President
	Progressive	Dario Hunter
	Republican	Donald J Trump
	Pacific Green	Howie Hawkins
	Libertarian	Jo Jorgensen
	Democrat	Joseph R Biden
US Senator
	Libertarian	Gary Dye
	Pacific Green, Progressive	Ibrahim A Taher
	Democrat, Working Families, Independent	Jeff Merkley
	Republican	Jo Rae Perkins
Secretary of State
	Republican, Independent	Kim Thatcher
	Libertarian	Kyle Markley
	Pacific Green, Progressive	Nathalie Paravicini
	Democrat, Working Families	Shemia Fagan
State Treasurer
	Independent, Progressive, Pacific Green	Chris Henry
	Republican	Jeff Gudman
	Constitution	Michael P Marsh
	Democrat, Working Families	Tobias Read
Attorney General
	Democrat, Independent, Working Families	Ellen Rosenblum
	Libertarian	Lars D H Hedbor
	Republican	Michael Cross
Judge of the Court of Appeals, Position 9
	Nonpartisan	Jacqueline S Kamins
Judge of the Supreme Court, Position 4
	Nonpartisan	Christopher L Garrett
Congress, 1st District
	Republican	Christopher C Christensen
	Democrat, Working Families	Suzanne Bonamici
Congress, 2nd District
	Democrat	Alex Spenser
	Republican	Cliff Bentz
	Libertarian	Robert Werch
Congress, 3rd District
	Pacific Green	Alex C DiBlasi
	Democrat, Working Families	Earl Blumenauer
	Republican	Joanna Harbour
	Libertarian	Josh Solomon
Congress, 4th District
	Republican	Alek Skarlatos
	Pacific Green	Daniel Hoffay
	Democrat, Working Families, Independent	Peter DeFazio
Congress, 5th District
	Republican	Amy Ryan Courser
	Democrat	Kurt Schrader
	Libertarian	Matthew James Rix
Measure 107: Campaign Finance Reform
	YES
	NO
Measure 108: Cigarette Tax/Vaping Tax
	YES
	NO
Measure 109: Medical Mushrooms
	YES
	NO
Measure 110: Decriminalize Drugs
	YES
	NO
State Senator, 1st District
	Republican	Dallas Heard
	Democrat	Kat Stone
State Senator, 2nd District
	Republican, Constitution	Art Robinson
	Democrat, Working Families	Jerry Allen
	Libertarian	Thomas Griffin
State Senator, 5th District
	Republican	Dick Anderson
	Democrat, Independent, Working Families	Melissa T Cribbins
	Pacific Green	Shauleen Higgins
State Senator, 9th District
	Republican	Fred Frank Girod
	Democrat, Pacific Green	Jim Hinsvark
	Libertarian	Patrick Marnell
State Senator, 10th District
	Democrat, Working Families	Deb Patterson
	Republican	Denyc Boles
	Libertarian	Taylor A Rickey
State Senator, 12th District
	Democrat	Bernadette Hansen
	Republican, Independent	Brian J Boquist
State Senator, 14th District
	Republican, Libertarian	Harmony K Mulkey
	Democrat, Working Families	Kate Lieber
State Senator, 18th District
	Democrat	Ginny Burdick
State Senator, 21st District
	Democrat, Working Families	Kathleen Taylor
State Senator, 22nd District
	Democrat	Lew Frederick
State Senator, 23rd District
	Democrat, Working Families	Michael Dembrow
State Senator, 25th District
	Democrat, Working Families	Chris Gorsek
	Republican, Independent	Justin Hwang
State Senator, 27th District
	Democrat, Working Families	Eileen Kiely
	Republican, Independent	Tim Knopp
State Senator, 28th District
	Republican	Dennis Linthicum
	Democrat, Independent	Hugh Palcic
State Senator, 29th District
	Republican	Bill Hansell
	Democrat	Mildred A O'Callaghan
State Senator, 30th District
	Democrat	Carina M Miller
	Republican	Lynn P Findley
