve Feb. 3 meeting minutes; finalize recommendations for changes to funding principles; discuss changes to the funding formula for 2021-2023.

When: July 6, 1-2 p.m. A public comment period is offered at the end of the meeting.

Where: Members of the public may join remotely via phone at 253-215-8782, meeting ID 968 1183 5805; or via computer, tablet or smartphone at https://zoom.us/j/96811835805.

Background: Oregon’s Public Health Advisory Board provides guidance for Oregon’s governmental public health system and oversees the implementation of public health modernization and Oregon’s State Health Improvement Plan. The Incentives and Funding Subcommittee develops recommendations for the board's consideration.

For more information, see the board's website at http://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/About/Pages/ophab.aspx.

Program contact: Sara Beaudrault, 971-645-5766, a.beaudrault@state.or.us">sara.beaudrault@state.or.us

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use the 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 material in other languages.
• Braille.
• Large print.

Audio and other formats.

If you need help or have questions, please contact Sara Beaudrault at 971-645-5766, 711 TTY, a.beaudrault@state.or.us">sara.beaudrault@state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

July 2, 2020

Media contact: OHA External Relations 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 375 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 1 new death

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed one more life in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 209, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 375 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 9,294.

The new cases reported today are in the following counties: Clackamas (22), Columbia (1), Crook (1), Deschutes (9), Douglas (2), Jackson (15), Jefferson (8), Josephine (8), Lane (15), Lincoln (3), Linn (3), Malheur (16), Marion (32), Morrow (8), Multnomah (64), Tillamook (1), Umatilla (88), Union (5), Wasco (2), Washington (67), and Yamhill (5).

Oregon’s 209th COVID-19 death is 73-year-old woman in Klamath County who tested positive on June 20 and died on June 30. Her place of death s being confirmed. She had underlying medical conditions.

Today’s case count is Oregon’s largest single day total since the beginning of the pandemic, following the previous largest on Wednesday.

Oregon has experienced five weeks of case growth and cases are rising faster in our rural communities and in central and eastern Oregon. The largest county case count today was in Umatilla County with 88 new cases attributed to outbreaks and community spread.

Earlier this week, Governor Kate Brown ordered face coverings to be worn in all indoor public places throughout the state. Masks and face coverings, along with maintaining 6-feet of distancing between people has been shown to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Note: Dr. Paul Cieslak will hold OHA’s regular weekly media briefing today at 3 p.m. To participate the media is invited to call 844-291-6358, participant code 2584655.

Slight data change to Public Health Indicators Dashboard

Due to technical issues in processing negative COVID-19 tests this week, many negative tests reported on June 25, were processed on later days, causing a spike in the percent positivity metric for that day on the Public Health Indicators Dashboard.

This week's trends in positive tests percentages should be interpreted with increased caution. To present more accurate information, the total percent over the last seven days is provided in parentheses.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

July 2, 2020
  
The next Housing Stability Council meeting will be on Friday, July 10, 2020.  The meeting will be a call-in meeting only due to the current COVID-19 health crisis.
 
Call-In: 1-253-215-8782 or Toll Free: 1-888-788-0099
Meeting ID: 943 7928 6967 Password: 402403
 
AGENDA:
9:00 Meeting Called to Order - Roll Call 
9:05 Public Comment 
9:15 Meeting Minutes Approval - June 5, 2020
9:20 Report of the Director
10:00 Homeownership Division Updates
- Oregon Homeowner Stabilization Initiative Update
10:30 Affordable Rental Housing Division Updates 
- Orchards Plaza/Solhaven Preservation
- Glenhaven Park Apartments
- LIFT Homeownership NOFA Awards
- LIFT Rental NOFA Awards
- MWESB Final Report and Implementation Plan
11:45  Report of the Chair
12:00  Meeting Adjourned

Access the meeting materials packet at:

https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/OSHC/Documents/07-10-2020-HSC-Meeting-Packet.pdf

PORTLAND, Ore. – Two National Register nominations recommended by Oregon’s State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP) at their February 2020 meeting have been accepted by the National Park Service and listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

These important documents outline the history of African Americans in Portland Oregon. The African American Resources in Portland from 1851- 1973 Multiple Property Document provides a comprehensive history and tool for future listings of other African American properties. The Williams Avenue YWCA building has been a dedicated place over time for African American organizations to gather for socialization, recreation, and activism.

This effort is in line with Oregon’s Statewide Preservation Plan that seeks to diversify the resources listed in the National Register and continue to tell the stories and uplift the voices of those previously marginalized. The African American MPD serves as a tool that also supports Goal 1 of the Oregon Heritage Plan. By including more voices in the stories told of Oregon’s past, Oregonians can think critically about history and work to accurately depict a more complete historical narrative of Oregon. Understanding all aspects of Oregon’s history allows one to reckon with the past and have better conversations about the present.

“Numerous National Register properties are listed in Portland, however, there are many more places that tell the diverse history of Oregon that have yet to be listed,” says Christine Curran, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer. “The African American MPD will be a useful tool to increase the diversity of nominations and tell a richer and fuller story of Oregon’s past.”

As part of a Certified Local Government grant, the City of Portland worked with Kim Moreland, Raymond Burrell, and Cathy Galbraith to complete two documents related to Portland’s African American history. The idea was to create a context document that would make it easier to list those places significant for Portland’s African American community.

“The Architectural Heritage Center, Oregon Black Pioneers, Portland African American Leadership Forum, and countless individuals have long called for recognition and designation of important African American historic sites.” Explains Brandon Spencer-Hartle, City Planner in the City of Portland Bureau of Planning & Sustainability. “The listing of this MPD in the National Register is long overdue and will serve as a model for prioritizing and protecting Portland’s important BIPOC spaces, many of which have been inexcusably and deliberately overlooked by past planning efforts.”

Williams Avenue YWCA – Currently the Billy Webb Elks Lodge #1050 at 6 N. Tillamook St., the building has long been a dedicated place for the African American community. The early history of the property has a special association with African American women’s history, as the site was developed by the African American branch of the YWCA. The Portland branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) located its offices in the basement of the building from 1956 through 1964, and the Oregon Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs, Urban League of Portland, and Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) also held gatherings in its meeting rooms, auditorium, and lounge space. After more than nine decades of continuous association with Portland’s African American community, the building remains owned and occupied by a historically African American organization (the Billy Webb Elks of the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks of the World, or IBPOEW).

African American Resources in Portland, from 1851 to 1973 Multiple Property Document - This document provides an overview of the history of African Americans in Portland through seven different historical contexts and establishes a framework for identifying and listing Portland’s African American resources in the National Register of Historic Places. This thematic document provides resources and guidance for individuals interested in listing properties in the National Register. If anyone is interested in listing a significant African American resource in Portland or would like to learn more about how to use this document, please contact Robert Olguin at obert.olguin@oregon.gov">Robert.olguin@oregon.gov

Thematic Contexts discussed in the document include:

• African Americans in Early Oregon
• Business and Employment
• Entertainment and Recreation
• Religion and Worship
• Settlement Patterns
• Journalism
• Benevolent and Fraternal Societies
• Civil Rights

The National Register is maintained by the National Park Service under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. More information about the National Register and recent Oregon lists is online at oregonheritage.org (listed under “Designate”).

