Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson and Mayor Ted Wheeler have now announced that Kaiser Permanente executive Dan Field will serve as the next Director of the Joint Office of Homeless Services.

The announcement, made at a press conference in the Multnomah County Boardroom on April 5th, follows a national search that supposedly had 48 candidates.

“This search was conducted collaboratively with Joint Office staff and leadership at the County and City,” Vega Pederson said. “I am proud to say that our search has yielded in Dan Field, a leader to meet this moment, one who understands the complexities and has the commitment to coalition- and relationship-building that is needed to help bring added urgency and accountability to the Joint Office's work and investments.”

“We take this hire very, very seriously and we are very happy that Dan Field has been willing to step forward to help lead our collective efforts,” Wheeler said.

Dan Field spoke at a press conference announcing his hire on April 5, 2023.

He spent nearly two decades with Kaiser Permanente, Field also served as a staffer for former Gov. John Kitzhaber when Kitzhaber was president of the Oregon Senate, and as chief of staff for former Portland Mayor Vera Katz when she was speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives.

Field played a role in founding HealthShare of Oregon.

In 2020, he sponsored projects aimed at reversing systemic racial injustices, including the creation of the Kaiser Center for Black Health and Wellness, scheduled to open later in 2023.

In 2021, he helped launch a mass vaccination clinic at the Oregon Convention Center that administered more than 550,000 COVID-19 vaccinations.

“Dan's years of work at the confluence of health care and housing have shown the promise in this approach, as has his ability to work across our region to connect the dots to address difficult challenges with unique sources of funding and partnership,” said Chair Jessica Vega Pederson.

The press conference convened speakers including Vega Pederson, Wheeler and Field, along with Joint Office Interim Director Joshua Bates; Angela Martin, Co-Director of HereTogether Oregon; Marcus Mundy, executive director of the Coalition of Communities of Color; Ed Blackburn, former executive director of Central City Concern; and Jessica Getman, board chair of the Portland Business Alliance.

Field said he steps into the role with “humility about the challenge ahead of us,” and said he will center people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in his work.

“To anyone in the community who is homeless or housing insecure, whether you're sleeping on a couch, living out of your car or lying in a doorway, we see you and we will keep you at the center of everything we do,” Field said. “That is my pledge here today. Please hold me to it. We want a community that is just and equitable and where everybody is safely housed. My pledge to you is we will work hard to honor that trust and to strengthen our community in the process.”

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The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners must approve Field’s appointment. Pending that approval, Field is expected to take over the Joint Office of Homeless Services, and its $255 million budget and 95 employees, on April 28.

Formed in 2016, the Joint Office is a partnership between Multnomah County and the City of Portland. They contract with community-based organizations and work with other governmental entities to provide equity-based services including housing assistance, shelter, healthcare and services navigation, employment assistance, and street outreach.

Joshua Bates, Deputy Director of the Joint Office, has served since November 2022. He will remain at the Joint Office as Deputy Director to work with Field.

“It was clear that he brought partnership- and coalition-building to this work,” Bates said. “I'm certain that through his position, he will build bridges in ways that have not been built before to serve folks experiencing homelessness. I am excited to be a part of that bridge-building and to support the next phase of the Joint Office alongside Dan Field."

The County began recruiting for a permanent director in fall 2022, leveraging the reach of community and advocacy organizations

. Recruitment was centered in the County’s focus on equity and leading with race, using the County’s Gladys McCoy hiring standards and focusing on diversity and inclusion in designing hiring panels, interview questions and selection criteria.

“It was important not only to end this search with a successful candidate able to help the Joint Office build strategically for the long-term, but to engage in an inclusive process that increased our connection to and involvement with key community partners,” said Chair Vega Pederson. “I feel confident in where we landed and the process we took to get here.”

The search drew 48 local and national candidates, 51% of whom identified as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color). Seven candidates advanced to interviews with County leaders. Three finalists were then interviewed in February by a nine-person panel made up of County leaders, Joint Office staff, representatives from the City, local providers, and community members with lived expertise.

