Late on a Friday afternoon, on a hot summer day, Judge Karin Immergut of the Oregon District of US Circuit Court handed down a long-anticipated decision on Ballot Measure 114 -- which bans "large capacity magazines" and requires citizens to acquire a permit to acquire a firearm. The decision will almost certainly be appealed to the 9th Circuit.

During the trial several witnesses pointed out that the ban is actually on virtually all ammunition magazines because most can easily be converted to hold more than 10 rounds no matter how many they held when they came from the factory. Adam Johnson, a firearm’s dealer and defensive tactics instructor, pointed out that these modification can be done with nothing more than a screwdriver or pointed object. Immergut ruled that it was not her court’s responsibility to address that saying "Whether a ten-round magazine with the baseplate removed would violate BM 114 is not for this Court to decide. This Court need not parse every potential hypothetical scenario to find what is generally prohibited under BM 114."

As many predicted, it upheld the legality of Measure 114. The Measure passed in the November 2022 with 975,862 yes votes and 950,891 no votes, a margin of 50.65% to 49.35% -- hardly a landslide in anyone's book.

According to some, Judge Immergut, a Trump appointee, shows a lack of first-hand knowledge of firearms. Ballot Measure 114 defines a Large Capacity Magazine as "Magazines over 10 rounds or readily modifiable to exceed 10 rounds." A study done by the Policing Institute revealed that in 1,180 officer involved shootings, police fired an average of 7.59 rounds and often exceeded 10 rounds. Though the ban doesn't apply to law enforcement, it shows that firing multiple rounds is not uncommon, even for trained law enforcement.

Immergut also appears to have completely ignored the Supreme Court’s direction in the landmark case NYSRPA vs Bruen, where they rejected the “two-part” analysis of gun laws, essentially saying that if a law violates the Second Amendment, it is unconstitutional period and the state’s “public safety interest” cannot be considered.

In her decision Immergut wrote "Defendants’ public safety interest in regulating LCMs is a legitimate legislative purpose. As discussed above, Defendants set forth evidence showing that LCMs are frequently used in the commission of mass shootings and that the use of LCMs in mass shootings increases the lethality of these events.”

Immergut also dismissed the plaintiff’s concerns that because of the way BM 114 was crafted, it is actually impossible to comply with. She wrote in a footnote: " Plaintiffs essentially argue that when BM 114 is implemented, it will operate in such a way that individuals will be unable to receive a permit, due to lack of funding, bureaucratic disorganization, and the refusal of the FBI to process background checks. As this Court has previously held, this evidence goes to Plaintiffs’ unripe as-applied challenge, not their facial challenge. Speculation about how BM 114 might be implemented in the future—including whether the FBI’s refusal to process background checks will in practice prohibit a permitting agent from issuing a permit—is irrelevant to a facial challenge, which looks only at the language of the statute.”

Immergut’s ruling would require that completely new lawsuits would have to be initiated after people attempt to get "permit to purchase" permits and are denied because, as Sherman County Sheriff Brad Lohrey pointed out in his testimony, it is impossible for him issue permits under the measure’s requirements.

Judge Immergut doesn't see a problem with the restriction.

The Supreme Court has held that Second Amendment protects an individual right to self defense inside and outside of the home. Large Capacity Magazines are not commonly used for self-defense, and are therefore not protected by the Second Amendment. Even if LCMs are protected by the Second Amendment, BM 114’s restrictions are consistent with this Nation’s history and tradition of regulating uniquely dangerous features of weapons and firearms to protect public safety. This Court accordingly enters judgment in favor of Defendants and Intervenor-Defendant on Plaintiffs’ Second Amendment challenge to BM 114’s LCM restrictions.

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Oregon Firearms Federation Director Kevin Starrett was critical of the decision, saying, "What we have read defies belief. While not entirely unexpected, Immergut’s ruling is simple nonsense and sure to be overturned at the 9th circuit. When faced with the clear and undeniable issues about all magazines being banned and the permit system being completely unworkable, she essentially said 'not my problem.'"


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-07-15 11:07:46

Last Update: 2023-07-16 12:41:07

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service has now announced the availability of the draft decision notice, environmental assessment, and comprehensive plan to start the objection period for the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail Comprehensive Plan.

