Oregon Beach News, Friday 6/28 – Oregon State Police Major Crimes Section Leading Investigation of Officer Involved Shooting in Tillamook, Boaters Reminded of Duties After an Incident & Other Local and Statewide News…

The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com

Friday, June 28, 2024

Oregon Beach Weather

Oregon State Police Major Crimes Section Leading Investigation of Officer Involved Shooting in Tillamook

On Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 6:37pm, Tillamook Police Officers, Tillamook County Sheriff’s Deputies and the Oregon State Troopers attempted to stop a white Toyota Tacoma in the parking lot of Fred Meyer near Highway 101 and Makinster Rd.  Officers had probable cause to arrest the suspect for previously eluding law enforcement over the last few days. 

During the traffic stop, the suspect fired a pistol striking multiple law enforcement vehicles.  An exchange of gunfire ensued between the suspect and officers from the Tillamook Police Department and deputies from Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office.  The suspect fled the scene and was pursued by TPD, TCSO and OSP.  The pursuit traveled Southbound on Highway 101 for approximately five miles before the suspect’s vehicle was partially disabled by deployed spike strips.

The suspect, now known as Joey De La Rosa Rodriguez (37) of Damascus, received non-life-threatening injuries during the exchange of gunfire.  The suspect was treated at a local medical facility before being lodged at the Tillamook County Jail for felony warrants issued by Clackamas and Yamhill Counties and Attempt to Elude. 

No law enforcement members were injured during this incident. 

Pursuant to the Tillamook County Deadly Physical Force Plan (SB 111 2007), the Oregon State Police is investigating the officer-involved shooting, and any criminal charges concerning the suspect during the incident.

Involved law enforcement members have been placed on paid administrative leave by their respective agencies.  Any further information will be released by the Tillamook County District Attorney’s Office or the Oregon State Police.

Boaters Reminded of Duties After an Incident

The Oregon State Marine Board wants to remind boaters that it’s state law to help and render aid in cases where another boat is swamped, capsizes or is involved in another incident with property damage or personal injury.  It’s also about being a “good neighbor” on the water.   

Failure to fulfill the duties of the boat operator (ORS 830.475) could result in a Class A misdemeanor citation. In cases where the boat operator leaves the scene of a boat accident where there is personal injury or death, the boater may be charged with a Class C felony.

 “Boaters need to pay close attention to other people recreating on the water around them, and in many cases, everyday boaters become heroes when others go overboard, helping avert further tragedy,” said Brian Paulsen, Boating Safety Program Manager for the Marine Board. 

Oregon’s waterways are increasingly congested, but everyone has the same right to recreate. Please be mindful and remember to share the waterways while recreating responsibly. 

Learn more about the Marine Board, the agency’s programs and marine law enforcement partners. 

Healthy Aging Seminar in Florence Saturday

This Saturday at the Florence Events Center is the annual Healthy Aging, Healthy Living Senior and Lifestyle Expo.  The event runs from 10 am until 3pm and feature a variety of booths from Free Health Screenings, investment guidance, retirement choices and educational seminars. 

Whether you are a senior or a caregiver for a senior, the seminar is a chance to stay informed and receive information.  There will be experts in senior health, finance and lifestyle.  The event is free. There will also be free ice cream! https://www.eventcenter.org Florence Event Center: 715 Quince St, Florence

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay – Yellow Radio Class on Saturday 6/29

 https://evcnb.org/events-and-training/yellow-radio-06292024 Register for our Yellow Radio class today. You’ll learn how to communicate with others during an emergency.

Yachats Lions Club Hosts 4th of July Pancake Breakfast

The Yachats Lions Club will host their “KTP Day” 4^th of July Pancake Breakfast on July 4^th from 7:30am – 11:00am at Yachats Lions Hall at 344 4^th Street, Yachats OR 97498. There’s a $10 suggested donation to welcome folks for an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast (pancakes, sausages, ham, eggs, milk, OJ & coffee)!

This “Keep the Promise Day” event is part of a series of KTP Day events throughout Oregon. The goal is to celebrate the Lions’ connection to Helen Keller and their promise to address preventable blindness and hearing loss, in partnership with their Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF).

All proceeds from Yachats Lions Club’s annual fundraisers and their Yachats Lions Thrift Store makes giving back to their local community possible. They support Lions community service projects, which include scholarships to graduating seniors, food pantries, school programs, Yachats Youth & Family Services, South Lincoln Resources, Yachats Fire Department, and eyeglasses & exams for children & adults. With the motto “WE SERVE,” Yachats Lions Club is celebrating 74 years of service to Yachats and South Lincoln County.

Last year at the pancake breakfast, the Lions served over 400 people and raised about $2,000 which helped fund scholarships for Waldport High School students ($5,000 given in total for this year).

Together, the Lions Clubs of Oregon, the statewide nonprofit OLSHF, and partners offer access to people for critical sight-saving surgeries and treatments, secure new eyeglasses, help people who can’t afford eyeglasses and hearing aids, and manage the largest vision screening program in the US. 

To learn more about the Yachats Lions Club and their work in the local community, you can visit yachatslionsclub.org 

LCPD Plans Pedestrian Safety Operation

The Lincoln City Police Department plans to conduct a Pedestrian Safety Operation on Tuesday, July 9^th, 2024, on Hwy 101 in the area between N 10^th Street and N 14th Street.

The primary focus of this operation is to raise awareness of pedestrian safety in drivers. The use of a decoy pedestrian will allow the Lincoln City Police Department to educate and enforce pedestrian right-of-way laws. The operation will be conducted between the hours of 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Warning signs will be posted prior to entering the pedestrian safety operation zone. 

LCPD last conducted a pedestrian safety operation on September 19, 2023. During that operation, nine citations and three written warnings were issued for violations of the crosswalk laws (Failing to stop for pedestrian in crosswalk or Passing vehicle stopped at a crosswalk). 

Drivers need to be aware of pedestrians when approaching crosswalks while traveling through Lincoln City and ODOT has installed several safe pedestrian crossings, with lights and pedestrian refuges in the center of the roadway.  The members of the Lincoln City Police Department are dedicated to enhancing the safety of our citizens and guests of the city, and these safety operations are conducted in an effort to reduce the potential for injuries or death caused from traffic collisions.

Funding for the pedestrian safety operations are made possible through traffic safety grants provided by the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Impact.

Governor Kotek Appoints Lincoln County District Attorney

Governor Tina Kotek announced that she will appoint Jenna Wallace as District Attorney of Lincoln County. Wallace will fill a vacancy created by the upcoming resignation of Lanee Danforth. Wallace received 55% of the vote in the May primary. The appointment reflects the majority of voters in Lincoln County. The appointment is effective June 21, 2024

Governor Kotek Appoints Judge to the Columbia County Circuit Court

Governor Tina Kotek announced that she will appoint Nickolas A. Brajcich to the Columbia County Circuit Court. Brajcich will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Cathleen B. Callahan. The appointment is effective immediately.