The top two candidates submitted short videos that were reviewed by more than 30 stakeholders from across Multnomah County, including members of the business community, elected leaders, and the representatives from the housing and homelessness continuum of care. Chair Vega Pederson and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, who was involved throughout the process and in final decision-making, then interviewed each of the top two candidates together in a small group setting.

“I look forward to working with Dan in his new position as the director of the Joint Office of Homeless Services. Throughout the interview process, I was incredibly impressed by Dan's commitment,” Wheeler said.

“He has the experience, he has the drive, he has the connections,” Wheeler said.

Field has been the executive director of Community Benefit, Government Relations and External Affairs at Kaiser Permanente.

“I am looking forward to returning to public service. I love our community — Multnomah County, the City of Portland, and the beautiful cities that make up our region — and see so much potential in the Joint Office and in our community to reach local solutions. This is my opportunity to focus on good policy that features connections across the broad spectrum of stakeholders whose ideas and investments are needed to build the strongest and most responsive housing safety net we can,” Field said.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-04-07 12:00:33

Last Update: 2023-04-07 12:44:06

Metro has announced that they are seeking two community representatives from Clackamas, two from Washington County, and one from Multnomah County to serve on the Metro Technical Advisory Committee. Some of these positions, including the one for Multnomah County will be to serve as alternate members.

The technical advisory committee provides detailed technical support to the Metro Policy Advisory Committee on land use and transportation related issues. The policy advisory committee then makes recommendations to Metro Council. The technical committee also provides input to Metro staff on development of policies, programs and projects and identifies needs and opportunities for involving the public in land use and transportation decisions.

Metro says that community representatives play a critical role in elevating the conversation beyond technical analysis by contributing expertise that crosses city and county lines and is grounded in the experiences of people living and working across the region.

Committee member commitment

There are six MTAC meetings planned for 2023 from May through December 2023. Meetings will be held online the third Wednesday of the month. All meetings are 9 a.m. to noon. MTAC will meet with the Transportation Policy Alternatives Committee for virtual joint workshops in June and August, also on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon. There will be a total of eight MTAC activities in 2023, May through December. MTAC meetings are being held online until further notice.

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Committee members are expected to prepare for each meeting and workshop by reviewing the agendas and materials in advance of the meetings and preparing feedback and questions. One to two hours of preparation time is required per meeting.

Community representatives are asked to commit to one year on MTAC and are encouraged to serve up to four years. Metro says they will provide a monetary compensation to community members that recognizes their time and labor.

For more information on the application and selection process visit the application page. To apply, submit an online application form by midnight on April 17. If you have questions, you can contact Marie Miller via email.

Metro serves more than 1.7 million people in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties. The agency's boundary encompasses Portland, Oregon and 23 other cities – from the Columbia River in the north to the bend of the Willamette River near Wilsonville, and from the foothills of the Coast Range near Forest Grove to the banks of the Sandy River at Troutdale.

The Metro Council consists of a president, elected regionwide, and six councilors who are elected by district every four years in nonpartisan races.

Metro works collaboratively with cities, counties and transportation agencies to decide how to invest federal highway and public transit funds.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-04-06 18:41:31

Last Update: 2023-04-06 19:04:28

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has now released a statement which seems to suggest that transgenders are literally being attacked in Oregon, and they must affirm support of transgender, non-binary, gender-fluid and other LGBTQIA2S+ children.

Observers have noted that this polarizing rhetoric is coming from many Leftist voices in an attempt to silence anyone who disagrees or questions the narrative being offered by calling them "transphobic". Those accused are suggesting that this is not even true, and that transgenders have long been accepted in the United States of America compared to other places in the world.