Properties listed in the National Register are:

• Recognized as significant to the nation, state, or community;
• Considered in the planning of federal or federally assisted projects;
• Eligible for federal and state tax benefits;
• Qualify for historic preservation grants when funds are available;
• Eligible for leniency in meeting certain building code requirements;
• Subject to local laws pertaining to the conservation and protection of historic resources.

National Register listing does not place any restrictions on a property at the state or federal level, unless property owners choose to participate in tax benefit or grant programs.

In advance of the July 4 holiday weekend, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) reminds visitors that fireworks are prohibited in state parks and on Oregon’s ocean beaches at all times, including the Independence Day holiday.

“Fireworks can hurt people, cause wildfires, harm wildlife and create litter and debris,” said OPRD Associate Director Chris Havel. “We are asking visitors to do their part and respect fireworks rules.”

Keeping fireworks out of state parks is critical for preventing human-caused wildfires. Dry conditions are already present in many areas of the state, and a few parks have campfire restrictions in place. Check stateparks.oregon.gov for information about restrictions in state parks.

“One of the best ways to prevent wildfires while enjoying the outdoors is to practice safe habits when building and extinguishing campfires,” Havel said. “This is critical now more than ever, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, when a revenue shortfall means fewer rangers are available to patrol and respond to incidents.”

Information about basic wildfire safety is at keeporegongreen.org.

The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries will meet by conference call at 1 p.m. on July 16. Its agenda includes a heritage bulletin on marking unmarked graves, a position paper on the Confederate flags in historic cemeteries, and outreach efforts to support the preservation of historic cemeteries. The meeting is open to the public and the agenda includes an opportunity for public comment.

State law established the seven-member Commission to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries and gravesites in Oregon; promote public education on the significance of historic cemeteries; and help obtain financial and technical assistance for restoring, improving and maintaining their appearances. For more information about commission activities, contact coordinator Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail at i.gill@oregon.gov">kuri.gill@oregon.gov. The meeting site is accessible to people with disabilities. Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986?0690 at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting.

For call-in details and the agenda or more information about the commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health is investigating a COVID-19 outbreak at a Vancouver food establishment and is concerned people who visited the facility June 19-25 may be at risk of getting sick.

Public Health has so far linked 18 cases – four employees and 14 customers – to Orchards Tap Bar and Grill. Anyone who visited Orchards Tap between June 19 and June 25 should contact their health care provider and request testing for COVID-19, even if they do not have symptoms.

Individuals who were at Orchards Tap should tell their health care provider that they were potentially exposed to the virus in a COVID-19 outbreak. Those individuals should also quarantine at home for 14 days from their last date of exposure at the facility.

“Given the number of customers who have tested positive, we’re concerned others may be at risk of getting sick,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director. “We want everyone at risk to get tested so we can isolate those who are contagious and quarantine all of their close contacts as quickly as possible. These steps are necessary to prevent the virus from spreading further.”

Public Health began its outbreak investigation on June 29, after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. Three additional employees tested positive in the days that followed.

Through case interviews, Public Health nurses identified customers who reported visiting Orchards Tap during the time in which they were likely exposed to the virus. The most recent case that has been linked to the facility was reported to Public Health on July 2.

Orchards Tap voluntarily closed on June 25 and remains closed.

Everyone should maintain physical distancing and wear face coverings in public places, including restaurants and taverns. Face coverings can be removed while seated and eating, but should be worn when entering and exiting the establishment and any other time you leave the table.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County’s application to move into Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan has been put on pause. This afternoon, Gov. Jay Inslee announced a statewide two-week pause on the reopening process, following an increase in new COVID-19 cases and the percentage of tests coming back positive.

As a result, Clark County will remain in Phase 2.

“Public Health supports the governor’s decision to pause the reopening process,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director. “We’re seeing a dramatic increase in the number of new cases in Clark County. I’m worried that our rising case numbers will lead to increase in hospitalizations and, potentially, deaths.”

From June 23 to June 30, 162 Clark County residents tested positive for COVID-19, for an average of more than 20 new cases per day. In the first three weeks of June, 164 people tested positive, for an average of more than seven new cases per day. Today, Public Health announced another 18 new cases.

“We must take steps now to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community if we want to be able to safely move to Phase 3,” Melnick said. “Wearing face coverings and maintaining physical distancing are easy things we can do to help keep our community open and our residents healthy.”

Other important ways to keep yourself and others healthy include washing hands frequently, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available, covering coughs and sneezes, not touching your face with unwashed hands, frequently disinfecting high-touch surfaces and staying home when sick.

In addition to the two-week pause on reopening, Gov. Inslee announced a new face covering requirement. Beginning Tuesday, the state will require all businesses to refuse service to customers who are not wearing face coverings. This requirement expands the current order in Yakima County to the rest of the state.

Public Health submitted its application to move into Phase 3 of the state’s four-phased reopening plan on Friday, June 26. Clark County residents and businesses should continue to follow the Phase 2 guidance outlined by the governor until the county is approved to move to Phase 3.

For more information about COVID-19 and the Public Health response, visit the Public Health website.

Marion County Health & Human Services has announced that reproductive health services will not resume as the department begins to reopen its Public Health Clinic, which has been closed since March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decision follows months of careful assessment that began in 2019 when the county engaged a consultant to evaluate its service offerings in comparison to the needs of the community. The process incorporated input from employees, community partners, and individuals receiving services. The full report can be viewed on the Health & Human Services website.

The assessment found that the number of individuals seeking services from Marion County’s Reproductive Health Program had declined in recent years and that adequate alternatives exist to support the needs of the community were the program to close. In recent years, a shift in funding models for these services has led to an increase in access to and availability of primary care providers.

Marion County Health & Human Services will continue to coordinate with providers throughout the county to assist them in partnering with the Oregon Health Authority’s Reproductive Health Program and will work to ensure equitable access to care for all of the county’s residents.

Marion County’s Public Health Division Director, Katrina Rothenberger, said, “As the local public health authority, we take our responsibility to ensure equitable access to high quality healthcare for everyone in our community very seriously. As we begin to move away from direct service, we are eager to focus more of our time on creating change at the systems level.”   

Immunizations and STD/HIV services will continue at the county’s Salem Public Health Clinic located at 3180 Center St. NE and the county will work to assist community members in finding a healthcare provider if they do not already have one.

OREGON CITY - At the July 1, 2020 City Commission meeting, the Oregon City Commission took the unprecedented action of passing a vote of no-confidence in Mayor Dan Holladay for his detrimental actions that have negatively impacted the City and have led to a loss of faith in his abilities to effectively lead the community and the Commission. Commissioners expressed ongoing concerns about the leadership and direction of the Mayor following several recent events as well as his actions to pursue his own interests above those of the Commission and the safety and welfare of the community. 

The unanimous vote followed a decision at the June 17, 2020 City Commission meeting to censure Mayor Holladay for taking actions that injured the good name of the City of Oregon City, disturbed its well-being, and hampered its work.  The Letter of Censure was read by Commission President Rachel Lyles Smith at the July 1, 2020 City Commission meeting and outlined the Mayor’s actions that counter the interests of the Commission. Most notably were his actions to contravene Governor Kate Brown’s “Stay Home, Save Lives” Executive Order 20-12 which resulted in a letter from the Attorney General, violating the City’s rules of procedures, soliciting private donations for a fireworks show and social media comments downplaying the significance of the death of Black citizens in police encounters and concerns about racial injustice.

At this meeting, the Commission President provided an update to the community on their decision to hire a third-party investigator to further examine the actions of the Mayor.