Brajcich (he/him) graduated from Clatskanie High School. Brajcich is currently a Columbia County Deputy District Attorney. He has established community relationships with law enforcement, substance abuse treatment providers, and mental health treatment providers.

Tillamook Cheese Recall Update as FDA Sets Risk Level

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified a cheese recall from Tillamook County Creamery Association earlier this month as Class II, which means that the consumption of the affected products could cause adverse health consequences.

The Oregon-based company initiated a voluntary recall of over a thousands cases of its sliced Tillamook Colby Jack and Tillamook Monterey Jack cheeses at the end of May over the possible presence of “foreign plastic material,” but the FDA hadn’t identified the level of risk associated with the consumption of the products until now.

On Tuesday, the agency classified the food recall as Class II, which indicates a relatively risky product that can cause “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.” A Class II is also given “where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote,” according to the FDA.

The agency classifies food recalls in three ways. A Class III recall is given when exposure to an affected food product or its consumption is unlikely to cause an adverse health consequence. A Class I is the most severe type of food recall and it’s issued when the consumption or exposure to a product can cause “serious adverse health consequences or death.”

Tillamook County Creamery Association warned Costco customers on May 30 that some of its products sold in the warehouse club—specifically, 1,149 cases of 32-ounce “twin pack” packages of Tillamook Colby Jack and Tillamook Monterey Jack cheese slices (item number 651195)—might have been contaminated with plastic.

“Tillamook has identified a very small quantity of gray and black plastic pieces that may be present in a limited quantity of Monterey Jack Cheese that is included in [the packages], with a ‘Best If Used By’ date of October 22, 2024, produced only for Costco locations in the Northwest region,” a letter sent from Tillamook Executive Vice President Mike Bever to Costco shoppers earlier this month reads.

Bever urged customers who purchased the products between May 9 and May 31 to return them to their local Costco for a full refund and to “please refrain from consuming” them.

The risk from consuming the product, as confirmed by the FDA, is low. “If you have already consumed the product without issue, you do not need to take any action, as the likely presence of the foreign plastic material is very minimal,” the letter from Bever said. The recall terminated on June 25. (SOURCE)

UPDATE TEMPORARY CLOSURE — Windy Cove Crab and Fishing Dock Repairs

(Winchester Bay, Oregon) The Douglas County Parks Department would like to provide an update on the temporary closure of the Windy Cove Crab and Fishing Dock, located at 936 Salmon Harbor Drive in Winchester Bay, Oregon.

Last week, a required joint permit application was successfully completed and submitted to the State of Oregon Department of State Lands (ODSL). This marks a critical step forward in our efforts to repair the crab dock to maintain our community’s recreational facilities.  The submitted application will be posted to ODSL’s website in early July for a mandatory 30-day public comment period. This review period allows for community input and ensures transparency in the permitting process. We anticipate receiving an approved permit in August, contingent upon the successful completion of the review period, which could be delayed based on any potential issues that might come out of the review.

Construction and engineering plans are on track to be finalized by June 25. However, we must wait for the permit issuance to determine if there are any new terms and conditions that will be imposed on the project based on public comments. These terms and conditions, if any, will be carefully reviewed and incorporated into the project scope of work as necessary. Once the terms of the permit are known, we will proceed with drafting a bid prospectus to solicit a vendor to facilitate the necessary dock repairs. This process will involve a Request for Bids (RFB) procurement process, which will add some additional time to our timeline.

Considering the necessary steps and potential adjustments, our best-case scenario is to have the project out for bid and awarded by mid-August. Depending on contractor availability, we hope to begin the dock repairs in late August, however, it is more likely that the work will begin sometime in September.  We understand that the Windy Cove Crab and Fishing Dock is a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. During the closure, we recommend Dock 9 near the west boat launch in Salmon Harbor for crabbing without a boat. Additionally, some fishermen have reported success using fishing pole crab traps from the jetties and riverbanks.  A video of the update featuring our Douglas County Parks Director Mark Wall, can be found on the Douglas County Government website at: https://video.ibm.com/recorded/133738243. 

Public safety remains our top priority. The Windy Cove Crab and Fishing Dock will remain closed until repairs are completed and the dock is no longer deemed unsafe and hazardous for public use. The surrounding parking lot, day-use area, and beach access at Windy Cove County Park remain open. We ask for the community’s cooperation in respecting the closure and staying off the dock until it is officially reopened.  We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we navigate these procedural requirements to ensure a thorough and compliant repair process. The Douglas County Parks Department remains committed to providing safe and enjoyable recreational facilities for all residents and visitors.  Updates will be released monthly until repairs are finalized and a public notice will be issued once the dock is safe and ready for use again. 

More Areas Reopen for Shellfish Harvest as Bay Clams Open On North Coast and Razor Clams On South Coast

Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announce new shellfish openings after tests showed clams in these areas are safe to eat.

Bay clamming has been reopened on the north coast and is now open from the Washington border to Cascade Head. Levels of the marine biotoxin paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) have tested below the closure limit on two consecutive rounds of testing.

Also, razor clam harvesting has reopened on the south coast and is now open from Cape Blanco to the California border.

Levels of the marine biotoxin domoic acid have continued to test below the closure limit. Razor clamming also remains open from the Washington border to Yachats River.

Razor clam harvesting is closed from the Yachats River to Cape Blanco. Bay clam harvesting is closed from Cascade Head to the California border. Mussel harvesting remains closed along the entire Oregon coast.

Crab harvesting is open along the entire Oregon coast including bays and estuaries.

Oregon Department of Agriculture will continue to test for shellfish toxins weekly, as tides and weather permit. Reopening an area closed for biotoxins requires two consecutive tests with results below the closure limit.

Remember to always call Oregon Department of Agriculture’s (ODA) shellfish biotoxin safety hotline at (800) 448-2474, the Food Safety Shellfish Desk at (503) 986-4726, or check the ODA recreational shellfish biotoxin closures webpage before clamming or crabbing.

Florence Food Share Empty Bowls 2024 Call for Artists for Poster Art

We are currently making plans for Florence Food Share’s annual Empty Bowls event, which has been a successful fundraiser for 29 years. Local artists contribute handmade ceramic, wood, and fused glass bowls along with other art for sale during the first weekend of December.

For over a decade, we have featured the work of a local artist on the poster advertising the event. The art created for the event serves as the focal point for the poster and is later raffled off at the event to generate extra revenue for the Florence Food Share. In return, the artist receives recognition in local and regional publications and a tax deduction, of course.

We are searching for artwork that conveys the message of the event and the mission of Florence Food Share, which is to provide nutritious food to those in need because “no one should go hungry.” We welcome any medium, as long as it can be photographed, and the original artwork can be donated to the event. We will handle the framing, with input from the artist.

