Today, elections officials certified the 2020 General Election in Oregon. Official election results are available on the Oregon Secretary of State website.

In the months leading up to the 2020 General Election, Oregon's Secretary of State Bev Clarno challenged all Oregon voters to remain engaged in democracy and to participate in this year’s election. Not only did voters participate, but Oregon experienced a record number turnout with over 2.4 million ballots cast.

“Thank you for participating and making your voices heard,” said Secretary Clarno. “I am so proud of the work all of our election officials do every day to ensure that our democracy is safe and secure. Voters can rest assured that their votes count and that our system remains one of the most accessible in the nation.”

The Electoral College will meet at 1:30 p.m. on December 14th to cast the electoral votes. This will be available to watch by livestream on the Oregon Legislature's website.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-12-03 16:21:12

Last Update: 2020-12-03 16:29:28

If your kid is sick of distance learning and/or not getting the most out of your education property taxes, you might have more than just Governor Brown to blame. It might be that the Governor is under a lot of pressure from her friends as the local teachers' union. One of the most powerful public employee unions in the state, the Oregon Education Association is convinced that standing up for its members means keeping kids out of classrooms.

Governor Brown has been convening her COVID advisory group in secret -- as the public meeting laws apparently allow -- so it's not clear who is putting pressure on her to develop policies favorable to their interests, such as public employee unions. In this case, though it's not required for her to be transparent, her failure to do so heightens speculation that she's being influenced.

According to their website:

OEA and your local association are continuing to work around the clock to fight for protections for students and staff who fear for their health, or the health of their loved ones, should they be asked to return to school. Nobody wants to get students back into the classroom more than educators, but we can’t bring students back until we can ensure that our schools are a safe place for students to learn and for educators to work.

As we continue to see record levels of COVID-19 both here in Oregon and throughout the United States, it is more important than ever that our communities recognize the threat of this pandemic and take the steps necessary to contain its spread.

OEA President John Larson makes a similarly bold statement on their website:

Relaxed metrics at this moment in time 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 lockdown in the future.

The science tells another story. First of all, according to data supplied by the Oregon Health Authority, children age 19 and below make up fewer cases than the general population -- despite the fact that roughly a quarter of them, kids under the age of five, have no mask mandate. When they do contract the disease, children aged 19 and below have less-serious symptoms, as evidenced by the fact that they are hospitalized much less than other age segments. And, as would be expected from these statistics, they are far much less likely to die from it. In fact, no one in Oregon has died from COVID-19 who is 19 years or younger.

Not. A. Single. Person.

Further, as we are on our way to herd immunity from this disease -- an equilibrium in which enough people have immunity to the disease to keep it at bay, whether by having contracted it, or though vaccination, the demographic that can be most helpful in this process are the children. No one wants their child -- or any child -- to get seriously ill, but this outbreak seems to target the elderly and immune compromised, so the more young people who get immune from it helps corner the virus.

It's hard to imagine who the teachers' unions are trying to protect. Kids? Not really. Teachers? Maybe, but other professionals -- one thinks of first responders and health care workers -- face the disease, too and survive.

One could wonder if, instead of teaching critical thinking and science to a generation of youth, children are taught fear and dependence upon government, by the "red for ed" public employee union members who are doing the teaching. One also wonders if there's not a rift between the actual boots-on-the-ground educators -- a group not known to fear a virus -- and their union bosses. Certainly, there must be some teachers that want to return to the classroom. They might be better served by their union fighting to get them a spot closer to the front of the line for scarce vaccines, rather than an eternal spot in front of a laptop.

It remains to be seen if the public employee unions which control our education system care about children. It's pretty clear that they are wholly unresponsive to taxpayers and parents.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-12-03 15:10:40

Last Update: 2020-12-03 16:20:42

If you were taught any civics, probably the most basic thing you were taught is the three branches of government. You can probably still name them: The Legislative, the Executive and the Judicial Branches. Well, Oregon's founders didn't want you to rest on your laurels after 10th grade, so they created an appendage to the Executive. Article III, Section 1 of the Oregon Constitution spells it out.

Separation of powers. The powers of the Government shall be divided into three separate branches, the Legislative, the Executive, including the administrative, and the Judicial; and no person charged with official duties under one of these branches, shall exercise any of the functions of another, except as in this Constitution expressly provided.

