The Corvallis, Oregon Police Department was selected as one of three law enforcement agencies nationwide to pilot a new crisis training program being developed by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance. The intensive, 40-hour training program is designed to prepare police officers in their response to people experiencing crises related to behavioral health conditions, as well as intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Crisis Response and Intervention Training (CRIT) course took place in Corvallis at the end of May and involved law enforcement staff from the Corvallis Police Department, Albany Police Department, and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.

Local agencies have been training on crisis response techniques for many years, but this new program represents a supposed more inclusive approach to issues like substance abuse and intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“Our goal here is to give officers a better understanding and recognition of mental health and disability awareness crisis communications, and to equip them with the latest de-escalation tools that they can take back to their agencies,” said Trevor Anderson, a police officer in CPD’s Community Livability Unit who helped coordinate the training. “We also want to connect law enforcement staff with resources in the community. It’s important for officers to understand that they are not an island, and there are local resources they can call on during a crisis response.”

The curriculum focused on topics such as mental health, trauma and post-traumatic stress, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. Each module featured trainers and subject matter experts who shared the latest evolving thinking on each of these complex topics. Throughout the five-day training course, instructors and researchers encouraged attendees to provide feedback on the content and practical applicability of the training course.

“There’s not a day that goes by where I don’t have an opportunity to use these tools and techniques,” said Benton County Sheriff’s Deputy Colin Tominey, shortly after participating in a roleplay scenario that featured a series of interactions with an adult with autism.

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The city says the training also highlighted the opportunity to make meaningful improvements to the limited array of crisis resources in Corvallis and Benton County — something Tominey says he understands all too well.

“In law enforcement, we have two choices when responding to a person experiencing a crisis: take them to the hospital if they are sick or a danger to themselves, or take them to jail if they are committing a crime,” Tominey explained. “We need additional resources, like a drop-in crisis center and support programs, to give us that viable third option.”

The training course was developed by researchers from the University of Cincinnati and facilitated by Policy Research Associates, a consulting firm focused on behavioral health issues.

Key local partners included The Arc of Benton County as well as the Benton County Health Department. Moving forward, the instructors will refine the curriculum using data and feedback gathered in Corvallis and the other two pilot sites (Pittsburgh and Rapid City, South Dakota).

The eventual goal is to offer the training nationwide so that law enforcement agencies around the country can benefit from the latest approach to this critical topic.

“Bringing this new training opportunity to Corvallis was an incredible achievement,” said Corvallis Police Chief Nick Hurley. “We are excited to grow this program and help roll it out around the nation.”


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2022-06-01 16:56:05

Last Update: 2022-06-01 20:20:32

According to AAA Oregon, a dip in in gasoline demand provided drivers with a bit of stability at the pump, with gas prices showing smaller increases on the week. But the break could be brief. Crude oil prices have climbed above $116 per barrel due to fears of further global supply constraints caused by a European Union (EU) ban on Russian oil exports.

Domestic gas demand may rise again as drivers fuel up for the summer travel season, which began this Memorial Day weekend. For the week, the national average for regular edges up two cents to $4.62 a gallon. The Oregon average adds a nickel to $5.22. These are both at record highs.

“So far, the pent-up desire to travel as we emerge from the pandemic outweighs record high pump prices for many consumers,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “However, a recent survey by AAA reveals that 67% of drivers say they would change their driving habits if gas hit $4.50 a gallon. That number rises to 75% at $5 a gallon. The Oregon average has already surpassed $5, so it remains to be seen if people will change their summer travel plans.”

All 50 states have averages above $4 a gallon and seven states, including Oregon, have averages above $5. California remains the only state with an average above $6. The national and Oregon averages continue to set new record highs almost daily, eclipsing the recent record highs set in March.

Higher crude oil prices result in higher pump prices since oil is the main ingredient in gasoline and diesel. On average, about 53% of what we pay for in a gallon of gasoline is for the price of crude oil, 12% is refining, 21% distribution and marketing, and 15% are taxes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

AAA Oregon states that crude oil prices remain elevated due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Russia is one of the top three oil producers in the world, behind the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, and about 25% of Europe’s oil is imported from Russia. A year ago, crude was around $67 per barrel compared to $116 today.