State Representative, 1st District
	Democrat	Calla Felicity
	Republican	David Brock Smith
State Representative, 2nd District
	Democrat	Charles F Lee
	Republican	Gary Leif
State Representative, 3rd District
	Democrat	Jerry Morgan
	Republican	Lily Morgan
State Representative, 4th District
	Republican	Duane A Stark
	Democrat, Independent	Mary Middleton
State Representative, 5th District
	Democrat, Independent	Pam Marsh
	Republican	Sandra A Abercrombie
State Representative, 6th District
	Democrat, Independent	Alberto Enriquez
	Libertarian	Alex Levi Usselman
	Republican	Kim Wallan
State Representative, 7th District
	Republican, Independent	Cedric Hayden
	Democrat	Jerry M Samaniego
State Representative, 8th District
	Libertarian	Martha A Sherwood
	Democrat, Working Families	Paul R Holvey
	Republican	Timothy W Aldal
State Representative, 9th District
	Republican, Libertarian	Boomer Wright
	Democrat, Working Families	Cal Mukumoto
State Representative, 10th District
	Democrat, Independent	David Gomberg
	Republican	Max Sherman
State Representative, 11th District
	Republican	Katie Boshart Glaser
	Democrat, Independent, Working Families	Marty Wilde
State Representative, 12th District
	Democrat	John Lively
	Republican	Ruth E Linoz
State Representative, 13th District
	Republican	David J Smith
	Democrat, Independent	Nancy Nathanson
State Representative, 14th District
	Democrat, Independent, Working Families	Julie Fahey
	Republican, Libertarian	Rich Cunningham
State Representative, 15th District
	Democrat, Working Families	Miriam G Cummins
	Republican	Shelly Boshart Davis
State Representative, 16th District
	Democrat, Working Families	Dan Rayfield
	Republican	Jason Hughes
State Representative, 17th District
	Republican	Jami Cate
	Democrat, Working Families	Paige Hook
	Pacific Green	Timothy L Dehne
State Representative, 18th District
	Democrat	Jamie Morrison
	Republican	Rick Lewis
State Representative, 19th District
	Democrat, Working Families, Progressive	Jacqueline M Leung
	Republican	Raquel Moore-Green
State Representative, 20th District
	Democrat, Working Families	Paul Evans
	Republican, Independent	Selma Pierce
State Representative, 21st District
	Democrat	Brian Clem
	Republican	Jack L Esp
State Representative, 22nd District
	Republican	Anna Kasachev
	Democrat, Independent, Working Families	Teresa Alonso Leon
State Representative, 23rd District
	Pacific Green, Progressive	Alex Polikoff
	Republican	Mike Nearman
	Libertarian	Scott D Clawson
	Democrat	Sean K Scorvo
State Representative, 24th District
	Democrat, Working Families	Lynnette Shaw
	Republican, Independent	Ron Noble
State Representative, 25th District
	Republican	Bill Post
	Democrat, Working Families	Ramiro Navarro Jr
State Representative, 26th District
	Democrat, Working Families	Courtney Neron
	Republican	Peggy Stevens
	Libertarian	Tim E Nelson
State Representative, 27th District
	Republican, Libertarian	Sandra Nelson
	Democrat, Working Families	Sheri Schouten
State Representative, 28th District
	Republican	Daniel R Martin
	Democrat, Working Families	Wlnsvey E Campos
State Representative, 29th District
	Republican	Dale Fishback
	Democrat, Working Families	Susan McLain
State Representative, 30th District
