Have you attempted to visit the Oregon capitol during this legislative session? After two years of being closed out of the building during legislative sessions, the public finally has access only to face so much parking construction there are no parking spots. That is because the Department of Administrative Services awarded a contract for the large task of installing electric vehicle charging stations in multiple state parking facilities as well as completing deferred maintenance and improvements to several locations. The project started in November 2022 and will continue to early 2024.

Completion of this large improvement effort has caused varying levels of disruption, temporary closures and movement of assigned parking in affected facilities. Of the 93 charging stations being installed around and under the capitol, 10 are for public use. When the project is completed, there will be 26 public charging stations at state office buildings out of 168 installed. If you are headed to a state office or the capitol, there are nine lots/parking areas that don't have any public access to charging ports.

Installing the 208 Volt, Level 2 EV charging stations is the first phase in building the infrastructure needed for supporting state-owned Zero Emission Vehicles and providing employee-only access charging along with limited public access. This project, and others like it across state government, are part of the long-range efforts needed to meet statewide transportation electrification goals set out in Executive Orders 17-21, 20-04, and the accompanying legislation in ORS 283.337.

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The disruption has been minimized, unless you want to visit a legislative hearing. The pandemic increased remote and hybrid workers resulting in canceled parking spaces, and DAS intentionally held open vacancies in preparation. However, several facilities are or will need to temporarily close completely, including the Green Lot and Commerce Lot. Employees are assured to have a space reserved when the lots reopen.

To help the EV folks out, ODOT is busy spending $100 million over five years for public electric vehicle charging along major roads and in Oregon's communities. About two-thirds of the funding — $52 million from the 2021 federal infrastructure bill plus a required 20% match — must be spent on EV charging infrastructure along Alternative Fuel Corridors. Oregon has 11 roads designated as electric corridors under the program: Interstates 5, 82, 84, 205 and 405; US Highways 20, 26, 95, 97 and 101; and OR Highway 42. ODOT may propose additional roads for designation over the next five years.

The remaining third of the money — $36 million — will be used to close EV infrastructure gaps and provide more charging sites in rural and urban areas, underserved communities, and at apartment complexes to allow more Oregonians to charge where they live, work, and play. Work will begin in fall of 2023.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-03-17 12:17:16

Last Update: 2023-03-16 17:38:30

Aerial Fire, The Aerial Firefighting Magazine, featured Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) multi-mission aircraft as making strides in early wildfire detection. Ryan Mason reports that the Partenavia P-68 Observer is not new at ODF, but using it for nighttime wildfire detection work is a new use. Using night vision and an FLIR camera system used with an augmented reality mapping stem, the Partenavia allows for quick detection and response to dozens of wildfires.

During fire season, the Partenavia flies at night looking for signs of wildfires started by lightning. ODF has developed a unique system by combining several technologies that has proven to be successful. ODF uses night-vision goggles (NVGs) and infrared sensors to initially spot suspected new fires. Then a laser pointer that is only visible in the NVGs, is used to communicate the exact position of the possible new fire to the camera operator. To confirm, the operator uses the infrared sensors and the high-power zoom to confirm whether it is actually a new fire and not another light source. Using these tools as a set makes them effective and saves valuable time.

When a new fire is identified, the observation is located on a map screen and the augmented reality system (ARS), which overlays all known information like roads, streams and names, onto a video screen as if they were on the ground. The still images and videos on these two screens give the parameters of where the fire is and a sense of what it is doing that can be loaded into a map for the ground crews to use. Attributes of the fire are drawn and labeled on the video screen, and the ARS turns those into data points and polygons.

Cole Lindsay, aviation coordinator for ODF’s Northwest Oregon Area told Mason of Aerial Fire, “As far as I’m aware, we’re one of the first states combining night vision and infrared into our aircraft to detect fires early. Using these tools together allows us to fly at night after a thunderstorm, find small fires in remote areas, and then send detailed information to our dispatch center so that they can send out the appropriate resources to extinguish the fire.”