Demand for gasoline in the U.S. dipped from 9 million b/d to 8.8 million b/d, approximately 700,000 b/d lower than a year ago. Total domestic gasoline stocks also decreased by 500,000 bbl to 219.7 million bbl last week, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). The softening of gas demand helped minimize price increases ahead of Memorial Day. However, gas demand may spike this week after drivers took to the roads for the holiday. According to AAA Oregon, pump price increases might be limited if demand slows again following the holiday weekend.

Meanwhile, the switch to the more expensive summer blend of gasoline, which usually adds seven to ten cents per gallon depending on the market, is happening now. This switchover should be complete nationwide by early June. This summer blend switch is an annual event.

Quick stats

Oregon is one of 36 states with higher prices week-over-week. Wisconsin (+11 cents) has the largest weekly increase. Texas (-3 cents) has the largest weekly decrease.

California ($6.17) is the most expensive state in the nation and is the only state to ever have an average above $6 a gallon. There are seven states, including Oregon, with averages at or above $5. Every other state and D.C. have averages at or above $4 a gallon.

The cheapest gas in the nation is in Kansas ($4.13) and Georgia ($4.14). This week no states have averages below $3 a gallon, same as a week ago. For the 73rd week in a row, no state has an average below $2 a gallon.

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have higher prices now than a month ago. The national average is 44 cents more and the Oregon average is 53 cents more than a month ago. This is the 13th-largest monthly jump in the nation. New York (+60 cents) has the largest monthly gain. Hawaii (+18 cents) has the smallest.

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have higher prices now than a year ago. Every state and D.C. have a current average that’s a dollar or more higher than a year ago. The national average is $1.58 more and the Oregon average is $1.79 more than a year ago. This is the sixth-largest yearly increase in the nation. California (+$1.96) has the biggest yearly increase. Colorado (+$1.16) has the smallest year-over-year increase.

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West Coast

The West Coast region continues to have the most expensive pump prices in the nation with all seven states in the top 10. This is typical for the West Coast as this region tends to consistently have fairly tight supplies, consuming about as much gasoline as is produced.

Price on 5/31/22

• 1 California $6.17
• 2 Hawaii $5.44
• 3 Nevada $5.31
• 4 Washington $5.23
• 5 Oregon $5.22
• 6 Alaska $5.21
• 7 Illinois $5.00
• 8 Arizona $4.96
• 9 New York $4.93
• 10 District of Columbia $4.84

California is the most expensive state for the 71st week in a row with Hawaii, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska rounding out the top six. Arizona is eighth. Oregon rises to fifth after spending one week at sixth.

Like most other states, all seven states in the West Coast region have week-over-week increases. California (+10 cents) has the largest weekly increase in the region. Alaska (+2 cents) has the region’s smallest weekly increase.

The refinery utilization rate on the West Coast fell from 85.4% to 83.0% for the week ending May 20. The rate has ranged between about 76% and 90% in the last year.

According to EIA’s latest weekly report, total gas stocks in the region rose from 30.05 million bbl to 30.47 million bbl.

Oil market dynamics

Crude prices rallied at the end of last week following news that the EU was seeking unanimous support of all 27 member countries to impose a ban on Russian oil later this year. Yesterday, EU leaders announced they will ban 90 percent of Russian oil imports by the end of 2022.

Crude prices also increased last week after EIA reported that domestic crude supply decreased by 1 million bbl to 419.8 million bbl. The current level is approximately 13.3 percent lower than during the third week of May 2021. Crude prices could rise again this week if EIA’s next report shows total domestic supply remains tight.

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI increased 98 cents to settle at $115.07. U.S. markets were closed Monday for the Memorial Day holiday. Today crude is trading around $117, compared to $110 a week ago. Crude prices are about $48 more than a year ago.

Diesel

For the week, the national average loses three cents to $5.52 a gallon. Oregon’s average rises four cents to $5.72. This is a record high. A year ago the national average for diesel was $3.19 and the Oregon average was $3.35.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-05-31 18:44:10

Last Update: 2022-05-31 19:15:29

The Constitution Party of Oregon has removed Paul Romero from consideration as a gubernatorial candidate and Michael Stettler as a US Senate candidate.

