The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com
Friday, April 28, 2023
Oregon Beach Weather
Warrenton Weighs Revisions To Camping Ordinance To Manage Homelessness
After considering several amendments to a camping ordinance to manage homelessness, the City Commission has recommended pursuing a model similar to Seaside.
When state legislation made portions of Warrenton’s camping ordinance unenforceable, the city decided to wait and see how other cities adjusted and grappled with results before coming to a conclusion.
Local governments without sufficient shelter space can implement time, place and manner restrictions for when people can sleep outdoors in order for camping to be enforced.
In a work session Tuesday, the City Commission primarily considered two options with Police Chief Mathew Workman — adopting specific time, place and manner restrictions on some public right of ways, like Astoria, or a designated place to camp, like Seaside.
“What I’m trying to do is figure out how to navigate our resources to the desired effect and, commission, please correct me if I’m wrong, but the desire of this commission is to avoid having residential areas and commercial storefronts essentially with camps outside of them,” Mayor Henry Balensifer said.
Commissioners and Workman expressed concerns with both approaches, including the possibility that adopting either model would draw more homeless people from other cities.
Seaside, while making several adjustments to its camping ordinance, has made Mill Ponds its designated camping area and implemented a permitting system. Balensifer questioned if Warrenton has the staffing level to manage a similar approach.
“The Seaside model would be resource-intensive in that at least finding a site … is very difficult because every site we look at has potential issues, potential location problems and then providing resources,” Workman said.
Workman also pointed to Astoria’s model as likely taking more effort from police to enforce.
Commissioners ultimately favored pursuing Seaside’s approach if the city is able to identify an adequate location.
“Just in seeing how practices happened the last month, the Seaside model is better for our downtown, better for our residential neighborhood … you don’t have carts everywhere with people yelling — sometimes going in downtown Astoria can be a little shaky at night,” the mayor said.
No areas were identified as likely destinations to implement a designated camping area, but the city may look to lease land.
Balensifer said he would be in favor of shifting funds from the lodging tax to deliver a solution.
“If we can’t find something that accomplishes the goals that we’ve just had consensus on, I would say that we need to revisit what the other option — option B, the Astoria option — is,” Balensifer said. “But that’s the goal, and hopefully we can find a way to deliver that in some way.”
Amendments to the ordinance will need to be made before July, Workman said, when a state law related to homeless camping takes effect. (The Daily Astorian)
North Clackamas School Board Candidate Pleads No Contest to Interfering with 911 Call
North Clackamas School Board candidate Courtneigh Swerzbin currently remains on court probation from having pleaded no contest in an incident that took place about two years ago at a hotel where she reportedly tried to prevent someone from making a 911 call.
Swerzbin, 33, was initially sentenced last May to serve 12 months of probation and perform 16 hours of community service as part of a plea deal with the Clatsop County District Attorney’s Office. Her probation was extended on Jan. 9 because she had failed to complete the community service hours by the deadline set by the judge.
Swerzbin is the only candidate running against an incumbent in the school board races on the May 16 ballot . Swerzbin’s opponent, Jena Benologa, does not have a criminal record.
Swerzbin “did unlawfully by removing, damaging and/or interfering with a telephone, intentionally prevent and/or hinder another person from making an emergency call,” Deputy District Attorney Paul J. Charas wrote in the charging documents at the Clatsop County Court.
Swerzbin’s incident took place on Feb. 21, 2021, at the historic boutique Elliott Hotel, which has 32 guest rooms and suites in downtown Astoria. In a written statement to Pamplin Media Group, she called the incident an “inane and baseless accusation” but declined to be interviewed about why she took the plea deal in court, missed her arraignment hearing and failed to complete the community service on time.
During the duration of her bench probation, a judge has ordered Swerzbin not to have contact with the hotel or the victim in the case. She is additionally prohibited from possessing weapons or firearms during her probation.
According to court records, Swerzbin failed to appear for her scheduled arraignment in April 2021, so Clatsop County Circuit Judge Suzanne M. Upton issued a warrant for Swerzbin’s arrest, setting bail at $5,000. Noting her failure to appear, Eugene Police Officer Andrew Roberts arrested Swerzbin on Sept. 12, 2021.
On May 24, 2022, Swerzbin pleaded no contest to the charge of interfering with the police report. Two days later, Clatsop County Circuit Judge Beau Peterson ordered Swerzbin to contact the Parole and Probation Office within five days and perform the 16 hours of community service work as approved by Community Service Coordinator Kaelee Dearmore by Nov. 26, 2022.