	Democrat, Working Families	Janeen Sollman
State Representative, 31st District
	Democrat, Independent, Working Families	Brad Witt
	Republican	Brian G Stout
State Representative, 32nd District
	Democrat, Working Families	Debbie Boothe-Schmidt
	Republican, Independent, Libertarian	Suzanne Weber
State Representative, 33rd District
	Republican	Dick Courter
	Democrat, Working Families	Maxine E Dexter
State Representative, 34th District
	Democrat, Republican, Working Families	Ken Helm
State Representative, 35th District
	Republican	Bob Niemeyer
	Democrat, Working Families	Dacia Grayber
State Representative, 36th District
	Republican	James A Ball
	Democrat, Working Families	Lisa Reynolds
State Representative, 37th District
	Republican, Libertarian	Kelly Sloop
	Democrat, Working Families	Rachel Prusak
State Representative, 38th District
	Democrat, Independent, Working Families	Andrea Salinas
	Republican	Patrick Castles
State Representative, 39th District
	Republican, Independent	Christine Drazan
	Libertarian	Kenny Sernach
	Democrat	Tessah L Danel
State Representative, 40th District
	Republican, Libertarian	Josh Howard
	Democrat, Working Families	Mark W Meek
State Representative, 41st District
	Democrat, Working Families	Karin Power
	Republican	Michael Newgard
State Representative, 42nd District
	Democrat, Working Families	Rob Nosse
State Representative, 43rd District
	Democrat, Working Families	Tawna Sanchez
State Representative, 44th District
	Republican	Margo Logan
	Democrat, Working Families	Tina Kotek
State Representative, 45th District
	Democrat, Working Families	Barbara Smith Warner
State Representative, 46th District
	Democrat, Working Families	Khanh Pham
State Representative, 47th District
	Working Families	Ashton Simpson
	Democrat	Diego Hernandez
	Republican	Ryan Gardner
State Representative, 48th District
	Libertarian	Edward Marihart
	Democrat, Independent	Jeff Reardon
State Representative, 49th District
	Republican	Greg Johnson
	Democrat, Independent, Working Families	Zach Hudson
State Representative, 50th District
	Republican	Amelia Salvador
	Democrat, Independent, Working Families	Ricki Ruiz
State Representative, 51st District
	Libertarian	Donald B Crawford
	Republican	Jane J Hays
	Democrat, Independent, Working Families	Janelle S Bynum
State Representative, 52nd District
	Democrat, Independent, Working Families	Anna Williams
	Republican	Jeff Helfrich
	Libertarian	Stephen D Alder
State Representative, 53rd District
	Democrat, Independent	Emerson Levy
	Republican, Libertatian	Jack Zika
State Representative, 54th District
	Republican, Independent, Libertarian	Cheri Helt
	Democrat, Working Families	Jason Kropf
State Representative, 55th District
	Democrat	Barbara Fontaine
	Republican	Vikki Breese-Iverson
State Representative, 56th District
	Republican	E Werner Reschke
	Democrat	Faith N Leith
State Representative, 57th District
	Republican	Greg Smith
	Democrat	Roland Ruhe
State Representative, 58th District
	Republican	Bobby Levy
	Democrat	Nolan E Bylenga
State Representative, 59th District
	Democrat, Independent, Working Families	Arlene C Burns
	Republican	Daniel G Bonham
State Representative, 60th District
	Democrat, Working Families	Beth E Spell
	Republican, Libertarian	Mark Owens