According to a release from a Constitution Party Secretary Roger Shipman, "Written evidence that clearly implicates long-time gubernatorial candidate Paul Romero of collusion with Michael Stettler, who was running for US Senate, to entrap the voting members of the Constitution Party of Oregon during their duly convened nominating convention, which took place May 21 in Springfield, Oregon, has caused quite a stir and confirmed rumors of a hostile takeover of the party. This evidence comes in the form of an email from someone who calls himself Engineer Greg, who also attempted to subvert the law by encouraging party members to "ignore the bylaws," a crime under Oregon statutes."

The release continues, "Mr. Romero did also illegally attempt to coerce, both by intimidation and inducements, one of the voters, as well as his opponent, while at the convention. Mr. Romero is known for such. His online forums include both veiled and open threats and hostility to those who question him. He has also blocked commentary by those who disagree with him, a thing not only disallowed for a public personage, but something for which President Trump himself was censured when he shut down hostile criticism on his Twitter feed."

The Constitution Party, in a 8-4 vote, officially removed both Mr. Romero and Mr. Stettler from consideration as our nominees.

Their nomination process continues, according to ORS and Party bylaws, and they expect to have elected a candidate for governor by the end of this week.

According to Barker, "Those desiring to run for office should be aware that the Party has always and continues to act in accordance with Oregon law and its bylaws, and that those allow us to make nominations for offices at all levels up until August 30."


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-05-31 09:39:20

Last Update: 2022-05-31 10:55:39

Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan has released an audit on K-12 education which identifies five key risks that, according to the report, "could undermine K-12 system improvement as the state implements the 2019 Student Success Act, Oregon’s fourth major K-12 improvement effort since the 1990s."

The five risks identified by the report are:

Risk #1: Performance Monitoring and Support: Performance monitoring is crucial to school improvement. State leaders and policymakers must work with ODE to ensure monitoring of district performance and state support when needed to promote success.

Risk #2: Transparency on Results and Challenges: To foster accountability and timely adjustments, leaders and policymakers must require thorough reporting of school improvement results and challenges.

Risk #3: Spending Scrutiny and Guidance: Leaders and policymakers should support ODE in providing more analysis of school district spending, helping districts focus spending on student support and offset rising costs.

Risk #4: Clear, Enforceable District Standards: Oregon’s Division 22 standards for K-12 schools lack clarity and enforceability, allowing low performance to persist. To increase accountability for state funds and student success, leaders and policymakers must balance local control of school districts with reasonable, enforceable standards.

Risk #5: Governance and Funding Stability: Reforming education is a complex, long-term effort, requiring leaders and policymakers to set clear goals and foster a long-term focus. A large number of separate programs, unrealistic timelines, and frequent changes in funding priorities and leadership can undermine reform efforts.

In a stinging indictment, the report clearly identified recent high-level strategic policy failures in Oregon K-12 education. According to the report:

In 1991, the Legislature passed the Oregon Educational Act for the 21st Century, a major overhaul whose most direct school improvement provisions were CIM and CAM — certificates of initial and advanced mastery — intended to drive classroom rigor. They were never required for graduation, despite significant investments of time and resources, and the Legislature abolished them in 2007.

In 2011, the Legislature created an Oregon Education Investment Board to oversee a unified education system from early childhood through post-secondary education. The board developed strategic initiatives to spur improvement and required districts to sign “achievement compacts” as part of the budgeting process. By 2015, the investment board and the achievement compacts were gone, and by 2017 many of the initial programs established by the strategic initiatives and network grants were changed, eliminated, or replaced, with limited analysis of lessons learned.

The Legislature replaced the investment board with a Chief Education Office under the Governor and charged it with building a unified education system, a major undertaking. In 2015, the Legislature set a June 2019 sunset date for the office, and most of its functions related to strategic investment and educator training were transferred to ODE.

The report acknowledged the gravity of the recent spending authorized by the legislature. "The Student Success Act provides an extra $1 billion of tax money a year for early childhood education and K-12 school improvement. It requires the Oregon Department of Education to track district performance and work with districts to improve, building on other recent state and federal initiatives and bringing the state the closest it has been to meeting the funding recommendations of the Quality Education Model. Oregon’s previous three major K-12 improvement efforts were all abandoned, underscoring the importance of addressing risks early on."