The Commission is dedicated to the principle and practice of a City government that fosters partnership, equity, inclusion and accountability to best serve the Oregon City community.

###

Salem, Ore. — On Saturday, July 4, 2020, beginning at 11:00 a.m., a Black Lives Matter Solidarity Rally is scheduled. A portion of Court Street will be closed as a result.

The event, coordinated by Salem Community Organizers, is expected to draw up to 1,000 people. They plan to gather on the State Capitol steps and begin with speakers and performances at noon. The group does not plan to march on city streets and has reserved the State Capitol steps and Capitol Mall through Oregon Legislative staff and Oregon State Parks respectively.

Vehicles will be prohibited on Court Street from 12th Street to Cottage Street during the planned event.  Court Street is expected to reopen by 5:00 p.m.

Please see the Road Closure Map attached for a visual representation of the planned Salem area street closure.  Drivers are encouraged to avoid this area and to find alternate routes. 

Seaside, Ore. – July 6, 2020 – The victim in a July 3, 2020 drowning incident near the mouth of the Seaside Estuary has been identified as Lloyd Arthur Costello, 55, of Beaverton. Costello was reported to have been kayaking in the area in the hours leading up to the discovery of his body at approximately 3 p.m. Thursday afternoon. Seaside Fire & Rescue responded to the scene and made attempts to revive Costello, but efforts were unsuccessful. Next of kin have been notified.

Police were also called to the beach near Avenue G in the early morning hours of July 3, 2020 for a report of a suicide. Authorities confirmed that an individual did take their own life and that the situation is not considered suspicious. The individual was not from the area, had not been staying in the area but left information that led to the notification of next of kin.

From 6 a.m. on July 3 to 6 a.m. on July 5, Seaside Dispatch took 714 phone calls, 192 which were made to the 9-1-1 line. There was a total of 207 calls for service, 55 for reports of illegal fireworks and several citations were issued for firework violations over the course of the holiday weekend. 11 arrests were made over the weekend, two of which were for DUI’s while additional arrests involved criminal trespassing, burglary and disorderly conduct. 

end of release

Seaside, Ore. – July 2, 2020 – On Thursday, July 2, 2020, at approximately 2:50 p.m., Seaside dispatch received a call of a man in the water at the Seaside Estuary. Upon arrival, Seaside Fire & Rescue quickly located the victim thanks to help from the caller. Resuscitative efforts were unsuccessful, and the adult male appears to have succumbed to the elements.

An autopsy has been scheduled by the medical examiner and the identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Authorities want to remind those spending time in the water this holiday weekend that despite warmer conditions, the ocean and nearby waterways are just as dangerous as ever. Today’s conditions were no exception and the waterways were quite turbulent.

Additional information will be released when it becomes available.

end of release

PORTLAND, OR – Applications open Wednesday, July 8, for the Small Business Program for Utility Relief (SPUR), designed to help small businesses with their City of Portland sewer, stormwater, and water bill during the ongoing public health and economic crisis.

PLEASE NOTE: The application deadline is July 22. No applications will be accepted after this date.

SPUR: Small Business Program for Utility Relief

The Portland Water Bureau and Bureau of Environmental Services have pledged $1 million in financial support for small businesses impacted by the pandemic. Credits for City of Portland utility bills are expected to assist between 200 and 300 small businesses and will range between $1,000 and $10,000. The City of Portland utility bureaus partnered with Prosper Portland, the city’s economic development agency, to develop for a program for providing relief to impacted businesses. SPUR builds on the work done for Prosper Portland’s Small Business Relief Fund which provides relief for small businesses affected by the pandemic economic and public health emergency.

Small businesses are invited to apply beginning Wednesday, July 8, through July 22 at portlandoregon.gov/water/smallbiz.

• The application is simple.
• Applications will be prioritized using a racial equity and vulnerability lens.
• Applications will not be evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis, but the July 22 closing date is a hard deadline for application submission.
• Applications are available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Russian. Interpreters are available for those who would like support in other languages. Call 503-823-7770 to request an interpreter.

The City of Portland utility bureaus are prioritizing businesses owned by Black, Indigenous, and all People of Color (BIPOC) and women to direct dollars to traditionally underserved businesses. Recognizing that the BIPOC community is disproportionally affected by the pandemic, the City of Portland is dedicating SPUR resources toward these small business owners.

A selection committee is made up of representatives from the following: Council for Economic and Racial Equity; Portland Utility Board; Oregon Native American Chamber; Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon; Black American Chamber; Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber of Oregon; Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce; Bureau of Environmental Services; and Commissioner Fritz's office.

“The SPUR program invests in our beloved small businesses that embody the very character of our city, so they can recover and continue to serve the community,” said Water Bureau Director Mike Stuhr. “By investing in small businesses today, the utilities are also helping to ensure that these ratepayers can continue to invest in our sewer, stormwater and water infrastructure for decades to come.”

The City of Portland utility bureaus continue to offer all customers no-interest flexible payment schedules. In response to the crisis, the utility bureaus have suspended late fees, collections and water shut-offs on accounts with past-due balances.

The SPUR application is available at portlandoregon.gov/water/smallbiz. If you have questions about the program or the application, email SmallBiz@portlandoregon.gov or contact City Customer Service staff at 503-823-7770. Limited staffing may result in longer response time.

A representative from the Water Bureau is available for Skype interviews. To schedule, please call the PIO Phone at 503-823-8064.

ABOUT THE PORTLAND WATER BUREAU 

The Portland Water Bureau serves water to almost a million people in the Portland area. Portland’s water system includes two great water sources, 53 tanks and reservoirs, and 2,200 miles of pipes. With 600 employees working on everything from water treatment to customer service, the Water Bureau is committed to serving excellent water every minute of every day. Find us on Twitter @PortlandWater and visit us at portlandoregon.gov/water.

About the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services 

The City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services - your sewer and stormwater utility - provides Portland residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. Follow on Twitter - @BESPortland. On the web: portlandoregon.gov/bes/news.

About PROSPER PORTLAND 

Prosper Portland creates economic growth and opportunity for Portland. Our vision is to make Portland one of the most globally competitive, healthy, and equitable cities in the world by investing in job creation, encouraging broad economic prosperity, and fostering great places throughout the city. We aspire to be a workplace of choice with passionate staff excelling in an open and empowering environment and sharing a commitment to our collective success. Follow us on Twitter @prosperportland or visit us at prosperportland.us.

July 6, 2020

Todd Allan Carr charged with murder in the second degree

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announces the filing of a single count charging document against 54-year-old Todd Allan Carr who is accused of murdering his mother.

Carr is charged with one count of murder in the second degree.

The victim, Shannon Carr, died of homicidal violence, according to the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office.

Court documents state that law enforcement responded to a disturbance on July 5, 2020 at a residence in the 400 block of Southeast 99th Avenue in Portland, Oregon. Upon arrival, law enforcement located Ms. Carr deceased in the apartment.

During a court-authorized search warrant, law enforcement located more than one knife inside the residence. 

Police located Carr upon their immediate arrival. They arrested him on scene. Carr remains in the Multnomah County Detention Center.

Like in all criminal and civil matters, electronic copies of court documents, which are not subject to a protective order, are available to the public through the Oregon eCourt Information (OECI) system.

No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at this time pursuant to the Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct.

