The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) has reinstated and amended an emerald ash borer (EAB) quarantine in Washington County, prohibiting the movement of tree materials from all ash and white fringe tree plant parts outside the county. The newly adopted temporary quarantine excludes olive trees and is set to expire on November 11, 2023. As data becomes available, ODA will evaluate the need for future quarantines.

This most recent quarantine was amended and replaced the expired quarantine first adopted in June 2022, when ODA first discovered the invasive and destructive EAB in Forest Grove within Washington County.

Due to the continued spread risk, ODA has amended and adopted a new temporary EAB quarantine per Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR 603-052-1070), limiting the movement of ash and white fringe tree materials from Washington County.

The quarantine restricts the movement of several tree materials, including but not limited to logs, green lumber, nursery stock, scion wood, bud wood, chips larger than 1 inch by 1 inch, mulch, stumps, roots, branches, and firewood of hardwood species.

The purpose of the quarantine is to slow the spread of the invasive and destructive EAB.

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Researchers consider the half-inch green, shiny beetle North America’s most destructive forest pest, killing hundreds of millions of ash trees nationwide.

So far, the state has only detected EAB within the city limits of Forest Grove.

EAB is native to Asia. Its larvae burrow into the bark of ash trees, causing canopy dieback and, ultimately, tree death. The beetle is often challenging to detect, especially in newly-infested trees.

Signs of infestation include thinning and yellowing leaves, bark splitting, D-shaped holes in the tree bark, and basal shoots.

ODA is establishing several processing and disposal resources to limit the movement of ash and white fringe tree materials within the quarantine area.

To receive more information on EAB with an up-to-date list of resources, or to report a sighting of EAB, please visit the Oregon Invasive Species Council website.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-06-18 18:33:22

Last Update: 2023-06-18 18:49:35

On July 12, Hillsboro’s Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on the 2023 Housing Needs Analysis. Community members are encouraged to attend and provide testimony on this technical analysis. Hillsboro is a growing community with more than 109,000 residents of all ages, incomes, and abilities. The City’s population has increased significantly over the past 20 years, and with it, the need for a variety of housing to meet our community’s diverse needs.

Now the City -- under the leadership of Mayor Steve Callaway -- is looking towards the future and forecasting the community’s housing needs over the next 20 years.

• What will the future housing needs of Hillsboro’s growing population look like?
• Is there enough residential land to meet these needs?
• And will the supply of housing meet the needs of community members at all income levels?

These are some of the questions answered by the 2023 Housing Needs Analysis, which aims to help Hillsboro meet the housing needs of its residents.

This process is being driven by Oregon's land use laws which were codified in 1973 in SB 100. At the time, many thought that these regulations were revolutionary and would become a template for the rest of the nation. In hindsight, many experts have concluded that they have exacerbated the housing crisis in Oregon.

According to the city's website, over the past year, the City listened and engaged with a wide-cross section of Hillsboro’s community members to inform the Housing Needs Analysis. The City partnered with community-based organizations to engage Historically Marginalized Communities through focus groups in both English and Spanish speaking receiving valuable insight into housing needs. In addition, a Community Advisory Committee -- made up of a diverse range of community members, housing professionals, and local nonprofits -- was formed to assess whether there is an adequate supply and variety of housing for Hillsboro community members at all income levels.

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Completed in June 2023, the 2023 Housing Needs Analysis looked at the amount of buildable land available for housing and forecasts the need for additional housing units over the next 20 years.

The analysis concluded that by the year 2043:

• There will be a need for approximately 2,300 additional housing units beyond what is already planned — or the equivalent of 175 acres of land.
• Of the 2,300 additional units needed, just over half are projected for homeownership, with the remainder available as rental units.
• The greatest need for rental units is for those below market rate, to maintain housing costs that are affordable.
• Income trends suggest that the largest demand for homeownership will remain in the $300,000 to $600,000 price range.
• With a clearer picture of Hillsboro’s future housing needs, the focus shifts to finding strategic ways to address those needs.

The work in this area will follow the adoption of the Housing Needs Analysis and could include looking at different policy areas such as:

• Increasing housing development in multi-dwelling zones, and along TV Highway corridor's future bus rapid transit line.
• Ensuring Hillsboro has enough land, public infrastructure, utilities and services to support a variety of housing types and choices.
• Increasing affordable housing in new residential areas to foster mixed income neighborhoods.
• Supporting homeownership opportunities for homebuyers, including low-income and first-time buyers.
• Increasing rental housing development for large households.
• Increasing development of accessible housing for seniors and people with disabilities.