The comprehensive plan is a key document that will guide the development of the nonmotorized trail throughout its entire length, from the Continental Divide to the Pacific Ocean.

The Forest Service gathered public input on key content in the plan and environmental analysis during a scoping comment period from September 29 to November 14, 2022, and a draft comprehensive plan and environmental assessment public comment period from March 17 to April 17, 2023. The documents have been updated to address comments received during these comment periods.

The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail is a 1,200-mile hiking trail that starts in Glacier National Park in Montana, crosses through northern Idaho, and finishes in Olympic National Park in Washington.

Currently, about a third of the trail is on roads, and some portions in remote areas require bushwhacking with no trail.

It was designated by Congress as part of the National Trails System in 2009.

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The Forest Service says that while the comprehensive plan would only be binding on the Forest Service and other federal land management agencies, the plan aims to provide a guide for local, state, federal, and tribal land managers to develop the trail and preserve its natural beauty. They hope to complete the plan by late 2023.

During the objection period, the Forest Service says they will accept objections from those who submitted specific written comments regarding the proposed project during the scoping comment period or the draft comprehensive plan and environmental assessment public comment period.

The Forest Service says that this input will be used to help shape the future of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail.

The objection period will be open from July 14 to August 28, 2023.

Those interested can find more information on the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail Comprehensive Plan website.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-07-14 14:14:12

Last Update: 2023-07-14 17:24:07

Aovernor Tina Kotek has signed HB 2005 into law. The new law tries to prohibit so-called "ghost guns" that have parts that don't bear a serial number. Legal sources think that this includes currently held firearms, which makes an unknown number of Oregon citizens instant felons.

The use of "ghost guns" in crimes has been the subject of much discussion and peddling of questionable statistics. According the the Washington Times they are rarely used in crimes. "In Chicago, for example, only 139 out of the 11,258 firearms seized last year -- roughly 1.2% -- were ghost guns. That number, however, represents a 93% increase from the 72 ghost guns seized in 2019. Philadelphia police in 2019 seized 95 ghost guns, accounting for 2.2% of the 4,264 guns they confiscated. In 2018, Philadelphia police confiscated 13 ghost guns."

According to sources, federal officials don't make a distinction between personally manufactured firearms -- which don't have a serial number and never needed them -- and commercially manufactured firearms which have had the serial number removed. "Ghost guns" would only be a subset of these statistics.

Senator James Manning lauded the bill, saying, “After years of work, my colleagues and I also took action on ghost guns with HB 2005. Ghost guns are unserialized and undetectable, making them the gun of choice for gun traffickers, violent criminals, and people legally prohibited from buying firearms.”



Oregon Firearms Federation Director Kevin Starrett raised expectations for House Republicans, who have pledged $25,000 to fight this legislation in court. "Now is the time for the House Republicans to put their money where their mouths were. This is totally on them and we fully expect them to keep their word. They have made a pledge, they helped the bill pass by showing up when they could have walked out. The ball is in their court."

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Representative Tracy Cramer (R-Woodburn) pointed out that "HB 2005 restricts the rights of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves in public spaces. Those who are most vulnerable to being harmed by violent crime are the ones who need this right the most. Those are my constituents. Yet, HB 2005 unconstitutionally restricts when and where they can protect themselves with a firearm."


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-07-14 09:42:23

Last Update: 2023-07-15 21:03:18

The Oregon Housing Stability Council has now approved $103.5 million in Local Innovation Fast Track funding to go to 10 affordable housing developments across the state of Oregon. Oregon Housing and Community Services will provide 646 additional homes with these developments for individuals and households living on low incomes. Half of the funded projects will be built in rural communities and half in urban areas.

“Lack of affordable housing is a top concern for many people across the state and we must continue to pursue measurable progress. These investments will help improve the futures and quality of life for thousands of Oregonians in rural and urban areas of the state,” said OHCS Director Andrea Bell. “We are grateful to Governor Kotek and the Oregon legislature for having the foresight to invest in the LIFT program. Together we recognize that investments in safe, affordable housing are also investments in communities where everyone can thrive.”

OHCS received a total of 23 applications, amounting to over $221.6 million in LIFT funding requests, more than LIFT funds available. Special consideration was given to those who have a Qualified Culturally Specific Organization on the development team.