It's axiomatic that education is important, but the report underscored the importance of graduation, saying "High school graduation is a critical milestone for students. Research indicates graduates are more likely to have jobs, less likely to be incarcerated, and less likely to rely on public assistance than students who drop out. They are also less likely to have problems with drugs and more likely to live long, healthy lives."


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-05-31 09:36:48

Last Update: 2022-05-31 10:59:10

Memorial Day is a day when the United States pauses to remember those service members who died while in service to the US to preserve and defend individual freedoms.

Since the Civil War, almost 6,000 Oregonians have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States. On Memorial Day, they are honored along with more than 1.2 million service members who have given their lives nationwide.

Ceremonies have been traditionally held at the Oregon World War II Memorial in Salem until Covid restrictions halted this practice in recent years.

Kelly Fitzpatrick is the director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Governor Kate Brown’s policy advisor on veterans’ issues. She was appointed by Governor Kate Brown in 2018. She has now released a statement in observance of Memorial Day 2022, and she included some "woke" messaging that is not surprising to many observers.

“Every service member had a story", Fitzpatrick said. "Many faced additional challenges beyond the common trials and tribulations of war."

She continued, “Some of the courageous Oregonians who served and gave their lives in service to our country and whose memories we honor today were women who would not even be recognized as veterans of the United States Armed Forces until the 1970s. Others were quietly transgender, gay, lesbian or queer, who grappled with the pain of giving their all to a country that did not want every part of them, that did not allow them to serve openly as their true, authentic selves.”

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Fitzpatrick then explains that an additional debt of gratitude is owed to LGBT veterans.

“We as a nation, owe an additional debt of gratitude to the brave soldiers, sailors, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard members who served under these policies and conditions," Fitzpatrick added. "Their courage, selflessness, dignity and exceptional service did much to sway public opinion and pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future.”

Some observers can't help but point out the messaging is a bit tone def to many Americans, with many suggesting that America has been one of the most progressive nations in world history in regards to individual human rights, and that gaslighting such as this coming from Oregon's Director of Veteran Affairs is meant to just stir the pot and cause division amongst people. A more unifying message would not need to suggest such terrible oppression of an extreme minority of people, when it wasn't actually the case.

On Memorial Day, we should honor the unique loss and pain of each and every one of the 6,000 Oregonians and their families, but out of touch "woke" messaging does little for honoring those who have served.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2022-05-30 09:48:32

Last Update: 2022-05-30 11:27:30

Not only is fishing free in Oregon the weekend of June 4-5, ODFW and partners will bring all the gear you need to try it, too!

With state COVID restrictions lifted, traditional Family Fishing events are back this year to coincide with Free Fishing Weekend the first weekend in June. At these events, ODFW staff, volunteers and partners provide all the fishing equipment (reels, rods, tackle, bait) and help teach new anglers how to rig their line, cast a rod, land a fish and identify their catch in ponds specially stocked for the weekend.

Saturday June 4

• Estacada, Small Fry Lake, Promontory Park, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Directions: 7 miles east of Estacada on Highway 224.
• Eugene, Alton Baker Canoe Canal, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m.
• Hebo Lake, 9 am.-2 p.m. Directions: Take Hwy 101 to Hwy 22 at Hebo. Travel 1/4 mile east on Hwy 22 to Forest Service Rd. 14. Travel east 4.5 miles on Forest Service Rd. 14 to the entrance of the Hebo Lake Campground.
• Forest Grove/Washington County, Henry Hagg Lake, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Directions: From Hwy 47 south of Dilley near Forest Grove, follow Scoggins Valley Rd. about 3 miles to the lake.
• Silverton Reservoir, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. There is no on-site parking at this event. Free shuttles will run every half hour 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Roth's Market, Robert Frost School, Library, Church of the Nazarene in Silverton.
• Toledo/Newport, Ollala Lake, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Directions: 9 miles northeast of Newport. From Newport, take Hwy. 20 east for approximately six miles, then head north on Olalla Road for about three miles.