On Jan. 3, Dearmore reported that Swerzbin had completed none of the required hours of community service.
“Defendant inadvertently missed her community service completion date,” Swerzbin’s attorney Ashley Flukinger wrote in requesting that Swerzbin be granted more time to complete the hours.
Flukinger objected to the district attorney’s request for a total of $480 in restitution, which included $400 for an eye exam and glasses, plus $80 for shoes that were damaged in the incident. On Oct. 19, Flukinger reported that the DA’s office had agreed to reduce Swerzbin’s restitution dues to $200.
Swerzbin was additionally ordered to pay a $100 fine, but her court-appointed attorney fees were waived.
Swerzbin declined to be interviewed but requested that the Clackamas Review print her full written statement. Her statement included a misuse of the word “waivered” when she meant to write “wavered,” along with writing “a openly” instead of “an openly” and an unsubstantiated accusation against Pamplin Media Group about election coverage:
”Instead of reporting on the substance of this important election , the Clackamas Review is choosing to cover an inane and baseless accusation. An accusation that was manifested by a openly racist individual who didn’t like that I was married to a white man. As a black woman, I’ve had a lot of cards stacked against me, but I’ve never waivered in my faith to persevere. As a school board member, I will fight to get politics out of the classroom and reignite parental involvement for the betterment of every student’s education under our district’s care.”
The Clackamas Review has reported on the substance of the school board election in an earlier news article that appeared in print on April 19. (SOURCE)
Hwy 26 Fatal Crash in Clatsop County
On Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at approximately 7:00 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 26, near milepost 6, in Clatsop County. The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Ford Escape, operated by Chad Robert Bailey (37) of Roanoke (VA), left the roadway and struck a tree.
The impact caused the vehicle to roll several times, ejecting the operator, before coming to rest in a wooded area off of the highway. The operator was determined to be deceased at the scene. The investigation indicated the crash may have occurred the evening of Monday, April 24, 2023, but was not reported until the following morning. Speed appears to be the lead contributing factor to the crash. OSP was assisted by Hamlet Fire and ODOT.
Smokey’s hat is focus of new awareness campaign kicking off Wildfire Awareness Month
SALEM, Ore. – May is Wildfire Awareness Month. Keep Oregon Green, in partnership with federal, state, tribal and local fire agencies and organizations, celebrates May as the ideal month to create defensible space around homes before fire season and prevent the start of careless, unwanted wildfires this summer.
Protect what you love
Each year, more than 70% of Oregon’s wildfires are started by people. Many are a result of escaped fires from debris burn piles or gas-powered equipment casting sparks or catching fire.
During the 2022 season, the Oregon Department of Forestry reported that people were directly responsible for sparking 616 wildfires that burned 1,255 acres. Any spark can gain traction in dry fuels, spread quickly and impact lives, personal property, and Oregon’s scenic landscapes.
Before heading outdoors this summer, contact the agency or landowner who manages the lands at your destination for an update on current fire restrictions or bans. Any visitor to Oregon’s natural areas should be familiar with these restrictions before building campfires, burning debris, or using equipment that could start a fire.
Put Your Smokey Hat On
This year, Keep Oregon Green is launching a new wildfire prevention campaign and releasing five new public service announcements to help raise awareness of the risks. The ads feature Emmy-award winning television, movie and voice actor Ty Burrell. The ads will encourage Oregonians and tourists to keep wildfire safety in mind while enjoying the outdoors. Burrell was born in Grants Pass, grew up in Applegate and Ashland, and graduated from Hidden Valley High School in Grants Pass. He understands the risk of wildfire and smoke that threatens our health and beautiful landscapes each year.
Smokey’s hat is the driving force behind Keep Oregon Green’s 2023 campaign. “Put Your Smokey Hat On” is a call to action, encouraging people to predict the outcome of their actions and do everything they can to protect our state’s scenic areas. New campaign artwork, PSAs, and additional wildfire safety tips can be found at keeporegongreen.org or its various social media platforms.
Coming soon: More Wildfire Awareness Month tips
During May, a new wildfire prevention topic will be shared each week to help homeowners and recreationists learn how to prevent their outdoor activities from sparking the next wildfire. For more information, visit the websites for Keep Oregon Green at www.keeporegongreen.org, the Oregon Department of Forestry at www.oregon.gov/odf, and the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal at www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/sfm/Pages/Wildfire-Awareness-Month.aspx.