--Northwest Observer Election Team

Post Date: 2020-11-03 20:00:00

Last Update: 2020-11-04 19:26:03

More than 2,000 people have been approved to receive benefits under a new state program that helps people who work in Oregon and need to quarantine or isolate due to COVID-19 exposure, but do not have access to COVID-19-related paid sick leave.

More than $2 million dollars have been dispersed through this program, and money is still available to help more people.

Employees who work in Oregon can apply online for the COVID-19 Temporary Paid Leave Program . The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services is administering the program.

People who qualify will receive a $120 per-day payment for up to 10 working days ($1,200 total) for the time they need to quarantine.

The application form is available in English, Spanish, and Russian. Those who do not have access to electronic applications can call 833-685-0850 (toll-free) or 503-947-0130. Those who need help in a language other than these three can call 503-947-0131 for help.

DCBS and the Department of Revenue are collaborating on the new program to ensure employees meet the necessary eligibility requirements.

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements to be eligible for the program:

Work in Oregon and required to file an Oregon personal income tax return.

Directed to quarantine by a local or tribal public health authority or health care provider because of exposure to someone infected or have COVID-19-related symptoms and are seeking a medical diagnosis.

Not able to work (including telework) because you need to quarantine or isolate.

Do not expect to earn more than $60,000 individually or $120,000 jointly in 2020.

Employer does not provide COVID-19-related paid sick leave or have exhausted available COVID-19-related paid sick leave.

Are not applying for unemployment insurance benefits for the time off due to quarantine or isolation.

Are not applying for workers’ compensation benefits for the time off due to quarantine or isolation or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

Are not seeking or using benefits from similar COVID-19 quarantine relief programs in Oregon or another state.

Are not applying for or receiving other forms of paid leave from your employer during your quarantine or isolation, such as banked sick leave or vacation leave.

Are not laid off or furloughed by your employer.

Must have notified your employer that you need to quarantine or isolate.

Can claim only one quarantine period.

Not self-employed.

Because the available funds are limited, the program is available only to quarantine periods that were in place on or after Sept. 16. Applicants can claim only one quarantine period.

There is more information online or call 833-685-0850 (toll-free) or 503-947-0130 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The website also contains an eligibility quiz to help people who are not sure if they qualify.

The COVID-19 Temporary Paid Leave Program was created with $30 million received from the federal government to help Oregon respond to the coronavirus pandemic.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-11-03 15:16:54

Last Update: 2020-11-03 17:01:22

Oregon Governor Kate Brown has appointed Les Hallman, Assistant Fire Chief with Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, as interim director of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST). Hallman replaces Eriks Gabliks who is retiring after more than 30 years of state service. Hallman will serve as interim director while the recruitment and selection process for the next DPSST director continues.

“I am very appreciative that Les has accepted the assignment to lead our state's public safety licensing and training agency while we continue the search for a permanent director," said Governor Brown. "We will benefit from his broad experience in public safety, incident management, and leadership at both the local and state level.

"I would also like to thank Director Gabliks for his distinguished career in state service and for leading the agency over the last 10 years. I am grateful for his service and contributions to public safety in Oregon."

As interim director of DPSST, Hallman will oversee the agency that certifies and licenses police officers, corrections officers, parole and probation officers, regulatory specialists (OLCC), telecommunicators (9-1-1), emergency medical dispatchers, criminal justice instructors, private security providers, private investigators, and polygraph examiners in the state. DPSST also works in consultation with public and private safety agencies around the state by providing basic, leadership, and specialized training at the 237-acre Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem and regionally throughout the state.

“It is an incredible honor to be asked by Governor Brown to temporarily fill this role for an agency for which I have great respect," said Hallman. "I am looking forward to working with the DPSST staff and its many stakeholder groups, and to help prepare for the permanent director."

Hallman has over 30 years of experience in emergency services, serving for 12 years as a fire chief in South Walton, Florida prior to becoming the Florida State Fire Marshal. Hallman accepted a position as Fire Chief for the City of Newberg in 2009 and was selected for his current position as Assistant Chief when Newberg merged with TVFR. He has been active within the Oregon fire service since he arrived in the state, serving as President of the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association, as well as the chair of the Mobilization Plan Committee and Governor’s Fire Service Policy Council. He joined the State Fire Marshal Incident Management Team program in 2012 and was appointed as the Green Team’s Incident Commander prior to the 2015 season. He and his team oversaw firefighting operations last month in the Santiam Canyon.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-11-03 09:47:23

Last Update: 2020-11-03 13:37:15

The Oregon Republican Party released the following statement after raising questions about the exclusion of Republican volunteers from critical election boards in Clatsop County:

“It was brought to our attention in the past couple of days that Republican volunteers have been excluded as election workers from the Clatsop County Election Office Signature Verification and Drop Box Collection boards by County Elections Clerk Tracie Krevanko (D-Warrenton), even though Republican volunteers had been added to the ballot counting boards,” said Oregon Republican Party Communications Director Kevin Hoar. “We contacted Ms. Krevanko to request that Republican volunteers be added to these boards, but our request was denied.”