--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-06-18 15:04:31

Last Update: 2023-06-18 15:36:44

On June 15, some Republican Senators made the decision to provide a quorum to the Democrats through negotiations a lot of us disagreed with. To most of us Senate Republicans, it felt like a surrender to the Democrats, especially concerning a few of the most tyrannical bills being negotiated which, ultimately were amended and made less bad. Also, it was good that some terrible bills died per the agreement.

I am expressing my concerns and disappointment that the Democrats were given so much latitude and the Republicans were given so little as outlined in the negotiations. The Democrats only needed one more Republican to attend Floor Session to meet the quorum requirement, and thus, it happened. It was an agonizing decision for all of us— to support returning or not.

Unfortunately, negotiations did not address the outright and ongoing corruption by the Democrats, nor did they adequately address the tyrannical bills. Negotiations did not address the ongoing Constitutional concerns nor the breaking of rules by the Democrats. Until these concerns are adequately addressed, I cannot in good conscience return this session to such blatant misbehavior being implemented by the Democrats to basically let them continue down this road. This needs to stop. Now.

Unfortunately, the improved, but still despotic bills I have been telling you about, moved through the legislative process at lightning speed on June 15 and will now become law. Make no mistake about it, they are still after our children. The Democrats still want total power over every position of government and every role of families in this state. They want every law-abiding citizen disarmed. That’s a definition of tyranny. But there is more to come.

I will continue to work with my constituents, but I cannot support an autocratic Democrat agenda we had a chance to stop. Unfortunately, even as Democrats were handed a gold platter to continue their scheme on the unaware public, they continue to feed Oregonians half truths and bald-faced lies to make their propaganda more believable. The media continues to aid them in this endeavor. I ask myself, why can’t they just tell the truth? Putting a spin on what happened is one thing, but having one’s own set of “facts” is another.

Keep in mind: the Democrat corruption, their money-laundered campaign donations, and their stacks of cash yielded us their majority. Only 1500 votes separated their majority from one of shared power. We would not be in this position, but for their corrupt flow of dirty money.

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This session is not going to be the end of the very caustic long-term agenda of the Democrats. Oh, no. They have much more in mind. They have been taking steps every Session to ultimately reach their goals, all while selling their masked agenda to the unaware public through mainstream media – a convenient arm of the Democrat Party. Now, it is up to the public to search for the truth, the whole truth, on their own. Do not be deceived. Ask questions and then search for real answers. If you’re used to relying on mainstream media, reach out to alternative sources, too, they’re numerous. Their agenda is being pushed at full-speed.

Pay closer attention to the words being said and what is being printed in the way of “information.” Watch for their “buzz” words. Nothing is as it used to be. Definitions have changed and nothing in reality is what they want you to think it is. We’re now in a world of good vs. evil where we’re being told that good is evil and evil is good. Please don’t buy into that.

Thank you for your support and for your kind consideration of what I have shared with you. Have a great Father’s Day!


--Kim Thatcher

Post Date: 2023-06-17 16:01:08

Last Update: 2023-06-17 16:09:48

Governor Tina Kotek and Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson have announced new state and county investments in Clean Start, a longstanding program that provides people experiencing homelessness with stable work in trash removal and cleaning services.

According to Axios Portland, the street count of unsheltered people in Multnomah County is 1,604. That amounts to about $15,586 per unsheltered person.

Governor Kotek will use $1 million from the Governor's Strategic Reserve Fund to support an expansion of the Clean Start program to clean up trash in Portland. Chair Vega Pederson is proposing $1.5 million as a part of her urgent efforts to direct unspent homeless services funds to programs serving the community.

“It takes all of us, doing what we can – in ways big and small – to make real change. Portland is a city filled with potential and promise. Each of us can be part of the solution. Together, we can build the Oregon we want to live in,” Governor Kotek said. “I am grateful to Chair Vega Pederson and eager to see these dollars create job opportunities for Portlanders experiencing homelessness, provide peer mentoring and job skills, and support their transition into stable housing through Central City Concern’s model.”

Governor Kotek announced her commitment during the annual meeting of the Portland Metro Chamber. Following her announcement, Multnomah County Chair Vega Pederson announced that the county is also proposing a $1.5 million contribution toward the effort.

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Clean Start, operated by Central City Concern, has been providing trash and needle removal, graffiti abatement and other cleaning services to the Portland metro area since 1996. Both Central City Concern and other programs funded by Multnomah County address the systemic drivers of homelessness and the individual factors that can reinforce it, helping people experiencing homelessness to overcome barriers and stabilize their lives, ultimately leaving the streets for housing.