To be considered for creating the poster art for 2024, please send us your concept, including the medium and a description of the proposed image. Additionally, attach a photo of one of your previous works to give us an idea of your style. Please email your submissions to Desiree Clifton at dclifton@windemere.com by August 25, 2024. The
completed, unframed artwork should be submitted no later than September 30, 2024.

We are grateful to all the artists who have participated in Empty Bowls over the years and eagerly anticipate the participation of new artists in this year’s event. For any questions regarding submitting artwork, please reach out via email to dclifton@windemere.com. Florence Food Share Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/florencefood.share/?locale=ro_RO

Beverly Beach State Park Remains Closed Until End of July

Due to delays in construction, Beverly Beach State Park will now be closed through the end of July, according to Oregon Parks & Recreation.

Located just seven miles north of Newport, the popular campground and day-use area has been closed since September 2023. The construction work included moving power lines underground and replacing water lines. The park is now slated to reopen on August 1.

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office to Host Hiring Event in July

We are looking for individuals with strong character, motivation, and integrity to join our Sheriff’s Office team. With multiple positions open, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a hiring event on Saturday, July 20, 2024. This event is a great opportunity to learn about the rewarding careers our team has to offer. 

Those interested in participating are encouraged to complete an application before the event. To submit an application, visit www.co.lincoln.or.us/748/Join-the-Team. Join us at this hiring event to jumpstart your successful career in Law Enforcement.  

All applicants are invited to meet our team, have lunch, and learn more about our career opportunities. Deputy applicants ages 21 years and older are invited to complete the physical testing requirements during this event. Participants in this event experience a significantly expedited application process. In addition to completing the required physical test for free, participants have the opportunity to meet our team, ask questions, receive more information on perks and benefits, and enjoy free lunch and snacks. All participants need to bring ID and deputy applicants need to bring athletic clothes and shoes.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, July 20, 2024
Time: 11:00am – 2:00pm 

• Check in anytime between 11:00am and 1:30pm.
• Deputy applicants will complete the physical testing for free (testing takes less than 15 minutes per participant).
• Enjoy lunch and network with our team.
• Ask questions and get a feel of what your future career looks like.

Location: Search and Rescue Building, 830 NE 7th St., Newport

What to Bring:

• Government Issued Identification
• Athletic clothes and shoes if applying for a deputy position
• Interest in joining our team

Registration for this event is encouraged but not required. For questions or to register, contact Jess Palma at 541-265-0652 or jpalma@co.lincoln.or.us

Lincoln County Accepting Grant Funding Applications for Share Of $398,000 in ARPA Funds for Local Water and Sewer Projects

$398,000 in funds from the American Rescue Plan Ac (ARPA) are set to be distributed to eligible districts in Lincoln County to invest in local water, sewer and drainage projects.

The American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law in March of 2021 and provided states, cities, and counties with federal money to support pandemic recovery efforts and economic stimulus. One allowed use for ARPA dollars is to support public water, sewer and drainage projects.

Lincoln County is accepting grant funding applications from local water, sewer and drainage districts in unincorporated Lincoln County for water and sewer projects. Eligible projects must meet the ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) eligible funding requirements.

Districts must be in good standing with State of Oregon financial reporting requirements and show proof of complying with public meeting law requirements. The county has a total of $398,000 to provide for eligible projects from districts. Applications will be reviewed by a committee selected by Lincoln County to look at the financial stability of the organization, the engineering feasibility of the project, and if the project meets ARPA requirements.

The county is planning to use an open grant process to award the funds. Starting June 10 applications will open, they will be awarded on a first come, first served basis to qualifying districts and projects; applications will close once all funds have been allocated.

The county says each eligible district can ask up to $50-thousand total. Projects can be stand-alone projects or a discrete portion of a larger project. Applications will be reviewed by county administrative, legal, and engineering staff to ensure projects meet American Rescue Plan Act, legal and technical requirements. All projects must adhere to federal procurement rules and Davis-Bacon Act requirements.

County officials say they will execute contracts with awarded districts before December 31, 2024. All work on the awarded projects must be completed by subrecipients before December 2026. To apply for the Local Water, Sewer and Drainage Districts’ Grant click here.

OHA 2024 Oregon Beach Monitoring Season

Agency shares list of monitored beaches for May-September

—The Oregon Beach Monitoring Program (OBMP) is kicking off the 2024 beach monitoring season by announcing the list of coastal recreation areas it will be keeping an eye on for bacteria during summer and early fall.

The 24 beaches on the list that the OBMP, based at the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Public Health Division, is publishing includes some of the most frequently visited beaches in Oregon. It also includes beaches where the program has found bacteria present, or beaches for which local partners and the public have requested monitoring due to potential pollution concerns.

The following are Oregon beaches being monitored during 2024, including beach name, and the city and county in which they are located:

• Seaside Beach – Seaside, Clatsop County
• Cannon Beach – Cannon Beach, Clatsop County
• Tolovana Beach State Park– Cannon Beach, Clatsop County
• Short Sand Beach (Oswald West State Park) – Arch Cape, Tillamook County
• Manzanita Beach – Manzanita, Tillamook County
• Rockaway Beach – Rockaway, Tillamook County
• Twin Rocks Beach – Twin Rocks, Tillamook County
• Oceanside Beach – Oceanside, Tillamook County
• Cape Kiwanda Beach – Pacific City, Tillamook County
• Neskowin Beach – Neskowin, Tillamook County
• D River Beach – Lincoln City, Lincoln County
• Siletz Bay Beach – Lincoln City, Lincoln County
• Beverly Beach – Newport, Lincoln County
• Agate Beach – Newport, Lincoln County
• Nye Beach – Newport, Lincoln County
• Ona Beach (Brian Booth-Beaver Creek State Park) – Seal Rock, Lincoln County
• Seal Rock Beach – Seal Rock, Lincoln County
• Heceta Beach – Florence, Lane County
• Bastendorff Beach – Coos Bay, Coos County
• Sunset Bay State Park Beach – Coos Bay, Coos County
• Hubbard Creek Beach – Port Orford, Curry County
• Harris Beach State Park – Brookings, Curry County
• Mill Beach – Brookings, Curry County
• Crissey Fields State Recreation Site – Brookings, Curry County

Beach monitoring season runs from mid-May to mid-September. Beach advisories are only issued for beaches that are actively being monitored within this sampling window. Other beaches will be investigated for inclusion in the next beach monitoring season.

OBMP works with Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to identify beaches that need monitoring based on several established criteria. These criteria include: pollution hazards present; previous beach monitoring data that identify water quality concerns; type and amount of beach use; and public input.

As part of an adaptive sampling plan, beaches and sampling locations are routinely re-evaluated to ensure available resources best protect public health. A copy of DEQ’s beach evaluation is available upon request.

For more information and current beach monitoring conditions please visit: www.healthoregon.org/beach, or contact OBMP at each.Health@odhsoha.oregon.gov“>Beach.Health@odhsoha.oregon.gov or 971-673-0400.