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In the 2022 fire season, DOF alone reported 225 fires by lightning and 672 fires caused by humans. This multi-mission aircraft (MMA) system was used to detect 69 fires, 60 of which were detected during extreme fire danger. The early detection of these fires helped to prevent the majority of them from growing into larger fires. Out of the 69 total detections, none of the fires on ODF-protected lands grew larger than 10 acres. Over the span of the season, ODF pilots and operators banked approximately 92 hours in the sky in search of new fire starts, the most in one night being 21 detections.

Neal Laugle, ODF Aviation Unit manager, told Aerial Fire, “We’re very proud of our achievements using the Partenavia. However, with the high demand for the resource, it’s difficult to meet the needs of the entire state with just one aircraft, which leaves our team having to prioritize certain areas over others during times of extreme fire danger in the state.”

The aircraft and program received investments in the 2021 Oregon Legislative Session that serves 3.5 million acres of forestland in northwestern Oregon. There is still a need for another multi-mission aircraft to better support the entire state. That isn’t likely since Governor Kotek’s DOF budget didn’t include wildfire risk reduction costs that the 2021-22 budget provided to cover fire costs and wildfire risk reduction.


--Dollie Banner

Post Date: 2023-03-16 15:54:27

Last Update: 2023-03-15 03:19:05

Following a severely low forecast of returns of California chinook salmon (Sacramento and Klamath Rivers), both California and Oregon ocean chinook salmon commercial and recreational fisheries are impacted. Coho are a bright spot again for Oregon, and the state is expecting another good run and fishing seasons like last year.

Last week, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) cancelled the spring 2023 commercial ocean troll salmon fishery (Cape Falcon to the California border) and the spring recreational ocean salmon fishery (March 15-May 15 from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain). This decision was made in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), and the states of Oregon and California.

ODFW's ocean salmon project leader Eric Schindler says with California salmon forecasts so low, impacts to those critical chinook stocks need to be kept low.

"Chinook headed for California are caught along with local chinook and coho in Oregon's ocean fisheries south of Cape Falcon. So, any fishery where these chinook are likely to be caught must be restricted – that's why Oregon and California agreed with NMFS and cancelled all early ocean salmon seasons south of Cape Falcon at least through May 15," Schindler said.

The PFMC currently is developing summer salmon seasons to be decided by April 7. Those decisions will be sent to the U.S. Department of Commerce for final approval by May 15.

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PFMC is considering several alternatives for summer and fall salmon seasons. Generally, these would allow coho fishing from mid-June through September but restrict chinook fishing south of Cape Falcon until at least Sept. 1. By then, the majority of chinook headed to California are no longer offshore of Oregon's coast. In September, there is still potential to harvest Oregon chinook salmon.

A different mix of salmon stocks are offshore north of Cape Falcon, so season alternatives are different. Options being considered would allow recreational chinook and coho retention in the ocean beginning mid-June through September.

PFMC's alternatives are available online and more information is in the PFMC's news release. The PFMC is looking for feedback from anglers and commercial fishermen which have their own season. Going through the PFMC e-portal is the best way to comment; use the link for Salmon Agenda Item E.2 (tentative adoption of the 2023 management measures for analysis) scheduled for the Council floor on Sunday, April 2.

PFMC is hosting an in-person public meeting March 20, 7-9 p.m. in North Bend. ODFW staff will attend and be available to answer questions.

Contacts for information: Eric Schindler, 541-857-2538, eric.d.schindler@odfw.oregon.gov

Justine Kenyon-Benson, 541-857-2546, Justine.kenyon-benson@odfw.oregon.gov


--Ryan Bannister

Post Date: 2023-03-16 12:48:24

Last Update: 2023-03-16 15:49:50

Gregg Schumacher is Owner/President of Schumacher Furs USA, Inc. (Est. 1895) in Portland, which is the oldest fur company in America and one of the oldest businesses in Portland. During the years of 2005-2007, Schumacher Furs USA headquarters and retail operation in downtown Portland (SW 9th & Morrison Street), was terrorized and protested by radical lawless extremists groups and radical individuals for two straight years, every day, with zero law enforcement. As a result, they were forced to close, not just their Portland store, but the New York and overseas design, manufacturing and wholesale operations were closed. Now he is fighting back for other businesses and citizens to prevent what happened to his business from happening to them.