A charging document is only an accusation of a crime. Carr is innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Domestic Violence Unit is committed to ending family abuse. The unit engages in evidence-based prosecution of domestic violence. It emphasizes the importance of victim advocacy services for all victims and their children. Even when a prosecutor decides to proceed with a case without a victim’s participation, every effort is made to offer the victim advocacy services from available resources.

Resources:

• Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office: Victim Assistance Program: 503-988-3222
• Call to Safety: 1-888-235-5333
• The Gateway Center for Domestic Violence Services: 503-988-6400

COVID-19 Notice

The health and well-being of all employees and community members we serve is a top priority for the Multnomah County District Attorney. Our office is working with the court, defense bar, local law enforcement and other system partners to carefully balance the needs of public health and public safety.

For information about the operational changes implemented by the District Attorney’s Office in response to the novel coronavirus, please click here.

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director | Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office

Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

July 6, 2020

DA’s Office files bias crimes case against 30-year-old man

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announces the filing of a five-count charging document against 30-year-old Zachary Allen Hantz for allegedly menacing and unlawfully using a weapon against a City of Portland park ranger.

It is alleged that Hantz subjected the victim to alarm by threatening to inflict serious physical injury because of his perception of the victim’s race or the color of his skin.  

Court documents state that on July 5, 2020, law enforcement responded to the area of West Burnside Street and Northwest Park Avenue on an in-progress disturbance.

The victim is African American and is employed by the City of Portland and its Bureau of Parks & Recreation as a park ranger.

It is alleged that Hantz approached the victim and started walking aggressively toward the victim while yelling racial hate speech. Hantz took out a knife and pointed it toward the victim in a manner that made him believe that Hantz would use it against him and placed him in imminent fear of serious physical injury.

According to court documents, as Hantz confronted the park ranger, a community member saw the events unfolding and attempted to de-escalate the situation. The community member is also an African American male.

It is alleged that Hantz then started screaming at and pointing the knife in the direction of the community member. Law enforcement arrived and took Hantz into custody without any further incident.

During the investigation, law enforcement learned the park ranger had initially contacted a person inside the North Park Blocks when Hantz approached and confronted the victim.

Hantz is charged with one count of bias crime in the first degree, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon and two counts of menacing.

Like in all criminal and civil matters, electronic copies of court documents, which are not subject to a protective order, are available to the public through the Oregon eCourt Information (OECI) system.

No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at this time pursuant to the Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct.

A charging document is only an accusation of a crime. Hantz is innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office was an active participant of the Oregon Attorney General’s Hate Crimes Task Force and helped draft the language that was in Senate Bill 577. The law, which went into effect on July 15, 2019, renamed the crime of “intimidation” to “bias crime,” added gender identity to the list of protected categories and removed the requirement that two or more people commit the crime in order to make it a felony in certain circumstances.

All potential bias crime cases, whether they are a felony or misdemeanor, are reviewed by the Violent Crimes Unit within the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. If a misdemeanor crime is issued, the felony-level attorney will retain the case.

If you are the victim of a bias crime assault or you are witnessing one, immediately call 9-1-1. If you are the victim of a bias crime and the suspect is no longer present or if you have information about a bias crime committed in the past, call the non-emergency line at 503-823-3333.

COVID-19 Notice

The health and well-being of all employees and community members we serve is a top priority for the Multnomah County District Attorney. Our office is working with the court, defense bar, local law enforcement and other system partners to carefully balance the needs of public health and public safety.

For information about the operational changes implemented by the District Attorney’s Office in response to the novel coronavirus, please click here.

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director | Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office

Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

July 2, 2020

District Attorney releases Untested Sexual Assault Kit Project Grant Report

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill is releasing the Untested Sexual Assault Kit Project grant report.

To view a copy of the report, please click here.

District Attorney Underhill said:

Our success of becoming one of the first states to fully eliminate its sexual assault forensic evidence kit backlog and to also implement legislative policies that ensure consistent testing practices in the future is significantly tied to the investment and commitment of Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr.

Eliminating Oregon’s backlog of sexual assault forensic evidence kits does more than just pushing a reset button. It recognizes the mistakes of the past and helps to restore confidence in our public safety system. For too long, survivors of sexual assault were left fighting for a voice. Today, through our trauma informed practices, we work with survivors of sexual assault every day to ensure they understand their rights as crime victims. We make sure they are informed of every step of the process. We make sure that their voice is not only heard, but that we listen and that we are responsive.

Locally, we achieved our success quickly because of the shared dedication of local law enforcement including the Oregon State Police Forensic Crime Laboratory. This combined effort highlights the positive outcomes possible in the criminal justice system. I am proud of the current and past members of our Untested Sexual Assault Kit Team. Their passionate commitment to public safety and victims makes our community safer and stronger.

Finally, we honor Melissa Bittler – a 14 year old girl raped and murdered in Portland. The

DNA in her case identified a serial rapist and propelled significant changes with how law enforcement processes DNA evidence. “Melissa’s Law,” which, among other things, requires the timely testing of sexual assault forensic evidence kits passed in 2016, and was named after Melissa. This report is dedicated to and honors her and all other victims of sexual assault.

In 2015, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill, along with the Portland Police Bureau, Gresham Police Department, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police Forensic Laboratory collaboratively initiated a project to process thousands of untested Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) kits in Multnomah, Marion and Lane counties.

District Attorney Underhill and others quickly identified funding from the New York County District Attorney’s Office (DANY) and worked collectively with the Portland Police Bureau’s Sex Crimes Unit after the City of Portland received a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance’s (BJA) Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Grant Program.

DANY awarded the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office a total of $1,995,453 in September 2015. Using those funds, a coordinated effort involving local law enforcement and the Oregon State Police was launched to send SAFE kits, dated 2014 or older from Multnomah, Lane and Marion counties, to a private lab in Utah for testing.

Under the DANY grant, nearly 3,000 sexual assault kits from around the state were tested.

In 2018, Oregon became one of the first five states in the country to clear its backlog of Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) kits.

In Oregon, Senate Bill 1571, known as "Melissa's Law," was the Oregon Legislature's response to ensuring all sexual assault kits, except for anonymous kits, are sent to the Oregon State Crime Laboratory for timely testing.

The Portland Police Bureau’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Workgroup, which was created in 2015, is comprised of victim-centered and trauma-informed members of the Portland Police Bureau and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.

Results from the kits continue to be investigated and survivors of sexual assaults are being notified. The Portland Police Bureau’s Sex Crimes Unit encourages those who have had a SAFE kit collected prior to 2015 to contact the oseproject@portlandoregon.gov">roseproject@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-0125.

Current Multnomah County SAFE kit criminal cases (as of July 2, 2020)

• State of Oregon vs Jose Oscar Rosales - 17CR29317 - Convicted in February 2018
• State of Oregon vs Curtis Clint Williams - 17CR37474 - Convicted in June 2018
• State of Oregon vs Steven Guy Tubbs - 17CR08640 - Convicted in August 2018
• State of Oregon vs Jihad Eldeen Moore - 18CR13996 – Convicted in October 2018
• State of Oregon vs Chanh Van Tran - 18CR25167 - Convicted in November 2018
• State of Oregon vs Jesse Ryan Moser – 19CR53575 – Convicted in February 2020
• State of Oregon vs Ricky Alexander Harrison - 18CR59141 - Pending trial
• State of Oregon vs Richard Timothy Ward – 19CR25495 – Pending trial
• State of Oregon vs Donnie Michael Willis Jr. – 19CR55777 – Convicted in March 2020
• State of Oregon vs Leslie L. Thornton – 11-11-34868 – Pending trial
• State of Oregon vs Timothy Nathaniel Hogue - 11-11-34868 – Pending trial
• State of Oregon vs Frank Domont Hall Jr. – 19CR77675 – Pending trial
• Secret Indictment

COVID-19 Notice

The health and well-being of all employees and community members we serve is a top priority for the Multnomah County District Attorney. Our office is working with the court, defense bar, local law enforcement and other system partners to carefully balance the needs of public health and public safety.