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

Fires All Around the State

Things change rapidly- Look at the difference in past two days.

Please Help Prevent Wildfires!

Upper Applegate Fire -ODF Morning Update

Weather conditions allowed firefighters to resume firing operations to bring the fire closer to the indirect fire lines. The direct line is now 70%. This work has helped to strengthen the lines between the fire and homes in the north end of the fire. Additionally, IR mapping completed during the night has helped to identify hot spots that aren’t easily detected otherwise. Images will be used today to focus mop up operations.

Evacuation levels remain the same, with Zone JAC-436 at Level 2 and JAC-434 at Level 1.
Use the link to view the complete ODF Morning Update: https://tinyurl.com/SWOinfo

MAGA Tilt in Southern Oregon May Not Be Tightly Locked Down

Southern Oregon has long been Republican but shifts are taking place. Conservative southern Oregon, often an afterthought for many other Oregonians, may be the most politically dynamic large area in Oregon.

Few other areas show as much potential for political change. Consider a couple of large Medford-area events just a few miles apart and on the same day, June 22.

The Jackson County Fairgrounds was dominated by the Republican political rally called MOGA 2024 , the acronym standing for “Make Oregon Great Again.” Its headliners included national figures, including Mike Lindell , the MyPillow founder and advocate for Donald Trump. This may be the only really large-scale Oregon event on this year’s Republican calendar , presented as “Come help us take back southern Oregon.” It was heavily promoted by the local Republican organization, by other groups around the region, and around the dial on area radio stations.

From a pro-Trump perspective, you might wonder if there’s much to take back in the southern Oregon area. Most of this large sector of the state already votes Republican.

But it may not be as locked-down some may think. The Jackson-Josephine counties seem to be on the cusp of something subtle that events like MOGA could be critical in influencing: Deciding if the area becomes MAGA-dominated enough that other points of view are swamped, which hasn’t happened yet.

One piece of evidence in that argument is the second event held only a few miles from the MOGA event, over in Pear Blossom Park in Medford, where organizers were holding the well-attended 3rd annual Medford Pride event. One participant said, “It gives a space for young people to be free to express themselves however they want. And an opportunity in an area that’s not always the most accepting to really give an opportunity for our community to be queer.”

These two events may fit into the larger picture of conservative southern Oregon as pieces of a puzzle shifting and developing.

The two big counties in the area are Jackson (where Medford is the county seat) and Josephine (Grants Pass).

Jackson leans Republican, but not by a great deal. In the last two decades, it has voted Democratic for president just once, in 2008, but no one has won its presidential vote by as much as 51% since 2004. Its legislative delegation has included mostly Republicans, and Republicans hold county government, but Democrats as well, including state Sen.Jeff Golden and state Rep. Pam Marsh, who represent a large share of the county’s voters. There are some indicators it has been moving gently away from hard right positions. It is one of 11 counties in Oregon to legalize therapeutic psilocybin. Hard-line positions on property taxes seem to have eased a little in recent years. Jackson shows no signs of becoming a blue county, but its tint seems to be shading gradually purple.

Josephine County is more solidly Republican. No Democrat has won its vote for the presidency since 1936, the longest such run of any Oregon county, and Trump just cleared 60% in both of his runs. Its state and local officials are Republicans, and there are no indications that will change in the near future.

Still, there are indicators of attitude shifts. Josephine has been one of the most rigorous anti-tax counties in Oregon, along with neighbors such as Curry and Douglas. Having experienced some deep austerity in local services, however, voters seem to have recentered on the subject. READ MORE: https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/06/28/maga-tilt-in-southern-oregon-may-not-be-tightly-locked-down/

OHA study confirms gap in behavioral health treatment beds across Oregon, details financial path to expanding capacity

SALEM, Ore.– Oregon needs up to 3,700 adult mental health and substance use treatment beds to close existing gaps and meet future service projections, according to a final Oregon Health Authority (OHA) study of the state’s behavioral health continuum of care.

The findings are part of an assessment that Governor Tina Kotek directed OHA to commission last year. The report was produced by Public Consulting Group (PCG), a public sector solutions implementation and operations improvement firm that has produced similar studies in Washington and other states.

The findings inform an ongoing funding and implementation effort that state leaders are committed to pursue, which could take several biennia to complete.

According to the final Behavioral Health Residential + Facility Study report, closing the gap could require investments of as much as $170 million per year over the next five years and the creation of approximately 650 new beds per year.

The final report includes a new five-year funding recommendation that recognizes the importance of:

• Increasing the behavioral health workforce to support expanded capacity.
• Improving access to mental health and substance use disorder support services to help individuals stay within their communities.
• Expanding supportive and transitional housing opportunities.

State health officials will continue to work with Governor Kotek and the Legislature to apply the study’s findings and guide investments toward closing the gap in treatment services.

“We don’t get to choose between adding beds, and adding workforce. We must do both in order to make real change in our behavioral health system. It’s important to note that capacity in Oregon’s behavioral health system is dynamic, and the data in the report represent a point-in-time snapshot of one part of a broader continuum of care,” said OHA Behavioral Health Director Ebony Clarke.

“This report provides us with critical data to inform how we prioritize the creation of more treatment beds and it also underscores the broader understanding that we need to continue to invest in solutions that reduce the number of beds needed,” Clarke said. “We do this through investing in protective factors and earlier intervention – additional community-based programming, crisis and outpatient programs, in addition to other supportive services – to prevent people who are experiencing mental illness or substance use from progressing to a level of severity in their illnesses that would require treatment in a more acute setting.”

The final report follows the draft preliminary report released in February.

At the direction of OHA, the final report reflects updated data for the facilities within scope for this study. Although there is no perfect methodology for determining the appropriate number of high-acuity beds in a behavioral health system, PCG used state and national data sets, findings from peer-reviewed literature and surveys of treatment facilities to estimate mental health and SUD treatment bed capacity and needs within the continuum of care. PCG worked at the direction of OHA to include Oregon-specific data.

Even as the report was finalized, state officials were moving quickly to supplement capacity and have already identified several short-horizon “priority” projects, which are likely to bring community beds online within the next year or two and to address what are considered critical service gaps. OHA is working to publish a dashboard later this summer that will track and highlight progress toward new beds coming online.

Over the past four years, the Oregon Legislature has invested more than $1.5 billion to expand behavioral health treatment capacity, raise provider payment rates and stabilize the treatment workforce. Oregon’s current capacity shortfall would be even greater without these investments.

According to the report, recent legislative investments from HB 5202 (2022) and HB 5024 (2021) have supported the creation of 356 new licensed mental health residential beds (exclusive of adult foster homes), SUD residential, and withdrawal management beds, which are under construction and scheduled to open by the third quarter of 2025.

