The Oregon Housing and Community Services has announced that Sharon Nickleberry Rogers, CPA, is newly appointed by Governor Kate Brown to serve on the Oregon Housing Stability Council. The council says that they work to establish OHCS’ strategic direction to meet the housing and services needs of low and moderate-income Oregonians, as well as reviews and sets policy for the development and financing of affordable housing in the state.

“Councilmember Nickleberry Rogers brings impressive professional experience and a passion for serving communities facing barriers to housing access,” said OHCS Director Andrea Bell. “We need voices like Sharon’s in our council to support our mission of building and preserving affordable housing in all forms, shapes and sizes for Oregon renters and homeowners.”

Sharon Nickleberry Rogers is a Portland resident.

“My compassion for housing stems from my childhood when my parents provided housing for family members relocating to Portland,” Nickleberry Rogers said. “I recognized early on the importance of housing and knew having a safe place to call home was special. My parents’ commitment to helping others ignited my interest in helping others.”

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Sharon Nickleberry Rogers is employed as a financial analyst with the City of Portland and she has also worked for the Internal Revenue Service.

Nickleberry Rogers received her undergraduate degree from the University of Oregon and two master’s degrees from Portland State University in business and taxation. She lives in northeast Portland with her husband and has a daughter attending college.

Nickleberry Rogers will serve a three-year term and will have the option to serve additional terms. Housing Stability Council meetings are held on the first Friday of the month with additional meetings as needed.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2022-07-05 09:13:07

Last Update: 2022-07-05 09:45:59

In light of the US Supreme Court decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen experts are taking a fresh look at Oregon's Initiative 17, a ballot measure being circulated by the left-wing group, Lift Every Voice Oregon.

The so-called Reduction of Gun Violence Act is 12 pages of regulations on firearm acquisition.

OPB is reporting that the initiative is likely to qualify for the ballot. If it qualifies, it may not pass constitutional muster -- at least now based on the new decision.

Justice Clarence Thomas wrote the opinion, saying, "In this case, petitioners and respondents agree that ordinary, law-abiding citizens have a similar right to carry handguns publicly for their self-defense. We too agree, and now hold, consistent with Heller and McDonald, that the Second and Fourteenth Amendments protect an individual’s right to carry a handgun for self-defense outside the home."

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Thomas summarized, "Because the State of New York issues public-carry licenses only when an applicant demonstrates a special need for self-defense, we conclude that the State’s licensing regime violates the Constitution."

Initiative 17 seems to go a direction that the court doesn't want to go. From the initiative text, "The People of the State of Oregon find and declare that regulation of sale, purchase and otherwise transferring of all firearms and restriction of the manufacture, import, sale, purchase, transfer, use and possession of ammunition magazines to those that hold no more than 10 rounds will promote the public health and safety of the residents of this state and this Act shall be known as the Reduction of Gun Violence Act."

Kevin Starrett of Oregon Firearms Federation noted, "This measure is about a lot more than 10 round magazines. It creates a new requirement that you get permission from your sheriff before you can even ask for permission from the State Police to buy a gun.

“We think most people who signed the petitions don’t understand the extreme nature of IP 17. We do know paid signature gatherers are promoting it by saying it’s about “background checks.” Something we’ve had for decades.

“We believe when people find out they won’t be able to even buy a firearm to protect themselves unless they have taken a class from police, which the police are not even obligated to give and may not be able to give, they’ll have second thoughts."


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-07-03 21:56:41

Last Update: 2022-07-04 09:17:20

Oregon People’s Vote, a Marion County, non-partisan, election integrity group will be at the Marion County Fair July 8, 9 and 10. OPV members will be available to share resources and to demonstrate to the public the use of the VoteRef website.

According to the website, VoteRef.com is a national database with the purpose of providing public access to official government data pertaining to elections, including voter registration rolls and is dedicated to ensuring transparent, accurate and fair elections within the United States.

According to spokesman, Ian Watts, A common concern with U.S. elections is the problem of inflated and inaccurate voter rolls. He says that this assumption is supported by the well known scientist, physicist, and mathematician Dr. Douglas Frank who is best known for his scientific modeling of U.S. elections.