For information about the operational changes implemented by the District Attorney’s Office in response to the novel coronavirus, please click here.

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director | Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office

Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

July 2, 2020

Human sex trafficking investigation results in 24-count indictment

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill is announcing the filing of a 24-count indictment against 55-year-old Tracy Steven Rasberry following a human sex trafficking investigation.

A Multnomah County grand jury charged Rasberry with 24 counts of promoting prostitution.

According to court records, the alleged crimes occurred in January and February of 2019.

Under Oregon law, a person commits the crime of promoting prostitution if, with intent to promote prostitution, they knowingly: own, control, manage, supervise or otherwise maintain a place of prostitution or a prostitution enterprise; induce or cause a person to engage in prostitution or to remain in a place of prostitution; receive or agree to receive money, goods, property, services or something else of value, other than as a prostitute being compensated for personally rendered prostitution services, pursuant to an agreement or understanding that the money, goods, property, services or something else of value is derived from a prostitution activity; or engage in any conduct that institutes, aids or facilitates an act or enterprise of prostitution.

Police located and arrested Rasberry on July 1, 2020 in the 1800 block of Northeast 122nd Avenue in Portland, Oregon.

Like in all criminal and civil matters, electronic copies of court documents, which are not subject to a protective order, are available to the public through the Oregon eCourt Information (OECI) system.

No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at this time pursuant to the Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct.

A charging document is only an accusation of a crime. Rasberry is innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Team is litigating this case. The team includes two attorneys, an investigator and a victim advocate. Additionally, an attorney assigned to the MCDA gang unit is available to help prosecute cases and support the team as trafficking routinely intersects with gang violence.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Team works to protect victims utilizing a three-prong approach: (1) aggressively prosecuting those who traffic victims to sex buyers; (2) reducing demand for exploitation in all forms to include a dedicated focus on a reduction of sex buyers; and (3) ensuring adequate protection and support for victims of human trafficking.

If you are involved in sex trafficking, or know of someone who is being trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or 9-1-1.

COVID-19 Notice

The health and well-being of all employees and community members we serve is a top priority for the Multnomah County District Attorney. Our office is working with the court, defense bar, local law enforcement and other system partners to carefully balance the needs of public health and public safety.

For information about the operational changes implemented by the District Attorney’s Office in response to the novel coronavirus, please click here.

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director | Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office

Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

HILLSBORO, Ore.- On July 2, 2020, a Washington County jury found Zachery Thomas Sanders guilty of first-degree robbery, second-degree robbery, second-degree theft, menacing, fourth-degree assault, strangulation and unlawful use of a weapon. On July 7, 2020, Judge Ted Sims sentenced the defendant to 90 months in prison. Senior Deputy District Attorney Jeffery MacLean prosecuted the case against Mr. Sanders.

On February 16, 2020, the victim arranged to meet with the defendant to sell a pair of shoes to a third party in Forest Grove, Oregon. After driving the victim to a nearby location to sell the shoes, the victim got back into the car with the defendant and two other men. Mr. Sanders then grabbed the victim’s backpack in an attempt to steal it. A struggle ensued and Mr. Sanders then assaulted and choked the victim. During the commission of the robbery, the victim was also threatened with a firearm.

The victim surrendered the backpack and left the car. He then called 911 and Forest Grove Police responded to the call. The victim gave a detailed description of Mr. Sanders and the car they were driving in. Police were able to locate the vehicle and those involved in the robbery a short time later. Police also found the stolen backpack and a handgun that was later determined to be stolen.

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office acknowledges the work of Forest Grove Police on this case.

In addition to his prison sentence, Judge Sims also ordered Mr. Sanders to undergo three years of post-prison supervision upon his release. Judge Sims also barred the defendant from having any contact with the victim.

Mr. Sanders will be transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections to begin serving his sentence.  

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) — the country’s largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to the field of aging — has bestowed the Clark Tibbitts Award to Portland Community College instructor Jan Abushakrah.

Abushakrah, who serves as PCC’s Gerontology Program faculty chair, was honored for her contribution to the advancement of gerontology and geriatrics education by GSA’s Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education.

“I will forever cherish this highest, annual award because I was secretly nominated by my PCC team, and then was in tears and speechless when I learned that I had been selected by the award committee,” Abushakrah said. “Our program has guided hundreds of students to complete their first college experience, additional college degree, or certificate in preparation for meaningful careers that make a positive difference in the lives of older persons.”

Abushakrah said she is most proud of her program’s wrap-around student support efforts and its “Ending Ageism” and “Flipping Mindsets” campaigns for encore or older learners entering college. The long-time faculty member played a significant role in the development of the international Gerontology Education Competencies as part of a new Gerontology Program Accreditation process, and she served on the nation’s first Accreditation for Gerontology Education Council Board of Governors.

PCC’s Gerontology Program (based at the Sylvania Campus in Southwest Portland) offers five career pathways certificates that prepare graduates to enter existing jobs and provide them with the skills needed to create new positions and directions through self-employment. Graduates work in a wide range of entry-level and advanced positions in aging services, long term care and community programs. This includes serving as life enrichment coordinators, health and wellness specialists, aging life care managers, advocates, horticultural therapists, and many more.

“In the Portland Metro area and around the globe, our graduates are having a profound impact on the quality of life of diverse older persons,” she added.

Her own staff have said that Abushakrah, who founded the program, has made the college’s Gerontology Program what it is today. She transitioned it into a fully online format to meet the needs and demands of busy students, which helped to ensure the long-term viability. Through her community-wide outreach and mentoring, Abushakrah has helped to build an affinity for the program by students and faculty.

“Jan’s passion and commitment to advancing gerontology programs across community colleges has demonstrated a leadership that is both collaborative and heartfelt,” stated Mike Faber in the award application. “Jan is a real pioneer in the field of gerontology education at the community college level.”

The award presentations will take place at GSA’s November 2020 Annual Scientific Meeting in Philadelphia, either in-person or virtually. The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) is the nation’s oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to research, education, and practice in the field of aging.

About Portland Community College: Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to nearly 70,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, eight education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

Greetings from Pacific University, where we approach the Independence Day weekend with a heightened sense of awareness, gratitude and especially, community. 

Here's what's going on here:

Pacific's Eugene Campus moves to Lane Community College grounds

Dr. Helen Sharp honored by American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association

Remembering former basketball coach and Athletic Director Bob Bonn

Alumna Bridgett Pride seeks to emphasize Black voices in library science

Alumnus Ryan Moore honored by employer, The Queen's Medical Center

Here's to a safe and meaningful weekend.

— pacificu.edu —

Pacific University is a diverse learning community, where students thrive in a personal academic environment. Students study in a unique combination of undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in the liberal arts and sciences, business, education, health professions and optometry. Located in Oregon, Pacific serves a diverse population of more than 3,900 students, with campuses in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Eugene and Woodburn, as well as healthcare clinics throughout the Portland area. Pacific is ranked the No. 1 private research university in the Pacific Northwest and is also committed to civic engagement, sustainability and interprofessional education as part of its core teaching philosophy.