Schumacher founded Restore Law and Order, Inc. and hired legal counsel to implement a lawsuit against the city of Portland, the state of Oregon and government officials personally. The goal is to recover economic damages for businesses (plaintiffs) and to set a precedent through marketing to deter future lawless government candidates from running for political office, knowing that the same reaction could happen to them as happened to their predecessors.

Restore’s team includes many professionals including Marc Thielman, past Governor candidate as education policy advisor, and leader of Battleground Oregon, which addresses election integrity. Rosa Chamberlain and B.L. Cozad Jr. as research and constitutional experts, and Attorney Steve Joncus and Cauble & Whittington law firm as legal support. They have gathered all the evidence, have a legal strategy, and a strong public relations campaign in place. They say it’s about the ability to conduct commerce with the expectation of safety and security, and elected representatives using a common sense approach to enforce existing laws and protecting our civil rights under the U.S. Constitution.

Schumacher says, “We are representing businesses, organizations and individuals that incurred economic damages due to government lawlessness, and the lack of upholding US Constitutional law. What happened to my family business is exactly what is occurring in Portland and other cities with lawless corrupt government officials not enforcing existing laws. And nothing has changed in 17 years.”

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Restore Law and Order, Inc. is launching a multi-plaintiff lawsuit. It is nonpartisan so anyone affected by economic damages incurred from violence, riots, illegal protests, homelessness, and crime can join. The economic damages are physical damages to property, devaluation of property values, reduced gross revenues and net profits, decline in revenue from lack of tourism.

Businesses, organizations, and individuals can get involved anonymously by becoming a Plaintiff and/or supporting Restore Law and Order, Inc.

Schumacher is convinced, “This is the only permanent solution as our government officials are corrupt and not intentional in providing a solution to these problems. They need to be replaced with individuals that will uphold laws and care about the people and businesses in Oregon and future generations to come.”


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-03-15 12:09:14

Last Update: 2023-03-15 03:21:04

As the lead plaintiffs on the federal lawsuit against Measure 114, Oregon Firearms Federation (OFF) has two attorneys doing all they can to craft the best case possible. Our case in Federal Court is now due to be heard in June. The court has changed the date several times complicating our efforts to schedule expert witnesses and adding to our cost.

The state has no similar problems because they have your money and can (and will) spend as much of it as they like.

We anticipate that depositions may begin soon.

Once the case is heard we believe there is a significant likelihood that the Federal Judge will find against gun owners, as she already has ended our efforts to get an emergency injunction. She decided that she will not even hold a hearing on a “preliminary injunction” and will go directly to a trial on whether or not 114 is constitutional. Her purported reasoning was that since a state judge had already ordered an injunction there was no need for her to consider one.

Of course, that ignored the reality that while it was true that a state judge had put a hold on 114, the Department of “Justice” was doing all it could to overturn it.

We have always assumed that the battle would have to be decided in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. So we are quite prepared for the Federal judge to declare that an almost certain end to gun sales in Oregon, and a ban on firearms feeding devices, is somehow constitutional.

In the very unlikely event that the judge actually abides by Supreme Court precedent and declares 114 unconstitutional, there is no question that the state and the Department of “Justice” will appeal it themselves and so either way this will go to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals unless something totally unexpected happens. (Which is still possible.). So settle in, we are in it for the long haul.

In the parallel case playing out in State Court, the Judge has set a September date for a trial. The Department of Justice attempted to move that date up by months. And it’s no secret why. If the Harney County Judge declares that 114 violates the Oregon Constitution, the state will, of course, appeal.

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And let us not forget who sits on the Court of Appeals in Oregon. One Judge James Egan. In case you missed it, Egan believes that anyone who supports the Second Amendment is a racist, anti-semitic, white supremacist. And no, we are not exaggerating.

Egan’s outrageous and hate filled rant against gun owners was perfectly typical of leftist extremists, but coming from a sitting judge was truly chilling.

There is no possible way we can hope for a fair ruling in the Measure 114 state case if Egan is on the bench when the case is heard.

After we reported Egan’s bizarre and outrageous outburst, we heard from many who wanted to file a complaint against him.

We filed one. But we also reached out to the leaders of the Republican House and Senate Caucuses.

