Despite enabling the "Defund the Police" movement, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler has now issued an Emergency Declaration on Gun Violence to address the mounting problem of gun violence in Portland.

In his declaration, Wheeler has tasked various city departments with measures aimed at curbing gun-related violence. Critics noted that Wheeler, who ended the Gang Enforcement Task Force, euphemistically targets gangs by noting that "research shows that the majority of gun homicides and shootings in Portland are related to group/network involved individuals." The phrase "Group/Network" indicates gang activity, according to experts.

In his declaration, he calls out the Portland Bureau of Transportation, asking them "to help address gun violence hot spots in the public right-of-way, including but not limited to and in coordination with the Commissioner-in-Charge, expedited permitting for community events identified by the Incident Commander related to gun violence, place-based interventions like modification of traffic flow, and increased lighting in areas within PBOT’s control."

Wheeler called on Portland Parks and Recreation, to take measures "as to management of parks, including but not limited to and in coordination with the Commissioner-in-Charge expedited permitting for community and Parks events identified by the Incident Commander related to gun violence, park staffing, and hours of operation. "

He has even tasked Safer Summer PDX 2022 to "coordinate relevant City services to combine resources and personnel necessary to address gun violence through a variety of approaches, including outreach to individuals most at risk of being victimized by or perpetrating gun violence, procurement of services and issuance of grants to aid in the prevention of and response to gun violence."

Kevin Starrett, the director of the Oregon Firearms Federation commented "Ted Wheeler has promised to address skyrocketing crime by offering the most violent offenders 'life coaches.' We think the millions wasted on that would be better spent helping the law abiding to protect themselves. Because clearly the Portland Police can't."

According to the document, "from January 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022, there were 673 shooting incidents in the City of Portland."


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-07-24 15:32:21

Last Update: 2022-07-24 20:35:58

A growing number of matrimony-minded couples are tying the knot on the North Coast of Oregon – according to the Clatsop County Clerk’s Office, whose many duties include issuing marriage licenses.

County Clerk Tracie Krevanko said her office is processing more and more marriage licenses – about two dozen each week, or roughly triple the usual number, from couples from all over the United States who’ve decided that Clatsop County’s many scenic attractions provide a suitable backdrop for their exchanges of vows.

“When you add up the local people wanting to get married with out-of-state couples, we are having a lot of people wanting to get a license. If your wedding date is getting close, there are a few things we want engaged couples to know,” Krevanko said.

“A marriage license must be obtained at least three business days before the wedding and with this wedding rush, we strongly encourage people to go online to make their appointment,” she said.

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If wedding bells are in your future, be aware that while the Clatsop Clerk’s Office currently is not performing wedding ceremonies, it does offers a list of officiants on it's webpage.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE:

• Valid identification is required for each applicant
• Both parties must be 18 years old (or 17 years old with parental or legal guardian’s consent)
• Medical examinations and blood tests are not required
• Oregon State does not allow a marriage of first cousins or nearer kin
• A license can be issued on the day after the final date of divorce

WAITING PERIOD

• There is a 3-day waiting period before the license may be used
• Once the waiting period has passed, the license is valid for 60-days
• The waiting period may be waived, contact the Clerk's office for more information

COST of LICENSE

• The non-refundable fee to activate a marriage license is $60.00
• The license is not valid until the activation fee has been paid
• Check/money orders should be made payable to Clatsop County Clerk. Cash, credit and debit cards are also accepted

Marriage parties will need to identify on the application the legal names they will take after the ceremony.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2022-07-24 09:24:30

Last Update: 2022-07-24 09:59:12

Oregonians can see and comment on the state’s preliminary rate decisions for 2023 individual and small employer health insurance plans. The Division of Financial Regulation has released the preliminary rate decisions and virtual public hearing schedule.

The preliminary decisions will go through continued review and discussion during a series of virtual public hearings on July 27-28.

At the hearings, each insurance company will provide a brief presentation about its rate requests, answer questions from the division, and hear public comment from Oregonians.

For the individual market, six companies were issued preliminary decisions with an average rate increase from 2.3 percent to 12.6 percent for an overall average increase of 6.7 percent.

In the small group market, the division issued preliminary decisions for nine companies ranging from a 3.4 percent increase to 11.6 percent increase for an average overall average increase of 7.8 percent.