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The developments receiving awards include:

• College View Apartments in Bend, receiving $8.3 million
• Depoe Bay Townhomes in Depoe Bay, receiving $2.3 million
• Estacada Apartments Phase II in Estacada, receiving $11.9 million
• Ollie Court in Eugene, receiving $11.3 million
• Pacific Flats in Phoenix, receiving $13.5 million
• Phoenix Corner in Phoenix, receiving $15.3 million
• Rand Road Affordable Housing in Hood River, receiving $15.1 million
• Rivergreen Apartments Phase II in Corvallis, receiving $5.6 million
• Salem Apartments in Salem, receiving $17.9 million
• Unicorn Bed in Portland, receiving $2.3 million

OHCS says that the assessment considerations included multiple factors such as: readiness to proceed, financial viability, development capacity, service to communities of color, innovation, replicability, minority-, women-, veteran-owned business participation, use of affordable rents, family-sized units, and the involvement of Qualified Culturally Specific Organizations.

“By approving these funding recommendations, OHCS is taking a crucial step forward in addressing the pressing housing needs of communities across Oregon,” said Bell. “The LIFT program continues to make a significant positive impact on affordable housing development in Oregon.

For more detailed information about each recommended project, please refer to the Housing Stability Council packet from July 7, 2023.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2023-07-13 17:03:04

Last Update: 2023-07-13 17:46:01

In a bulletin to school districts, the Oregon Department of Education, under the direction of Charlene Williams is asking school districts to "double-check all EL data records to confirm that all English Learners scoring proficient on the English Language Proficiency Assessment have an EL exit date and confirming that students who did not score proficient do not have an EL exit date." Incorrect data may cause overpayment to school districts.

According to the bulletin, "ODE staff determined that a number of students scored proficient on the 2022-23 ELPA Summative assessment but do not have a corresponding EL Exit Date in the Spring EL Data Collection. Students move from current EL status to monitored EL status after scoring proficient on the ELPA summative, the status change is documented in the ODE data servers with the EL Exit Date."

The bulletin continues,

"Title III allocations are a per student calculation, English learners who are currently receiving EL instruction are included in the allocation calculation. Students who have obtained proficiency on ELPA summative are not current ELs; these students are not included in Title III allocations. Failure to include EL Exit dates for proficient ELs in the EL data collection could result in misappropriation of Title III funds.

"This data is also used for all EL accountability/reporting calculations related to: school district report cards, state report cards, EL legislative reports, and other reports where the English learner data is used.

All districts are requested to double-check all EL data records to confirm that all ELs scoring proficient on ELPA have an EL exit date and confirming that students who did not score proficient do not have an EL exit date.

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School districts receive more money for each EL student, which creates a disincentive to report students who become proficient and progress beyond the program.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-07-13 11:31:22

Last Update: 2023-07-15 21:06:01

Avelo Airlines announced an exclusive nonstop service from the greater Salem region to Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Avelo is the first commercial airline serving Salem Municipal Airport (SLE) in nearly 15 years and is the only airline offering nonstop flights from SLE to the Entertainment Capital of the World and Southern California.

With 70% of Oregon’s population living in the Valley, Avelo’s new service at SLE makes getting to Southern California and Las Vegas more convenient than ever. Introductory one-way fares between SLE and Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and L.A.’s best airport, Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) start at $39.

Avelo will operate twice-weekly nonstop service on Thursdays and Sundays between Salem and Las Vegas beginning October 5, 2023. Twice-weekly nonstop service on Fridays and Mondays between Salem and BUR begins on October 6, 2023, this route will then adjust to Thursdays and Sundays on November 2. Both routes will utilize Boeing Next-Generation (NG) 737 aircraft.

Avelo Airlines Chairman and CEO Andrew Levy said, “Salem – say hello to Avelo!... Say goodbye to the hassle of long and expensive gas-guzzling drives to other distant airports, and say hello to a new era of convenience, low fares and reliability.”

Salem Mayor Chris Hoy said, “This is a bright day for Salem’s future. As our city continues its coming of age journey, commercial passenger air service will make investing in our city easier and will make the world a little more accessible for our residents who travel. This win-win was made possible through much community collaboration and dedication of our city staff.”