The goal of OPV is to inform and empower all Oregonians with tools and resources regarding local voting laws and practices, and to raise awareness of possible issues. For example, in Oregon, HB 2681 -- sponsored by current House Speaker Dan Rayfield and passed during the 2021 session -- prohibits moving a voter to "inactive" status if they do not vote, and/or if they have never updated their voter registration. Voters who haven't voted in years are still labeled in the system as “active” and, according to Watts, leave our election system open to abuse by allowing the mailing of unused and unverified ballots that are vulnerable to harvesting and manipulation. Since Oregon currently allows ballot harvesting by law, this situation is ripe for exploitation.

OPV encourages Oregonians to drop by our booth in the Jackman Long Building at the Marion County Fairgrounds in Salem Oregon to learn how you can take positive action towards safeguarding Oregon's voting integrity.

Oregon People’s Vote will be at the Marion County Fair on July 8th, 9th and 10th, the Philomath Frolic on July 7-9, the Linn County Fair on July 14-16, and the Benton County Fair on August 2-7.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-07-02 11:12:22

Last Update: 2022-07-03 00:56:41

Effective July 5, Oregon Republican Party Chair Herman Baertschiger will be stepping down as ORP Chair. Baertschiger took over the Chair when Dallas Heard resigned on March 11. In a letter to ORP members, Baertschiger sent a farewell message.

As many of you already know I have never intended to be the Chairman of the ORP, however it has been an honor. I ran as Vice-Chair, a supporting role within the leadership of the ORP. With Chair Heard stepping down I ascended to the position of Chairman of the ORP. I knew I had to lead the Party forward uninterrupted in its mission and create as smooth of a transition as possible. I also knew we have several open seats including the Vice-Chair position, all which needed to be filled. I think I have accomplished these things and now need to step away and let these new folks take the reins.

We are so fortunate to have so many wonderful people dedicated to the Republican Party here in Oregon. I am proud of them all and have enjoyed leading them through these times of transition. It is time to pass the torch. I am sure they will do a great job for the party as well as for Oregon.

I am not saying good-bye as I will still be involved in making Oregon a better place for us and our families. I am just saying my job in a leadership position has come to an end and I am very happy on what we have accomplished in these last few months. What great people I have met along the way. I look forward in seeing you again as a Republican.

Oregon Republican Party Vice-Chair Justin Hwang will be the new Chair.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-07-01 11:50:26

Last Update: 2022-07-01 12:01:05

The Oregon Health Authority has issued a report claiming that “The mental health effects of climate change include those directly related to the physical and traumatic consequences of severe weather events, as well as anxiety, fear and distress associated with slower-moving stressors, perceptions and attempts to understand and respond appropriately to climate change and its implications.” In response to Governor Kate Brown's Executive Order 20-04, the OHA has also released a report describing the impact of Climate Change on Youth Mental Health.

According to this report, "As the effects of climate change grow, researchers and experts have become more concerned about how it will affect our mental health. Mental health impacts on youth are of particular concern as there is a growing youth mental health crisis in the United States.”

The Executive Summary of the Research is showing three main pathways climate change adversely affects our mental health:

• Increased extreme weather events and climate-related disasters
• Chronic climate stressors, such as water and food insecurity, and
• Increased awareness of climate change, leading to climate anxiety.

Study participants reported significant distress consistent with what youth across the globe are reporting. Youth in this study reported experiencing a range of feelings:

• They are experiencing feelings of hopelessness, despair, anxiety and frustration about climate change
• They feel dismissed by adults and the older generation.
• They feel angry that not enough is being done to protect their future.
• They understand climate change as closely linked with systemic racism and oppression. They believe both need to be addressed at the same time.

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One former legislator was critical of the report, calling into question the finding that youth “understand climate change as closely linked with systemic racism and oppression.” “I don't see kids making this connection. If anything, I think that kids have been driven to mental instability by disruption of their schooling patterns by government action in response to COVID. Government does more harm than climate” said the former legislator, who asked not to be identified.

Youth and key participants identified these strategies for nurturing hope and resilience:

• Create space for youth to come together and share their feelings about climate.
• Engage together in making social change.
• Nurture a stronger relationship with nature and our physical environment.