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Common trends that affect rates include:

• Medical costs continue to rise, driven by increased use, the cost of new specialized prescription drugs, and rising inflation.
  
  
• Possible expiration of enhanced subsidies for on-exchange individual market plans.

Oregonians are encouraged to participate in the virtual hearings.

Visit the division’s rate filings page to review requested rates.

Visit the public hearings page for time, date, and instructions on how to participate in each insurer’s rate hearing. Final decisions are expected to be announced in late August.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2022-07-23 09:01:07

Last Update: 2022-07-23 13:09:00

On July 19, the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) confirmed Oregon’s ninth detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a non-commercial flock in Deschutes County.

The flock of approximately 40 birds, is a mix of chickens and ducks. Like the previous three Deschutes County cases, this farm sold eggs and is classified as poultry by federal definitions and will require another expansion of the quarantine zone.

The latest confirmed case of HPAI in the Bend area will expand the existing quarantine area by approximately seven miles running right through the middle of Redmond, including the fairgrounds.

The Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo begins August 3 and runs through August 7. ODA’s State Veterinarian, Dr. Ryan Scholz says surveillance will not be done before the county fair begins but he is working with Deschutes County 4-H on a plan that will allow participants to exhibit and sell market birds but a show for breeding birds it is not possible during fair this year.

The regional quarantine encompasses the city of Bend and much of the surrounding area. ODA provides an online map of the quarantined sites in Oregon.

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People may also enter their address using the online tool to determine whether their property is included in the quarantine area.

The purpose of the quarantine is to prevent the movement of poultry and poultry products from within the affected area giving state and federal officials time to conduct surveillance to ensure no additional cases of HPAI exist. The quarantine also applies to importing all birds from states where a state or federal quarantine is in place.

In partnership with ODA, the USDA humanely euthanized the chickens and ducks on the property to prevent the spread of the disease.

Birds from the flock will not enter the food system. There is no immediate public concern due to the avian influenza virus detection. Avian influenza does not affect poultry meat or egg products, which remain safe to eat. As always, both wild and domestic poultry should be adequately prepared and cooked.

ODA advises commercial poultry farmers and backyard flock owners to be vigilant with biosecurity measures and surveillance. Preventing contact between wild birds and domestic flocks is the best way to protect domestic birds from this disease.

It only takes a tiny bit of contact to transfer HPAI. Death or illness among domestic birds should be reported as ODA. Please report by calling 503-986-4711 (Alt Phone: 1-800-347-7028).


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2022-07-22 21:04:43

Last Update: 2022-07-22 21:16:59

Shannon Callahan, the Director of the Portland Housing Bureau, has announced her resignation. Since joining the Portland Housing Bureau in 2017, Director Callahan has overseen the bureau’s highest affordable housing production to date. During her tenure, the bureau has opened and is developing 5,948 new units of affordable housing: these units aim to house more than 10,900 Portlanders.

Callahan's farewell speech barely acknowledged the housing crisis in Portland that she leaves behind.

In 2017, I was asked to join the Housing Bureau with the goal of increasing the supply of affordable housing and to successfully implement the Portland Housing Bond. I chose to join the bureau because of my passion and commitment to deliver on our promises to the voters with the Portland Housing Bond and because I knew I would get to work with an amazing top-notch team at the bureau. As I reflect on the last five years, I am proud and honored to have been able to work with you on the singular purpose to provide Portlanders safe, stable and affordable housing. It has been an absolute privilege to work with the dedicated, passionate and exceptional team of public servants at the bureau. The time has come, though, for me to move on to new challenges and opportunities. Quite simply, I have accomplished what I set out to in my time at the bureau.

I can truly say that the work the Portland Housing Bureau does with our community and jurisdictional partners changes lives for the better. Thank you for your support of our shared vision of a city where every neighborhood has affordable housing, and every Portlander has the safety, security and sense of belonging that an affordable home provides.

Director Callahan implemented the first two voter-approved initiatives for affordable housing in the state, including Portland’s first affordable housing bond. Currently, Portland’s Housing Bond is set to exceed the promised number of units by 43%. This includes more deeply affordable units, more family-sized units, and more supportive housing units for Portlanders who have experienced chronic homelessness.