According to a filing with the IRS, Central City Concern is run by Rachel Solotaroff, who is paid $265,923 annually. The non-profit employs 5 persons making over $200,000 a year.

“This expansion of Central City Concern’s Clean Start program will put Multnomah County’s unspent dollars into the pockets of people who need them most — those currently living without housing — to help them develop the skills to stabilize and stay that way,” Chair Vega Pederson said. “I am pleased to join Governor Kotek in making more resources possible for those who need them most.”

“CCC is beyond excited to be a part of Governor Kotek’s plan for clean streets within our community,” said Dr. Andy Mendenhall, President and CEO of Central City Concern. “Our Clean Start Program changes lives every day and provides pathways from homelessness to recovery and self-sufficiency. This collaborative effort between Governor Kotek and Chair Vega Pederson in support of both clients and our community is another important step along the path of recovering our community.”


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-06-16 09:56:33

Last Update: 2023-06-16 10:19:00

The Oregon Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville) is patting herself on the back for her part in the negotiations while the public scratch their heads in disbelief. One Senator broke ranks, Senator Lynn Finley (R-E. Counties), and returned to the Senate floor to meet the quorum requirement. They are claiming the walkout produced victory with the main points of negotiations being:

• Agreed to fully comply with the readability law.
• Protects parental rights by striking large portions of House Bill 2002 and Senate Joint Resolution 33 in its entirety.
• Defends the 2nd Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners by striking large portions of House Bill 2005 and all of Senate Bill 348 and Senate Bill 393.
• Prioritizes legislation that will exempt small farming, ranching, and timber families from the Oregon Estate Tax. (Senate Bill 498)
• Give impeachment power of statewide elected Executive Branch officials to the House of Representatives, and the power to try impeachments in the Senate. Oregon is currently the only state in the nation without such a procedure. (House Joint Resolution 16)
• Ensures that bill summaries will be redrafted to comply with House Rules, Senate Rules, Oregon statute, and the Oregon Constitution.

Senator Lynn Finley stated, “These are major victories for accountability, accessibility, and civil rights. They do not come freely. Republicans and Independents have potentially sacrificed our careers to protect Oregonians. The Senate Democrats made sure that most of us got more than 10 unexcused absences. Because of Measure 113 this will question our eligibility for future elections. Democrats thought we would value holding office over principle. They were wrong.”

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“Today is a victory for Oregonian’s parental rights and law-abiding gun owners. After months of being promised a bipartisan session, Democrats chose to prioritize a partisan and extreme agenda. Republicans held the line and were able to amend the worst parts of House Bill 2002 and the Democrats Omnibus Gun Bill, House Bill 2005. I appreciated working with Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp throughout this process to ensure better outcomes for all Oregonians,” said Breese-Iverson.

The primary bills at the core of the walkout are HB 2002 and HB 2005. Both bills were passed back to committee, amended without public hearing and a partisan vote, and passed back to the floor for a vote all in one day.

It is disturbing to most to see that gender-affirming care information was left in HB 2002, but the amendment does bring back the original statute language requiring it to be a crime for concealing the birth of an infant, and allowing a minor the right to needed medical or dental treatment without consent of minor or parent eliminating gender-affirming treatments. However, the controversial section allowing a minor of any age to receive reproductive health care (abortion) information and services is still in the bill (Section 8 (3)). Reproductive health services at college student health centers, the pilot project in rural areas, and the OHA education programs were removed, cutting the cost of the bill to a minimal expense to the state. However, a number of provisions will dramatically affect the cost of health insurance premiums, including gender-affirming treatment retained as a covered benefit, protection for providers covered by malpractice insurance for reproductive or gender-affirming services. Protects out-of-state individual seeking reproductive health care (abortion) or gender-affirming treatment in Oregon.

Revisions to HB 2005 are not so clear. The bill still requires a manufacture number, or privately made firearm (PMF) to have a serial number, which isn’t clear the time frame allowed to obtain a number once made. By requiring a serial number, it is prohibiting “ghost guns.” The bill repeatedly references 27 C.F.R. 478.12 and other federal regulations. It removes the requirement to be age 21 to own a firearm reverting back to age 18. It also removes the requirement to have a firearm unloaded and locked in the trunk when parking near a public building, and removes provision for local governing bodies to regulate carry requirements. It appropriates $356,816 to the Department of State Police to enforce the many penalties added in the bill.