Sunday, June 5

• Forest Grove/Washington County, Henry Hagg Lake, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Directions: From Hwy 47 south of Dilley near Forest Grove, follow Scoggins Valley Rd. about 3 miles to the lake.
• Klamath Falls/Medford, Lake of the Woods, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Directions: Lake of the Woods is located off of State Rte. 140 mid-way between Medford and Klamath Falls.

Fishing is free in Oregon the first weekend in June on Saturday and Sunday, June 4-5. Everyone can fish, clam and crab for free in Oregon those two days.

No fishing/shellfish licenses or tags (including a Combined Angling Tag or Columbia River Basin Endorsement or Two-Rod Validation) are required those two days for either Oregon residents or nonresidents. It's also free to park and camp at Oregon State Parks on Saturday, June 4.

All other fishing regulations apply including closures, bag limits and size restrictions. See the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for rules and remember to check for any in season regulation changes, especially for salmon and steelhead fishing, at https://myodfw.com/recreation-report/fishing-report/


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-05-29 13:54:08

Last Update: 2022-05-29 15:36:31

Clackamas County Commissioners are seeking interested residents to serve on county Advisory Boards and Commissions (ABCs). These ABCs offer residents the opportunity to become very involved in specific activities and the goals of Clackamas County.

Individuals interested in this opportunity can apply online or via a paper form that can be obtained from the Public & Government Affairs Department by calling 503-655-8751 or in person at the Public Services Building at 2051 Kaen Road in Oregon City.

New Advisory Boards and Commissions openings currently include:

The North Clackamas Parks & Recreation District – Milwaukie Center Community Advisory Board

The board has one opening, which carries a three-year term. The board is the primary policy advisor regarding the activities and operations of the Milwaukie Community Center, and also addresses the needs of older adults and people with disabilities in the area. Duties include addressing the programs and facilities of the Milwaukie Community Center concentrating on the needs, and desires of the senior citizens and others within NCPRD boundaries. Board members must either live or work within the NCPRD boundaries.

The Milwaukie Community Center is a North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District (NCPRD) facility. The board meets on the second Friday of each month at the Milwaukie Community Center. The deadline for applications is June 30, 2022. For more information, please contact the Milwaukie Center Supervisor, Marty Hanley at 503-794-8058.

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Committee for Clackamas County Budget

This committee has an opening for two positions, which carry a three-year term. Both committee positions expire on 6/30/2025. The committee meets quarterly to review and discuss budget-related matters. The committee also holds a series of meetings in May and/or June to review and approve the county budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The county operates on a July 1 to June 30 fiscal year. Applicants for the position must be residents of the county. In order to have balance and diversity of membership representation in terms of geographic area, gender, and experience, commissioners seek volunteers from all backgrounds and areas of the county.

The application deadline is June 10, 2022. You can email the county for more information.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2022-05-29 13:33:20

Last Update: 2022-05-29 13:49:11

The word "Science" is quickly becoming a junk term. What should be the result of careful study and peer-reviewed scrutiny and the very basis for policy, is now nothing more than colorfully packaged ideology nearly always with a pre-determined solution that often drives radical policy or foolish government spending. In times of huge gains in productivity, it's easy to overlook bad policy.

Possibly the best example of this is the supposed "decline" of salmon. Real data exists. Science is possible, but actual science might get in the way of highly impactful dam removal or massive government spending.

For instance, an OPB report on the failure of hatcheries and the supposed decline in salmon over the decades contains many personal stories and bleak reports but few facts and no actual presentation of data.

The hatcheries were supposed to stop the decline of salmon. They haven’t. The numbers of each of the six salmon species native to the Columbia basin have dropped to a fraction of what they once were, and 13 distinct populations are now considered threatened or endangered. Nearly 250 million young salmon, most of them from hatcheries, head to the ocean each year — roughly three times as many as before any dams were built. But the return rate today is less than one-fifth of what it was decades ago. Out of the million salmon eggs fertilized at Carson, only a few thousand will survive their journey to the ocean and return upriver as adults, where they can provide food and income for fishermen or give birth to a new generation.

OPB offers no data to back up their dire reports. There are no counts, no numbers, no trend data. Just alarming reports and bleak predictions. They even admit that there are more salmon. Data be damned -- they have police objectives to achieve.