Decision-makers, educators, mental health professionals and environmental professionals support youth mental health and resilience in the face of climate change when they:

• Share power with youth in decision-making about climate and mental health policy and solutions to increase youth’s sense of hope, belonging and agency
• Educate themselves about the connection between climate change and youth mental health and healing centered approaches to engage with youth
• Increase investments in school and community mental health services. These investments are needed to meet increasing demands to support youth, family, and community well-being.

--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-07-01 06:01:44

Last Update: 2022-06-30 10:38:04

Oregon OSHA, under the direction of acting administrator Renee Stapleton, is proposing to roll back COVID era restrictions on Employer Provided workplace housing and is asking that persons who wish to participate in the virtual meeting to register for Adjustments to COVID-19 Workplace Requirements for Employer-Provided Labor Housing on July 26, 2022 at 3:00pm

After registering for a webinar, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. In order to ensure as many people as possible are able to testify, Oregon OSHA reserves the right to restrict testimony to no more than 5 minutes.

The rule changes have been summarized by Oregon OSHA:

Due to reduced COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, Oregon OSHA is proposing to make substantive changes to OAR 437-004-1115: COVID-19 Workplace Requirements for Employer-Provided Labor Housing to remove provisions no longer appropriate to this stage of the pandemic. These changes are in response to Governor Brown's announcement of updated health guidance on February 28, 2022 and direction from the Oregon Health Authority.

These proposed changes have been in effect as temporary amendments since April 13, 2022 and are set to expire on October 9, 2022. If these rulemaking adjustments are not made, the rule will revert to the stricter requirements in Administrative Order 15-2021 adopted on December 21, 2021.

Major proposed changes include the removal of several sections of the rule, including (3) Ventilation, (5) Physical distancing monitor, (7) Cleaning and sanitation, and (9) Non-employer-provided transportation for labor housing. In addition, the (2) Definitions section is greatly simplified.

The proposed amendments will remove the requirement for the use of the Air Purification Method or the Capacity Reduction Method to calculate the square footage of spaces where people sleep. However, if air purifiers were provided by the operator as part of this provision, occupants must be allowed to continue to use the air purifier at no cost including the maintenance of the equipment. If occupants choose to use their own air purifier, they must be allowed to do so but they are responsible for the maintenance of it.

As was the case before these adjustments, the proposed rule maintains language that an employee who chooses to wear a mask, face shield, or face covering, even when it is not required, must be allowed to do so.

These proposed adjustments represent a significant removal of COVID-19 requirements, and are a major step forward towards the full repeal of the rule. As stated in the rule, Oregon OSHA will repeal the rule when it is no longer necessary to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Because it is not possible to assign a specific time for that decision, Oregon OSHA will consult with the Oregon OSHA Partnership Committee, the Oregon Health Authority, and other stakeholders as circumstances change to determine when all or parts of the rule can be appropriately repealed.

The comment period closes on August 12. Adoption tentatively will be in September 2022.

To comment:

Department of Consumer and Business Services/Oregon OSHA
PO BOX 14480
Salem OR 97309-0405
Email – OSHA.rulemaking@dcbs.oregon.gov


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-06-30 10:38:04

Last Update: 2022-06-30 11:27:25

Secretary of State Shemia Fagan and the Oregon Audits Division released a follow-up report today to the 2018 audit of Oregon Health Authority's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. Auditors found that only four of 12 recommendations from the original audit have been fully implemented under the direction of OHA Director Pat Allen.

Despite criticizing her predecessor, Dennis Richardson, for doing "Gotcha" audits, Fagan was publicly and vocally critical of the OHA in the audit.

"The opioid crisis is a grave threat both in Oregon and the around the county," Secretary Fagan said. "This report includes specific actions we can take to improve outcomes in our communities. State legislators and the Oregon Health Authority should implement them as soon as possible."

Auditors focused on the status of 12 recommendations made in 2018. Auditors found four recommendations were fully implemented and three recommendations were partially implemented. Our follow-up work indicates Oregon could do more to promote and enhance the use of PDMP as a tool to help combat drug epidemics. However, legislative changes are needed to fully implement most of the outstanding recommendations. Those recommendations include areas such as data sharing, using the PDMP database, and collecting further information.