Both bills have an “emergency clause” added to prevent the public from passing an initiative overriding the statute. The means for opposition are lawsuit if grounds are unconstitutional, or elect legislators that will repeal the laws.

Meanwhile, with all the attention focused on those two bills, other bills that will negatively impact Oregonians will now pass on party line votes during the remaining few days of the session because the Senate returned.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-06-15 14:54:23

Last Update: 2023-06-15 18:43:20

Lieutenant James Coley has been named as the chief of police of the City of Cornelius, Oregon. Lieutenant Coley’s first day as the city’s chief of police will be July 1, 2023. Lieutenant Coley will be the 12th police chief for the City of Cornelius.

Lieutenant Coley has been a public servant for 32 years, having served in police, fire, and emergency medical services. He began his career at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in 1996. He holds a Master of Communication Management from the University of Southern California.

Before promoting back to the patrol division as a lieutenant in January 2021, he was a property crimes detective and arson investigator for 14 years. Currently, he is the team commander for the Houseless Outreach Programs and Engagement (HOPE), Sheriff’s Posse, and K9 teams.

Additionally, Lieutenant Coley is one of the team commanders for the Tactical Negotiations Team (SWAT) and a member of the Latino Advisory Commission.

Lieutenant Coley served in the Army and Air Force as a combat, flight medic, and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD/bomb disposal) technician.

He retired from the military as a chief master sergeant (E9) after nearly 23 years of service. Lieutenant Coley deployed six times during his tenure and served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other combat zone locations.

In 2000, Lieutenant Coley was hand-selected to support the United States Secret Service in protecting President George W. Bush at his private home in Crawford, Texas. In 2008, he was decorated six times, including a Bronze Star Medal for leading 876 combat missions in Iraq.

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According to Cornelius City Manager Peter Brandom, “Lieutenant Coley has the experience, leadership, and passion for service to lead our police department in service to our dynamic community. He will carry on the strong community leadership that Chief Ray and our recent prior chiefs have established. We thank Chief Ray for his two and a half years of service to our community.”

Lieutenant Coley will replace current Cornelius Police Chief Bob Ray, who will be returning to the Sheriff’s Office Command Team. Chief Ray has served as Cornelius police chief since January 2021.

The City of Cornelius Police Department was established in 1953. In 2014, the City contracted police services to the Sheriff’s Office. The contract was renewed in 2022.

The Department serves over 14,000 residents with 13 police employees, patrolling an area of 2.4 square miles.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2023-06-15 09:18:09

Last Update: 2023-06-15 17:33:41

The Oregon Legislative House is rapidly fueling the fire brewing in the Senate. House Speaker Dan Rayfield (D-Corvallis) referred his one paragraph bill, HB 3409, to Ways and Means with the intent to amend it in a joint committee. It short cuts the process with only one public hearing, then goes straight to the House floor then Senate floor for a vote.

The public had one day to be aware of a hearing on the one paragraph bill, not realizing a 112-page amendment would be posted less than two hours before the hearing by Speaker Rayfield. A bicameral legislative workgroup recommended changes and their supporters had inside information to submit testimony in support of their work. But the general public remained in the dark.

April McDonald, Legislative Fiscal Office, writes, “The measure includes provisions from 14 bills which were introduced to address climate issues through an equitable, community-focused approach, while maximizing Oregon’s federal funding opportunities. The programs supported by HB 3409 cover a wide breadth of climate-related initiatives.”

The amended bill includes approximately $45 million General Funds plus $15 million Other Funds and $0.1 million Federal Funds. The bill provides for grants for emergency hubs and green infrastructure projects; a study on pathways for low-carbon fuels derived from woody biomass; incentives for electric vehicle purchases; incentives for natural climate solutions; provide staff for environmental justice coordination; and develop strategy to address pollution and harmful algal blooms.

Representative Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville) with Oregon Business and Industry and 30 businesses issued a letter in opposition to HB 3409 objecting to the short time frame for public response. They state that many of the provisions are highly controversial in nature presenting a myriad of potential consequences. They sited regulations on residential and commercial building codes opposed by union trade organizations, housing providers, and the building industry. “The bill also contains language updating Oregon’s greenhouse gas reduction goals, among other related changes that have significant public policy implications.” They generally object to combining provisions that would be better handled as stand-alone policy bills.