Sixty percent of the Signature Verification and Drop Box Collection Boards consist of Democrats and zero Republicans. Clatsop County is one of the counties that comprises the highly contested open seat House District 32 race between Republican/Independent Mayor of Tillamook Suzanne Weber and Democrat Debbie Boothe-Schmidt. Clatsop is also considered a swing county in the very competitive races for the statewide offices of Secretary of State and State Treasurer.

“It is troubling that such a simple, easy step to ensure transparency and inclusivity during such a politically-charged time isn’t even being considered,” said Hoar. “Why even invite the appearance of political favoritism in Clatsop County?”

According to correspondence with the Clatsop County Clerk, in contrast to nearly every other county in the state, Krevanko had initially planned to exclude all citizen participation in the election’s process as mandated by the Secretary of State’s Vote By Mail manual, until required to do by the Clatsop County Manager, Don Bohn, after statements of concern from Clatsop County constituents.

“Legal counsel for the Oregon Republican Party is continuing to try and gain clarity on this possibly intentional exclusion of Republican election office volunteers in the hope of rectifying the situation as soon as possible. It is certainly to the benefit of all Clatsop County voters, and indeed all Oregon voters in this particular case, to maintain the highest standards for fair and equal election administration and to make every possible effort to maximize voter trust in the ballot counting process,” added Hoar.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-11-02 21:05:32

Last Update: 2020-11-02 21:16:59

In a last minute press conference by Oregon governor Kate Brown, in conjunction with members of the command staff; Portland Police Chief Chuck Levelle, Oregon State Police Superintendent Terri Davie, Multnomah County Sheriff Mike Reece, and Major General Michael Stencel of the Oregon National Guard lay out plans to quell uprisings, and voter suppression.

The Governor plead for peace.

Every Oregonian has the right to express themselves freely and to peacefully assemble. However, I want to be clear that voter intimidation and political violence will not be tolerated. Not from the Left, the Right, or the Center. Not this week, not any week in Oregon.

Amidst a barrage of Oregon media inquiries into numbers, strategy and troop locations, The Joint Command Staff played their cards close. Questions were answered in very broad generalized terms, regarding what will be required of law enforcement, Terri Davies of the OSP states "we're not really sure what to expect", regarding levels of unrest. It appears law enforcement will grow in numbers and be given additional tools to meet whatever they should encounter. Mike Reece and Davie insisted that communication within the task force is pivotal and the core of the operation. Major General Stencel assured viewers that the National Guard was for support only, and would remain unarmed.

When asked, about the use of tear gas, Governor Brown answered in the affirmative, tear gas will be permitted, but only under the most extreme circumstances. "Let me clear, we're going to do everything in our power to protect free speech and keep the peace" said Brown. "If you take one thing away from today's press conference, let it be this: Violence is never the answer". "We stand here today urging all Oregonians to commit to nonviolent expression."

According to Superintendent Davie, officers who were deputized last month, for a Proud Boys Rally, are still deputized, but have no additional roles. Davie states the deputation would only apply on the back end, when individuals, arrested for violence are prosecuted. Assaulting a Federal Deputy is a Federal offense. Therefore, assault on any deputized officer would no longer fall to liberal Multnomah County D.A Mike Schmidt, but federal prosecutors instead.

Brown made it very clear that the use of newly deputized Marshall's "are not part of the plan", the Governor has also expressed frustration and remorse after realizing a Federal Marshall's deputation is for a year, and not capable of being used over a weekend to target political dissidents, like the Proud Boys.

Beginning Monday night at 5pm, the task force will be in effect, working to protect voters, stop voter suppression, and keep the peace, ensuring all are allowed to assemble and express themselves. Many expect demonstrations from leftist groups, like Antifa and Black Lives Matter, no matter the outcome of the election -- despite warnings that the source of unrest will be patriot and militia groups.

During questioning, the Governor said, "We can make sure that...we can keep the peace and that people can protest peacefully and that no further property destruction can occur."