Article III, Section 2 says it all starts with Legislative action:

Budgetary control over executive and administrative officers and agencies. The Legislative Assembly shall have power to establish an agency to exercise budgetary control over all executive and administrative state officers, departments, boards, commissions and agencies of the State Government.

Once the legislature has created executive agencies and given them a budget and a mission, they are under day-to-day control of the executive -- The Governor.

The Administrative Department is described in Article VI. Because the Secretary of State and the State Treasurer are elected officials in addition to the Governor, who is the head of the Executive Branch, they are deemed part of the Executive Branch, but not really. Get it? The fact that they are called out on the Oregon Constitution gives them a measure of independence from the Governor.

To further complicate things, there are two other agencies within the Executive Branch, which are not named as part of the administrative branch, but are separate elected officials. The Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries as head of that agency and the Attorney General as head of the Oregon Justice Department are statewide elected officials in the Executive branch.

The Governor is in charge of all other agencies in state government. Most agencies have a board of commissioners, appointed by the Governor and in some cases, confirmed by the State Senate, to direct policy for the agency.




--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-12-02 19:50:38

Last Update: 2020-12-03 10:23:17

Kate Brown has explained that "equity" will be the priority with her newly released biennium budget proposals. She announced the budget on Tuesday, via press conference, and she explained that funding for public safety will suffer significant cuts.

While these budget cuts are being considered as a response to the loss of state revenue during the mandated lock downs, the governor may not be willing to give up on pet projects, as indicated by the proposed 8 percent increase in the overall budget. She then pleaded with the Trump administration for additional federal funding for projects that Oregon could not budget appropriately for.

"Honestly, it is time for Washington, DC to get its act together. Unlike the federal government, state governments have to balance our budget. We have to meet the needs of the pandemic Our revenues are down as a result of the recession caused by the pandemic and yet we've got to meet the needs of vulnerable Orgon families and, frankly, we've got to invest and rebuild in our communities."

"Together, with our public safety system, we cut roughly 100 million. I had a very tough conversation with the hospitals today because the Oregon Health Plan is still short $400 million, so that we need to work collaboratively to preserve our health care infrastructure."

She announced a plan for three prisons to be closed. Mill Creek Correctional Facility in Salem is slated to be the first closure in July 2021 with Shutter Creek Correctional Institution in North Bend next, and Warner Creek Correctional Facility in Lakeview to follow.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Senate Republican Leader Fred Girod (R-Lyons) issued the following statement:

“I am deeply concerned for Oregonians’ public safety with Governor Brown’s decision to close three state prisons yesterday. There is a potential for an increase in crime, especially when there are no details on who is being released or relocated. “Before the Legislature does anything, Governor Brown must share the plan of where inmates will go, who will be released and how law enforcement, vendor and support staff jobs will be protected.

“Two of the prisons are in rural Oregon communities already under significant stress due to the COVID-19 lockdowns, and the years of neglect as the Portland area has been given priority. “Governor Brown’s decision to close multiple corrections facilities, along with the early release of inmates this year, and the 2019 bill that narrowed the use of the death penalty, are examples of the disturbing trend that she does not value Oregonians’ public safety and is determined to undermine the Oregon criminal justice system to earn political points.”

--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-12-02 13:05:16

Last Update: 2020-12-24 12:42:24

On December 1, 2020 at approximately 5:00 p.m., the Salem Police and Fire Departments responded to Doaks Ferry RD NW and Hidden Valley DR NW on a report of a vehicle colliding with a pedestrian.

The pedestrian, identified as Selma Pierce age 66 of Salem, was declared deceased at the scene. The driver of the Chevrolet SUV that struck Pierce remained on scene and is cooperating with the investigation.

The preliminary findings indicate Pierce was in the roadway when she was struck. The investigation is still ongoing and no further details will be released at this time.

Both Bud and Selma Pierce were very active in Oregon politics. Selma's husband Bud had announced his campaign to run for governor of Oregon just the day prior.

House Republican Leader Christine Drazan has released a statement offering condolences:

"House Republicans were devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Dr. Selma Pierce in an accident earlier today. We are profoundly saddened by this sudden loss of our friend and community leader. Selma dedicated her life to serving people.

