The Oregon Health Authority reported more grim news. "Today's cases are the highest number reported on a single day since the start of the pandemic in Oregon. The high number is a stark reminder of the need for the new measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 announced yesterday by Governor Kate Brown." While the Oregon Health Authority breathlessly reports a record number of cases, it glosses over the fact that we recently set a new record -- for number of tests administered in one day -- 7,745 on October 29 eclipsing the previous record of July 13 when there were 7,697 test administered.

For a state that has among the lowest case rate and death rate, the official rhetoric would make you think that the state was in the grips of a fatal pandemic. Despite reporting every death that has multiple contributing factors as a COVID-19 caused death -- 12 out of 13 of the most recent deaths had contributing factors -- the chances of an Oregonian of dying of COVID-19 are infinitesimally small. In fact, all metrics are stable: Hospitalizations, hospital capacity, deaths -- you name it.

There may be several reasons for the rise in reported cases.

• More tests are being administered, therefore more cases are being identified.
• Tests are being administered to people more likely to have the disease, therefore more cases are being identified.
• The disease is spreading more rapidly, therefore the rise in cases reflects the spread of the disease.

One final point: One of the factors aiding the spread of COVID-19 is the fact that it can be spread by asymptomatic carriers. Let that sink in. We've crippled our economy and deprived our youth of education for a disease that's so deadly that it can be spread by people who don't even know they have it.




--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-11-07 17:57:50

Last Update: 2020-11-07 18:48:06

On Friday November 6th, Gov. Kate Brown announced a COVID-19 two-week pause for Marion and four other Oregon counties. The order sets limits on indoor gatherings including restaurants, recreation, and household social gatherings.

The recent rise in case counts is concerning to the Marion County commissioners and local public health leaders; however, Marion County believes that data should drive decision making meant to curb the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. The Marion County Commissioners have released a statement pointing out the following data.

Marion County COVID-19 data indicates:

Restaurants are not a significant source of outbreaks in Marion County. Cases in restaurants have typically been among staff who socialize together while at work or outside of work.

Most of the spread of COVID-19 is occurring in larger private social gatherings and households. Putting additional burdens on businesses will not prevent these private gatherings from happening and has the potential to increase private social gatherings.

We understand Salem Hospital has sufficient capacity to care for COVID-19 and other patients. Marion County has not seen high levels of Covid-related emergency department visits or hospitalizations. This is a metric that the county has met even as case counts have increased.

Marion County supports actions tailored to individual communities based on local data including limiting opportunities for exposure to our loved ones in long term care facilities.

Commissioner Colm Willis, chair, said, "Marion County is in the middle of recovering from devastating wildfires. Much of the work associated with wildfire recovery must be done in person. We have maintained appropriate COVID-19 protocols including physical distancing, mask wearing, and temperature screening at meetings and public events."

Marion County continues to support data driven protocols such as:

Increased testing in Marion County that will enable us to make informed decisions on how we can stem the spread of this disease.

Rapid tests with same day results should be promoted as widely as possible. This way those who test positive can immediately quarantine rather than risk spreading the virus while they are waiting for results.

Commissioner Kevin Cameron reminds us, "As we approach the holiday season it's important to remember we all have a part to play to keep our community healthy. We encourage everyone to wear face coverings, wash hands frequently, stay home if you are sick, and practice physical distancing when you're around people not from your household. Working together we can help keep Marion County safe, strong, and thriving."

Sadly, extensive mandates are increasingly exacting a heavy toll on Oregon businesses.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-11-07 08:31:39

Last Update: 2020-11-07 20:34:15

Governor Kate Brown has announced new measures pausing social activities to help stop the rapid spread of COVID-19 in counties where community transmission is on the rise. These pause measures will be in effect for two weeks, from Nov. 11 through Nov. 25, for Malheur, Marion, Multnomah, Jackson, and Umatilla Counties. Based on increasing statewide case counts, as well as increased sporadic case rates in these five counties, the new public health measures to reduce spread are an effort to save lives in Oregon.

Five additional counties––Washington, Baker, Union, Clackamas, and Linn––are close to the COVID-19 thresholds that would necessitate adding them to the Two-Week Pause. The Oregon Health Authority will examine their COVID-19 metrics on Monday to determine if those counties qualify.

“It is alarming that recent high case rates are not linked to any specific outbreaks, but rather reflective of sporadic community spread,” said Governor Brown. “We are seeing in real time how this virus can quickly snowball out of control. This Two-Week Pause is a series of measures and recommendations intended to curb human contact — both through reducing the amount of people we interact with, and the frequency of those encounters. We must stop this virus from spreading. We must preserve our hospital capacity. And we must save lives.”