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Taxpayers Association of Oregon (TAO) stated in their analysis of the amended bill, “The bill gives power to several agencies to enact rules requiring home/commercial construction/transportation projects and heat pumps to follow in order to meet certain arbitrary government benchmarks. We fear that this would give power to un-elected State Agencies the power to force rules on taxpayers without public hearings and a vote by the elected Legislature… allows the Environmental Quality Commission to create their own fee… gives more power to the Governor by allowing her agency and agency representatives to direct tens of millions of tax dollars to special environmental funds for what appears no oversight or consent from the people’s elected lawmakers.”

TAO contends, “This bill could increase the cost of housing and construction at a time of an affordable housing crisis. This bill could increase transportation costs when Oregon is among the highest gas tax and auto fee states in America. This bill could increase energy costs during a near-historic high in inflation.”

As Oregon pushes forward on policies to reduce emissions, Britain is turning back to burning coal to generate electricity after a heatwave made solar panels too hot to work efficiently reducing the amount of energy generated. China is building a large number of coal-fired power plants to drive its economy despite their claim to decarbonize. But is reducing emissions the real agenda?


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-06-14 22:49:43

Last Update: 2023-06-14 23:10:25

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Portland Field Office and the Portland Police Bureau are asking for the public’s help in identifying the individual(s) responsible for the shooting death of 22-year-old Geavauntae Sherman nearly one year after his murder.

On June 20, 2022, Sherman was shot and killed at Raymond City Park in Portland, Oregon, while attending his sister’s birthday party. It is believed that an argument broke out nearby and Sherman was shot by a male from another group in the park.

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for the murder of Geavauntae Sherman.

“Geavauntae Sherman was celebrating his little sister’s birthday when he was killed in the middle of a Portland city park. An argument that began over playground equipment ended in loss of life,” said Kieran L. Ramsey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Field Office. “It’s been nearly a year, and we know there were dozens of witnesses in the park that evening. We need those witnesses to come forward with any details they remember. We hope the $15,000 reward will encourage anyone with information to reach out to the FBI and to help this family get the justice they deserve.”

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The FBI says that they will accept anonymous tips to assist in their investigation. If you know anything, the Sherman family needs closure and justice for Geavauntae.

If you have any information concerning this case, please contact the FBI Portland Field Office at (503) 224-4181, your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or you can submit a tip online.


--Dollie Banner

Post Date: 2023-06-14 15:57:51

Last Update: 2023-06-14 16:54:08

The Oregon Attorney General’s Office has now certified the Constitutional Carry for Oregon’s (CCFO) ballot title for Initiative Petition 2024-021.

The draft ballot title read: “Amends Constitution: Creates constitutional right to carry a concealed firearm without a permit.”

The certified ballot title now reads: “Amends Constitution: Creates right to carry a concealed firearm without a permit; voids existing concealed carry restrictions.”

In a joint statement, the petitioners stated, “We have no plans to challenge the ballot title; however, it’s important to point out that the voiding of concealed carry restrictions in no way places firearms into the hands of felons or those otherwise unable to legally possess a firearm. A second point is that such individuals do not typically apply for concealed carry permits to begin with.”

At present, 27 U.S. states are already constitutional carry states.

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After a 10-day appeals period placed by the Attorney General’s Office, and a three-day processing period by the Secretary of State’s Office, final signature sheets will be issued. The process of gathering the 160,551 signatures for the initiative to appear on the November 2024 general election ballot will begin thereafter. CCFO has until July 5, 2024, to submit signatures.

CCFO is a grassroots volunteer effort. The three chief petitioners are: Joel Pawloski, a retired Army Lt. Colonel in Marion County; Kerry McQuisten, the former mayor of Baker City in Baker County; and Jean Sampson, former city council member of Clatskanie in Columbia County.

More information can be found at the CCFO website.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-06-13 18:50:15

Last Update: 2023-06-13 18:58:21

The Marion County Oregon Board of Commissioners have now selected Lieutenant Nicholas Hunter of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office to fill the vacancy for the Sheriff position left by Sheriff Kast's upcoming retirement. Six applicants were interviewed in a special Board Session today that also included Christopher Baldridge, Director of Safety and Risk Management Services for Salem Keizer Public Schools, and Deputy Sheriff Chad Jones, Deputy Sheriff Chris Kennedy, Sergeant Donald Parise, and Deputy Sheriff Stacy Rejaian of the Marion County Sheriff's Department.

Marion County Commissioner Colm Willis, Board Chair, said, “I appreciate Lt. Hunter’s valuable experience and his willingness to serve our community. We look forward to working with him to protect our community and ensure Marion County continues to be a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.”