--Breeauna Sagdal

Post Date: 2020-11-02 16:43:17

Last Update: 2020-11-03 11:32:22

Governor Kate Brown has announced a law enforcement plan to keep the peace, protect free speech, and prevent violence and intimidation on Election Day, and in the days that follow, in the City of Portland. With the support of local elected officials, the Governor is exercising her executive authority under ORS Chapter 401 to create a joint incident command structure, with the Superintendent of State Police and the Multnomah County Sheriff in charge of public safety in Portland from 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 2 until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4, unless extended or rescinded earlier. The Governor has also directed the Oregon National Guard to place its members trained in crowd control on standby in the event they are needed to support law enforcement efforts.

“Especially this year, there are unique dynamics at play that may create an environment ripe for a heated Election Day, and post-election period. This election also comes at a pivotal moment in Oregon, where the pandemic, wildfires and political atmosphere have boosted fear and anxiety,” said Governor Brown. “We’ve seen firsthand what happens when free expression is fueled by hate. We know that there are some people who might use peaceful election night protests to promote violence and property destruction.

“This behavior is not acceptable and it’s not in line with our Oregon values of being an inclusive democracy.

“Every Oregonian has the right to express themselves freely and to peacefully assemble. However, I want to be clear that voter intimidation and political violence will not be tolerated. Not from the Left, the Right, or the Center. Not this week, not any week in Oregon.

“It is my goal as Governor to ensure the safety of Oregonians, especially as they exercise their fundamental right to vote and practice free speech.”

As such, I am exercising my authority to put the Superintendent of State Police, Terri Davie, and the Multnomah County Sheriff, Michael Reese, in charge of public safety in Portland this week. I have also directed General Stencel to call up our National Guard, should their services be deemed necessary. This is our entire community coming together to protect Oregonians and ensure that every eligible voter feels safe exercising their right to vote. I am using my executive authority to ensure the highest level of coordination, and adequate resources and personnel. If you take one thing away from today’s press conference, let it be this: violence is never the answer. We stand here today urging all Oregonians to commit to nonviolent expression. We can all do our part to stay calm, cool and collected this week.

One Legislative Leader who declined to be identified said, “The Governor is trying to blame mostly non-existing, non-disruptive, non-violent people for violence that has not yet -- nor most likely will not -- occur. All this after standing on the sidelines while Black Lives Matter and Antifa tear up businesses and public property. Governor Brown needs to focus on real problems that impact real people, not some imagined boogeyman of 'white supremacists' and militias.”


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-11-02 11:31:50

Last Update: 2020-11-02 12:33:11

On October 29, 2020 at approximately 9:50 a.m., a Salem Police patrol officer was conducting a traffic investigation when the involved vehicle crashed at 17th and Court STS NE. The driver fled from the vehicle on foot. The officer, on foot, pursued the driver into a resident backyard on Court ST NE.

Shortly after confronting the driver in the backyard, shots were fired. The officer was struck in the ankle. The suspect was also struck by gunfire and pronounced deceased at the scene. The officer was treated by medical staff and released.

As per Salem Police policy, the involved officer has been placed on administrative leave. In accordance with Senate Bill 111, the Salem Police Department has requested the Oregon State Police be the lead investigative agency for the incident.

The officer involved in the shooting incident is Officer Andrew Parsons. Officer Parsons has been with the Salem Police Department since February 2020 after serving as a deputy with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. He received his officer certification in 2016 from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards & Training.

The name of the deceased is being released as Rodolfo "Rudy" Martinez-Cortez (30) of Salem.

This is an ongoing investigation and any further details will be released by the Oregon State Police.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-11-01 14:03:57

Last Update: 2020-11-01 14:30:17

As riots continue in Portland, and elsewhere across the US, elected officials are calling for a pause in violence.

Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis issued a statement calling for peace.

I know that emotions are running high about this year’s election. Many of you are anticipating participating in protests.

Peaceful protests are a meaningful, important, and time-honored way for people to call for change.

Acts of violence and destruction are not. Destroying and defacing our local businesses, streets, and shared spaces hurt us as a community and do more to pull us apart than bring us together. While I am hopeful that we will stay peaceful, our police professionals are prepared to keep our community safe.