"She touched the lives of thousands through volunteer dental work to at-risk populations, service on local education foundations, and her and her husband Bud’s generous support of countless community organizations. The Pierces are a pillar of the Salem community and this loss will be felt deeply across our state. Our prayers are with Bud and the entire Pierce family this evening.”

Selma's husband Dr. Bud Pierce has also released a somber statement on the tragic passing of his wife:

Selma Pierce, the glue of the Pierce family, an angel of a person , the only woman that I have ever loved, died this evening in a sudden and tragic accident. We cannot believe that she has left us, but we are comforted in the knowledge that she is with God, and we will see her again.

--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-12-01 21:03:18

Last Update: 2020-12-01 21:05:57

Editor's note: This is the second in a series on Oregon’s COVID-19 vaccination plans, digging into the Oregon Healthy Authority's 125 page draft plan on vaccinations.

Today, the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices of the CDC met to vote on adding the not-yet-approved COVID-19 vaccine to the recommended schedule of vaccines.

All but one voting members of the ACIP voted to add it to the schedule with this language:

When a COVID-19 vaccine is authorized by FDA and recommended by ACIP, vaccination in the initial phase of the COVID-19 vaccination program (Phase 1a) should be offered to both 1) health care personnel and 2) residents of long-term care facilities.

As previously reported on in our first installment of the COVID-19 vaccine issue, the US has implemented fast tracked mass vaccination programs twice. Once, with polio in 1954-1955 that was abandoned with the Cutter Incident causing polio paralysis and the 1976 Swine flu vaccine program that caused GBS paralysis. The cart-before-the-horse meeting felt rushed and questions by the panel as well as public comment was kept short. The compressed timeline means there is no long term follow up prior to administering millions of vaccine doses. The ACIP panel stated they will not approve and recommend the vaccine unless it is safe. That is why they are asking for everyone in the community to report adverse events in the early phases and the importance of this data. They are calling on the whole community to ensure safety of the COVID-19 vaccines. Oregon healthcare workers need to be prepared and trained on effective adverse event reporting on a regular basis. The last time the state of Oregon investigated and reported on adverse events, was in 2009.

Public health officials discussed the challenge of implementation plans of those who would be first in line to get the jab. They have a partnership with two pharmacies to attend long term care homes first to vaccinate both the staff and residents on three occasions to administer two doses of the vaccine. Things to keep in mind is that all COVID-19 vaccine trial info forthcoming has reported as having high side effects and Dr. Fryhoffer of the ACIP has recommended letting individuals know that getting the COVID-19 will “not be a walk in the park.” Some unblinded trial participants have suggested taking a few days off for the COVID-19-like symptoms of illness it produces. Due to that fact, the CDC suggests considering staggering personnel getting the vaccine as well as to have time away from clinical care because they could experience systemic symptoms post-vaccination. A panel member agreed, “It could wipe out that unit for 1-3 days. It could have quite a few of those people out of work.”

"Reactogenicity" refers to the property of a vaccine of being able to produce common, "expected" adverse reactions, especially excessive immunological responses and associated signs and symptoms, including fever and sore arm at injection site. There is no reactogenicity data in Long term care facility residents. The trials were only conducted with prescreened healthy individuals. Pfizer only used 94 participants for interim analysis. You can see the data on the Informed Consent Action Network website.

It's not clear if those who have contracted the COVID-19 symptoms previously will need to stay masked up or get vaccinated, nor any policies on exemptions for religious or medical reasons, though consent or assent will be obtained. The following were discussed.

• 5-10 Million doses are expected to be administered each week following approval and after the initial 40 million doses is given.
• They are not recommending prior testing to see if you already had COVID-19 before getting vaccinated.
• Dr. Sanchez, panel member suggested lactating women should get the COVID-19 vaccine.
• If jurisdictions place their orders, 20 million people will be vaccinated by end of December.
• There is also a new adverse even reporting system with the CDC called v-safe that will be tied into the existing Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System or VAERS. This requires registration but will collect data on day zero for 12 months. If you choose to get the vaccine and experience an adverse reaction you can also report it on the Informed Consent Action Network website.