Director Callahan led the implementation of the City’s ten-year goal to create 2,000 new units of supportive housing for people exiting homelessness. In partnership with the Joint Office of Homeless Services, after four years, 1,915 units are open or under development. She also oversaw the expansion of bureau programs, including the creation of the Rental Services Office which provides housing providers and tenants with technical assistance, guidance, and resources.

“I want to thank Director Callahan for her service, and particularly for exceeding our commitments to voters with the Portland Housing Bond,” stated Mayor Wheeler, who appointed Director Callahan. “We are grateful for her leadership.”

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Director Callahan prioritized equity in the bureau’s work, significantly expanding the bureau’s culturally specific partnerships, ensuring culturally appropriate services in PHB-funded projects, and increasing equitable access to housing resources for Portland’s Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. Additionally, she repositioned the N/NE Housing Strategy to reach and exceed its goals for assisting Portlanders displaced from historically Black neighborhoods to become new homeowners.

Director Callahan led with racial equity while implementing the City’s COVID relief programs. Under her leadership, the bureau provided cash assistance to more than 30,000 families to help meet basic needs. In addition, the bureau–along with its jurisdictional and community partners–served more than 20,000 households with critical rent assistance since 2020–more than 70% served have been BIPOC households.

“It has been my distinct honor to serve as the Director of the Portland Housing Bureau. I can truly say that the work we do at Portland Housing Bureau, alongside our community partners and jurisdictional partners, changes lives for the better,” said Portland Housing Bureau Director Shannon Callahan. “It has been a privilege to work with the dedicated, passionate, and exceptional team of public servants at the bureau. After five years, though, it is time for me to move on to other opportunities and challenges.”

“Director Callahan has worked on behalf of the Portland Housing Bureau and the people of Portland, and we are grateful for her service. Through partnerships with numerous community-serving organizations, Home Forward, and Multnomah County, the City was able to avoid a wave of evictions seen in other parts of the nation,” said Commissioner Dan Ryan. “The health of our housing ecosystem is vital now more than ever, and I am committed to a national search to find the right person. I’m looking forward to working with the dedicated employees of the Portland Housing Bureau as we make a smooth, successful transition to build our housing future.”


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-07-21 18:05:46

Last Update: 2022-07-21 21:24:29

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is getting reports of aggressive deer in Jackson and Josephine counties with most reports coming from Ashland. In Gold Hill, a dog was killed by a doe earlier this month. At this time of year in the Rogue Valley, black-tailed does are raising their fawns and will protect them against dogs, people, or other perceived threats.

Bucks, more likely to be aggressive during the rut in October-November, can be aggressive all year when they are being fed.

Wildlife biologist Mathew Vargas says many Ashland area residents enjoy the urban deer population and tolerate deer eating their landscaping until deer get aggressive. Vargas advises dog owners to consider not walking their dogs for a few weeks in areas where aggressive deer are being reported.

In Ashland, the problem areas are between North Mountain Ave. and Oak St. north of Highway 99, and the area immediately surrounding Southern Oregon University. Other aggressive deer were reported in east Medford, Eagle Point, and Grants Pass. ODFW recommends residents in these areas to take the following steps:

• Don't approach deer – keep your distance.
• Keep dogs on a leash.
• Don't pick up fawns or get near them – does are very protective. Does may leave fawns alone for a time to go off and forage on their own.
• Don't feed wildlife. It habituates them to people, making them less afraid and more aggressive.
• Stay alert, especially at dawn and dusk. Be aware of your surroundings and areas where deer may be.

Report any aggressive deer behavior to ODFW's Central Point office, 541-826-8774. If you find that you are a victim of aggressive deer, you can always get back at them in the fall.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-07-20 18:35:54

Last Update: 2022-07-20 18:49:22

The Oregon Department of Transportation is extending the deadline to comment on the draft amendment to the Oregon Highway Plan that will guide the state in using tolling as a way to raise funds for transportation system improvements. The comment period is open until September 15.

The Oregon Highway Plan has an existing policy section on tolling. This draft policy amendment proposes an update to that section, which is "Goal No. 6: Tolling." The draft amendment is intended to modernize the state's pricing and tolling policy. It defines terms, such as congestion pricing, and it offers guidance for the use of revenue and setting rates (but it does not set rates). It also provides the Oregon Transportation Commission with clearer direction for decision making. There are 15 policies in the draft amendment, each with actions to guide implementing the policy.