"Each passing year of poor returns worsens the outlook for salmon. While salmon runs fluctuate from year to year and this year’s returns have been higher than those of the past few years, human-caused climate change continues to warm the ocean and rivers, and the failure to improve salmon survival rates has left the region’s tribes facing a future without either wild or hatchery fish. Federal scientists project that salmon survival will decline by as much as 90% over the next 40 years."

How much higher? It would be nice to see some numbers, or maybe a chart of fish counts over time.

Johanna Chao Kreilick is the president of the Union of Concerned Scientists, which -- just by virtue of their name -- should be expected to produce science. Their report on Climate Hot Map: Global Warming Effects Around the World falls short on science. The data is available. Fish counts have been collected on the Columbia river since the early 1960s. Yet, these supposedly scientific papers have little data. Only hyperbole and dire predictions.

Human activities such as dam building, logging, pollution, and overfishing have already depressed salmon populations in the Northwest to historically low levels. Many salmon species are classified as threatened or endangered. Salmon populations in the Columbia River system are down more than 90 percent, and most wild Pacific salmon are either extinct or imperiled in more than half the range they once occupied in the Northwest and California. Climate change imposes stresses on salmon throughout their lifecycle."

The data in the chart below is simple. The conclusions are clear and obvious. There is no need for complex analysis. Fish counts at Bonneville dam fluctuate over the decades, but there is no negative trend. In fact, the total quantity of fish seems to have increased around the turn of the century. Is there no scientist that can recognize this? Conclusions and causes fly off the page. Data is slim or threadbare. It's frightening to think that this is how policy gets made. Again, the data is available to do the science.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-05-29 12:07:56

Last Update: 2022-05-29 13:54:08

Staff shortages at Oregon DMV offices are forcing the agency to temporarily reduce business hours at 10 of its 60 field offices and temporarily close six smaller offices.

“As we enter DMV’s busiest time of year with a severe staff shortage, we recommend going online to DMV2U more than ever,” DMV Administrator Amy Joyce said. “Every time you need a DMV service, see if you can get it done online. We’ve added over two dozen services in the past three years.”

Some services, like adding the Real ID option to your license, must be done in person. Before you go to DMV, it is recommended to make sure your local office is open by checking online first.

Temporary office closures

Starting May 31, DMV will temporarily close these offices so that remaining staff can reinforce larger nearby offices:

• Ashland
• Cave Junction
• Lebanon
• Redmond
• Sandy
• Stayton

Reduced business hours

As of May 31, these will be the business hours for the following offices:

• Astoria: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays except opening at 10 a.m. Wednesdays; closed 12:30-2 each day for lunch
• Canyonville: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays; closed 12:30-1:30 each day for lunch
• Downtown Portland: Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays
• Heppner: Open 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays only; closed 11:30-12:30 each day for lunch
• Hermiston: Open at 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays
• Junction City: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays
• Klamath Falls: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays except opening at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays; closed 12:30-2 each day for lunch
• Lake Oswego: Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays
• Lincoln City: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays; closed noon-1:30 each day for lunch
• Milton-Freewater: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays; closed 12:30-2 each day for lunch

“We’re preparing for the busiest time of year for DMV by temporarily redeploying staff to fewer offices,” Joyce said. “Lately we’ve been closing offices – without notice – across the state when we don’t have enough staff that day. We need to stabilize the staffing so customers can know ahead of time which offices are open. As we recruit and train new employees, we will work to reopen offices and restore full business hours, and that will take several months at least.”

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Drive tests in particular are in high demand in the summer as many teens get a license for the first time. Drive test appointments fill up fast at DMV, so please consider an approved Oregon testing company. It costs more than a drive test at DMV, but you likely will get an appointment sooner – and maybe on an evening or weekend.

DMV keeps a list of approved third-party test providers.

DMV Job openings in your area

“DMV has been experiencing the same shortage of applicants for job openings as other employers statewide and nationwide,” Joyce said. “The people working at your local DMV live in your community – and could use your help.”

Apply for a job at ODOT online - select "Department of Transportation" under the Company menu.