The ACIP voted to recommend the vaccine should Phase 3 clinical trials show safety and success and approval by the FDA. The FDA meets December 8-10 to discuss Emergency Use authorization of three who have submitted application.

Regardless of how people feel about getting the vaccine, this will mean we can all go back to normal and ditch the masks and grocery store directional stickers, right? Not so fast! We were told by the CDC’s committee that masks and social distancing will still be necessary for a long while. Some Oregon legislators have also said it will be many more months before we can go back to normal. It has already been a long nine months.

Photo by Ani Kolleshi on Unsplash.com


--Nicole DeGraff

Post Date: 2020-12-01 18:43:09

Last Update: 2020-12-01 19:05:58

After a technology snafu that had Kate Brown jumping out of her chair and dancing around shaking it off, she resumed her 2021 budget presentation presser, centering on racial justice. Repeating the script she restarted, “What a year it has been...” She said that Oregonians have stepped up to protect friends and neighbors. Keeping each other healthy and well. Through fires and a global pandemic, we are determined to rise and rebuild and have every voice heard.

She went on to say, she thinks that the state’s north star is the Governor’s budget. To do so we must first recognize racism impacts every part of our culture and economy.

• Across the budget, $280M invests in and prioritizes undoing systemic racism.
• $10B to ensure every student has access to services and nutrition, early childhood education for 8,000 more kids. She is prioritizing Anti-racism curriculums and behavioral health.
• $7B in Climate change investments; she said that effort is not yet fully funded but is “absolutely” committed to cap greenhouse gas emissions through her executive order made the same week she declared an emergency for Covid-19 back in March.
• $190M dedicated to communities affected by wildfires. Including investments to build back better” to prepare for future wildfire seasons.

The Governor continued with, “This budget doesn’t put enough into education and public health. It doesn’t go far enough to heal the pain of 2020. Oregon alone cannot do that. We need Federal government to stand up and respond.” She is asking more for OHP and COVID-19 testing. According to the Governor another $685 Million is needed for pandemic reasons. She also stated that we need another round of the paycheck protection program. Due to losing half of its childcare supply, we need to rebuild with federal aid as well as additional federal aid for schools and colleges, cities, counties, tribal governments and courts need help. “It’s time for DC to get its act together.”

She encouraged folks to contact their congressperson and ask for federal funds.

The Governor also confirmed the likelihood of a catastrophic session is great. “I am absolutely committed that we meet needs of vulnerable Oregonians." She is working with legislative leadership now on implementing one. Given community spread of COVID-19 she wants to ensure a way for Oregonians to participate via technology and keeping legislators and staff safe.

When asked about getting kids back into schools Kate Brown said “there is a specific plan for vaccination of teachers and schools.” There has not been any COVID-19 trials completed on children.


--Nicole DeGraff

Post Date: 2020-12-01 14:03:32

Last Update: 2020-12-01 14:21:10

Oregonians found themselves facing an inconvenient truth, regarding the new COVID-19 vaccine during a recent commute. "COVID-19 Vaccine Manufacturers Are Exempt From Liability" reads the sign above the I-205, Oregon City overpass. The sign was part of an international campaign put on by the group 'V' is for Vaccine. Spokesperson Josh Coleman stated in a press release prior to the event,

"All medical procedures require informed consent. Vaccination is no different, but the reality is vaccines are routinely administered without informing the recipient of severe and acknowledged risks. A fast-tracked COVID-19 vaccine means no long term and limited safety studies. With the potential for severe adverse reactions and widespread vaccine mandates, it is critical that people understand their rights, the true scope of risk involved in vaccinating and the lack of adequate recourse if they suffer an adverse reaction."

The new COVID-19 vaccine has been granted the same legal immunity as childhood vaccines were with the passage of H.R 5546 The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, making it liability free for manufacturers. In the event of serious adverse reactions or death as a result of the vaccine, the manufacturer is immune from legal consequences or direct pay outs to the vaccine injured.