According to ODOT, this amendment is not about whether or not the state should toll roads. Instead, it provides guidance for doing so if the state decides to use tolling. Public input will inform potential revisions to the plan amendment. The goal is to have a final version ready for adoption later this year.

The Oregon Highway Plan is the state's primary highway guide, establishing a 20-year vision and strategic framework for Oregon's road system. The current plan was approved by the commission in 1999 and has been modified numerous times, including in 2012 to add the current section on tolling.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-07-20 18:18:45

Last Update: 2022-07-20 18:35:54

The Oregon Department of Transportation has released the Oregon National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan. The plan also includes results from our online survey of current and prospective EV drivers, and charging station site hosts.

The federal Joint Office of Energy and Transportation requires states to submit plans for allocating the federal funding by August 1, 2022. The funding comes from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, which is part of the 2021 federal infrastructure law. Oregon will receive $52 million over five years for EV charging infrastructure along major roads throughout the state.

The ODOT Climate Office developed the state plan based on published federal guidance, and input from EV stakeholders gathered March – July 2022. The Climate Office worked with the Oregon Department of Energy and a consultant team -- Kittelson & Associates and RMI -- to complete the plan.

ODOT submitted the plan to the Joint Office on July 15, 2022. The office will review and approve state plans no later than September 30, 2022, but may request changes to states' plans before approval. According to the plan, "Oregon is all in on transportation electrification and is supporting a rapid scale-up of EV charging infrastructure in the state. ODOT is committed to charging infrastructure over and above the NEVI funds-plus-match, providing over $100 million total toward EV charging infrastructure. Oregon is well-positioned to build out charging infrastructure and target the highest-need locations because of its recent Transportation Electrification Infrastructure Needs Analysis report, submitted to Governor Kate Brown in July 2021.

The federal NEVI funding is part of ODOT's larger $100 million commitment to EV infrastructure over the next five years.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-07-19 18:49:13

According to a new Oregon Health Authority (OHA) report, health care costs grew at least 49% per person across insurance markets between 2013-2019 in Oregon, outpacing national health care cost growth during the same time period. By market, Medicare costs per person grew 58%, commercial market costs per person grew 45%, and Medicaid costs per person grew the slowest at 32%.

Rising prescription drug costs and the cost of professional services were stated as some of the primary factors driving health care cost increases, according to the OHA.

Between 2013-2019, Oregon’s health care costs grew faster than income. While per person health care costs grew 49%, per person income grew 31.5% and average wages grew 21.6%.

The report shows that for people in Oregon with commercial, employer-sponsored insurance, the cost of the average annual deductible and insurance premiums combined in 2019 was 10.1% of median income.

OHA Director Patrick Allen said, “The effects of rising health costs have a direct impact on the well-being of people, families and our communities. When health care costs grow faster than income and the cost of living, they squeeze the budgets of families and businesses”.

The report documents cost growth across six major service categories and identifies which types of services are responsible for most of the cost growth in each market. Between 2013 and 2019, per person pharmacy costs grew the most (116%).

Inpatient services have the highest per person costs and grew by 22% over the six years.

In the commercial market, professional services contributed the most to overall cost growth between 2013 and 2019. Pharmacy, emergency department, professional services and outpatient services grew by more than 60% from 2013 to 2019, with pharmacy costs growing the most at 93%.

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In the Medicare market, pharmacy costs grew by 185% from 2013 to 2019, far outpacing any other service category in any of the three markets. Pharmacy costs were the main driver of Medicare cost growth in this time period, increasing from $794 to $2,261 per person.

In the Medicaid market, professional services and pharmacy contributed the most to overall cost growth between 2013 and 2019. The Medicaid market saw less growth across service categories compared to the commercial market. Service categories in the Medicaid market also had lower per person costs, with the exception of inpatient services.

Between 2012-2017, Oregon costs under section 1115 Medicaid waiver agreement with the federal government were at a rate of growth of 3.4%.

The cost categories measured under Oregon’s 1115 waiver are a subset of the costs included in the 2013-2019 health cost growth report.

Oregon’s 1115 waiver supposedly focuses on limiting cost inflation for core Medicaid benefits paid by federal and state governments.

The calculation of cost growth under the waiver does not include categories such as increases in payments to hospitals for uncompensated care, graduate medical education, emergency care for non-citizens, the cost of behavioral health prescription medication and other costs.

State health officials released a fact sheet that outlines different types of health cost calculations.