There is a significant consensus amongst many people that the children are too negatively harmed by this agenda of affirming any delusions of gender identity, and to "just leave the children alone". This is considered a rational approach by many, yet it is also labeled as "aggressive"

The statement released by ODHS starts out by declaring that, "In light of recent attention on agency policies, the Oregon Department of Human Services stands in support with the LGBTQIA2S+ community and affirms its commitment to gender inclusivity in all aspects of our work. We are committed to our Equity North Star and its values of inclusivity, equity, service and well-being."

The statement continues, "Within our Child Welfare Division, we are committed to the equity and inclusivity principles of our Vision for Transformation. The Child Welfare Division stands in support of transgender, non-binary, gender-fluid and other LGBTQIA2S+ children, young people and families, including those who are in foster care and those who have been adopted."

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ODHS says that this "Vision for Transformation" came from a collaboration among "diverse partners" and that "We recognize the importance of challenges and struggles of transforming the current system into one that is fair and just. Anti-racist principles guide us. We recognize that white supremacy and systemic racism are deeply embedded in the history, fabric and institutions of our country, including child welfare systems. Long-lasting social change comes from communities of color and other marginalized communities’ leadership and power in social movements and systems transformation. To this end, we will leverage our resources, technical knowledge and role within the broader ODHS and child welfare systems to support transformation."

"At a time when gender diverse people, policies, and laws are under attack", the ODHS statement continues. "It is important to reinforce our values and practices related to the children and families we serve. We are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all children and young people, regardless of their gender identity. Gender inclusive policies provide a range of benefits including improved mental health, safety, and well-being."

Many critics are noting that the mental health benefits of the absolute freestyle gender-identity affirming agenda are un-substantiated and not supported by science.

ODHS says that the Oregon Child Welfare’s administrative rules – specifically OAR 413-200-0308 and OAR 413-200-0352 – have legal requirements that ensure that resources and potential adoptive parents have the ability to create safe and supportive environments for children and young adults experiencing foster care.

ODHS says that these Child Welfare Division policies are just one way that ODHS is embracing the values of the "Equity North Star".

Fariborz Pakseresht (Fair'-borz Pahk'-ser-esht) is the Director of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).​​ He came to ODHS from the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) juvenile corrections agency. He also spent 11 years with the Oregon Department of Administrative Services.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-04-06 11:14:59

Last Update: 2023-04-06 13:33:10

Former Portland lawyer Lori Deveny stole millions from at least 135 vulnerable personal injury clients. She is now serving concurrent state and federal prison sentences, and a restitution hearing is scheduled for later this month. However, the Northwest Observer has learned that the estates of Deveny’s dead clients are at imminent risk of exclusion from that restitution order, which is expected to exceed $4.5 million.

The deceased clients’ files are in the hands of the Oregon State Bar -- who won’t release them to the estates or to law enforcement—and Multnomah District Attorney Mike Schmidt refuses to intervene on the families’ behalf.

The files are set to be destroyed by the Bar later this month, unless some state or federal authority intercedes. The client files likely contain previously undisclosed evidence of Deveny’s decades-long scheme of fraud and theft.

The situation was brought to light by Stephanie Volin, an independent writer who frequently reports on Oregon’s legal system. She first learned of the existence of these deceased clients’ files last month, and about the Bar’s plan to destroy them.

Volin then spent weeks imploring D.A. Schmidt and other authorities to intervene in the matter. Schmidt was unresponsive, and instead passed the buck to the Clackamas District Attorney. Because neither office would act, Volin finally wrote and filed her own emergency motion for an injunction in late March. The motion is still sitting in that case, unread and undecided.

“I think it’s a major problem that nobody even knows how many dead Deveny victims there are, because the Bar won’t tell us and won’t tell law enforcement,” Volin said. “But it’s a far worse problem that these D.A. and the court won’t act to protect these people and their property.”

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She added, “These clients were victimized by a well-known local attorney, and the county and court where she mainly practiced are now looking the other way. It looks really bad for everyone to just shrug and say ‘Oh well!’”