As you know, the Republicans are in the distinct minority. The one tool they had to keep the far left in check was the walk out, which in recent sessions they simply refused to use, telling us that if they did, there would be a ballot measure against walk outs. Well, as you know, even though they meekly sat by and let the Dems step all over them, there was a ballot measure to stop walk out’s anyway. And even though this was a fundamental, constitutional, and crucial tool for the minority party, they did not say a single word in opposition to the ballot measure and it passed. Which certainly made life easier for Republicans who don’t like to stand up.

So with limited tools, and the reality that if the Harney County Measure 114 case winds up in front of Judge Egan, gun owners are in real trouble, we simply asked Republican “leadership” if they would request their members to join in a complaint against Judge Egan.

We all know that there is no guarantee that any tactic is going to save the day. But a complaint against the despicable conduct of a rogue judge made by many elected officials would certainly carry more weight than the complaints of individuals or OFF as one of the organizations defamed by Judge Egan.

However, neither Republican Senate “leader” Tim Knopp, nor Republican House “leader” Vikki Iverson are interested. And while many Republicans continue to send out newsletters touting their commitment to gun rights, when given the opportunity to stand up, the Republican “leaders” sit down. For now, it’s up to us.


--Kevin Starrett, OFF

Post Date: 2023-03-14 15:55:20

Last Update: 2023-03-14 18:05:39

The Veterans Administration will now allow veterans in suicidal crisis to go to any VA or non-VA healthcare facility for free emergency healthcare. That includes inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days and outpatient care for up to 90 days.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the suicide rate for veterans in Oregon in 2015, the most recent year data is available, was 37.2 percent, which was more than double the national average among non-veterans.

Veterans do not need to be enrolled in VA health care to use this benefit. This expansion will increase access to acute suicide care for up to 9 million veterans who are not currently enrolled in the VA system.

The policy took effect on January 17 allowing the VA to:

• Provides, pay for, or reimburse for treatment of eligible individual's emergency suicide care, transportation costs, and follow-up care at a VA or non-VA facility for up to 30 days of inpatient care and 90 days of outpatient care.
• Make appropriate referrals for care following the period of emergency suicide care.
• Determine eligibility for other VA services and benefits.
• Refer eligible individuals for appropriate VA programs and benefits following the period of emergency suicide care.

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Eligible individuals, regardless of VA enrollment status:

• Veterans who were discharged or released from active duty after more than 24 months of active service under conditions other than dishonorable.
• Former members of the armed forces, including reserve service members, who served more than 100 days under a combat exclusion or in support of a contingency operation either directly or by operating an unmanned aerial vehicle from another location who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
• Former members of the armed forces who were the victim of a physical assault of a sexual nature, a battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment while serving in the armed forces.
  
  Lt. Shelby Brown, is promoting Mission 22 in Oregon, which provides support to Veterans and their families when they need it most – right now. Through a comprehensive approach of outreach, events and programs, they promote long-term wellness and sustainable growth. Lt. Brown, through the foundation’s Facebook page, promoted a fitness challenge to help bring awareness to veterans lost or struggling, and the families affected by the struggle to reacclimate to the home environment after being on duty for so long. The challenge drew in adults in custody (AIC), and they continue to participate in challenges to support the OSP’s Veteran’s Club.
  
  
  --Donna Bleiler
  
  

  Post Date: 2023-03-13 15:17:49

  Last Update: 2023-03-13 18:22:03

  
  

The House Committee on Emergency Management, General Government and Veterans advanced HB 2426, which would allow everyone in the state of Oregon to choose how they fill up their car. Representative Shelly Boxhart Davis (R-Albany), Deputy House Republican Leader and chief sponsor of HB 2426 has bipartisan sponsors to help get it passed.

Service Stations have historically been a place for young people to enter the job market. They learned how to treat customers by washing windows, how to handle money, and developed a civic responsibility. It would free up owners and mechanics for repairs services. Along came minimum wage mandates, which changed the dynamics, and stations were forced to cut back on those quasi-apprenticeship hires.

Since then, service stations have become simply gas stations with very little “service” left. Legislation destroyed a natural opportunity for young people only to replace it with government searching out businesses to start apprenticeships for young people.