The Centennial School District Governing Board will hold a meeting Wednesday, July 8 ,2020, virtually via the Zoom app at 6:30 p.m.

Access provided to the meeting by telephone. Please use one of the following phone numbers:

+1 253 215 8782 +1 669 900 9128

If prompted, provide the following Meeting ID: 824 7159 6506 Password: 524460

Items of interest include review of a new policy on student suicide prevention. 

Additional items may be added as they become available.'

NOTE: The Board will meet in executive session under ORS 192.660 (2)(e) -to conduct deliberations with persons designated by the governing body to negotiate real property transactions. Media may attend but may not report on items discussed during executive session.

To view the agenda and board meeting documents, paste the following link into your browser: https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicMeetingMaterials.aspx?ak=1001533&mk=50381581

For more information contact Pamela Jordan at, dan@csd28j.org" target="_blank">pamela_jordan@csd28j.org.

The Multnomah Education Service District Board Finance Committee will meet at 1:00 p.m. on July 9, 2020. 
In response to the current health emergency, agency facilities are closed and the meeting will be held virtually via Zoom https://zoom.us/j/93810130575

We are aware of the recently created social media accounts that are dedicated to sharing the anonymous stories of alleged incidences of sexual harassment and assault experienced by current and former Tigard-Tualatin School District (TTSD) students in our school buildings and/or that have been reported to school staff. These allegations are very serious, and in accordance with state law and district policy require investigation. 

This morning we initiated an external investigation of each one of the reports. Upon completion of this investigation, a report regarding the process and outcome will be shared with the School Board. We are also following up with all of the identified students and their families. 

We strongly encourage all students, regardless of the forum they choose, to speak out about abuse. While TTSD offers multiple avenues for students to safely report abuses, if for any reason there is a lack of trust in our staff or systems, we strongly advise students to report abuses through the Safe Oregon school safety tip line. Safe Oregon is a 24/7 anonymous student reporting system that provides immediate and formal responses to student concerns. 

Anyone with new or additional information relative to allegations of sexual harassment or abuse involving TTSD students or staff should contact Debbie Ebert, TTSD Director of Human Resources at ert@ttsd.k12.or.us">debert@ttsd.k12.or.us or 503.431.4013.

Instagram Reference: @tigardtualatinclowns; @nsrc.official

Safe Oregon Contact Information:

Safeoregon.com

Call or Text: 844.472.3367

Email: tip@safeoregon.com

Thursday, July 2, 2020 – Ridgefield, WA – Attached is a letter from the Ridgefield School Board addressed to the community today regarding the district’s bond program which will be on the ballot in the upcoming Special Election in August.

Due to fire risk and the presence of construction material and equipment at several schools, fireworks are again prohibited on all VPS grounds and parking lots this summer. The discharge or use of fireworks is not allowed on any district or school property, whether it is located outside of or within the limits of the city of Vancouver, which has an ordinance preventing the sale and use of consumer fireworks. Increased security patrols will monitor activity.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Salem, Oregon (July 8, 2020) –   Oregon is ranked as one of the worst states for mental health. An April 2020 Kaiser Family Foundation poll shows that 45% of adults in the U.S. reported that their mental health is negatively impacted due to worry and stress over the COVID-19 pandemic. Hoping to provide more options for treatment, Salem Active Recovery TMS, an Oregon-based clinic specializing in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to treat depression, is opening an office in the capital city. 

Active Recovery TMS is scheduling patients for August appointments at its Boulder Creek clinic on 12th street in South Salem. The clinic will provide people struggling with severe depression with a valuable option for managing their mental health. TMS can reduce symptoms of depression or bring it under control with minimal side effects. It is a Food and Drug Administration-cleared treatment covered by many insurances, including Medicare, the Veterans Affairs Tri-Care/Tri-West, and the Oregon Health Plan.

“TMS is particularly helpful for patients with treatment-resistant depression with response and remission rates that are significantly better than traditional antidepressants,” says Jonathan Horey, M.D. chief medical officer and co-founder of Active Recovery TMS. “This non-invasive treatment has been shown to help patients struggling with depression, particularly those who have not found relief with antidepressants, talk therapy, or have found the former intolerable side effects.”

Active Recovery TMS currently has three locations in Hillsboro, Portland, and Tigard. The demand for the clinic’s services continues to increase. In 2020, the practice added 12 new hires, among them physicians, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and technicians, and is currently hiring additional staff for its Salem office.

“We already have people from Salem driving to our Bridgeport clinic for treatment every day,” said David Grano, CEO. “This will be a welcome relief for many people who can continue their depression treatment close to home.”

The clinic works with referring physicians to design treatment plans. As Dr. Horey explains, “No one treatment will have the same effect on all patients. While TMS treatment alone may be successful for some, for others, it may be part of a standard treatment regimen of medication, psychotherapy, or a combination. Because we are providing TMS services exclusively, our goal is to work with each patient’s medical provider to find the right balance and achieve the desired outcome.”

TMS uses a highly focused, pulsed magnetic field (similar to an MRI) to target the brain regions involved in regulating mood. Each treatment is approximately 20 minutes. While antidepressant medications may affect sleep or cognition, TMS causes minimal side effects in a small percentage of patients. The therapy is administered on an outpatient basis so that patients can resume their normal activities immediately.

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the U.S., with an estimated 17.3 million adults (7.1% of all U.S. adults) suffering from at least one major depressive episode in 2017. Based on an internal review of patient outcomes, 79% of Active Recovery TMS patients have shown a measurable decrease in depression symptoms. These results are reported on the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9, a commonly used depression scale), and one-third achieve control of their depression and are free from symptoms. These numbers echo more rigorous national studies conducted in clinical settings.

 About: Salem’s Active Recovery TMS clinic is located inside the Boulder Creek office complex on 2525 12th Street S, Suite #210, Salem, OR 97302. It seeks to provide a safe and effective alternative treatment for depression with transcranial magnetic stimulation. It is a compelling option for those who have not had success with standard depression treatments like medication and/or psychotherapy. Active Recovery TMS has been treating patients since Jan. 2017. Visit activerecoverytms.com for more information.

Blues Fest 2020: Listening Together presented by Bank of America officially kicks off this weekend, featuring a 2-hour television special, a 2-day radio broadcast and the Blues Fest Bandwagon, July 3-5, 2020

Portland, Ore. (July 2, 2020) – On what would have been opening day for the 33rd annual Waterfront Blues Festival, event organizers are putting the final touches on their new plans for 2020, including the Blues Fest Bandwagon, which hits the road on Friday, July 3.

The Blues Fest Bandwagon will bring live music to driveways, front yards and porches in the Portland Metro Area. Fans were able to nominate their favorite friend, frontline hero, or family member to be the recipient of this socially-distanced fun, and event organizers narrowed down the nearly 200 nominations to eight lucky winners. The stops on the Bandwagon will include visits to nurses, teachers, senior care workers, a veteran, a mom fighting cancer and of course, some Blues Festival super fans.