A coalition of elected officials including Oregon Governor Kate Brown, Oregon Attorney General Ellen F. Rosenblum and a host of Democratic legislators issued a statement focused on paramilitary and alt-right, though no organizations, events, nor persons were specified. Leftist organizations like Black Lives Matter and Antifa were not called out in the statement.

The Oregon Catalyst is reporting that Portland rioters are promoting the candidacy of self-proclaimed "Antifa canidadate" for Portland Mayor, Sarah Iannarone.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-11-01 13:39:20

Last Update: 2020-11-01 14:07:41

The Washington County Sheriff's Office recently received its 6th consecutive accreditation award from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.(CALEA). The Sheriff's Office received the Meritorious Award for being an accredited agency for more than 15 years.

Accreditation is a rigorous ongoing four-year process during which the Sheriff's Office must strictly adhere to policing practices considered excellent on a national level. Administered by CALEA, the accreditation program requires agencies to comply with standards considered to be best policing practices in four basic areas: policy and procedures, administration, operations, and support services.

CALEA Client Service Members reviewed policies and examined procedures to verify compliance every year for four years. At the end of the fourth year, a CALEA team assessed the agency's day-to-day operations of policies and procedures during three days of interviews with leaders, staff of all levels, government leaders, and community partners, including a hearing to solicit public comment.

After confirming standards compliance through file review, observations of agency activities, and interviews, the Commission voted unanimously to award the agency its 6th consecutive accreditation award. Sheriff Pat Garrett stated,

"Now more than ever,the value of a national police accreditation program is being recognized as a genuine agency commitment to professionalism and learning. CALEA standards align with community-oriented policing by requiring agencies to have contemporary policies, train regularly, and build trust with the community through engagement and best practices."

--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-11-01 09:55:52

Last Update: 2020-11-01 13:37:12

Numerous businesses suffered vandalism during a riot in the Irvington and Lloyd District neighborhoods Saturday.

On October 31, 2020 at about 7:15p.m, a group of about 150 people began a march from Irving Park, 875 Northeast Fremont Street. The march proceeded south on Northeast Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard into the Lloyd District area.

Individuals in the group committed acts of vandalism. Windows were broken out in two different phone stores, a coffee shop, a computer store, a community bank, a hotel, a restaurant (that was open at the time), a financial office, and two realty offices (photos). The destruction prompted the declaration of a riot.

The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) made announcements via loudspeaker and Twitter:

"This is the Portland Police Bureau. To those marching on NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd: This has been declared a riot. Members of this group have been observed damaging multiple businesses along NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. All persons must immediately leave the area. Failure to adhere to this order may subject you to arrest, citation, or crowd control agents, including, but not limited to, tear gas and/or impact weapons. Disperse immediately."

"This is the Portland Police Bureau. We apologize to the members of the Lloyd District and Irvington Neighborhoods for the loud announcements; however, the group marching on NE 11th Ave have broken windows at multiple businesses on NE MLK Jr. Blvd and the Lloyd District. Members of the group have also thrown projectiles at police and pepper sprayed community member bystanders. To those marching on NE 11th Ave and through the Lloyd District: This has been declared a riot. Members of this group have broken out windows in multiple businesses on NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and in the Lloyd District. Members have also thrown projectiles at police and pepper sprayed community members. All persons must immediately leave the area."

PPB officers moved in and dispersed the crowd. By 8:30p.m., most of the rioters had gone and the riot declaration was rescinded.

No arrests have been made, but the acts of vandalism are under investigation and future arrests are possible. If anyone was a victim of a crime related to this riot and has not already made a report, they're encouraged to call 503-823-3333 and file a police report, or file online. Please reference case number 20-681864.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-11-01 08:16:53

Last Update: 2020-11-01 15:14:15

Who could be surprised after President Trump announced a vaccine by the end of November that Oregon, Washington, and Nevada would join California's COVID-19 Scientific Safety Review Workgroup, which will independently review the safety and efficacy of any vaccine approved by the FDA for distribution. Last week, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the panel made up of nationally acclaimed scientists with expertise in immunization and public health. While there is no proven vaccine for COVID-19 yet, these top health experts will review any vaccine that receives federal approval and verify its safety before California, Washington, Oregon and Nevada will make the vaccine available to the public.