The misuse and abuse of opioids and risk of overdose remain a health threat nationally and in Oregon. This involves both prescription opioid pain medications and illicit opioids. Oregon has the highest rate of misuse of prescription opioids in the nation. Oregon's PDMP is an important tool to help address prescription drug abuse and misuse, including opioids, and improve health outcomes. Oregon is still one of the few states not requiring prescribers or pharmacists to use the PDMP database before certain prescriptions are written or dispensed.

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The 2018 Prescription Drug Monitoring Program audit won the National Association of State Auditors Excellence in Accountability award and influenced several other states to audit their PDMP program.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-06-30 08:45:01

Last Update: 2022-06-30 09:01:44

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is proposing that the Environmental Quality Commission approve updates and revisions to the Clean Fuels Program rules. The policy objective of the Clean Fuels Program Expansion 2022 Rulemaking is to expand the program's carbon intensity reduction requirements beyond the currently adopted 10 percent reduction in average carbon intensity by 2025. The new long-term targets will create certainty for investment in and deployment of lower-, zero-, and negative-carbon transportation fuels that are necessary to decarbonize Oregon's transportation sector.

In addition to proposing new carbon intensity reduction requirements, DEQ is also proposing changes to Division 12 and Division 253 to: 1) support the expansion of the program, 2) make the program's rules clearer and more efficient, and 3) ensure that participants in the program are complying with all its requirements.

DEQ is asking for public comment on the proposed rules. Anyone can submit comments and questions about this rulemaking. A person can submit comments by email, regular mail or at the public hearing. DEQ will only consider comments on the proposed rules that DEQ receives by 4 p.m., on Thursday, July 21, 2022.

Interested persons may submit comment by email to:

CFP.2022@deq.oregon.gov

By mail
Oregon DEQ
Attn: Cory-Ann Wind
700 NE Multnomah St., Suite 600
Portland, OR 97232-4100

DEQ plans to hold one public hearing. Anyone can attend this hearing by webinar. The public hearing is online only on July 19, 2022 starting at 9:00am.

To view copies of the notice documents, learn more about this rulemaking, and how to submit comments, you can view the rulemaking web page.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-06-29 18:09:28

Last Update: 2022-06-29 20:50:49

Secretary of State Shemia Fagan announced the adoption of new mass transit maps today, completing the transit district redistricting process that occurs after each new census.

"Transit boards give the public a voice in how buses, trains and other transportation services operate in their communities," said Secretary Fagan. "The transit redistricting process takes place only once every 10 years and requires a great deal of cooperation. I want to thank Oregon's three mass transit districts for their partnership in this process, particularly their work to meet the public engagement requirements and diversity, equity, and inclusion values required by my office."

New districts maps are available on the Secretary of State's website.

ORS 267.090​  requires the Secretary of State to establish the process for creating and approving revised Mass Transit Redistricting Maps. These maps are redrawn every 10 years following the census. There are currently three Mass Transit Districts in Oregon: TriMet, Cherriots, and Lane Transit District. Members of the districts are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. 

In order to comply with ORS 267.090, the Secretary of State adopted 165-008-0150 Mass Transit District Reapportionment Process. This rule outlines the process mass transit districts must use for drawing new districts following the census. 


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-06-28 17:45:18

Last Update: 2022-06-28 18:09:28

A late salmonberry crop means hungry black bears are a problem for many of Oregon's coastal communities.

Salmonberries are typically ripe in May but the extended cool, wet spring on the Oregon coast slowed or disrupted that process. In many areas, the berries still have not ripened, and in some areas the pollination seems to have failed resulting in few berries available. Thimbleberries are behind schedule on the north coast although if forecasted clear weather occurs there may be hope for the upcoming huckleberry and blackberry crops.

Hungry bears, determined to eat are digging into residences' garbage, bird feeders, BBQ grills, pet food, chicken and livestock feed and in some instances, killing livestock. Bears attracted to humans for food can become a safety concern when they attempt to break into homes or approach people.

ODFW wildlife biologists coastwide have their hands full with bear complaints.

They say the best remedy is prevention and urge coastal residents to secure food, garbage, and recycling.