“The response to the Blues Fest Bandwagon has been simply amazing,” says Festival Producer Christina Fuller, and “the stories shared really show how cherished and impactful the Waterfront Blues Festival is.” Some snippets from the winning nominations demonstrate just that:

• “My mama has been battling cancer for the past year and will have her final treatment shortly after the 4th!! She’s always among the first people to purchase the four day Blues Fest pass and always THE first one through the gate for the best spot.”
• “’K’ is currently a nurse at Prov Portland hospital and treating COVID patients in the ICU. Her hard working and self sacrificing attitude is very admirable and deserves recognition in all forms. ‘B’ and ‘C’ are both working for the school district to support the future generation getting an education through this difficult climate. All three of these individuals are beautiful and selfless and I would love for them to experience this once in a life time opportunity.”
• “For my Dad, attending the Blues Festival is a yearly ritual. He was so disappointed when the usual Waterfront festival was canceled (and he brings it up frequently!). It's been a challenging time for my Dad, as it has been for everyone. I know a visit from the Blues Fest Band Wagon would cheer him immensely!”
• “She has been a volunteer for 20 years, she is a native Oregonian and never misses a festival.”

Beyond the Bandwagon, music lovers and Blues Fest fans will be able to virtually spend their July 4th weekend together enjoying some of the most electric, exciting past performances from the Waterfront. Livestreams of a 2-hour TV special on KOIN.com on July 4 at 9pm, and two days of music on KBOO.fm on July 4 and 5 starting at noon each day, will bring the music to houses and backyards across the country.

COVID-19 put an immediate halt on the live music and event industries, leaving musicians and industry personnel out of work and with no foreseeable return to ‘normal.’ Throughout July 4th weekend, the Festival will be promoting MusiCares, a charity founded by the Recording Academy, that “provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need.”

The festival's three-decade effort to fight hunger locally continues with a focus on Meals on Wheels People. Serving seniors in Multnomah and Washington Counties in Oregon, and Clark County in SW Washington, Meals on Wheels People has seen skyrocketed demand over the past several months due to Covid-19. By providing food, human connection and social support during these times of heightened isolation, loneliness and uncertainty, Meals on Wheels People are on the frontlines serving our neighbors.

The Blues Fest 2020 programs are made possible thanks to engaged festival sponsors, including Bank of America as this year's Presenting Sponsor.

In addition to Bank of America, long-time local sponsors Buick GMC of Beaverton, NW Natural and Bud Light affirmed their commitment to the Waterfront Blues Festival, ensuring that festival fans will have music in their homes and hearts this July 4th weekend.

For more informaiton, visit waterfrontbluesfest.com.     

About Waterfront Blues Festival:

Over the past 33 years, the Waterfront Blues Festival has become a treasured Portland tradition for locals and visitors alike, annually attracting over 80,000 attendees. Since 1988, this flagship festival has served as downtown Portland’s signature Fourth of July Celebration.

Voted “Best Festival” and “Best Outdoor Event” last year in Willamette Week’s annual “Best of Portland” Readers Poll, it is the largest blues festival west of the Mississippi, the second-largest blues festival in the nation, and one of the most revered festivals of its kind in the world. It is a recipient of numerous awards, including the Memphis-based Blues Foundation’s coveted Keeping the Blues Alive Award for ‘Best Festival.’ Since its inception, the festival has been committed to elevating the presence of local non-profits through fundraising and exposure.

Due to COVID-19, the 2020 production of the full festival was canceled.

Presenting Sponsor: Bank of America

Supporting Sponsors: Buick GMC of Beaverton, Bud Light, NW Natural, KBOO 90.7FM, KOIN 6

Special thanks to: Pioneer Waterproofing, Portland Community College, The Let it Ride Group, The Oregonian | OregonLive

www.waterfrontbluesfest.com

Portland, OR – After nearly four months closed, the Oregon Historical Society plans to re-open its museum to the public on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 10am. Following re-opening, public museum and store hours will be Wednesdays – Saturdays from 10am – 5pm and Sundays from 12pm – 5pm. The OHS Research Library remains closed for renovations that began in January 2020. More information on library services that are available during the renovation can be found at ohs.org/libraryreno.

Following the guidance and requirements of the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) for cultural attractions and museums, the Oregon Historical Society has implemented important safety protocols for the health of our staff and visitors. New safety protocols are detailed at the bottom of this press release as well as at ohs.org/reopening.

When the Oregon Historical Society closed on Saturday, March 14, the museum was about to debut a new original exhibition, Nevertheless, They Persisted: Women’s Voting Rights and the 19th Amendment, which chronicles the complicated history of woman suffrage and broad voting rights and profiles the brave activists who fought for woman suffrage. Now extended through mid-2021, this exhibit shows the many ways Oregon history connects to the national history of woman suffrage and to the complex history of American democracy.

“In this election year, Nevertheless, They Persisted will prompt visitors to reflect on voting rights and the many ways that activists have fought to universalize this basic right of citizenship,” said OHS Executive Director Kerry Tymchuk. “We were excited to open this exhibition in March, and four months later, the important messages of the power of activism shared in Nevertheless, They Persisted feel even more relevant today.”

Oregon women gained the right to vote in 1912, the initiative passing with a 52% majority after five prior failed attempts spanning nearly 30 years. It was not until the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, however, that women across the country gained the right to vote in local and national elections. Even then, these rights did not extend to all women — restrictions on citizenship continued for Native Americans and first-generation Asian Americans well into the twentieth century, and frequently used voter-suppression methods were outlawed by the 1965 Voting Rights Act (itself weakened by the 2013 Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder).

Nevertheless, They Persisted, and the Oregon Historical Society’s recently renovated permanent exhibition, Experience Oregon, give visitors an honest, and often difficult, look at our state’s history. In a recent statement on racial justice and equality, Tymchuk and OHS Board President Mary Faulkner wrote, “The Oregon Historical Society recommits itself to being a valuable resource by documenting, preserving, and sharing our state’s history, from all perspectives, and in all its complexities. We hope that everyone will continue to help guide us in providing knowledge of the past and working to build a more just and equitable society in the future.”

The Oregon Historical Society is excited to re-open its museum to share these exhibitions with visitors, while continuing its efforts to provide programs and content virtually for those who are not able to visit in person. For a full schedule of upcoming virtual programs, visit ohs.org/events, and to read up on what has been keeping OHS staff-members busy during our closure, visit ohs.org/blog.

New Health and Safety Protocols

Visitors to the Oregon Historical Society will be asked to adhere to the following guidelines in an effort to keep our staff and visitors as safe as possible: 

Wear A Face Covering: Pursuant to the Governor’s executive order, all visitors age twelve and older are required to wear a face covering. In compliance with ADA requirements, guests who have a physical or mental health condition, including disability, that prevents them from putting on, taking off, or wearing a face covering or are unable to wear a face covering for medical reasons will be exempt. If visitors do not have a face covering, single-use face coverings will be provided at no charge.

Maintain Distance: Signage through the museum will remind visitors to keep six feet of distance between themselves and visitors outside of their party. Per OHA guidelines, groups of up to 10 within the same party are not required to maintain six feet of physical distance.

Modified Exhibit Access: For the safety of our visitors, high touch hands-on interactive features in open exhibitions are closed until further notice. Our History Hub exhibit will be closed due to the hands-on nature of this exhibition, as will our Photo Hallway gallery due to the inability for visitors to easily maintain six feet of distance. 

Museum Store: The Oregon Historical Society Museum Store will maintain the same public hours as the museum. During this time, there will be a limit of four customers in the store at one time. We are eager to welcome shoppers back to the museum store, as all sales in our store provide critical funding in support of our mission.