Marion County Commissioner Kevin Cameron said, “Marion County wholeheartedly supported the infrastructure needed for commercial flights to move forward with our economic development dollars. We are excited to see this come to fruition.”

Salem Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Tom Hoffert said, “We are thrilled to see this investment in Salem’s future pay off. Since the early days of this effort to bring commercial air service to our community, the Chamber has remained steadfast in its support. We look forward to this new beginning for our community, the local economy, and the regional impact of restoring commercial flights to SLE.”

Travel Salem CEO Angie Villery said, “What started out as an endeavor led by a few key stakeholders five years ago has grown into a full-blown community-wide effort to restore commercial air service to Oregon’s capital and the state’s second largest city. The tourism and hospitality industry has backed this initiative from the very beginning along with leaders from the private sector; the support from Salem’s hoteliers, restauranteurs and business owners has been nothing short of amazing.”

Avelo was founded with a vision to help its customers save money and time. Since taking flight on April 28, 2021, Avelo has flown more than 2.5 million Customers on over 20,000 flights. Today, Avelo serves 45 destinations spanning 24 states. The airline has unlocked a new era of convenience, choice and competition in air travel by flying unserved routes to primarily underserved communities across the country. At least one airport on every Avelo flight is a small hometown airport – making every Avelo journey easier and more enjoyable.

At Avelo, every flight is nonstop. This connection-free travel experience not only provides Avelo Customers with faster and simpler travel, but also minimizes delays, cancellations and lost bags. In fact, Avelo has established itself as one of America’s most reliable airlines. In the first five months of 2023, Avelo achieved the lowest flight cancellation rate and the second best on-time performance in the U.S. airline industry.

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In addition to offering customers everyday low fares on every route, customers can always change or cancel their itineraries with no extra fees. Additionally, the American-made Boeing 737 jets Avelo flies offer a more spacious and comfortable experience than the small regional aircraft currently operating at most of the airports Avelo serves.

Why Salem? Salem is Oregon’s second largest city and the state’s capital. It’s a diverse community with a small-town feel. Salem is in the midst of sustained, steady growth, investing in preservation of historic buildings, affordable housing, residential and commercial development, local businesses and industry.

Avelo airline operates a fleet of Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, serving 45 popular destinations across the U.S., including its five bases at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), Southern Connecticut’s Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN), Orlando International Airport (MCO), the Philadelphia and Delaware Valley region’s Wilmington Airport (ILG) and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). Avelo will open a sixth base at Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in September. For more information and to make reservations, visit AveloAir.com.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-07-13 11:31:15

Last Update: 2023-07-13 17:42:14

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has established and appointed members to a new Federal Advisory Committee to provide advice and recommendations on modernizing landscape management across national forests within the Northwest Forest Plan area in Washington, Oregon and Northern California.

The committee will make recommendations focused on a climate-informed amendment of the Northwest Forest Plan to update management direction so that national forests are managed sustainably, adapted to climate change, and resilient to wildfire, insects, disease, and other disturbances, while meeting the needs of local communities.

“Establishing this committee is another way for us to embrace climate-smart science, ensure we hear from diverse voices and get a range of perspectives on how to best confront the wildfire crisis and climate change,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This committee will also be asked to help reshape ways we engage with communities and deepen our connections with tribes as we go through the Northwest Forest Plan amendment process.”

The committee’s recommendations will incorporate traditional ecological knowledge, the latest science, and climate resilience into its recommendations for the 17 national forests in the Northwest Forest Plan area. The committee will also advise how these planning efforts can complement the Wildfire Crisis Strategy and help the Forest Service take more proactive measures to reduce wildfire risk, restore fire resilience, and enable long-term ecological integrity for people, communities and natural resources.

Establishing this committee is in line with President Biden’s Executive Order 14072 and Secretary’s Vilsack’s Memorandum on Climate Resilience. The national forests in the Northwest Forest Plan area have significant ecologic values, including for water, wildlife, and carbon, and contain important old and mature forests. They are embedded in the people and communities of the area and are important for the social and economic sustainability of those communities. These lands are also culturally significant and the ancestral homelands for tribal nations. According to a recent inventory conducted by federal researchers as required by the Executive Order, the 17 national forests represented in the Northwest Forest Plan contain one quarter of the remaining old-growth forest on national forests and grasslands in the lower 48 states.