Oregon is one of two states, including New Jersey, that restricts self-dispensing of gasoline at gas stations. The prohibition dates back to 1951. Legislative findings regarding the prohibition cite:

• The need for training for safe dispensing of Class 1 flammable liquids;
• Hazards faced by untrained persons dispensing such liquids;
• Difficulties for some persons, such as senior citizens, in self-dispensing fuel and the lack of ability to ensure full-service fuel dispensing;
• Health and environmental factors;
• The tendency for significantly higher cost of full-service fuel dispensing in states that allow self-service dispensing;
• The correlation between self-service dispensing and reduced availability of automotive repair at fueling stations; and
• Employment considerations.

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In 2015, HB 3011 authorized fueling stations in counties with populations less than 40,000 residents to permit non-employees to dispense fuels into motor vehicles or other containers between the hours of 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Two years later, HB 2482 (2017) eliminated the time-of-day restrictions and limited the applicability only to small counties in eastern Oregon.

Wiping away all the reasons for the original restrictions has been a slow process. Now House Bill 2426 allows retail fueling stations to operate up to half of their pumps as self-service dispensing devices but must designate at least one person to provide attended service. It allows motorcycle operators to dispense into their own motorcycle at attended or self-service devices. Opens up self-service to all rural counties. Authorizes State Fire Marshal to conduct outreach for two years to educate the public about changes to attended fuel service laws and to educate operators of filling stations regarding provisions of measure, and prevents enforcement penalties until March 1, 2024.

Opponents don’t see a “grassroots groundswell” begging for self-serve pumps. They see Oregon’s large population, that will be hurt the most, of senior men and women, the disabled, paralyzed veterans and other residents who will be adversely impacted like pregnant women inhaling fumes, those suffering from arthritis and surgery pain. They see that self-pump Washington gas prices are higher than Oregon and longer lines with people slower at pumping their own gas. They don’t believe pricing will change, just less service, and less jobs for the unemployed and homeless.

The bill goes to the House floor then to the Senate where the public will have another opportunity to testify.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-03-12 16:33:48

Last Update: 2023-03-10 18:47:37

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Refugee Program is inviting community partners to apply for a portion of $4.6 million in funding that is available to provide services and support to certain individuals from Ukraine or those who entered through the Uniting for Ukraine program.

The deadline to apply is March 27, 2023, and the application can be found online.

The U.S. Resettlement Program is operated by the U.S. Department of State through contracts with national non-profit organizations called resettlement agencies. These organizations have local affiliate offices throughout the nation.

The ODHS Refugee Program is responsible for some of the services that are outside of the initial resettlement provided by the resettlement agencies. The Refugee Program provides cash, medical, employment and acculturation services to refugees (and those eligible for refugee services) who are within 60 months of gaining their eligible immigration status.

Since February 2022, over 3,100 individuals from Ukraine have resettled in Oregon.

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The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Department of Human Services are saying that the purpose of this request is to ask for applications from culturally and/or linguistically responsive organizations who provide services to immigrants or refugees (and those eligible for refugee services) to increase services and supports.

Funding is available to support:

• Housing and food assistance services: $2 million
• Statewide outreach, sponsor coordination and connection to existing case management services: $200,000
• Employment services assistance: $221,800
• Health and mental health services: $675,000
• Child care: $100,00
Legal services: $800,000
• Youth mentoring: $100,000
• School assistance: $515,000
• Senior services: $50,000

Organizations may express interest in supporting more than one service area. Community organizations are eligible to submit proposals for the funding.

The stated mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.


--Sabrina-Marie Fisher

Post Date: 2023-03-11 15:17:49

Last Update: 2023-03-10 18:55:03

Oregon Senate President Pro-Tempore James Manning Jr. (D-Eugene) introduced SB 935 to provide support to the thousands of Ukrainian war refugees now in Oregon. “Refugee from Ukraine” is defined as an individual from Ukraine who is displaced as a result of the armed conflict in Ukraine and granted refugee status for admission to the United States by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

His bill comes at the same time as the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Refugee Program is inviting community partners to apply for a portion of $4.6 million available to provide services and support to certain individuals from Ukraine or those who entered through the Uniting for Ukraine program. The ODHS Refugee Program provides cash, medical, employment and acculturation services to refugees.