In light of alarming halts to production, during safety trials, experts are speaking out "We only have one chance to get the vaccine right, after it's approved there's no liability, and no enforcement for post market research" says LPN Jordana Bruce, who specializes in geriatric care, and works for a large in home care provider that operates in Oregon. "A huge red flag with the AstraZeneca trial is that the vaccine was mainly tested on healthy individuals under 50. That doesn't really help anyone when the approved vaccine will be given to my geriatric patients over 60, first, without having been properly tested (on this age range), and those under age 50 aren't really dying from COVID-19". "However, I'm not sure the alternative option is much better" says Bruce, "This mRNA technology has never been used in human history, and if it's like past vaccines without liability, we might not understand the long term risks, until it's too late".

The New York Times recently reported issues with the AstraZeneca trial, outlining the flawed data collection and efficacy claims. Data was cherry picked from studies in Britain and Brazil, which led to initial reports of a vaccine at low cost, with a 90% efficacy threshold(sic). Soon after initial reports, Scientists and industry experts noted various errors along with a series of other irregularities and omissions in the way AstraZeneca initially disclosed their data. Claiming as a result, the confidence of the scientific community has been eroded, questioning the reliability of the results.

One key omision being that the test group was largely comprised of healthy individuals under the age of 50. Some of the trial participants were given a half dose, while others were given two full doses, apparently by accident. According to New York Times, "Crucial information was also missing. The company said that the early analysis was based on 131 symptomatic COVID-19 cases that had turned up in study participants. But it did not break down how many cases were found in each group of participants — those who received the half-strength initial dose, the regular-strength initial dose and the placebo."

When asked by The New York Times, why such a large variation of effectiveness was seen with different dosing, respectively a 62-90% variability(sic) AstraZeneca and Oxford researchers said they did not know.

In a bizarre move, rather than disclose their findings publicly, AstraZeneca shared some information with Wall Street analysts and other officials. Stock prices quickly plummeted, soon after. When asked why the company chose to selectively share details of their data collection and efficacy failures Michele Meixell, a spokeswoman for AstraZeneca stated, “I think the best way of reflecting the results is in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, not in a newspaper.” A peer reviewed paper has yet to be published, and concerns over insider trading appear to be valid according to financial analysts and Wall Street watchdogs.

Pfizer and Moderna are also nearing completion, using a vaccine, which uses experimental mRNA technology. Messenger RNA or mRNA is the ribonucleic acid that transfers the genetic code of the DNA of the cell nucleus to a ribosome in the cytoplasm, which is what determines the order that amino acids of a protein bind and act as a mold or pattern for the synthesis of that protein. Pfizer released preliminary results stating their vaccine is 90% effictive at preventing symptomatic COVID-19. Moderna also released their early results of the phase 3 trial, stating the vaccine is around 94.5% effective at preventing COVID-19.

Yet, this new form of vaccine has the scientific community at odds regarding ethics, safety, long term viability and efficacy. Dr. Wolfgang Woodarg, is an Internist, Pneumologist, Social medicine expert, MD of Hygiene, environmental clinicist and former head of the German Health administration. Dr. Woodarg has been very vocal about his concerns regarding the panic being created, and the supposed cure, which he believes to be more harmful than the virus.

"This promising vaccine (the mRNA vaccine), for the vast majority of people should be forbidden, because it is genetic manipulation!" Earlier this month the previous vice president of Pfizer publicly stated that "There is absolutely no need for vaccines to extinguish the pandemic. I’ve never heard such nonsense talked about vaccines. You do not vaccinate people who aren’t at risk from a disease. You also don’t set about planning to vaccinate millions of fit and healthy people with a vaccine that hasn’t been extensively tested on human subjects." Yeadon has been vocal on social media, and stated "If any such vaccine is approved for use under any circumstances that are not explicitly experimental, I believe that recipients are being misled to a criminal extent. This is because there are precisely zero human volunteers for whom there could possibly be more than a few months past-dose safety information."

Considering the fact that it takes years to file FOIA requests, or go through the court system to compel unwilling agencies to comply with requests, activists appear to have valid concerns regarding rushed vaccines without liability, and the current public policies being created for compulsory use of said liability free products.

It took attorney Robert F. Kennedy Jr many years, and millions of dollars to finally receive a copy of the FDA results on the MMR study. A vaccine that was once heavily pushed in the media and by health agencies as being "100% safe and effective". It also took many years, and many court battles before finding that, per the 1986 immunity act for vaccine manufacturers, biannual post market data was never once, in over 32 years, disclosed to the Congress. That biannual disclosure, being the quid pro quo, to ultimate freedom from tort and liability claims.