“In the meantime, please be kind and patient to your local DMV staff – they are your neighbors, friends and maybe even family.”


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2022-05-28 13:01:25

Last Update: 2022-05-28 18:02:02

In 2017, the Oregon Legislature passed HB 2673 -- sponsored by Representatives Rob Nosse, Mitch Greenlick, and Jennifer Williamson and Senator Laurie Monnes-Anderson -- the first stand-alone Transgender Justice Law. The Bill has spawned a number of policies which put children at risk. At that time, 0.7% of teens nationwide from age 13 to 17 identified as transgender. That rate is now estimated at 1.8%. In Oregon, the number of children identifying as transgender is 0.65% or approximately 3,650 children according to experts.

With 560,900 students in 197 public school districts in Oregon, there is a concerted effort by legislators and State bureaucrats to push this transgender ideology on the other 557,350 children in the name of Health Education.

HB 2673 instructs the State Board of Education to adopt health education standards that require kindergartners and first-graders be taught to "recognize that there are many ways to express gender" and to "provide examples of how friends and family influence how people think they should act on the basis of their gender.

In the second-grade, they are taught to "recognize differences and similarities of how individuals identify regarding gender" and how to "communicate respectfully with and about people of all gender identities, gender expressions and sexual orientations."

In the third-grade, they are expected to be able to "define sexual orientation," as well as "recognize differences and similarities of how individuals identify regarding gender or sexual orientation."

One recent poll found that two-thirds of voters said it was inappropriate for schools to discuss gender identity with K-3 students.

The State says these children have a right to choose and they need this information. However, we don't allow children to choose to drink alcohol, own firearms, smoke pot, drive cars, vote or participate in any other life changing decisions, because they're not mature enough.

According to many experts, if they're not mature enough for those activities, they are not mature enough to sort through sexual issues at an age where they either, don't know what sex is yet or they are older and confused about everything. This is why the age of consent is eighteen years of age.

There is plenty of evidence of immature teens and young adults regretting their choice. By that time, depending on the procedure, it's too late for reversal and many attempt or commit suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people according to the CDC, with LGBTQ youth being four times more likely to seriously consider suicide, to make a plan for suicide or to attempt suicide than their peers.

In 2021, there was 534 suicides between 10 to 14 year-olds and a staggering 5,954 suicides between 15 to 24 year-olds nationwide according to the National Institutes for Health. Experts estimates that at least one LGBTQ youth between the ages of 13–24 attempts suicide every 45 seconds in the U.S.

For some, however, the State ignores the psychological damage they cause to children and continues to push this dangerous ideology through the recently released "Menstrual Dignity for Students Toolkit." This directive requires public schools to put feminine hygiene products in every student bathroom, including the boys' bathrooms.

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The State's definition of “Student bathroom," means a bathroom that is accessible by students, designated as a bathroom for females and a bathroom designated for males, including a gender-neutral bathroom for children as young as six years of age. Included in the toolkit is this line from page 20, Instructions to Staff: "Avoid talking about menstruation as only a “girl” or “woman” thing. Not all people who menstruate are girls, and not all girls menstruate."

For many, that statement written by the Department of Education is not only false, but undermines the majority of parents who teach their children the truth, that there are only two genders. It raises the question of whether both the legislature and governor are responsible for protecting children from predatory groomers in the school system and they are failing beyond comprehension.


--Davis Lowrey

Post Date: 2022-05-27 06:46:27

Last Update: 2022-05-26 22:07:56

Ten advisory committees holding public meetings for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) in June are listed below. These advisory committees meetings will cover DUII, tolling, equity, rail, other topics. There may be other committees meeting during the month.

You can find information about these and all other advisory committee meetings on the state's public meeting transparency website. Sort by "transportation" to focus on ODOT meetings or enter the committee's name.

Click on the link for each meeting to get agenda details:

• Governor's Advisory Committee on DUII, June 3, 9 a.m.
• Oregon Transportation Safety Committee, June 8, 9:30 a.m.
• Mobility Advisory Committee, June 9, 1 p.m.
• Interstate Bridge Community Advisory Group, June 9, 4 p.m.
• Continuous Improvement Advisory Committee, June 15, 1 p.m.
• Interstate Bridge Equity Advisory Group, June 20, 5:30 p.m.
• Rail Advisory Committee, June 21, 9 a.m.
• Tolling Equity and Mobility Advisory Committee, June 22, 3 p.m.
• Oregon Transportation Plan Coordinating Committee, June 29, 1 p.m.
• Safety and Mobility Policy Advisory Committee, June 22, 10 a.m.