The Two-Week Pause measures include:

Urging all businesses to mandate work from home to the greatest extent possible.

Pausing long-term care facility visits that take place indoors to protect staff and residents.

Reducing maximum restaurant capacity to 50 people (including customers and staff) for indoor dining, with a maximum party size of six.

Continuing to encourage outdoor dining and take out.

Reducing the maximum capacity of other indoor activities to 50 people (includes gyms, fitness organizations/studios, bowling alleys, ice rinks, indoor sports, pools, and museums).

Limiting social gatherings to your household, or no more than six people if the gathering includes those from outside your household, reducing the frequency of those social gatherings (significantly in a two-week period), and keeping the same six people in your social gathering circle.

Governor Brown added: “I am also calling on Congress to pass another COVID-19 relief package immediately when they return to DC—including another $600 weekly benefit in enhanced Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation—due to the increase of COVID-19 cases and the need for rollbacks both here in Oregon and nationwide.”

The Two-Week Pause is being instituted in counties with a case rate above 200 per 100,000 people over a two-week period, or more than 60 cases over a two-week period for counties with less than 30,000 people. These measures replace the County Watch List process that Governor Brown instituted in July.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-11-07 07:45:07

Last Update: 2020-11-07 20:36:36

Multiple rallies starting at noon around the Capitol mall area and could potentially draw a large number of participants that might affect traffic in the area. No street closures have been issued for this event.

The City of Salem has been alerted to credible information of unusual activity planned for Saturday, November 7, 2020, in or near Salem's downtown.

According to these sources, there is a high likelihood of vandalism and property damage. Police and the City are urging residents and businesses in our downtown to take precautions. The City manager has assigned additional police and activated special teams starting tomorrow. The City does not believe the groups who are planning to come to Salem are affiliated with any of known community organizers. The City will continue to post meaningful updates to its website and through the Salem Police Department Twitter account.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-11-06 18:07:02

Last Update: 2020-11-06 18:22:43

Editor's note: this video contains graphic language. Viewer discretion is advised

Sarah Spoon is engaged in a tight re-election race for Canby City Council. Just a few percentage points separate the candidates. As of Friday, Clackamas County still has ballots to count due to some equipment malfunctions, so the race is too tight to call, but as of this writing, she is in second place in a race that seats the top four finishers -- which would put her back on the council.

Citizens of Canby may have second thoughts after seeing this video, where she is seen delivering a profane message for the president.




--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-11-06 16:16:59

Last Update: 2020-11-06 16:50:08

From repairing a bridge in Canyon City to improving storm drainage in Yachats, the Small City Allotments program will continue helping communities all across the state improve their transportation systems. More than $5.2 million for this award cycle will fund 54 projects in this Keep Oregon Moving program, part of the historic HB 2017 funding package.

Three cities – Wood Village, Prescott and Yamhill – are receiving funds through this program for the first time. Wood Village is adding a solar-powered rapid flashing beacon pedestrian crossing; Prescott will make multiple city street improvements; and Yamhill is upgrading W. First Street.

ODOT Director Kris Strickler notified the League of Oregon Cities last week of the awards, adding that cost savings from the previous awards resulted in $243,378 in additional funds available for this round.

The next steps will be for ODOT and recipients to enter into agreements for each project, a task assumed by ODOT’s Statewide Investments Management staff.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-11-06 16:00:57

Last Update: 2020-11-06 18:07:02

The Oregon College Savings Plan announces the opening of the Diversity in Leadership Scholarship for underrepresented and diverse Oregon high school graduates pursuing higher education in the state. Awards may be used to attend a range of Oregon institutions, including apprenticeships, trade schools, community colleges, colleges or universities. Applications opened Sunday, November 1, 2020 with a deadline of Monday, March 1, 2021, for the following academic year.

The scholarship is being administered through the Oregon Community Foundation’s (OCF) scholarship program—one of the largest of its kind in the country. There will be two new recipients each year, with awardees receiving $10,000 for their freshman year and $5,000 for each of the next three years of full-time enrollment, or until completion of degree (whichever comes earlier). When fully rolled out, the program is anticipated to fund $50,000 in scholarships each year to a class of eight students.

“In a time of economic stress and inequity, Treasury’s ‘Diversity in Leadership Scholarship’ acknowledges the need for higher education to be more accessible and inclusive to all,” said Oregon State Treasurer Tobias Read. “We see this scholarship as a vital investment in Oregon’s future, making it easier for students typically underrepresented in higher education institutions to pursue their dreams.”