“The vaccines currently in development, once approved, are what Americans have been waiting for to protect their families, their children, and their loved ones in long-term care facilities,” said Oregon Governor Kate Brown. “The independent review conducted by this panel of doctors, scientists, and health experts will ensure that a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is available to everyone, especially communities that have been disproportionately impacted by this disease.”

“We believe in science, public health and safety. That is why I am pleased that Washington is joining California and other western states in this effort,” Washington Governor Jay Inslee said. “Any COVID vaccine must be guided by the expertise of scientists and medical professionals and that’s just what this workgroup will do.” Governor Inslee has followed California every step of the way through the pandemic and his family connection with Bill Gates leaves a big question.

This is not the first time Western States have collaborated in response to COVID-19. In April, California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado and Nevada joined in a Western States Pact which shared a vision for fighting COVID-19 and reopening their economies. Western State leaders in May urged congressional leaders to approve $1 trillion in COVID-19 relief for states and local governments and are partnering to pilot a project testing new exposure notification technology pioneered by Google and Apple.

It must be noted that the assembling of panels of experts is not science. Science is the study of the world through collection of observations and/or experiments and a review of data that comes from that process. Expert opinion, while it may be useful, and while often passed off as science is what philosophers call and "appeal to authority," and not science. Indeed, when controversial policy decisions are at stake, hand-picked experts may be assembled to achieve the desired result. That process is politics, not science.

Governor Brown has met behind closed doors with her COVID-19 Medical Advisory Panel, has kept her scientific sources well hidden and refuses to provide the evidence for the accuracy of testing. It has been suggested and worth questioning whether positive testing score are being padded to support a vaccine mandate. With so much lack of transparency, what are we to believe or trust?


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2020-11-01 07:41:48

In a COVID-19 addled world where pot shops are essential and grocery workers come into contact with maybe thousands of people each day and survive nicely, the largest teachers' union has come out against schools opening, citing safety concerns.

John Larson, the president of the Oregon Education Association, which represents 44,000 education professionals throughout the state took issue with Oregon Governor Kate Brown's relaxing of metrics for school re-opening, saying

"Nobody wants to get students back to the classroom more than Oregon's educators, but the process to bring those students back must be thoughtful and deliberative. The Governor's decision to hastily implement new, relaxed, metrics will only serve to further disrupt education for students, families, and educators throughout Oregon — allowing districts to bring students back to the classroom before it is safe to do so and increasing the likelihood that our schools and communities will again be forced to lock down in the future.

"Now is the time for Oregon leaders to focus on taking strong steps to reduce the ever-climbing community spread of COVID-19 in our state and put in place safeguards that will keep our most at-risk community members safe."

This statement places the teachers' union at odds with the Governor, who is their largest recipient of their campaign funding generosity. The Governor is term-limited out and will not be able to run in 2022. Below is a history of contributions from the Oregon Education Association to Kate Brown.

Major donations to Kate Brown Committee from the OEA
Date	Donor	Amount
10/03/2018	Kate Brown Committee (931)	$100,000
09/04/2018	Kate Brown Committee (931)	$100,000
09/24/2016	Kate Brown Committee (931)	$50,000
05/11/2016	Kate Brown Committee (931)	$50,000
09/25/2012	Kate Brown Committee (931)	$15,000
03/23/2012	Kate Brown Committee (931)	$10,000
10/29/2008	Kate Brown Committee (931)	$75,000
08/14/2008	Kate Brown Committee (931)	$10,000
04/28/2008	Kate Brown Committee (931)	$25,000
03/21/2008	Kate Brown Committee (931)	$25,000

--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-10-31 18:48:42

Last Update: 2020-10-31 22:33:42