Unusual coin toss determines outcome of 7-7 tie in Oregon House primary

The winner, Democrat Doyle Canning, can’t accept the nomination because she lost her primary race

On Thursday morning, one Oregon primary election came down to an anticlimactic and ultimately meaningless coin flip. 

Republicans didn’t field a candidate in the heavily Democratic 8th House District in Eugene, which meant whichever qualified candidate received the most write-in votes could claim the Republican nomination. Of the 103 names written in by Republicans, the two highest vote-getters were Democratic nominee Lisa Fragala and her Democratic opponent Doyle Canning. 

Under state law, election officials needed to decide “by lot.” Past ties have been settled by rolling dice, but in this case election officials decided a coin toss was the fairest outcome. 

Neither Canning nor Fragala drove from Eugene to watch the coin flip, so employees of the Secretary of State’s Office served as proxies. In a basement conference room, a small group of employees, government nerds and one reporter watched as Luke Belant, the state’s deputy elections director, pulled a quarter from his wallet.

After both proxies agreed that the coin – minted in 2013 to commemorate Master Commandant Oliver Hazard Perry’s victory at Lake Erie in the War of 1812 – was acceptable, Belant tossed it in the air. It landed tails up – a victory for Canning. 

But that victory was to be short-lived: Because she lost the Democratic nomination, Canning is barred from accepting the nomination of any other party under the state’s sore loser law. Instead, Republican precinct committee persons – the elected local party officials who vote on party business, including nominating replacements for candidates or elected officials who don’t finish their terms – could choose a Republican nominee to appear on the general election ballot. 

Canning, laughing when she heard the results from a Capital Chronicle reporter, said she was shocked but proud that the Secretary of State administered elections so consistently, fairly and transparently. 

“Even though we’re talking about seven votes, it’s great that we can all be so confident that the laws and procedures are so dutifully followed,” she said. 

She still has no idea who the seven Republicans who voted for her are, but she said the tie vote coin flip should be a lesson for political parties to compete in every district. 

“The lesson here for any political party is to field a candidate,” Canning said. “I’m sure, had the Republicans fielded a candidate, they would have gotten more than seven votes.”

It’s rare, though not unheard of, for an election to end in a game of chance. It last happened in Oregon in 2016, when both Democratic candidate Janeen Sollman and Republican Dan Mason earned 41 votes from members of the Independent Party of Oregon. 

In that case, election officials decided to have each candidate roll a die. Mason won the roll with a six to Sollman’s three, Northwest News Network reported at the time, but Sollman, now a state senator, won with voters in November.  (SOURCE)

Oregon begins the remaining pandemic unwinding renewals with new changes helping Oregonians keep coverage

SALEM, Ore. — With over 91 percent of the state’s 1.5 million renewals complete, more than four out of five Oregonians are keeping their Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or other Medicaid benefits.

There are four monthly “waves” of renewals left in the unwinding process. The first of these remaining four batches started this month, asking for a response by the end of September.

An update in May to the ONE Eligibility system people use to apply for and manage their medical benefits enabled Oregon to use an improved process for the remaining renewals. These changes are a substantial set of small adjustments that together will make it easier for the people of Oregon to keep their medical benefits. This includes changes to make medical eligibility and renewal notices easier to read and to give more details about decisions. People in the June “wave” of renewals are the first to experience these process improvements.

Oregon’s 82.5 percent renewal rate continues to be the third highest in a national comparison of state renewal rates by KFF, a nonpartisan health policy organization. Oregon’s high renewal rates are due to proactive efforts by the state to keep people covered, including extended response timelines, and the upcoming launch of OHP Bridge for adults with higher incomes.

Members who have not received a renewal yet should:

• Keep their address and contact information up to date.
• Check their mail or ONE Online account for their renewal letter.
• Do what the renewal letter asks as soon as possible. Anyone concerned they missed their letter should get help with their renewal using one of the options listed below.
• Members who did not respond to renewals can still re-open their case three months after it closes if they are still eligible, and they can reapply at any time.

June OHP renewal data – As of June 18, 2024, 1,330,708 people have completed the renewal process. This represents around 91.7 percent of all OHP and Medicaid members.

• 1,097,801 people (82.5 percent) were renewed and kept their benefits.
• 221,958 people (16.7 percent) were found ineligible.
• 10,949 people (0.8 percent) had a reduction in their benefits. Most of these members lost full OHP but were able to continue Medicare Savings Programs that help pay their Medicare costs.

Although most people are keeping coverage during the post-pandemic medical renewals, approximately 234,000 people have or will need to consider other coverage options due to lost or reduced benefits.

• People who do not have coverage through an employer or Medicare may be able to enroll through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace and get financial help. Most people who enroll through HealthCare.gov qualify for this help.
• The Marketplace is sending information to people who are no longer eligible for OHP benefits, advising of other potential coverage options.
• People who have recently lost OHP benefits can enroll anytime until November 30, 2024, or within 60 days of their benefits ending.
• For more information and ways to get help signing up for Marketplace, Medicare, or employer coverage, see “What to do if OHP is ending” below.

Need help renewing your benefits?

1. Learn more about how to renew your Oregon Health Plan medical coverage.  You can log into your online portal and complete your redetermination work at benefits.oregon.gov.
2. Call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075. All relay calls are accepted, and help is available in multiple languages. Wait times are lowest between 7 and 8 a.m., PST.
3. Visit or call a local Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) office. People can find their local office at https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/Pages/office-finder.aspx.
4. Visit a community partner for free, in-person help. To find one near you visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp (English) or orhim.info/ayuda (Spanish).
5. Download the Oregon ONE Mobile app via the app store to keep track of your renewal, find a local office, or upload a document.

What to do if your OHP is ending:

• First, review the case summary in your letter to make sure the information used to make the decision was correct. If that information has changed, notify the state via one of the options above If the information on file for you is correct and you disagree with the decision, you can request a hearing. Learn more about hearings.
• Explore options through an employer. If you, your spouse or a parent are working, you may be eligible for health coverage through that employer. Talk to your manager or Human Resources department to see if you qualify. You will have a special enrollment period to enroll mid-year due to loss of OHP benefits.
• If you have or are eligible for Medicare: For help understanding and choosing the right Medicare options, go to https://OregonHealthcare.gov/GetHelp to find an insurance agent or a counselor at the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA). You can also call SHIBA at 800-722-4134.

If you need to sign up for Medicare for the first time, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 800-772-1213 to enroll by phone or find a local office. You can also enroll in Medicare online at ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up.

• Nearly 80 percent of Oregonians qualify for financial help through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. Visit OregonHealthCare.gov/WindowShop to answer a few quick questions, find out how much you can save and find out how much coverage may cost you. You can also call the Marketplace Transition Help Center at 833-699-6850 (toll-free, all relay calls accepted).
• Need free local help finding other coverage? Visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp to find professional help near you.

OHA and ODHS are committed to transparency and will continue to send monthly information about medical coverage among Oregonians. Check our ONE Eligibility Operations Dashboards for more frequent updates on medical renewal data and wait times for callers to the ONE Customer Service Center.