The Bar acquired Deveny’s files in late 2018, when Multnomah Judge Jerry Hodson awarded the agency the remnants of the disgraced attorney’s practice. Judge Hodson also presided over Deveny’s state criminal case, and imposed a 14-year sentence that many believed was insufficient, in light of the scope and duration of her criminal career.

“The Bar sat on Deveny’s files for years and made no attempt to locate estates or heirs for her deceased clients. Now they’re going to destroy those files in a few weeks unless someone acts.”

Volin insists that the Bar misinformed Judge Hodson when they sought his permission to shred the files. “The Bar was not candid with the judge. I don’t think he would have signed the order if the Bar had plainly told him, ‘Hey, we never even tried to locate the rightful owners for all these deceased peoples’ property.’”

The agency, which exists to protect the Oregon public, may begin shredding the files as soon as the final judgments are entered in the two criminal cases. The restitution hearing is currently scheduled for April 19th.

As that day rapidly approaches, Volin still holds out hope that Multnomah D.A. Schmidt will get involved in the matter. “Deveny abused many more people than we currently know about, and some of them happen to be dead. She shouldn’t get away with burying her crimes along with her victims, and doing so with the Bar’s help. The D.A. absolutely should act quickly to safeguard these files.” Volin added, “It certainly shouldn’t have to be me.”


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-04-06 09:17:26

Last Update: 2023-04-06 11:19:07

To get out ahead of Senate Bill 853 making a clean sweep on the Senate floor, Governor Tina Kotek directed the practice of reimbursing state employees commuting from out-of-state. Chief Operating Officer and interim Director of the Department of Administrative Services Berri Leslie announced the plan to end the pandemic-era practice of reimbursing employees who work remotely, including those who work out-of-state to travel to their offices in Oregon.

Oregon law encourages state agencies to allow employees to telecommute when telecommuting provides an opportunity for improved employee performance, reduced commuting miles, or agency savings. This law applies to state agencies in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. Each state agency is required to adopt written policies defining telecommuting criteria. Telecommuting is defined as working from an "employee's home or from an office near the employee's home, rather than from the principal place of employment."

Under the revised policy, which returns to Oregon’s remote work guidelines pre-pandemic, state employees will continue to be allowed to work remotely as approved by their agencies. However, remote employees will no longer be reimbursed for commuting to the office. This policy will go into effect on September 1, 2023, which will enable DAS to properly prepare and provide notice to employees about changes to the remote work policy around reimbursement.

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SB 853 was introduced with 57 bipartisan sponsors simply banning costs of travel to or from Oregon for an employee in state service who telecommutes. With that much support, it might be questioned what went on in back rooms to amend the bill to exempt positions authorized under terms of collective bargaining agreements. They also added an exemption allowing state payment of travel costs to and from Oregon for state employees who telecommute from principal work site located less than sixty miles from the Oregon border. The bill further allows for exemption when essential requirements of telecommuting employee's position necessitate employee telecommuting from principal work site outside of Oregon.

It seems that the bill simply provided leverage to get Governor Kotek to terminate the pandemic practice and doesn’t prevent the situation from reoccurring.

Leslie said, “We must ensure that state resources are used effectively to serve Oregonians and that our policies reflect the evolving needs of our workforce and the public. Employees will continue to be allowed to work remotely as approved by their state agencies. We look forward to implementing this change and continuing to refine our policies to meet the needs of our state employees.”


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-04-04 14:18:35

Last Update: 2023-04-04 00:41:43

Marion County Republican Party Chairman Joel Pawloski has been speaking out about the political climate in Oregon and how an adherence to constitutional law may be what is needed to restore the people's confidence in Oregon government. Pawloski gave the following statement to the Northwest Observer.

"The first Section of the first article of the Oregon Constitution defines your political power", said Pawloski. "Section 1. Natural rights inherent in people. We declare that all men, when they form a social compact are equal in right: that all power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their peace, safety, and happiness; and they have at all times a right to alter, reform, or abolish the government in such manner as they may think proper.— Read the last sentence again. One more time. Let it sink in."