Since the inception of the 1986 Act, health care costs have skyrocketed as each generation has become increasingly sicker. According to a BlueCross BlueShield meta analysis, over 54% of the Millennial generation has one or more chronic illnesses, 23% report serious mental health issues, and the U.S rates number 1 for infant mortality over any developed Nation. The U.S Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has also significantly increased its list of required vaccines on the CDC schedule, since vaccines became liability free. To date, there is only one study cross examining vaccinated vs unvaccinated children, and the results indicate a positive correlation between increased vaccination rates and overall health, developmental delays, asthma, ear infections and gastrointestinal disorders.

As a society, we've just begun to scratch the surface on long term health effects associated with known vaccines. Perhaps, it's a good idea to tap the brakes, and take a more conservative approach to creating public policy. Especially, as we now understand, injury caused by the vaccine, is our own responsibility.


--Breeauna Sagdal

Post Date: 2020-12-01 07:24:23

Last Update: 2020-11-30 22:28:52

Governor Brown is seeking applicants for the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board.

Established by Ballot Measure 109, the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board makes recommendations to the Oregon Health Authority on available scientific studies and research on the safety and efficacy of psilocybin in treating mental health conditions, and makes recommendations on the requirements, specifications and guidelines for providing psilocybin services in Oregon.

OHA invites applications from people who meet the following criteria:

• Local health officer.
• Representative of a federally recognized Indian tribe.
• Member of the OHA Addictions and Mental Health Planning and Advisory Council.
• Member of the OHA Health Equity Policy Committee.
• Member of the OHA Palliative Care and Quality of Life Interdisciplinary Advisory Council.
• Individual who represents individuals who provide public health services.
• Psychologist licensed under ORS chapter 675 who has professional experience engaging in the diagnosis or treatment of a mental, emotional, or behavioral condition.
• Physician licensed under ORS chapter 677 who holds a degree of Doctor of Medicine.
• Naturopathic physician licensed under ORS chapter 685.
• Expert in the field of public health who has a background in academia.
• Person who has professional experience conducting scientific research regarding the use of psychedelic compounds in clinical therapy.
• Person who has experience in the field of mycology.
• Person who has experience in the field of ethnobotany.
• Person who has experience in the field of psychopharmacology.
• Person who has experience in the field of psilocybin harm reduction.
• Person representing the Oregon Liquor Control Commission who has experience working with the system developed and maintained by the commission under ORS 475B.177 for tracking the transfer of marijuana items.
• Person representing the Oregon Department of Justice.
• Member of the public.

Persons interested in applying can submit the following documentation online here by Jan. 1, 2021:

• A completed executive appointment interest form
• A resume or brief biographical sketch.
• A brief statement of interest.

For more information, contact André Ourso, OHA Public Health Division at 971-673-0404.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-11-30 20:25:27

Last Update: 2020-11-30 22:02:51

When COVID-19 reached Oregon in March of this year, the Oregon Health Authority initiated a contact tracing program as a tool to control the spread of the disease. The OHA website informs the public. "Contact tracing means calling people who may have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 to provide guidance and support. It’s a key tool for preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. In Oregon, local public health authorities use contact tracing to prevent the spread of many types of diseases, like measles."

On August 5th, the Oregon Legislature Emergency Board approved a $94.2 million Federal Funds expenditure for the Department of Administrative Services and Oregon Health Authority to conduct contact tracing. LFO issued a report on CARES Act distributions in Oregon related to contact tracing. According to the report, the Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division received:

• $28.7 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds to support COVID-19 contact tracing and case investigation performed by local public health authorities, except for Multnomah and Washington counties, which received funds through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.
• $27.6 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds to support COVID-19 contact tracing performed by community-based organizations.
• $10.0 million in CRF for testing and contact tracing performed by Multnomah County.
• $3.3 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds to support COVID-19 contact tracing and case investigation performed by Oregon's federally recognized tribes.