“Lt. Hunter voiced a strong desire to maintain stability, and also to trust his people in the transition from Sheriff Kast’s retirement, and I strongly believe that is what their office needs right now,” said Commissioner Kevin Cameron. “I also appreciate his recognition that the world is changing, and that we need to progressively change to serve the citizens of Marion County.”

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Commissioner Danielle Bethell, in speaking to Lt. Hunter, said, “You said that before you can understand the solution, you need to understand the problem, and I will hold you accountable to that. This community is full of problems and full of solutions, but it requires a listening, thoughtful ear to seek those solutions. I look forward to working with you in that opportunity.”

Lt. Hunter will be officially appointed as Sheriff at the Commissioners’ June 28, 2023, Regular Board Session.

A swearing-in ceremony will be held Friday, June 30, 2023, in the Senator Hearing Room at Courthouse Square located at 555 Court St. NE, in Salem. The public is welcome to attend.

Sheriff Joe Kast announced his retirement effective June 30, 2023.

When a vacancy occurs in a county elected office, the Marion County Board of Commissioners appoints a replacement who will hold office until the next general election.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-06-13 17:54:42

Last Update: 2023-06-13 18:20:01

Oregon's Governor Tina Kotek has announced that she will appoint Sara Collins to the Jackson County Circuit Court. Ms. Collins will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Joseph M. Charter, who the Governor thanked for his service.

The appointment is effective immediately.

“Sara Collins is a talented lawyer with a passion for justice and public service,” Governor Kotek said. “In particular, Sara’s experience litigating juvenile cases with compassion and integrity will allow her to hit the ground running and serve her community well.”

Sara Collins grew up in Jackson County and attended South Medford High School.

After graduating from law school at the University of Oregon, she completed a judicial clerkship in Alaska and served as a prosecutor there.

In 2004, she returned home to Oregon, spending 11 years as a public defender.

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In 2016, Ms. Collins entered private practice. She represents clients in juvenile, family law, and criminal cases.

Ms. Collins served as a volunteer pro tem judge from 2015 to 2018. For the last six years, she has served on the board of directors of La Clinica.

La Clinica a medical nonprofit in Jackson County committed to providing what they call "culturally appropriate" healthcare to Jackson County’s population.

Collins also serves on the Executive Committee of the Oregon State Bar’s Juvenile Law Section.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2023-06-12 18:29:54

Last Update: 2023-06-13 17:53:38

On Saturday, June 10, 2023, at 10:04 a.m., a Portland Police Bureau (PPB) motorcycle officer on assignment to the PPB Traffic Division was made aware of a man driving a pickup truck that had entered the closed streets of the parade route. The officer saw parade goers running out of the street and heard them screaming, trying to get his attention.

The officer then saw the truck driving east on Northeast Weidler Street ahead of him and he attempted to stop the truck.

The officer, on a motorcycle, was using the lights and sirens but the driver of the truck refused to stop and went south on Northeast MLK Jr. Blvd.

The officer then pulled alongside of the truck and told the driver to pull over but he still refused. The officer then drove ahead of the truck to warn pedestrians until it appeared the driver was going to hit him and the officer got out of the way. The officer then again attempted to get in front of the truck to stop or slow the truck down and the driver suddenly turned left onto Northeast Wasco Street and drove directly at families sitting on the curb, waiting for the parade. The officer witnessed several people in danger of being struck by the vehicle as it left NE MLK JR. Blvd.

The officer continued to pursue the truck, which then ran through a barricade, causing volunteers to quickly get out of the way to avoid being hit.

The vehicle left the parade route but continued to elude police officers. The PPB Air Support Unit took over following the truck and was able to update other responding officers.

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The truck eventually stopped near the intersection of Northeast 24th Avenue and Northeast Clackamas Street, where the driver was taken into custody.

Investigators later learned the driver came from Northbound I5 and went around two Oregon Department of Transportation trucks that were being used to close the ramp on to Northeast Weidler Street. The driver of the truck had to go up into the ivy on the hill side of the ramp to make it around the trucks.

The driver was identified as 42-year-old Sidney Sean Mecham of Portland.

Mecham was booked at the Multnomah County Detention Center on charges of Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Disorderly Conduct, Attempt to Elude, Reckless Driving, and Hit and Run (from an earlier, unrelated case). Mecham was also cited for Driving While Suspended, Failure to Obey a Police Officer, and for no insurance. Mecham's vehicle was towed due to no insurance.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2023-06-11 20:43:15

Last Update: 2023-06-11 20:58:25