"Section 1 does not say the legislature", Pawloski continued. "It does not say the governor. Section 1 declares that the people of the state have the right to alter, reform or abolish the government of the state of Oregon. This is your political power."

"In the past there are efforts to separate you from your political power. Many well meaning but destructive to your knowledge of your rights. You were taught at a young age that we don’t talk about religion and politics. It makes people upset. You have been taught about the separation of church and state which does not exist. Keep your religious opinions behind the closed doors of the church. In this way you have censored yourself, doing the work of your political opponents for them."

"There are other ways the people have given up their political power", Pawloski said. "Not voting is one. As a US citizen it is your responsibility to cast an informed vote for representatives that will safeguard you and your posterity. Do not allow the doomsayers or the media or the pollsters to convince to not vote. It is one of the three primary ways that you exercise political power."

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The Marion County Chairman continued to explain, "When you do not speak up in public or vote. That vacuum will be filled by those that may not have your interests in mind. You give others unfettered access to your political power by not using it. Another expression of your political power is to join with like minded people to affect change that benefits the people. Non-compliance with government dictates is another. Thus you see the reason for Freedom Business Fellowship is the expression of political power."

"We will use this political power of the people to affect change in Oregon, change that will benefit everyone, change that will ensure that the political power that belong to us and our posterity will not wane. We will do this through the initiative process. With only 1,000 signatures we can create an initiative. With only 8% of the population, we can put before the people of Oregon a change in the Constitution of Oregon."


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-04-04 10:03:53

Last Update: 2023-04-05 10:34:04

The Benton County Board of Commissioners Office has announced that the county is launching a public podcast series.

Benton County says that the podcast strives to take a deeper dive into topics the community cares about.

Episode 1 of the Benton County Public Podcast series features the history of the Coffin Butte Landfill, why what the Benton County Talks Trash Solid Waste Process Workgroup is doing is important, what the County is doing to manage solid waste now and in the future, and what individuals can do to help decrease consumption and why it is important.

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Featuring Workgroup member Kathryn Duvall and Community Development Deputy Director, Greg Verret, the podcast mentions how members have volunteered thousands of hours working to provide recommendations about the future of sustainable materials management, solid waste, and disposal in Benton County as part of the Benton County Talks Trash Solid Waste Process Workgroup.

The county says they are encouraging feedback about the project.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-04-04 06:48:47

Last Update: 2023-04-04 11:23:30

Each year Oregon emphasizes the importance of transportation safety to its citizens, in April the emphasis is on distracted driving awareness. Oregon joins the nation in this recognition. On January 5, 2022, Kristopher W. Strickler, Director of the Oregon Transportation Commission issued Consent Item 08 – Transportation Safety Programs – Declaration for 2023 “Distracted Driving Awareness Month” proposing April 2023 as Distracted Driving Awareness Month in Oregon.

The updated Oregon distracted driving law; also referred to as the cell phone law, went into effect October 1, 2017. Oregon’s basic law, ORS 811.507, states it is illegal to drive while holding and using a mobile electronic device while driving (e.g. cell phone, tablet, GPS, laptop).

Over the past two years, the increase in traffic fatalities has erased over a decade of decline. Commissioner Strickler says, “It is important to emphasize the need for diligence and need for increased highway safety in Oregon.”

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is asking everyone to participate in the National Distracted Driving Enforcement Mobilization Campaign held April 3-10, 2023. The goal is to demonstrate a nationwide commitment to enforcing mobile electronic device laws in a fair and equitable way, and to reduce traffic crashes caused by distracted drivers, ultimately preventing deaths and injuries associated with cell phone use and texting while driving.

Distraction occurs when a driver diverts attention to something not related to driving that uses the driver's eyes, ears, hands or mind. Most distractions involve more than one of these types, both a sensory - eyes, ears or touch - and a mental component.