This shows that While Medicaid costs per person grew by 32%, between 2013-2019, Medicare costs per person grew 58%, nearly double.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2022-07-19 09:30:17

Last Update: 2022-07-19 10:46:50

People who are looking for a job that provides vital community services and offers a competitive salary and benefits, can visit the DMV job fair at our DMV Headquarters in Salem this Friday, July 22.

This event will feature openings at these DMV offices:

• North Salem
• South Salem
• Albany
• Corvallis
• Dallas
• McMinnville
• Stayton
• Woodburn

The fair will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at DMV Headquarters, 1905 Lana Ave. NE.

This is an opportunity to ask current employees questions about a career at DMV and its potential for advancement. Computers will be available at the fair to fill out an application in Workday.

Applicants who don't already have a Workday account need to be sure to bring a resume so they can complete a job application.

Applicants can also find and apply for DMV jobs anytime from anywhere at www.odotjobs.com – at the top of the page, click Company and Department of Transportation to see all ODOT job listings. Check for jobs regularly. The DMV staggers job postings, plus staff retire or move to different offices, so new openings are posted frequently.

"DMV helps nearly every Oregonian," DMV Administrator Amy Joyce said. "Join us in serving your neighbors and your community."

DMV will hold more job fairs across Oregon this summer as part of efforts to speed the hiring process amid a statewide staffing shortage.

They seek people who we are looking for

• Two years of customer service experience
• Three months of handling money and making change
• Training and experience using computers
• Oregon state government provides qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment in accordance with state law.

DMV is a division of the Oregon Department of Transportation, and ODOT embraces diversity and inclusion through our values, strategic planning, and actions. We believe that by welcoming differences, encouraging new ideas and views, listening to and learning from each other, and providing opportunities for professional enrichment, we are better able to serve those around us.

The DMV offers their employees work/life balance, comprehensive medical, dental and vision plan options, retirement benefits, continued professional development and training, and more.

"DMV is more than driver licenses and car registration," Joyce said. "We are integral to the voter registration process, we help raise millions of dollars for veterans and nonprofits through special license plates, and nearly every person who signed up as a potential organ donor got there through the DMV."


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-07-18 20:07:43

Last Update: 2022-07-18 20:33:45

The Baker County Oregon Board of Commissioners and the City of Unity City Council will be meeting for Commission Session on July 20, 2022 and August 3, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. in the Commission Chambers of the Courthouse at 1995 Third Street, Baker City, Oregon.

There will be a public hearing to receive testimony on the proposed County Ordinance No. 2022-04: An Ordinance Declaring a Ban on Psilocybin Product Manufacturers and Psilocybin Service Center Operators within Unincorporated Baker County, with Referral to Electors.

The Commissioners, siting as the City Council for the City of Unity will also receive testimony on the proposed City of Unity Ordinance No. 2022-02 An Ordinance Declaring a Ban on Psilocybin Product Manufacturers and Psilocybin Service Center Operators within the City of Unity, with Referral to Electors

A copy of the proposed ordinances can be found online or by contacting the Commissioners’ Office at 541-523-8200.

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Members of the public can join the meeting in person or by using the link provided on the County’s website.

A complete agenda will be posted on the County’s website.

Baker County operates under an EEO policy and complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act..


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2022-07-18 20:05:52

Last Update: 2022-07-18 20:16:33

The Road User Fee Task Force will meet July 26, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. via video call and teleconference. To join the meeting, call 1-971-277-1965; at the prompt, enter this access code: 669 121 37#. Task Force's objective is to develop a design for revenue collection for Oregon’s roads and highways that will replace the current system for revenue collection, which is a per-gallon fuel tax. The replacement will almost certainly be some sort of per-mile tax.

The task force will discuss the development of road usage charge legislation which is being proposed for the upcoming legislative session. It will also consider the financial impacts of road use charges on urban and rural households, including an analysis of Oregon and how it compares to other participating states.

According to the announcement put out by the Oregon Department of Transportation, Road User Fee Task Force members value information and feedback from the public. People who wish to speak or write to the task force on any topic - including items not on the current agenda - are encouraged sign up to provide testimony by emailing the request to OfficeInnovation@odot.oregon.gov.

The task force reserves the first minutes of each meeting for public testimony. For more options and instructions for providing testimony,


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-07-18 19:51:31