Follow Oregon wildfire news and prevention updates on social media: @keeporegongreen, @ORDeptForestry and @OSFM
Employer’s Paid Leave Oregon Contributions Due May 1
Employers – Don’t forget to include Paid Leave Oregon in your combined payroll report
SALEM – More than 150,000 Oregon employers are filing their quarterly combined payroll reports due May 1. This is the first time employers will include Paid Leave Oregon contributions.
Almost all employers and employees in Oregon are covered by and must contribute to the Paid Leave Oregon trust fund. The only exceptions are Tribal governments and federal employees. Small employers do not contribute the employer portion, but must still collect and submit employee contributions.
If employers are reporting subject wages for Unemployment Insurance, then they need to report for Paid Leave Oregon as well. Even reimbursing employers who do not pay taxes for Unemployment Insurance are responsible for paying paid leave contributions.
We want employers, both large and small, to know we are here to help if they have last minute questions or concerns.
- We are offering an open house at noon Thursday, April 27, when employers can drop in and ask questions. Experts from the Oregon Employment Department will provide answers in real time about how to use Frances Online to file combined payroll for both Paid Leave Oregon and the Unemployment Insurance Program.
Registration is online. - Employers can call 503-947-1488 with contributions questions.
- Resources for filing using Frances Online, including video demonstrations, FAQS,
and guides are found online. A video showing how to file in Frances Online, Oregon Employment Department’s online portal, is also online.
Paid Leave Oregon allows employees to take paid time off for some of life’s most important moments. It covers leave for the birth or adoption of a child, for serious illness or injury, for taking care of a seriously ill family member, and for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or harassment. Contributions to the program by large employers and all employees, regardless of employer size, started January 1. Benefits will be available to employees in September 2023.
### The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. OED provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken-language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1444. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to communications@employ.oregon.gov.
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for the murder of Adau Duop.
PORTLAND, OREGON – 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 25-year-old Adau Duop.
On Sunday, February 20, 2022, around 10:35 p.m., a family of four was shot in their car while driving home from a grocery store near SE 128th Avenue and SE Foster Road in Portland, Oregon. When police arrived, they identified the family, to include two children, all of which were injured by gunfire. The mother, Adau Duop, died at the scene as a result of a gunshot wound.
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for the murder of Adau Duop.
“Most people can never imagine the horror of having another car pull up alongside yours and unleash a hail of gunfire on you. Adau Duop’s family lived that nightmare. It’s now been more than a year since Adau was murdered, while her family has been left to heal from their own gunshot wounds without her. She missed her younger son’s second birthday, she missed her six-year-old’s first day of school, she missed holidays and milestones, and her kids are growing up without their mother. This family deserves justice and the remorseless killers who did this deserve to be behind bars,” said Kieran L. Ramsey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Field Office. “The FBI joins the Portland Police Bureau’s unwavering commitment to find out who did this and hold them accountable. We hope the $25,000 reward will encourage someone to come forward with information that we need to help this family heal.”
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 at tips.fbi.gov.
Target toy aisle intentionally set on fire while suspect steals merchandise and leaves out the back of the store
On Saturday, April 22, 2023, Marion County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a fire which was intentionally set in the toy aisle of the Target store at 3790 Center St NE, Salem. Deputies learned this was done as a diversion by a suspect who stole merchandise and then fled out the back of the store.
Deputy Tribby is the assigned investigator and is asking for the public to help in this investigation. This is what we have learned thus far. The suspect entered the store at 1:25 PM, the fire was started at approximately 1:33 PM, and the suspect fled out the back door at approximately 1:39 PM.
Deputy Tribby received information there were several people videoing at the time of the fire and is asking for you to contact him if you have any additional footage of the suspect and incident. Also, if anyone recognizes the suspect in the attached pictures please reach out to Deputy Tribby at 503-798-7384.
83-year-old Clarence Edward Pitts walked away from his home in Bandon on Tuesday, January 31 at around 1:00 p.m. Pitts is described as:
- 6′ 00″
- 150 lbs
- Gray hair
- Brown eyes
- Last seen wearing an orange beanie, plaid jacket, tan pants and white shoes
- May have a walking cane
- Has dementia and PTSD
Pitts may be in a vehicle that was also found to be missing from the home:
- 1999 Toyota Van
- White
- Oregon license plate: WYN 788
If you see Clarence or have any information pertaining to where he may be, please call the Coos County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center at 541-396-2106 or the Bandon Police Department at 541-347-3189.