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The committee represents a diverse group from Tribes, local communities, environmental groups, industry, and academia across Northern California, Oregon and Washington.

Committee Members
Name	Title	Location	Committee Category
Jerry Franklin, PhD	Professor Emeritus, School of Environmental and Forest Science, University of Washington	Oregon	Science
James Johnston, PhD	Assistant Professor (Senior Research), College of Forestry, Oregon State University	Oregon	Science
Meg Krawchuk, PhD	Associate Professor of Landscape Fire, Ecology, and Conservation Science, College of Forestry, Oregon State University	Oregon	Science
Angela Sondenaa, PhD	Certified Senior Ecologist, Nez Perce Tribe	Idaho	Science
Elaine Harvey, PhD	Environmental Coordinator, Yakima Nation	Washington	Science
Ryan Haugo, PhD	Director of Conservation Science, The Nature Conservancy	Oregon	Science
Heidi Huber-Stearns, PhD	Associate Research Professor and Director, Ecosystem Workforce Program, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon	Oregon	Science
Daniel Reid Sarna-Wojcicki, PhD	Postdoctoral Researcher, UC Berkeley	California	Science
Robert “Bobby” Brunoe	Secretary Treasurer/CEO, Confederate Tribes of Warm Springs	Oregon	Science
Jarred Patton	Deputy Director, California Conservation Corps	California	Organization
Lindsay Warness	Western Regional Manager, Forest Resource Association	Oregon	Organization
Travis Joseph	President/CEO, American Forest Resource Council	Oregon	Organization
Elizabeth Robblee	Conservation and Advocacy Director, The Mountaineers	Washington	Organization
Jose Linares	District Manager (Retired), Bureau of Land Management, Northwest Oregon District and Board Member, Straub Outdoors	Oregon	Organization
Susan Jane Brown, JD	Principal, Silvix Resources	Oregon	Organization
Mike Anderson	Senior Policy Analyst, The Wilderness Society	Washington	Organization
Nicholas Goulette	Executive Director, Watershed Research and Training Center	California	Organization
Ryan Reed	Co-founder and Executive Director, Fire Generation Collaborative and Wildland Firefighter	California	Public
Karen Hans	Good Neighbor Authority Program Coordinator, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife	Oregon	Government
Lauren Osiadacz	Kittitas County Commissioner	Washington	Government
Ann House, JD	Staff Attorney, Snoqualmie Indian Tribe Environmental and Natural Resources Department	Washington	Government

The Forest Service will be working with committee members to plan and conduct its first meeting later this year.

The Northwest Forest Plan was first implemented in 1994 and is a comprehensive plan for administering parts of federally managed lands in Oregon, Washington and California. The plan was designed to protect old-growth forests and critical habitat for the northern spotted owl, while also providing for forest products, water quality, recreation and other uses.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-07-12 11:06:17

Last Update: 2023-07-12 12:06:18

United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555 has announced the launch of a recall campaign against State Representative Paul Holvey (D–Eugene). As the largest private sector labor union in Oregon, UFCW 555 is committed to protecting the rights and interests of its members and the working class.

“Oregon workers are calling for the removal of Representative Holvey after his repeated attacks on their livelihoods,” stated Dan Clay, President of UFCW Local 555. “He has shown that his allegiance lies with large corporations, not with Oregonians. Voters in Holvey’s district deserve a representative who will prioritize their well-being, and they will have an opportunity to express their dissatisfaction with Holvey’s representation.”

The campaign highlights several key reasons for recalling Representative Holvey:

• He supported pension reform by supporting SB 1049 in 2019.
• As acting House Speaker he killed legislation that would have provided assistance to workers who had been on the front lines of the COVID crisis, claiming that the implementation would be too complex.
• During the 2023 session he helped out scandal-plagued cannabis company La Mota by killing HB 3183 supporting workplace rights for cannabis workers, just months after his caucus’ campaign fund was showered in La Mota’s cash contributions.

“Workers fighting to organize deserve fair treatment, safe working conditions, and a path to a strong contract. Representative Holvey’s actions don’t reflect the promises he made during his campaign. Unacceptably, he has instead undermined efforts to improve workplaces and protect workers’ rights,” said Miles Eshaia, Communications Lead for UFCW Local 555.