“This scholarship allows the Oregon College Savings Plan to advance our commitment to sparking change and encouraging diversity,” said Michael Parker, Executive Director for the Oregon Treasury Savings Network. “As more graduating seniors are considering staying closer to home because of stretched financial resources and COVID, we want to remove financial obstacles for regional students from all backgrounds, and increase access to a quality and affordable education right here in Oregon.”

Students that meet eligibility criteria will be given the opportunity to share their personal statements and background during the application process. Additionally, scholarship recipients interested in a career in public policy, public finance, or a related field will be offered an interview for Oregon State Treasury’s Straub Fellowship during their junior and senior years.

To apply for the scholarship or to find more information, please visit OCF’s website.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-11-05 17:09:06

Last Update: 2020-11-05 17:33:06

On November 5, 2020, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission issued an Order of Immediate License Suspension to the licensee of “Seven Nightclub” in Bend for violating public health social distancing and face covering requirements, as required under the Governor’s Executive Orders. The licensee had been reprimanded this past summer for not following social distancing and face covering requirements.

OLCC enforcement staff acted after receiving information from Deschutes County Health Services that a patron who visited the establishment several times tested positive for COVID-19. The patron reported to health officials that it was “well known” that Seven Nightclub was not enforcing social distancing and facemask requirements.

The business, which holds a Full On-Premises sales licenses is NOT allowed to sell or serve alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption effective immediately.

Seven Nightclub was cited for two violations of the Governor’s Executive Order. The first violation is for not complying with the Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) Statewide Mask, Face Shield, Face Covering Guidance. The second violation is for violating OHA's Phase Two Re-opening Guidance for Restaurant and Bars requiring a six-foot distance between individuals in the bar – employees and patrons.

On October 30, 2020, after receiving the information provided by Deschutes County Health Services, an OLCC inspector called the licensee to explain that a positive COVID test had been linked to their establishment. The inspector suggested, and the licensee accepted the offer to come to the premises to check the licensee’s operations to make sure it was operating compliantly.

On October 30, 2020, at approximately 8:00 pm an inspector arrived at Seven Nightclub to discover patrons who were clustered at the bar, and not social distancing or wearing facemasks. The bar manager relayed that she was not aware of all of the rules and asked for assistance. The inspector provided some initial guidance and promised to return the following day before the business opened to review the Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) guidance for bars and restaurants.

On October 31, 2020, prior to Seven Nightclub opening, an OLCC Inspector met with the bar manager and employees providing and reviewing with them copies of OHA Phase Two Re-opening Guidance for Restaurant and Bars and OHA Statewide Mask, Face Shield, Face Covering Guidance. The inspector walked through the premises with the manager discussing possible layout modifications to create social distancing and reminding the manager about the requirements to sanitize “touch points” after one party of people leaves an occupied area before another party occupies the space. Additionally, the inspector asked the manager to ensure that the bar staff would monitor the number of people entering the establishment.

Later that evening, the inspector returned to discover that patrons were not social distancing or wearing face masks. The inspector also noted that none of the sanitization requirements or physical modifications that had been discussed earlier that day had been implemented. The inspector contacted the manager who acknowledged the lack of control over their patrons.

OLCC Inspectors began working with the licensee this past July when an inspector twice two verbal warnings for not social distancing or wearing face masks. Separately, Deschutes County Health Services has issued several warnings to the licensee in regards to these issues, including most recently on October 30, 2020.

In response to these issues, on November 5, 2020, the OLCC issued the operator of Seven Restaurant and Nightclub an order of immediate suspension for failing to follow OHA’s face covering and reopening guidance for restaurants and bars.

The licensee of record is Se7en Group Inc.

The OLCC investigation is continuing and the licensee faces the possibility of additional charges not related to the immediate suspension. The licensee is entitled to an administrative hearing to challenge the OLCC’s actions. The business may continue to serve food for takeout or delivery, but is NOT allowed to sell any alcoholic beverages.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-11-05 13:09:18

Last Update: 2020-11-05 17:09:06

Today, Governor Kate Brown has issued a statement about the ongoing leftist violence in Oregon.

"Two groups gathered in downtown Portland last night. One group demonstrated peacefully for hours by the waterfront. Their clarion call advocating for racial justice and Black lives has resonated with Oregonians and driven real reform over the past several months.

"Unfortunately, a second group of self-styled anarchist protesters, some armed, also marched downtown last night, with no discernible goal other than to cause violence and vandalism.

"They shattered the windows of a church that feeds Oregonians in need, a women-owned and operated business that raises money for immigrant and women’s rights, and many other storefronts.

"Indiscriminate destruction solves nothing. These are acts of privilege.