OHA study confirms gap in behavioral health treatment beds across Oregon, details financial path to expanding capacity

SALEM, Ore.– Oregon needs up to 3,700 adult mental health and substance use treatment beds to close existing gaps and meet future service projections, according to a final Oregon Health Authority (OHA) study of the state’s behavioral health continuum of care.

The findings are part of an assessment that Governor Tina Kotek directed OHA to commission last year. The report was produced by Public Consulting Group (PCG), a public sector solutions implementation and operations improvement firm that has produced similar studies in Washington and other states.

The findings inform an ongoing funding and implementation effort that state leaders are committed to pursue, which could take several biennia to complete.

According to the final Behavioral Health Residential + Facility Study report, closing the gap could require investments of as much as $170 million per year over the next five years and the creation of approximately 650 new beds per year.

The final report includes a new five-year funding recommendation that recognizes the importance of:

• Increasing the behavioral health workforce to support expanded capacity.
• Improving access to mental health and substance use disorder support services to help individuals stay within their communities.
• Expanding supportive and transitional housing opportunities.

State health officials will continue to work with Governor Kotek and the Legislature to apply the study’s findings and guide investments toward closing the gap in treatment services.

“We don’t get to choose between adding beds, and adding workforce. We must do both in order to make real change in our behavioral health system. It’s important to note that capacity in Oregon’s behavioral health system is dynamic, and the data in the report represent a point-in-time snapshot of one part of a broader continuum of care,” said OHA Behavioral Health Director Ebony Clarke.

“This report provides us with critical data to inform how we prioritize the creation of more treatment beds and it also underscores the broader understanding that we need to continue to invest in solutions that reduce the number of beds needed,” Clarke said. “We do this through investing in protective factors and earlier intervention – additional community-based programming, crisis and outpatient programs, in addition to other supportive services – to prevent people who are experiencing mental illness or substance use from progressing to a level of severity in their illnesses that would require treatment in a more acute setting.”

The final report follows the draft preliminary report released in February.

At the direction of OHA, the final report reflects updated data for the facilities within scope for this study. Although there is no perfect methodology for determining the appropriate number of high-acuity beds in a behavioral health system, PCG used state and national data sets, findings from peer-reviewed literature and surveys of treatment facilities to estimate mental health and SUD treatment bed capacity and needs within the continuum of care. PCG worked at the direction of OHA to include Oregon-specific data.

Even as the report was finalized, state officials were moving quickly to supplement capacity and have already identified several short-horizon “priority” projects, which are likely to bring community beds online within the next year or two and to address what are considered critical service gaps. OHA is working to publish a dashboard later this summer that will track and highlight progress toward new beds coming online.

Over the past four years, the Oregon Legislature has invested more than $1.5 billion to expand behavioral health treatment capacity, raise provider payment rates and stabilize the treatment workforce. Oregon’s current capacity shortfall would be even greater without these investments.

According to the report, recent legislative investments from HB 5202 (2022) and HB 5024 (2021) have supported the creation of 356 new licensed mental health residential beds (exclusive of adult foster homes), SUD residential, and withdrawal management beds, which are under construction and scheduled to open by the third quarter of 2025.

FBI Seeking Individual Who May Have Information Regarding the Identity of a Child Sexual Assault Victim

PORTLAND, OREGON – The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is seeking the public’s assistance with obtaining identifying information regarding an unknown male who may have critical information pertaining to the identity of a child victim in an ongoing sexual exploitation investigation. Photographs and an informational poster depicting the unknown individual, known only as John Doe 48, are being disseminated to the public and can be found online at the FBI website at http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/ecap.

Initial video of the unidentified male, John Doe 48, first recorded by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in December of 2023. The EXIF data embedded within the video file indicated that the file was produced in October of 2023.

John Doe 48 is described as a White male between the ages of 45 and 65 years old, with dark hair, and a gray beard. He has a tattoo on each of his forearms. He is seen in the back of a 2018-2019 Nissan NV Cargo Van wearing a blue t-shirt and a dark-colored hat. He is heard speaking English in the video.

Anyone with information to provide should submit a tip online at https://tips.fbi.gov/ or call the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). The public is reminded no charges have been filed in this case and the pictured individual is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

This individual is being sought as part of the FBI’s Operation Rescue Me and Endangered Child Alert Program (ECAP) initiatives. Operation Rescue Me focuses on utilizing clues obtained through in-depth image analysis to identify the child victims depicted in child exploitation material, while ECAP seeks national and international media exposure of unknown adults (referred to as John/Jane Does) who visibly display their faces and/or other distinguishing characteristics in association with child pornography images. — UNKNOWN INDIVIDUAL – JOHN DOE 48 — FBI

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Seeks to Improve Fish Hatcheries

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) hosted a public meeting Thursday addressing the current problems plaguing Oregon’s fish hatcheries.

ODFW Deputy Administrator Shaun Clements says hatcheries serve an important purpose, and provide social, economic, and cultural benefits to Oregonians. Hatcheries also play a significant role in re-establishing declining fish populations. But climate change, aging hatchery infrastructure, and increasing costs are making it difficult to reach fishery and conservation goals.

Clements says the main priorities of ODFW are investing in hatchery infrastructure and collaborating with community members for more solutions.

“These hatcheries produce about 35 million salmon steelhead a year and about 5 million trout. Hatcheries are an incredibly important source for harvest opportunity, constituting about 70% of the harvested fish in Oregon,” Clements said.

As part of an established timeline ODFW will conduct a webinar series in August, as well as more public meetings and a report to the state legislature by early 2025.

On Dobbs anniversary, abortion remains legal and protected in Oregon

2022 SCOTUS decision impacted national landscape, but recent ruling on mifepristone offers hope for ongoing safe, effective abortion access

PORTLAND, Ore. — As the nation recognizes the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 24, 2022 decision that removed constitutional protections for abortion, Oregon remains committed to ensuring people have  access to comprehensive reproductive health services, including abortion.

The second anniversary of the High Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade, is a stark reminder of the challenges states face in protecting access to reproductive health care. But key actions in Oregon – and another, more recent High Court decision – offer hope for anyone inside and outside the state seeking to exercise their legal and protected right to abortion.

Governor Tina Kotek said, “The two-year anniversary of the Dobbs decision is a sobering reminder that we cannot afford to lose ground ensuring access to safe, effective and legal reproductive health care in Oregon.”

On June 13, the Supreme Court issued its opinion in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, the challenge to the FDA’s approval of the abortion pill mifepristone. In a unanimous decision, justices ruled that the plaintiffs in the case did not have standing to challenge the FDA’s actions, and so mifepristone continues to be available.

The ruling left in place federal regulations that permit patients to order mifepristone virtually and by mail delivery. However, the decision leaves open the possibility for future litigation seeking to restrict access to mifepristone.