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The recall effort will need 4,598 signatures by August 20. signature verification is scheduled to be announced on July 17 and if enough signatures are present, Representative Holvey will be given five days to resign. According to the Secretary of State's Recall Manual, if the public officer does not resign within five days, the recall election must be held no later than the 35th day after the last day for the public officer to resign.

If the majority of voters vote to see Rep. Holvey recalled, the House District 8 seat will be declared vacant and the Lane County Democratic Party would forward 3 to 5 names of nominees to the Lane County Commissioners, who would then select one of those to serve as State Representative for District 8 until a new Representative was elected and took office in the 2024 General Election.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-07-12 10:36:34

Last Update: 2023-07-12 12:20:37

The Oregon Department of Education is seeking information from organizations to develop new standards in Culturally Relevant Sexuality Education and Social Science lessons and materials for K-5 educators. The request includes the availability of curriculum writers and designers to create lessons, units, and curriculum materials and/or associated professional development materials aligned to Oregon education standards in human sexuality, ethnic studies, or both. The Request for Information (RFI) asks for a brief 1-page summary of an organization’s expertise and capacity to complete an upcoming grant-funded opportunity in alignment with Oregon laws and standards.

The State Board of Education’s policy and priority of the Oregon Department of Education is that there must be no discrimination or harassment on the grounds of race, color, sex, marital status, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability in any educational programs, activities or employment.

Comprehensive sexuality education includes instruction on sexual violence prevention, child abuse prevention, STI prevention, and unintended pregnancy prevention alongside abstinence. Comprehensive sexuality education refers to sexuality as a natural and healthy component of human development and does not shame students who may have already had sexual experiences. Although abstinence can be taught as a healthy and safe option, it cannot be taught at the exclusion of other content areas that support young people with information on healthy sexuality and relationships.

Ethnic studies includes a series of culturally relevant and inclusive lessons guiding students to explore the identities, contributions, histories, and perspectives of traditionally marginalized groups.

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Oregon’s ethnic studies that is aimed at students in kindergarten through grade 12 refers to the histories, perspectives, and contributions of ethnic and social minorities. “Social minorities” means women, people with disabilities, immigrants, refugees and individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. The purpose of instruction is to increase cultural competency for public school students and promote critical thinking regarding the interaction between systemic social structures and ethnic minority or social minority status.

This curriculum must align with the Oregon’s Health Education Standard including a comprehensive sexuality education. With the passage of HB 2002, identity and unintended pregnancy is sure to be incorporated.

The RFI is open for submissions until July 21 at 5:00pm.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-07-11 23:09:37

Last Update: 2023-07-12 10:26:51

Outgoing Oregon Department of Education Director Colt Gill has sent a farewell letter to members of the public education community cataloging his achievements as director. Director Gill was appointed by Governor Brown as Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction and as a function of that office serves as the Director of the Oregon Department of Education He was confirmed by the Senate on February 12, 2018. Charlene Williams has been appointed his replacement by Governor Kotek.

In a letter to Superintendents, Principals, K-12 Public Information Officers, Education Partner Leaders and Communicators, Business Managers, Gill said, "My time in this capacity of service to you, students, families, and communities has come to an end. Governor Kotek has appointed an incredible Director, Dr. Charlene Williams, to support her education efforts, lead at ODE, and be of service to you. Please know that I am partnering closely with Governor Kotek, Dr. Williams and their teams to provide whatever support may be helpful in this transition. I will be supporting her transition behind the scenes through the end of August."

Gill summarized his work at ODE, "I will miss working with and for all of you. We have worked hard to situate ODE as a service organization to districts and charter schools. My aim was to have the department be a partner in accountability alongside school districts in service to students and families, sharing responsibility for equitable services and outcomes and the federal and state laws that govern our work. We also shared a unique time in history together, leading communities through a global pandemic, historic wildfires, the beginning of a reckoning on racial inequities, and deep political divide."