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Meetings are open to everyone.

Accommodations will be provided to people with disabilities, and materials can be provided in alternate formats. To request an accommodation, please visit the public meetings website and sort by meeting name to find the contact information for your particular meeting. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can call statewide relay at 7-1-1.

ODOT says they are building a transportation system based on equity.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2022-05-27 05:07:14

Last Update: 2022-05-26 18:52:00

Oregon Governor Kate Brown recently did two astonishing things: she broke the promise she made to the public ensuring transparency in the judicial appointment process, while simultaneously making her 100th judicial selection. The press release she issued memorializing both achievements also praised herself for the diversity of her appointments, which is expanded upon below.

First and foremost, Brown’s broken vow of transparency is too important to be overlooked. The promise came in September 2019, in the wake of her shocking appointment of her general counsel Misha Isaak to the Court of Appeals, without giving notice of the vacancy to any others who would seek to apply.

That was entirely outside of the usual process that the office typically followed to fill a court vacancy. Brown’s decision to install the apparently underqualified Isaak into such an important position smacked of cronyism and ruffled feathers in the legal community.

When the dust settled after the fiasco, Brown pledged to announce all judicial vacancies and “standardize” the appointment process. But now she has broken even that vague promise: Brown’s 100th judicial selection, Jacqueline Alarcón, was made without any announcement of a vacancy needing to be filled—in this case, the retirement of Judge Jerry Hodson from Multnomah County District Court, effective June 30th. Governor Brown’s office and the Oregon Judicial Department have failed to produce a copy of that retirement letter, so it is not known when it was submitted.

Whatever day it was tendered, Brown then made a conscious decision to keep the vacancy secret, and rather than call for a fresh pool of applicants, Brown instead chose from the dusty pile of sixteen résumés leftover from the last Multnomah court opening. That begs the question: is this the best that Multnomah can do?

The answer is, no, it is not the best that Oregon’s busiest court can do. Which brings us to those diversity statistics.

On their face, the 100 judges that Brown selected over her two terms -- 75% white, 25% persons of color, and 50/50 female/male -- line up fairly well with the races, ethnicities, and genders of Oregon’s actual population -- meaning that the state’s judiciary more or less accurately and proportionally reflects the actual public it serves. Such visibility and representation are vital to the judicial branch.

However, that 25% representation for POC came mostly in the last six months, after a dismal four year stretch -- as though Brown suddenly realized that her commitment to diversity on the bench was evidently an empty promise, and she needed to hastily make up the difference.

Perhaps more telling than that mad, eleventh hour dash is another statistic not promoted in her press release: Nearly half of Brown’s judicial appointments belong to -- or used to belong to -- Oregon Women Lawyers, an organization of which Governor Brown was a founding member, and of which incoming Judge Jacqueline Alarcón was the most recent president, her term ending just last month.

According to its website, OWLS as they are known, has around 1,200 members, and while their mission is clearly stated, they are exceptionally light on details about their activities or how they achieve their goals—beyond getting themselves appointed to the bench.

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More importantly, there are more than 15,000 licensed attorneys in Oregon, all of whom are eligible for judicial appointment, and OWLS comprise only 8% of them. Meaning that OWLS, no matter how good or noble the work they purportedly do, are vastly overrepresented in Oregon’s judiciary.

It is therefore reasonable to conclude that being an OWL is the single most important factor in Brown’s selection process. And that’s cronyism.

Given that OWLS are such a significant network of attorneys and judges, and given that OWLS are supported by some of Portland’s toniest law firms, it is also reasonable to conclude that some people who end up in court may have greater “access to justice” through the OWLS’ grid than others.

This kind of cronyism and inside-tracking is of great concern to many in the public, no matter what their affiliation.


--Stephanie Volin

Post Date: 2022-05-26 11:43:25

Last Update: 2022-05-26 11:45:19