Should litigation seeking mifepristone restrictions come to pass, a contingency plan Oregon put in place could temporarily keep the abortion drug available: The state secured a three-year mifepristone supply and developed a plan to equitably distribute it to eligible prescribers, ensuring patients seeking abortion services in Oregon will continue to have access to this safe and effective method.

“OHA will continue to ensure that people in Oregon have access to safe, effective reproductive care – including abortion services – when and where they need it,” said OHA Director Sejal Hathi, M.D.

Oregon’s mifepristone stockpile is just one of several actions the state has taken in recent years to keep comprehensive reproductive health services, including abortion, in place and accessible:

• Reproductive Health and Access to Care Act (HB 2002) – This comprehensive law, passed during the 2023 legislative session, protects and expands access for those seeking and those providing reproductive health and gender affirming care.
• Reproductive health infrastructure investments – Also during the 2023 legislative session, Oregon allocated $3.4 million to OHA as part of Public Health Modernization to support reproductive health infrastructure This funding created an Abortion Access in Oregon website and provided infrastructure grants to clinical service providers across the state.
• Lawsuit over unnecessary abortion medication restrictions – As the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine litigation was underway, Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum joined Washington State’s Attorney General Bob Ferguson in co-leading a multi-state lawsuit against the FDA to protect enhanced access to mifepristone. The outcome of this lawsuit was Judge Thomas Rice’s decision barring the FDA from making any changes that could reduce the availability of mifepristone in the 17 states that signed on to the lawsuit.
• Amicus brief in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine – Gov. Kotek and 21 other governors filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of abortion rights in Food and Drug Administration, et al., v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine. In this brief, the Reproductive Freedom Alliance governors argued that if the Court reverses FDA approval of mifepristone and limits access to the vital medicine, it could undermine Governors’ ability to provide adequate healthcare services and would have far-reaching implications beyond reproductive healthcare.

“These activities and initiatives demonstrate Oregon’s recognition of reproductive health services as basic and essential health services,” Dr. Hathi said.

Individuals can access free or low-cost reproductive health services at local health departments, Planned Parenthood clinics, federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics across the state. To find a clinic, visit: healthoregon.org/rhclinics, dial 211, or text HEALTH to 898211.

Oregon Ranks as One of the 10 Best States for Hikers

Oregon is the No. 10 best state in the country for hikers, according to a new ranking. Kuru Footwear  in the United States for hiking, looking at “five key metrics—total hiking trail reviews, number of trails, percentage of trails ranked as easy, trails rated 4.5 stars or higher, and yearly precipitation.”

Top-Ranked U.S. States for Hiking

State	Rank	Total # of Reviews	Total # of Trails	% of Easy Trails	% of Trails Rated 4.5+	Precipitation (yearly inches)
Colorado	1	1,995,966	5,286	26%	51%	15.9
California	2	4,500,864	12,835	27%	52%	22.2
Arizona	3	1,556,652	3,292	27%	54%	13.6
Montana	4	273,175	1,508	23%	47%	15.3
New York	5	1,065,346	4,481	50%	38%	41.8
Utah	6	1,110,852	3,224	24%	53%	12.2
Texas	7	572,634	2,424	72%	44%	28.9
Washington	8	1,368,796	4,161	33%	39%	38.4
North Carolina	9	774,148	2,736	46%	49%	50.3
Oregon	10	686,525	3,106	34%	38%	27.4

https://www.kurufootwear.com/a/blog/best-states-for-hiking-2024

Proposed ballot measure to raise corporate taxes, give every Oregonian $750 a year likely to make November ballot

Oregon voters will likely decide in November whether to establish a historic universal basic income program that would give every state resident roughly $750 annually from increased corporate taxes.

Proponents of the concept say they likely have enough signatures to place it on the ballot this fall, and opponents are taking them seriously.

State business advocacy groups are preparing to launch a campaign against the proposed measure, arguing that it would harm Oregon’s business landscape and economy.

The proposal, Initiative Petition 17, would establish a 3% tax on corporations’ sales in Oregon above $25 million and distribute that money equally among Oregonians of all ages. As of Friday, its backers had turned in more than 135,000 signatures, which is higher than the 117,173 required to land on the ballot. The validity of those signatures must still be certified by the Secretary of State’s Office.

“It’s looking really good. It’s really exciting,” said Anna Martinez, a Portland hairstylist who helped form the group behind the campaign, Oregon People’s Rebate, in 2020. If approved by voters, the program would go into effect in January 2025.

Martinez and other supporters say the financial boost would help Oregon families buy groceries, afford rent and pay for basic necessities. “This will put money back in the local economy. It will help small businesses,” she said. “Some people say, ‘Well it’s only $750.’ But that’s huge if you really need it.”

The state Department of Revenue would be responsible for distributing the money. Every Oregon resident would be able to claim the money either in cash or as a refundable tax credit, regardless of whether they have filed personal incomes taxes, according to the ballot initiative draft.

The initiative proposal draft states that any leftover funding from the rebate would “be used to provide additional funding for services for senior citizens, health care, public early childhood education and public kindergarten through grade 12 education.”

The ballot measure campaign has received significant financial support from out-of-state supporters of universal basic income.

Oregon People’s Rebate has received about $740,000 in contributions and spent all but about $10,000. The highest contributor by far is Jones Holding LLC, a corporation based in Los Angeles and controlled by investor and universal basic income fan Josh Jones that has given $425,000. The second largest contributor is a related L.A.-based corporation, Jones Parking Inc., which contributed nearly $95,000. The third largest source of contributions are the foundation and mother of Gerald Huff, a software engineer and advocate of universal basic income from California who died in 2018. Huff’s foundation and mother have contributed $90,000 combined.

“Yes, the funders are from California, but these are not like nefarious outside interests here,” Martinez said. “These are people who are committed to basic income.”

Oregon business groups are preparing to fight the measure. State business lobby Oregon Business and Industry and tax policy research nonprofit Tax Foundation say raising corporate taxes would harm companies and lead to higher costs of goods and services.

“(The proposed measure) would impose a massive tax increase in Oregon,” Oregon Business and Industry said in a statement. “If it qualifies for the ballot, our organization will be involved in a campaign against it, and we are confident that when voters look at the facts, they will vote to reject it.”

Oregon currently brings in billions of dollars of corporate taxes every year. The state’s excise and income tax on corporations brought in 10.3% of the state’s general fund in the 2021-2023 biennium, enough to make it the second highest revenue source after personal income tax, according to the Legislative Revenue Office.

C corporations, the default type of corporation for tax status, that do business in Oregon currently pay a state excise tax of 6.6% on income under $1 million and a 7.6% tax on income above that. If a corporation doesn’t earn a net income, they must pay a minimum state tax of $150 to $100,000 based on their total sales, according to the Legislative Revenue Office. Other types of corporations pay a minimum $150 excise tax.