There are some exceptions, but for the most part, it’s best to just turn off your device when you are driving. Here are a few cases where the new law does not apply:

• When using hands-free or built-in devices, if you are 18 years of age or older.
• Use of a single touch or swipe to activate or deactivate the device.
• When parked safely, i.e., stopped in a designated parking spot. It is NOT legal to use the device when stopped at a stop light, stop sign, in traffic, etc.
• While providing or summoning medical help and no one else is available to make the call.
• Tow truck or bus drivers following the federal rules for CDL holders.
• When using a two-way radio if you are a CB user, school bus driver, utility truck driver in scope of employment.
• If you are a HAM radio operator age 18 years or older.

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As of January 1, 2018, courts have the ability to waive the fine for first-time offenders who attend an approved Distracted Driving Avoidance course. Offense penalties are now a Class B violation with a maximum fine of $1,000 for first offense. A second offense, or if the first offense contributes to a crash, is Class A violation with a maximum fine of $2,000. A third offense in ten years is a Class B misdemeanor and could result in a maximum fine of $2,500 fine and could be 6 months in jail. For a first offense that does not contribute to a crash, the court may suspend the fine if the driver completes an approved distracted driving avoidance class, and shows proof to the court, within four months. Only the fine is suspended - the violation will still be recorded on the offender's driving record.

Marion County Officer looks for distracted drivers (Statesman Journal video) Commissioner Strickler issued Consent 08, which reads:

• WHEREAS: Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death and injury hospitalization in Oregon; and
• WHEREAS: Distracted driving is a serious, life-threatening practice that is preventable, yet is a national and statewide epidemic that can lead to crash fatalities for drivers and passengers, as well as, for people walking and rolling; and
• WHEREAS: In Oregon, between 2016-2020, there were 15,538 crashes involving a distracted driver resulting in 186 fatalities and 24,126 injuries; and
• WHEREAS: Distracted Driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention from the primary task of driving; and
• WHEREAS: Studies show that using mobile electronic devices involves visual, auditory, manual, and cognitive distraction, and is among the worst of all driver distractions; and
• WHEREAS: Oregon law, as of 2018, prohibits the use of mobile electronic devices when operating a motor vehicle on public roadways; and
• WHEREAS: In order to reduce the number of crashes as well as improve Oregon’s driver safety culture, the Oregon Department of Transportation seeks to enhance the awareness, understanding, education and enforcement to stop distracted driving. NOW,
• THEREFORE: We, the Oregon Transportation Commission hereby declare April 2023 to be DISTRACTED DRIVING SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH in Oregon and encourage all Oregonians to joining in this observance.

--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-04-03 15:15:14

Last Update: 2023-04-03 15:42:12

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

Individuals interested in this opportunity can apply online or via a paper form that can be obtained from the Public & Government Affairs Department by calling 503-655-8751.

Clackamas County Audit Committee

This commission has one vacancy, carrying a two-year term aligned with the fiscal year end (July 1 to June 30). This vacancy will begin when the applicant is approved by the Board of County Commissioners, likely before the beginning of the fiscal year. The nine-member commission provides review and independent oversight of the County’s financial reporting processes, internal controls, and independent auditors.

Members must have the ability to attend all meetings and review materials, including audited financial statements and reports of Clackamas County and its eight blended component units of government. This committee meets at least twice annually, but the Committee may call additional meetings at its discretion. Applicants with knowledge of governmental or not-for-profit auditing, accounting, and financial reporting are encouraged to apply.

Application deadline is Wednesday, April 26. For more information, contact Elizabeth Comfort, Finance Director, at 503-936-5345.

Clackamas County Library Advisory Board

The purpose of the Clackamas County Library Advisory Board is to represent the residents within the Oak Lodge Library and Gladstone Library Service Areas of the Clackamas County Library District, which was established by the approval of Measure 3-310, by providing community perspective to the Board of County Commissioners in matters concerning library services, policies, and library-related issues in general.