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Gill will perhaps be remembered for a period of low academic achievement in Oregon public schools where the focus was on equity and inclusion, at the expense of academic excellence. Gill shared a list of his accomplishments, which many would say reflects a lack of serious focus on academics:

• The Student Success Act
• The Every Student Belongs Act
• The Educator Equity Act
• Tribal History/Shared History
• Ethnic Studies Standards
• Social Emotional Learning Standards
• Inclusive Instructional Materials
• Preschool Promise

In 2011, the Legislature passed SB 552 which removed the elected position of State Superintendent of Public Instruction, making the Governor the top education officer in the state. This move has been decried by some as creating an academic system in which the "inmates are running the asylum" with no accountability to the voters.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-07-11 12:05:40

Last Update: 2023-07-11 12:36:21

In recognition of July as National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is now urging vehicle owners to be aware of the ongoing threat of vehicle theft.

Vehicle theft continues to be a significant concern in the U.S., costing vehicle owners more than $8 billion in 2022 alone.

Shockingly, more than 1 million vehicles were stolen in the same year in the country, reflecting a 25 percent increase in vehicle theft totals compared to previous years.

Of all stolen motor vehicles, passenger cars historically accounted for more than 74 percent, with an estimated occurrence of one motor vehicle theft happening every 32 seconds.

In 2021, Oregon ranked fifth in the country for stolen vehicles based on the highest rate of vehicle theft per 100,000 residents, according to data provided by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

The states with the highest theft rates were Colorado, District of Columbia, California, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, Missouri, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Theft of vehicles is covered – subject to the deductible – if you have comprehensive insurance coverage. Talk to your insurance company or agent to make sure you have the correct coverage for your needs.

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To ensure the safety of your vehicle, it is essential to adopt preventive measures. Always remember to:

• Park in well-lit areas
• Close and lock all windows and doors when parking
• Conceal your valuables
• Avoid leaving your keys inside your vehicle
• Refrain from leaving the area while your vehicle is running
• Check with your vehicle’s manufacturer or your local mechanic to make sure the vehicle’s software is up to date

While some vehicles come equipped with alarm and anti-theft systems, those without such features should consider purchasing additional layers of protection. Anti-theft systems are readily available for purchase online or in stores and can provide an extra level of security for your vehicle.

Those interested can find more comprehensive information on motor vehicle theft prevention on the NHTSA site.. Also, more resources can be found at the National Insurance Crime Bureau website, providing further guidance and tips on safeguarding your vehicle from potential theft.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2023-07-10 12:28:13

Last Update: 2023-07-11 18:19:08

A former Portland area non-profit director was just recently sentenced to federal prison for stealing more than $321,000 in federal funds intended to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.

Theodore Johnson, 62, a Portland resident, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. He was also ordered to pay approximately $321,000 in restitution to two banks, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Oregon Department of Administrative Services.

According to court documents, in February 2017, Johnson incorporated and began serving as the director of operations for Ten Penny International Housing Foundation, a non-profit organization in Oregon which only helped BIPOC people.

After the US Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to American employers, Johnson saw an opportunity to fraudulently obtain illegitimate government funds on Ten Penny’s behalf.

In early March 2021, Johnson submitted his first of three Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) applications, falsely claiming Ten Penny employed 16 people and had an average monthly payroll of more than $57,000. To support his application, Johnson submitted fraudulent tax documents and created an electronic counterfeit IRS stamp to make it appear as though his forms had been received by the IRS. Based on these false claims, Northeast Bank issued a PPP loan worth more than $143,000 to Ten Penny.

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Two months later, in May 2021, Johnson submitted two more fraudulent PPP loan applications. In these applications, he again falsely claimed Ten Penny employed 16 people and had an average monthly payroll of at least $50,000. Johnson further falsely claimed to have used the entirety of his first PPP loan for eligible expenses.

As a result, Central Willamette Credit Union issued Johnson a second PPP loan worth more than $130,000.

In addition to his three fraudulent PPP loan applications, Johnson submitted a fraudulent Oregon Cares Fund application on behalf of Ten Penny and received an additional $34,975.

On October 31, 2022, Johnson was charged by criminal information with one count of bank fraud and two months later, on December 29, 2022, pleaded guilty to the single charge.

This case was investigated by the SBA Office of Inspector General and U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). It was prosecuted by Meredith D.M. Bateman, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-07-10 08:17:47

Last Update: 2023-07-10 22:24:20