More than 4,500 Ukrainian refugees are currently in Oregon out of 180,000 in the U.S., according to the Uniting for Ukraine program. SB 935 is based on input from the Immigrant & Refugee Community Organizations (IRCO), and will remove two substantial barriers that Ukrainian refugees face during resettlement in Oregon.

• Housing - the new legislation will ensure Ukrainian refugees who do not have an Oregon cosigner can still apply for, and receive, rental housing in Oregon.
• Transportation - waives the written and driving test for Ukrainian refugees applying for a driver’s license – as well as the accompanying fees – provided the applicant holds a valid Ukrainian driver’s license.

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“By removing these obstacles to basic needs, Oregon can ease Ukrainian refugees’ transition to life in Oregon at this unimaginably stressful time,” said Senator Manning. “It is our responsibility and humanitarian duty to not only open our state to these refugees but to do what we can to make their lives easier, ensuring access to housing, mobility, and state-issued identification.”

Since SB 935 doesn’t provide any funding, perhaps it is a matter of operation and the ODHS Refugee Program will fill in the funding.

SB 935 was referred to the Senate Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs Committee for possible hearing.


--Dollie Banner

Post Date: 2023-03-11 15:14:22

Last Update: 2023-03-10 18:49:04

What is the reason for sponsoring a bill? Most ideas are written into legislation without any idea of cost or where the money will come from to implement it. Senator Kathleen Taylor (D -Portland) has an answer to create more funding. She calls it “Workplace Safety Bill.” SB 592 will enforce stiffer penalties for Oregon OSHA safety violations, and aligns fines with federal OSHA standards.

Senator Taylor reported that this legislation will align Oregon OSHA policies with federal OSHA standards. Currently, Oregon’s penalties for serious violations are more than 73% below the national standard, some of the lowest fines in the nation.

It has to be about the money since SAIF reports in 2022, Oregon’s SAIF workers’ compensation program achieved the tenth lowest rate. Disabling claims have dropped by over 50% and the fatality rate has plummeted by 70%.

“We need to do everything we can to keep people safe,” said Senator Taylor. “Our workforce is Oregon’s most valuable asset. This bill protects our people and our economy.”

Major business sectors disagree. Oregon Farm Bureau Federation and Oregon Association of Nurseries testified, “we disagree with the premise that substantially increasing penalties will deter “bad actors” from willfully violating the law. That said, Oregon employers operate in an increasing burdensome and complicated regulatory arena, and many are struggling to navigate compliance with recently passed OR-OSHA laws. For family farms and nurseries, the proposed increase in penalties could be devastating or limit opportunities to invest in additional safety measures. Oregon has done a lot of work over the last several years to update workplace safety regulations, and we should find out whether that will have an impact on workplace safety before passing laws to levy stiffer and more significant penalties.”

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Oregon Business & Industries agreed, “For the many businesses that work hard to comply with Oregon’s workplace safety laws, SB 592 would require OHSA to conduct “comprehensive inspections” whenever a fatality occurred, even if the fatality were the result of an accident. Since they would be tied to negative outcomes, not negative behaviors, comprehensive inspections triggered by accidents would not foster safer workplaces. Instead, they would place a heavy burden on businesses by allowing OSHA to perform incredibly broad facility-wide inspections.”

Association of Oregon Loggers said, “The bill would perversely pit OR-OSHA against employers, rather than employing the Oregon Way of cooperation and coordination in the pursuit of safer and better outcomes... The one-size-fits-all approach to inspections and penalties has the potential to destroy small and family-owned businesses, small enterprises that may not have the means to employ exemplary legal counsel, or absorb the high penalty exposure as would a larger business.”

Senator Taylor says SB 592 will protect Oregon workers by enforcing stiffer penalties for workplace safety violations, especially for employers with willful or repeated violations.

SB 592 passed the Senate on nearly partisan lines, and will now move to the Oregon House of Representatives for consideration.

Senator Brian Boquist explains his descending vote. “SB 592 updates and addresses repeat offenders regarding work places. However, it raises the minimum fines over a thousand percent with no latitude to the regulator. The agencies actions during the political pandemic were less than stellar. Future legal actions will create serious liability for the agency and state. SB 592 should be amended in the House to have a reasonable and flexible minimum fine.”