Board members have staggered four-year terms. This board currently has two vacancies:

• Oak Lodge member for unincorporated Oak Lodge (must reside within the unincorporated Oak Lodge Library Service Area)
• Gladstone member for unincorporated Gladstone (must reside within unincorporated Gladstone)

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The responsibilities of the Advisory Board are as follows:

• Make recommendations concerning the library to the Library Manager and Board of County Commissioners (BCC).
• Review budget for compliance with existing legislative and policy guidelines.
• Recommend appointment of prospective members to the BCC.
• With guidance from staff, determine resolution of challenged materials.
• Assist in the development of short and long-term goals for the provision of library services to the community.
• Represent the needs, interests, and desires of library users and residents of the service areas.

Application deadline is Wednesday, May 3. For more information, contact Mitzi Olson by phone at 503-655-8570.

Community Health Council

The Council currently has openings for 13 additional members, comprised of consumers, patients, and clients only. The Council oversees operations, budgets, and quality measures at the Health Centers clinics throughout the county. Per federal requirements, the Council must be composed of a majority of patient members, therefore current patients (or their guardians) will be given priority to join the Council to maintain compliance. The Council conducts business through public meetings that are held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month in the County’s Development Services Building in Oregon City. Budget

Note: Due to continuing COVID-19 restrictions, Clackamas County says these meetings are held in a virtual format until further notice.

Council members are not required to have expertise in healthcare but should be interested in improving the quality of care and patient experience in the Health Centers. Council members should be comfortable working with a diverse group of people and willing to reach consensus on various topics and make recommendations to Health Centers Leadership and the Board of County Commissioners. Individuals who represent all geographic areas and demographics are highly valued by the Council.

Application deadline is April 26. For more information, contact Juliana Danforth.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-04-02 09:37:05

Last Update: 2023-04-02 10:08:29

Oregon Representative Rob Nosse (D-Portland) is chief sponsor of HB 2697, which would require hospitals to follow minimum staffing standards for nurses limiting how many patients can be assigned to a single nurse, and submit "staffing plans" to the Oregon Health Authority within three months of its passage, or risk harsh penalties. The bill could radically overhaul Oregon's nurse staffing law and make it among the first in the nation to create nurse-to-patient ratios.

Prior to COVID in 2015, Senate Bill 469 passed updating Oregon's nurse staffing laws, including requiring hospitals to establish hospital nurse staffing committees to develop and approve hospital nurse staffing plans, and required the Oregon Health Authority to audit hospitals to determine compliance with staffing plan requirements. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services also requires nurses to have staffing plans for every patient which is addressed through the 485 Plan of Care orders signed by the provider to ensure the care needs of the patient is met. SB 469 passed to help nurses, so were they unable to govern themselves?

Even before COVID, a nursing shortage was predicted for the U.S. A survey conducted by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses in September 2021, reports that 92 percent said the pandemic had depleted nurses at their hospitals, mostly forced to leave over vaccination requirements and dissatisfaction with working conditions. As a result, they say their careers will be shorter than they intended and 62 percent continue to consider leaving the profession due to the COVID experiences.

Oregon is one of thirteen states that addresses nurse staffing in order to deliver the appropriate quality and mix of patient care and is one of seven states which require staffing committees in hospitals. The idea of hiring traveling nurses to fill the gap is no longer an option with a national shortage, especially on the west coast.

Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems initially warned that ratios could force hospitals to cut back their services. Providence reports 750 open nursing positions in Oregon. Mandating minimum staffing models when there are no nurses to be had will not create a safer healthcare environment, it will create a healthcare environment in which providers close services rather than risk excessively large fines for failure to comply. If the workforce doesn’t exist, small, rural hospitals would not stand a chance with a one-size-fits-all approach.

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Nurses may think this bill will get them more help, but when 64% of Oregon hospitals are operating in the red, this added cost will produce the opposite. If HB 2697 is implemented, rural hospitals are saying the most likely outcome will be a drastic reduction in hospital and home health services. Hospitals across the nation, including our local hospitals, have already reduced services because of an inability to staff beds. This is reflective of a nurse staffing shortage, not of an unwillingness on the part of hospitals to staff those beds and provide services.