Oregon corporations also pay a 0.57% corporate activity tax, which is calculated from companies’ commercial activity in the state valued above $1 million.

The proposed ballot measure would increase the minimum excise tax to 3% on all corporations’ reported gross sales above $25 million. Under the proposed measure, all of that money would then be distributed by the state Department of Revenue to all Oregon residents who live in the state for more than 200 days of the year.

Business groups fear that the increased taxes would drive corporations away from Oregon. “In practice, affected businesses would likely move more of their operations out-of-state to avoid” paying such high taxes, according to a report from the Tax Foundation.

The report states that corporations with high gross sales but low or no profit would be taxed unreasonably high amounts. A corporation with a low 3% profit margin would have to pay all its profits from sales above $25 million in Oregon taxes.

Martinez said the opposition from business groups does not surprise her. “It’s a tale as old as time,” she said. “Corporations don’t want to pay their fair share. They pay so little compared to everyday Oregonians. We all have really thin margins and we manage to do it.” (SOURCE)

Oregon’s 2024 Minimum Wage Increase Takes Effect July 1st

A 50-cent hike to Oregon’s minimum wage will bring baseline pay in the Portland area just to the doorstep of $16 an hour this summer.

Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries announced Tuesday that the minimum wage in the Portland area will rise to $15.95. In urban counties outside the Portland area, the minimum wage will be $14.70 an hour. And in rural counties, the minimum will be $13.70. The change takes effect July 1.

Oregon has had a tiered minimum wage since 2017, when the state Legislature approved a series of minimum wage increases but kept the minimum lower in more rural parts of the state, reasoning that the cost of living was lower, too.

Since 2023, annual increases in the minimum wage have been tied to the rate of inflation. The Consumer Price Index, the inflation measure used to calculate the increase, rose 3.5% over the past year.

The increases announced Tuesday range from 2.9% for the Portland metro to 3.8% raise in rural areas.

The average Oregon hourly wage is much higher than the minimum, $31.17 last year, according to the state employment department. The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 an hour since 2009. (SOURCE)

The Oregon Health Athority is rasising awareness for one of the most common forms of financial fraud: Medicare fraud. 

OHA says Medicare loses $60 billion a year to fraud, errors and abuse. 

Raising awareness on 6/5 and the week after signifies the 65-yr-old and older population since most people become eligable for Medicare at 65-yrs-old.  To learn more, read the OHA blog here: https://ow.ly/VIRu50Sc7pS

Oregonians Targeted By Text Tolling Scam

A new nationwide texting scam is targeting Oregon drivers now. Ellen Klem, with the Oregon Attorney General’s Office says the phishing scheme started in the midwest earlier in the spring. “I’m honestly not surprised it’s happening now, because now is the time where everyone is gearing up to drive.”

The text claims to be from “Oregon Toll Service” and says the recipient owes an $11.69 outstanding balance; they face a $50 late fee if they don’t click on a link and pay up. Klem says some people may identify the fraud right away, because Oregon doesn’t have tolling, “But, we live next to all these other states that have tolls.” And she worries some will fall for it. 

“They are not interested in the $11,” says Klem, “They are interested in much, much more.” She believes the scammers want your personal information, and clicking on the link could allow them to access other data on your phone.

The text has all the markers of a scam, like contact out of the blue from an unknown agency. “There’s a lot of really cheap or free technology out there that allows the scammers to pretend to be somebody they’re not. So, in this case, they’re pretending to be associated with an agency that administers tolls in the state of Oregon. But that doesn’t exist,” says Klem, “Second sign: There’s some sort of emergency. In this case, you have an unpaid bill; that’s frightening to a lot of people.”

She suggests not being in such a rush to respond to every text or email, “These phones, they’re everywhere and we have this sort of automatic response to click on a link or to pick up every phone call. And, I want to remind people just to slow down and think before you click on anything.” Klem adds, “Really, at the end of the day, this is a text message that you can and you should ignore.”

If you get a text, email or phone call you’re not sure is legit, call the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer hotline at 877-877-9392. Volunteer experts are available weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Come to the World Beat Festival to Experience Global Cultures: Ukraine is the 2024 Featured Country

Salem Multicultural Institute is excited to celebrate Ukraine as the 27^th annual World Beat Festival’s featured country. World Beat is one of Salem’s premier community traditions, offering a vibrant two-day program of international music, dance, song, theater, food, crafts, customs, rituals, and folklore. This year’s festival will begin Friday evening, June 28, and run through Sunday, June 30, at Salem’s Riverfront Park.

Kathleen Fish, Executive Director, emphasizes that this is the only festival of its kind honoring the Salem/Keizer community’s rich tapestry of cultures. “There are 107 languages spoken in our school district. The festival recognizes and explores the cultures of many of these families.”

The festivities kick off Friday, June 28, from 5 to 10 p.m. with “Friday Night at the Beat,” featuring vocal performances and fire dancing on the Main Stage.

The festival opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 29, with the Children’s Parade. Kids who want to participate in the parade will assemble at the Pavilion at the North End of the park.

Each child who attends will receive a passport at the entrance gate to collect stamps from each World Village. Village tents will feature kid-friendly cultural games and activities. This year’s activities include making cherry blossoms in the Asian Pacific Village, Pysanky (traditional egg decorating) in the European Village, Arpilleras (traditional Chilean textile art) in the Americas Village, and crafting Nguni Shields in the Africa & Middle East Village.

Adults can enjoy beverages in the beer garden while listening to live music. Boating enthusiasts can cheer on their favorite teams during the World Beat Dragon Boat Races.

“We had over 25,000 guests attend last year, enjoying performances on seven stages representing more than 50 different countries and cultures. Our visitors come from all over the Northwest and even Canada,” added Fish.

Organized by the volunteer-driven Salem Multicultural Institute, the festival requires 400 volunteers annually to manage setup, stage operations, and cleanup. Volunteers contributing at least four hours receive an event T-shirt and free entry to the festival.

Admission to the festival is $10/1-day pass/adult or $15 for the weekend. Children 0-14, SNAP card holders, and Veterans are free.

You can view a complete schedule and vendor list or sign up to volunteer atwww.worldbeatfestival.org or call (503) 581-2004.

About the World Beat Festival: The World Beat Festival originated in the late 1990s and was conceived by two young mothers, Mona Hayes and Kathleen Fish, who wanted a space to celebrate cultural heritage. Starting with a small gathering in 1998, the festival has grown into Oregon’s largest multicultural event of its kind. www.WorldBeatFestival.org, 503-581-2004.

About the Salem Multicultural Institute (SMI): The vision of the Salem Multicultural Institute and the purpose of the World Beat Festival and World Beat Gallery are to create an environment of openness for all people. In all our activities, SMI aims to be family-friendly, economically inclusive, and culturally authentic. Visit the gallery located at 390 Liberty ST SE, Salem. www.salemmulticultural.org.

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com