--Dollie Banner

Post Date: 2023-03-10 13:24:07

Last Update: 2023-03-09 23:46:42

On Wednesday, Danielle Tudor and Tiffany Edens, who are victims of “Jogger Rapist” Richard Gillmore, joined Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend), Deputy Leader Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer), and Senator Cedric Hayden (R-Fall Creek) for a press conference at the State Capitol. Together, they discussed a series of bills that collectively support victims of sex crimes and promote justice.

Richard Gillmore, a serial rapist of at least 9 victims, was released from prison on December 16th, 2022 as a Level 1 sex offender by the Oregon Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision. Level 1 means the registrant presents the lowest risk of reoffending.

“We have three bills that we think are critically important in keeping Oregonians safe and keeping violent perpetrators in prison,” said Senator Knopp.

• Senate Bill 986 raises the statute of limitations on rape from 12 years to 20 years.
  
  “We think this is necessary to make sure that every victim has the opportunity for justice and that we don’t create more victims by not prosecuting those who have committed violent six crimes against our citizens,” added Knopp.
  
  
• Senate Bill 1022 makes necessary fixes to Oregon’s sex-offender risk level assessment process and methodology.
  
  “In December, Richard Gillmore was evaluated to be a low level 1 sex offender. Obviously, we know that’s not correct – it’s not a fair assessment,” said Tiffany Edens. “Just using one tool, the Static 99-R, is inadequate and it’s not protecting our community. [SB 1022] could alleviate some of the pitfalls in the system.”
  
  “[SB 1022] is really in direct response to what just took place here in the State of Oregon and tackles all of the obstacles that we ran into,” said Danielle Tudor. “If Richard Gillmore is a Level 1 Sex Offender, we have a serious problem.”

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• Senate Bill 1023 clarifies the term ‘victim’ when State Police is required to release sex offender information.

“I’m hopeful that this legislation can move forward through the process and that we can bring some healing in the future,” added Senator Hayden.

“Hopefully we can get these to work through the process and I can be a part of it on the Judiciary Committee on the Senate side,” concluded Senator Thatcher.

These bills have been assigned to the Senate Committee on Judiciary. Letters are being sent to the Committee Chair requesting that they be scheduled for public hearings. The deadline to schedule a work session is March 17th.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-03-10 11:05:48

Last Update: 2023-03-10 16:55:13

The FBI Portland and the FBI Seattle Field Offices are seeking the public’s help to identify the individual(s) responsible for vandalism at electrical substations in Tumwater, Washington and Oregon City, Oregon.

The FBI is offering rewards of up to $25,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the suspect(s) responsible for each of these crimes.

On November 22, 2022, in the early morning hours, Puget Sound Energy discovered an incident at the Barneslake Substation in Tumwater, Washington. Fluid was leaking on the ground after one of the radiators of transformers had been punctured multiple times and caused the substation to go offline for several hours. Three 9 mm shell casings were located. The outage resulted in loss of power to 5,200 individuals.

On November 24, 2022, shortly before 2:00 a.m., several reactors were shot at the Bonneville Power Administration Ostrander Substation in Oregon City, Oregon. Investigators found a hole cut in the perimeter fence of the energized yard and discovered bullet holes in several reactors.

“Attacks on power grid substations have gripped our nation's attention in recent months because of the devastating threat they pose to our infrastructure. Entire communities - hospitals, schools, and local businesses - might conceivably be incapacitated for many days," said Kieran L. Ramsey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Field Office. "The FBI continues to work diligently not only to identify and arrest those responsible for these wanton acts but also to disrupt any future criminal plots which might wreak even greater havoc to our community. Presently, we remain unclear on the motive for their actions. However, we do understand fully their catastrophic potential. Consequently, apprehension of those responsible must be a top priority for law enforcement and this is why we are now urgently requesting our citizens' help in identifying those responsible."

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

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

“Interfering or tampering with our power grid can have deadly consequences.” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “An attack like this is not just an inconvenience for home and business owners, think of medical facilities or vulnerable people who depend on electricity for their health. It’s our hope that by attaching a reward offer, someone who has that missing piece of information we need may be enticed to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), contact their local FBI office, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. You may remain anonymous.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-03-09 14:52:32

Last Update: 2023-03-09 15:07:58