Hospitals can't find the staff, so what good is enacting staffing ratios, increasing staffing committees from one to four, imposing binding arbitration, when there isn't enough staff to go around. It seems that staff forced out when Covid vaccinations were mandated, aren't willing to return even if the mandate is lifted.

The bill poses high civil penalties of $10,000 for each day the unit is staffed below standards, plus $200 for each missed meal or rest break. The consequences is higher healthcare insurance premiums and hospitals will be forced to limit patients in order to comply. This is not the answer to better health care.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-03-31 11:31:10

Last Update: 2023-03-31 01:45:35

The Clatsop County Department of Public Health is now saying that because the Oregon Health Authority is doing so, the county will stop requiring individuals to wear masks when visiting public health offices beginning Monday, April 3.

The Oregon Health Authority is lifting its requirement for healthcare workers, patients and visitors in health care settings to wear face masks as COVID-19, RSV and seasonal Influenza infections have continued to decrease.

“We are committed to keeping people safe and preventing the further spread of these viruses,” said Jiancheng Huang, director of CLatsop County public health. “That means we will ask clients to wear a mask if they have any of the following symptoms:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (tiredness)”

Clatsop County Public Health Department says that they insist on rescheduling (refuse) an appointment if a client refuses to comply with the face mask request.

“We appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation,” Huang said.

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Jiancheng has been the Public Health Director in Clatsop County since July 2022. He comes to us from Oswego, New York, where he served as the Director of the Oswego County Health Department for 10 years.

During his tenure, the department won multiple awards for COVID response in 2021. Prior to his time in county public health, Jiancheng served as the director of the Maine Immunization Program where he changed the state from 41st to 14th in the nation for childhood vaccination rates.

He also served as an epidemiologist with the Maine Bureau of Health. Jiancheng earned his medical degree from Shanghai Second Medical University in Shanghai, China in 1987 and a master of science degree from Harvard School of Public Health in 1993.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-03-30 10:40:48

Last Update: 2023-03-30 21:47:48

Recreational harvest of eulachon smelt on the Sandy River will be open Thursday, March 30 from noon to 7 p.m.

The open area will be from the mouth of the Sandy River upstream to the Stark Street Bridge with a limit of 10 pounds per dipper. Each dipper must have their own container. Harvest is allowed with dipnet only and smelt may only be caught from the bank. Each dipper must also have a valid 2023 Oregon angling license.

The 10-pound limit is roughly ¼ of a five-gallon bucket or a full 5-quart bucket. Anglers should bring scales to ensure they do not exceed the legal limit.

The eulachon smelt spends most of its life in the ocean, migrating up rivers, including the Columbia and some of its tributaries, to spawn. They grow to be 6-9 inches long and live 3-5 years. Most adults die shortly after spawning, so it is not uncommon to see large numbers of dead smelt along the river.

While Columbia River eulachon smelt were listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 2010, abundance has recently increased to a level that allows limited, conservative harvest.

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Although eulachon smelt return annually to the Columbia River, they only return to the Sandy River periodically, and this is the first time they have been seen in any numbers here since 2015. "We're happy to provide an opportunity for recreational smelt dipping this year," said Tucker Jones, Columbia River Program Manager. "We know it's short notice, but the eulachon smelt will not be present for long in the Sandy, and we're already seeing some post-spawn die-offs." ODFW is hopeful that providing afternoon opportunity during Oregon's spring break will allow access to this somewhat rare opportunity before the smelt are gone from the system.

"Initially we were concerned that the timing of the smelt return would overlap with releases of hatchery spring Chinook smolts which would make a fishery impossible, but after consulting with district fish biologists, we've determined that we are actually in a sweet spot between releases," Jones added.


--Ritch Hanneman

Post Date: 2023-03-29 14:29:23

Last Update: 2023-03-29 18:13:38