Much of this money went to support public contact tracer workers, but quite a bit -- $9.4 million in CARES Act funded contracts -- went to 173 Community-based Organizations for:

• Outreach and community engagement
• Contact tracing together with local public health authorities
• Providing people with social services/wraparound supports

Each of the Community-based Organizations has a specific racial, disability or socio-economic community that they serve. According to the OHA website, "Community-based organizations, including advocacy groups, and Community Health Workers are central to the success of our contact tracing efforts. They will help us reach and respond to the needs of people of color, tribal members, people with disabilities, immigrant and refugee communities, LGBTQIA+ communities, and migrant and seasonal farm workers."

The OHA claims to have hired 600 contract tracers, in addition to the Community-based Organization workers. The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials recommends a ratio of 1:1,000 individuals to tracers, which would put the need in Oregon at about 1,200.

The value of contact tracing is not historically disputed. The amount spent on public workers and given to Community-based organizations has been called into question by some. To date, OHA claims that we have some 70,000 cases in Oregon. The Oregon based outbreak is about 150 days old. That means 600 contact tracers -- according to the OHA site, but probably more -- have handled 117 cases each or an average of 0.78 (i.e. fewer than one) cases per day. This seems like a manageable load -- certainly one that could be covered by almost $70 million in spending.

Another way to look at it, is to divide the spend of $70 million by 70,000 cases, which means that the state has allocated about $1,000 per case. And remember, this isn't care. This is contact tracing.

The upcoming legislative session will be a great opportunity for accountability.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-11-30 19:36:58

Last Update: 2020-11-30 22:43:09

Climate watchers are starting to notice a strong La Niña that has been building in the equatorial Pacific off of the coast of Peru.

La Niña is a cooler sea surface temperature pattern in the equatorial Pacific Ocean off of Peru. Strong winds push warm surface water westward toward Indonesia and Australia, allowing cold water from the depths to rise near South America, providing a cooling effect.

The consequences for planet Earth are a cooling, similar but opposite to the warming we have recently experienced locally and across the globe. Major El Niños occurred in 1998, 2010, and 2016, with 1998 producing the highest Global Temperature and 2016 the highest Global Temperature Anomaly. The graph shows a plot of the anomaly, that is, the monthly departure from average.

The El Niño of 2016 was unusual because the effects lasted over several years. The global satellite temperature record does not yet show the effects of the building La Niña, because it typically takes a couple of months for tropical sea surface changes to show up in the lower troposphere, but they will. The National Weather Service is already predicting 25% more snow for the Northwest east of the Cascades.

Note that the entire satellite record of temperature anomalies shows the powerful effect of our oceans (and large volcanic eruptions). That is because our oceans contain the vast majority of mobile heat on this planet. The first ten feet of our oceans contain as much heat as the entire atmosphere. No wonder they dominate our climate.

The conclusion that should be understood is that the most likely climate change over the next few years is cooling not warming.

In any case, the Earth will surely continue on the roller-coaster ride evident in the NASA data for the satellite era, because we live on a planet with vast oceans and atmosphere that are never in equilibrium.


--Dr., Gordon Fulks

Post Date: 2020-11-30 07:36:15

Last Update: 2020-11-30 08:57:33

There is nothing sacred to criminals in Portland Oregon in 2020. It is no surprise to many who have been paying attention to events in Oregon lately to now see the unchecked and mindless destruction spread about in a county with a district attorney who has pledged to take it easy on criminals. Violent thugs have begun to attack and destroy their own community's history and monuments. Fools do such things, and ignorant criminals.

These criminals that have now toppled a soldier's monument in Portland were supposedly protesting colonialism from centuries ago.

The Portland Police Bureau is now investigating a report of a statue toppled and vandalized in Lone Fir Cemetery this week.

Lone Fir, at 649 Southeast 26th Avenue, is a property owned by Metro. A Metro representative made an online police report on Friday, November 27, 2020, and the incident is under investigation.

According to the report, the vandalism happened sometime between 4:30p.m. Wednesday, November 25, 2020 and 7:30a.m. Thursday, November 26, 2020. A statue known as The Soldiers Monument was tipped over and painted.

Metro pleaded to visitors that the area is unsafe. "We are aware of the vandalism that occurred two nights ago at Lone Fir Cemetery and are assessing the damages. The Soldiers Monument was heavily damaged and was removed yesterday for the safety of visitors."


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-11-29 18:40:18

Last Update: 2020-11-29 19:03:59