Other Safety Precautions Include:

• Additional hand sanitizing stations installed at the museum’s entrance and throughout the building;
• Plexiglas sneeze guards installed at point of sale stations;
• Designated one-way paths to maintain required distancing as visitors enter, exit, and enjoy our exhibitions;
• Limited contact transactions; at this time, we will be discouraging cash/check transactions; and
• Limiting building capacity to a maximum of 150 visitors in the museum at one time.

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.

Vancouver, WA – Pink Lemonade Project (PLP) has hired Polina Senchilo as their new Community Relations and Program Manager. In addition to managing PLP’s extensive programs, she will lead PLP’s effort for a successful Girlfriends Run on Oct. 11.

“I am delighted for this opportunity to develop new, exciting events for the breast cancer community, while overseeing the current critical programming support that Pink Lemonade Project has provided for the past 10 years,” said Senchilo.

For the past five years, Senchilo was the Community Relations Coordinator at Chappelle’s Towing LLC. During her tenure, she was credited with bringing the towing company into the 21st century with her ideas and knowledge of social media and website development. She also started Chappelle’s Uplift program, which helps the less fortunate in our community.

Senchilo’s is an active volunteer in the community, whose past experience includes: Ambassador for Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce 2013-2019; Committee Member for Pink Lemonade Project’s “Pink Glow” Gala since 2017; Board Member for Pink Lemonade Project since 2019; Chair of The Dessert Dash for The Evergreen School District Foundation Gala 2015; Bell ringer for the Salvation Army during the 2013-2017 Christmas holiday season.

Senchilo resigned from the PLP board on July 1, 2020, in order to accept her new role.

About Pink Lemonade Project

Pink Lemonade Project’s mission is to educate, empower, and support women and men affected by breast cancer. Founded in 2010 by Drs. Allen & Cassie Gabriel, our purpose is to provide breast cancer previvors, patients, survivors and their families with the tools to enable them to thrive through their breast cancer journey and beyond. PLP provides critical support, beyond what the healthcare system can offer, to those affected by breast cancer who struggle with the many emotional and psychological aspects of a breast cancer diagnosis and recovery. Our nonprofit assists those affected by breast cancer across the Vancouver-Portland metropolitan area and we have served over 2700 participants since our inception. Learn more about at pinklemondeproject.org.

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Today, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld two Trump administration rules that allow employers and universities to push their religious or moral beliefs on employees and students by denying them access to insurance that covers birth control. Employers and universities will be able to decide — based on their own objections — if their health insurance plans cover birth control. 

The Affordable Care Act’s birth control benefit expanded contraceptive coverage with no out-of-pocket costs for more than 62 million women, including 17 million Latinas and 15 million Black women. Because of this decision, many more businesses and universities will have the opportunity to opt out of providing this critical coverage. 

Oregon is among 26 states that have passed laws to provide critical protections of contraceptive coverage. The Reproductive Health Equity Act, which was passed in 2017, requires commercial health plans regulated by the State of Oregon to continue covering birth control at no out-of-pocket cost, regardless of what happens at the federal level. However, the law does not apply to federal health plans, such as the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), TRICARE or Civilian Health or Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS), nor does it apply to self-funded plans or other plans subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon is working with coalition partners and state leaders to determine the scope of the ruling’s impact on Oregonians.

Statement from Lisa Gardner, President and CEO, Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon:

“Today’s ruling is egregious — people rely on birth control for their health, for their livelihoods and for their ability to determine their own futures. This decision further divides our country into those who have and those who have not. Birth control should not be restricted to only those who are wealthy enough to pay for it themselves.”

Statement from Anne Udall, President and CEO, Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette:

“We will not stop until everyone who needs birth control and other sexual and reproductive health care can access it — no matter who you work for, where you go to school, how much money you make or the color of your skin. You have the right to make your own decisions about your body, your health care and your future.”

Statement from Emily McLain, Executive Director, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon:

“It is clear today that access to all sexual and reproductive health care is under attack. Restrictions like this target Black and Latinx people who are more likely to be low income and for whom basic health care has always remained out of reach, because of historic structural racism and continued underinvestment in access to affordable care. We are ready and will never back down from this fight.”

An overwhelming majority of Americans believe women should have birth control coverage, regardless of their employer’s objections. This ruling is in direct opposition to what Americans want. Granting employers and universities the right to take away coverage for essential and time-sensitive medication like birth control will complicate healthcare needs. It will also add to the economic hardships many face during the COVID-19 pandemic — access to birth control is responsible for one-third of women’s wage gains relative to men’s since the 1960s. 

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SWWA LULAC is saddened to find the worse case scenario has become a military families reality. tragic and brutal death of Spc. Vanessa Guillen at the hands of male superiors and peers brings to mind atrocities we presumed were behind us of brutal rape and torture in Ft. Hood, Tx.

All for one and One for all, no family left behind.  This has been our motto since 1929 and we stand today in solidarity with this familiy and our nation's latinas whose challenge we bring a much needed awareness.

Our LULAC family mourns the death and pray the parents will find the grace to deal with this tragedy.

LULAC expects the might and power of the US government and military do the right thing- investigate, mitigate and correct this ongoing issue on the us bases that should protect all that wear the uniform of the USA.

LULAC along with the National Womens Veterans & Service Women Associations are asking that we, as a country, demand action and provide support to this family as they mourn this horrific loss.

Look for more action from SWWA League of United Latin Americans to honor this woman and find justice for her and her family.

Here are links to their pages:

https://lulac.org/vanessa_guillen/

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10218798079723084&set=p.10218798079723084&type=3

The Southwest Washington League of United Latin American Citizens Council 47013 request that Clark County, Washington as well as the cities of Vancouver, Camas, Washougal, Battle Ground and Ridgefield formally declare Racism a Public Health Crisis.

Racism is a detriment to public health. On top of that, people of color are disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In WA state Hispanics are 44% of confirmed cases while accounting for 13% of the population. Here in Clark County, Hispanics make up over 24% of confirmed cases and 10% of county population – a death rate of 7 times that of the white population, based on reporting by the Clark County Department of Health.

The roots of racism impact the health of people of color in every aspect of their lives, including access to education, housing, and job opportunities. We are
seeing this play out during the COVID-19 pandemic, with communities of color being infected with the virus at disproportionately high rates due to lack of
access to adequate health services, including coronavirus testing and treatment. In addition, thousands of Clark County residents and families were not able to benefit from state or federal level financial assistance.

Experiencing systemic racism throughout a lifetime is a chronic stressor and negatively impacts physical, emotional, and mental health, which ultimately impacts an entire society. Latin@s, Black, Indigenous and People of Color are literally risking their lives simply because of skin tone, cultural history and way of speaking.

Recognizing how racism affects public health is an important first step to dealing with it. In order to begin alleviating healthcare disparities in Clark County, there must be an investment in public health and education that acknowledges, documents, and addresses the adverse health outcomes associated with systemic racial injustice. The authority for local health officers and boards are expanded in 

Washington Law chapter 70.05 RCW and allows for advancing funds and oversight that we need here.
Addressing racism as a public crisis will help every single person in Clark County because it is about fighting oppression and hatred. By declaring racism as a public health crisis, we can begin to eliminate racism, which is at the root of so many horrific policies. Officially recognizing the role that race plays in public health is a crucial first step.

With this as the background we are asking our SWWA counties, cities, towns and villages to start treating systemic racism for what it is, a public
health crisis. I look forward to your reply and the opportunity to dialogue about next steps.

In Solidarity,

Ed Hamilton Rosales

President
SW WA LULAC Council 47013