Help keep bears wild by following these BearWise tips:

• Never feed or approach bears
• Secure food, garbage and recycling
• Remove bird feeders when bears are active
• Never leave pet food outdoors
• Clean and store grills
• Alert neighbors to bear activity

Use bearproof garbage cans if they are available from local waste management or keep garbage and recycling secure until collection day. Electric fencing is also an effective deterrent.

A bear habituated to human foods and other attractants may become extremely aggressive defending those food sources and pose a threat to human safety. When prevention measures fail to deter these bears, they are humanely euthanized, and the meat donated to charities.

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Securing attractants around your property is vital to keeping Oregon's bears safe and where they belong—in the wild.

Those who would like to help can purchase black bear tags at sporting goods stores. Bear season opens August 1 statewide.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-06-28 17:27:40

Last Update: 2022-06-28 17:45:18

On Sunday, June 26, 2022, at 8:12p.m., Central Precinct officers responded to a group of people marching through Southeast Portland, near the areas of Southeast Belmont Street and Southeast Hawthorne Street. The march was a splinter group of a larger, mostly peaceful "demonstration" which took place within Laurelhurst Park.

Officers were made aware of vandalism by this group of marchers to local businesses in the area. When officers responded, the crowd began throwing projectiles at officers, including commercial-grade fireworks, paint balloons and large rocks. Officers were able to recover a commercial-grade firework which did not seem to successfully detonate along the march route.

At one point during the event, Central Precinct officers attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle which had been observed to be involved in the march, impeding traffic along major roads.

During the traffic stop, a group rushed toward officers, throwing fireworks and rocks at them and their vehicles. One rock made contact with a patrol vehicle, shattering the windshield.

Based on the limited number of officers available citywide and the fact that police response to emergency calls for service was being significantly impacted, officers left the area and continued to monitor the situation.

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PPB says that individuals who engage in violent activity or property destruction will be investigated and are subject to arrest and prosecution.

Arrests do not always happen. PPB will continue to conduct follow-up investigations, supposedly make arrests, and forward cases to the Multnomah County District Attorney for prosecution.

The Portland Police Bureau is asking businesses and community members who have surveillance cameras to review footage to see if they captured any evidence that may assist with the investigations. If anyone has useful footage, they're asked to e-mail PPB and reference case number 22-170640.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2022-06-27 20:15:59

Last Update: 2022-06-27 20:26:38

A destructive group of leftist "protesters" caused damage to numerous businesses during a march through the Hollywood District in Portland, Oregon. On Saturday, June 25, 2022 at about 10:00p.m., a group of over 60 people marched out of Grant Park, Northeast 33rd Avenue and U.S. Grant Place. Participants, most dressed in all black, began breaking windows and scrawling graffiti.

Officers were monitoring the crowd, but did not have resources to intervene. At the time of this event, there was an injury shooting and a stabbing in East Precinct, and a felony assault in Central Precinct. Additionally, a community festival in North Precinct was underway, an impromptu "dance party" drew approximately 1000 people to Irving Park, and they held a march and blocked traffic. There were also calls about speed racers doing stunts in various parts of Portland.

The group supposedly left the area by 10:45p.m. Since then Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officers have been taking reports of the damage. They have confirmed that several banks and coffee shops had broken windows.

A van belonging to Portland Public Schools was damaged, broken windows and tagged with paint.

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A pregnancy resource center was also vandalized.

PPB says that officers are working to contact affected business owners and assist with arrangements to secure the buildings. Efforts are already underway to get graffiti removed.

Individuals who engage in violent activity or property destruction will be investigated and are subject to arrest and prosecution. PPB says that does not always happen in the moment. PPB says they will continue to conduct follow-up investigations, make arrests, and forward cases to the Multnomah County District Attorney for prosecution if DA Mike Schmidt will do so. Schmidt has neglected to prosecute many such cases. PPB says that just because arrests are not made at the scene does not mean that people are not being charged with crimes later.

The Portland Police Bureau is asking businesses and community members who have surveillance cameras to review footage to see if they captured any evidence that may assist with the investigations. The bulk of the damage took place between 10:06p.m. and 10:40p.m. If anyone has useful footage, they're asked to e-mail them to the police. crimetips@portlandoregon.gov and reference case number 22-169901.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2022-06-26 09:04:34

Last Update: 2022-06-26 09:43:04