"At the request of the Joint Incident Command protecting free speech and keeping the peace in Portland, I activated the Oregon National Guard last night. These are Oregonians like you and me, who have volunteered their time and taken leave from their jobs and their families to keep the streets of Portland safe.

"For weeks, Oregonians have called for an end to the violence. I will continue to do everything in my power to keep the peace in Portland and make sure that people can make their voices heard safely."

Critics have noted that it has actually been several months of leftist driven violence, rather than just weeks.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-11-05 10:46:18

Last Update: 2020-11-05 11:24:49

On November 3, 2020, City of Eugene voters approved Measure 29-309, a levy renewal to maintain Eugene Public Library’s existing service levels for an additional five years. As of 11 p.m. on Election Day, the measure was passing with 76.72% of the vote.

This decision continues the benefits provided by the voter-approved levy of November 2015, which increased open hours, free events, and availability of materials and technology at all Eugene Public Library locations: Downtown, Bethel, and Sheldon.

Library Director Will O’Hearn said, “On behalf of everyone at the library, thank you, Eugene! Our staff is deeply dedicated to doing all we can for our community, especially in these times when folks depend on the library even more. In particular, the library plays a crucial role in supporting families with young children, K-12 students and teachers, small business owners, job hunters, and people without their own Internet access or computers. We are grateful for the opportunity to provide excellent library services and to respond to future community needs.”

Mayor Lucy Vinis added, “Eugene Public Library has been a key player in helping our community get through the pandemic and will play a critical role as we build a strong recovery. The City of Eugene greatly appreciates the voters’ support to maintain excellent library services for everyone in our community.”

The levy renewal funding will begin July 1, 2021, supporting an additional five years of increased services originally funded by the 2015 levy. Services supported by the levy include maintaining the pre-COVID open hours schedule (48 hours across six days weekly at Bethel and Sheldon Branches; 64 hours across seven days at the Downtown Library); providing a robust schedule of programs for all ages at the library and off-site; ensuring a large supply of copies of high-demand books, ebooks, and other items; and, as needed, maintaining or replacing technology including Internet computers and the library’s traveling maker van.

The levy will provide $2.85 million annually for five years, about $37 per year for a typical Eugene property tax statement or 15¢ per $1,000 assessed value. To ensure accountability and transparency, the measure specified provisions including: separate levy fund budget and accounting (as per state law); annual staff summary of spending and performance measures; annual review by the citizen Library Advisory Board; and an annual City Manager’s report to City Council.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-11-04 17:10:16

Last Update: 2020-11-04 21:08:07

The City of Salem has begun a community-wide effort to develop a Climate Action Plan for Salem. The Climate Action Plan will set the course for the city to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and increase its resilience to climate change. The planning process will seek to develop strategies that reduce emissions and strengthen infrastructure. It will also pursue strategies that build community partnerships, spur innovation, and increase equitable access to services. This approach will help ensure Salem’s resilience through climate change expected through the coming decades.

The first step was a survey to determine a supported direction, hoping that wildfires, floods, and drought have made an impact for support. The fires of 2020 and the flood of 2012 are two of the most notable examples for a needed action plan.

While Climate Action Plan assumes drying and drought, still we are warned of a cold winter on the horizon. So, Salem has -- as is their usual practice -- removed the floating boat docks at Wallace Marine Park and Minto Brown Island Park. The floating boat docks are removed in mid–to-late Fall each year to prevent them from collecting debris, being damaged, or being carried away as river levels rise. They will be reinstalled when water levels recede in the spring.

This may all be an effort to be in line-step with Governor Brown’s next strategy for Cap and Trade. Many in the community are scratching their heads asking why now, which appears to be in contrast with Marion County.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2020-11-04 15:54:59

Last Update: 2020-11-04 19:30:25

In order to keep the peace and protect free speech in Portland as the country continues to wait for national election results, Governor Kate Brown today extended her executive order under ORS Chapter 401 to create a joint incident command structure for public safety. The order, which had been set to expire at 5:00 p.m today, has been extended until Friday, November 6, at 5:00 p.m., unless earlier rescinded or extended.

“Across the United States, elections officials are working hard to ensure that every vote is counted, and it may be several days until we know the results of this election,” said Governor Brown. “It’s important to trust the process, and the system that has ensured free and fair elections in this country through the decades, even in times of great crisis.

“All Oregonians have the right to free expression and peaceful assembly. But political violence, intimidation, and property destruction will not be tolerated. We are all in this together––so let’s work together to keep our fellow Oregonians safe.”

--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-11-04 10:35:30

Last Update: 2020-11-04 11:18:10