Oregon Beach News, Monday 12/16 – 10 Staff Placed On Leave In Connection With St. Helens School District Sex Abuse Scandal & 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

Monday, December 16, 2024

Oregon Beach Weather

10 Staff Placed On Leave In Connection With St. Helens School District Sex Abuse Scandal

A total of 10 employees of the St. Helens School District have now been placed on paid administrative leave stemming from a teacher sex abuse scandal that began with the arrest of two teachers a month ago. More cases have come to light since then, but it appears that at least four of the 10 cases were not previously known.

The district said each case is “in connection with ongoing investigations related to allegations of sexual misconduct or for failing to report sexual misconduct.”

Each case is either “in connection with ongoing investigations related to allegations of sexual misconduct or for failing to report sexual misconduct,” according to a Friday news release from the district. The news release did not identify any of the 10 staff on leave, and the district declined to name any of them when asked.

“We’re going to need to affirm what information is legally releasable and we will do that and get back to you with that information,” said J. Marie, a newly hired crisis communications expert.

During a Friday media briefing, the district introduced Marie, with J. Marie and Associates, and said she will help guide the district’s public response following the sex abuse scandal that has rocked the small Oregon town. Marie said her contract is open-ended with a rate of $180 an hour and said, “I work as efficiently as I possibly can.”

“For the last 20 or so years, I have had a small business supporting school districts in crisis communications and have worked closely with the Washington Association of School Administrators to support districts in a variety of critical issues,” Marie said.

Current St. Helens High School teacher Eric Stearns and retired teacher Mark Collins were both arrested on Nov. 12 after a two-month investigation into what police described as allegations of “historic sexual abuse” at the school. The arrests triggered a wave of outrage from students and parents, many of whom accused district officials of covering up the allegations.

“That trust is not going to be, you know, rebuilt based on words,” Marie said. “It’s going to be rebuilt based on actions.”

St. Helens High School Principal Katy Wagner and district Superintendent Scot Stockwell were both placed on leave a few days after the arrests, and Wagner was indicted on Nov. 26 on criminal charges of mistreatment and official misconduct for allegedly withholding care from students and failing to comply with mandatory child abuse reporting requirements.

Days before Wagner’s indictment, the Oregon Department of Human Services confirmed that it had opened investigations into six staff members at St. Helens High School: Stearns, Collins, Stockwell, Wagner and two others whom KGW has not named because to date they have not been charged with crimes (Stockwell has not been charged either, but was publicly identified by the district when he was placed on leave).

Around the same time, St. Helens police announced an investigation into a St. Helens Middle School teacher for alleged criminal conduct “involving a student,” and that unnamed teacher was also placed on leave.

“It’s critical, ultimately, for the community to have confidence in what is learned. the investigations need to be impartial. they need to be thorough, and they need to be allowed to run their course without interference or undue speculation.” Marie said.

At least some of those seven previously reported cases appear to be among the 10 paid leave cases confirmed by the district Friday, although it’s unclear if they all are, especially since Collins is retired.

The district news release states that two of the staff members were placed on leave at some point before Nov. 13, three were placed on leave on Nov. 13 due to arrests, two were placed on leave at some point after Nov. 13 due to DHS reports or tip line reports, and three were placed on leave at some point after Nov. 13 due to an internal report.

The district announced last week that it was launching an internal investigation into the sex abuse scandal, but it’s unclear if the “internal report” referenced in Friday’s news release is connected to that investigation, which was expected to take 45 to 60 days to produce a final report.

In the past few weeks, the district has appointed an interim principal to step in for Wagner and an interim superintendent to step in for Stockwell. The district school board director also resigned after the scandal broke, and the district said Friday that has posted an application for the position, with an appointee to be named Jan. 8. (SOURCE)

Financially Troubled Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay Begins Talk With Private Equity Firm To Operate Facility

Mired in deep financial woes, executives at Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay are courting a private equity-owned health company to “assume operations” of the facility.

The 172-bed public, nonprofit hospital — the largest on Oregon’s coast — said this week it has signed a non-binding letter of intent to negotiate a deal with Quorum Health, which owns McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center in Springfield.

Kimberly Winker, a spokesperson for Bay Area Hospital, said the Coos Bay facility “is working toward an agreement where Quorum would enter into a lease transaction and assume operations of the hospital.” Hospital officials declined to say more about the financial terms of the deal, saying the arrangement has yet to be finalized.

Winker said Bay Area Hospital would keep its name. She said Quorum has so far agreed to maintain essential services for at least 10 years and keep employees in good standing with their existing pay, titles and seniority. Quorum would also ensure local representation on the hospital’s governing board and uphold existing charity care policies, Winker added.

“Quorum has also agreed to capital commitments and is expected to contribute sales and property taxes, which stand to benefit the community,” Winker said. “They are experienced in supporting rural health care … and can provide support in a timeline consistent with our financial needs.”

The two parties hope to complete the deal by the middle of 2025, pending further negotiations and approval from the state’s regulatory body that reviews business deals in health care.

The talks come as local hospitals across the country are struggling with rising costs, staff shortages and lower payments from insurance companies. The combination has made it harder for hospitals to stay financially viable on their own and helped drive a new wave of health care industry consolidation.

Bay Area Hospital is an independent hospital district that is officially a local government entity. While it can levy property taxes with voters’ approval, the hospital hasn’t done so since 1989. According to its website, “Bay Area Hospital District is the only health district in Oregon that currently does not receive any county property tax funds.”

With more than 1,000 staffers, Bay Area Hospital is also the largest employer in Oregon’s south coast, with most of its employees represented by unions.

Bay Area Hospital leaders said the deal is aimed to stabilize the hospital’s finance and maintain health services in Coos Bay. The coastal hospital has been cash-strapped for years and was in such bad financial shape last year that independent auditors raised “substantial doubt about the Hospital’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.”

The hospital’s chief financial officer told The Lund Report last year that the hospital technically defaulted on a $47 million bank loan and would have to close down if the bank called in the loan because it didn’t have the cash to pay off the debt.

While Bay Area Hospital has made some strides in improving its financial situation over the last two years — reducing losses by $54 million during the period and increasing revenues by more than 27.6% to break even following COVID-19 setbacks — industry challenges remain too large for local efforts alone, hospital officials said.

The hospital said it used to have a “healthy commercial insurance payer mix” but now nearly 87% of its patients are on Medicaid or Medicare, whose payments often don’t cover expenses. Hospital leaders said that while costs to provide care and pay employees’ wages have climbed over the last 15 years, reimbursements have not kept up.

“We’ve worked hard to turn things around and position Bay Area Hospital for a strong future, and we believe partnering with Quorum Health is the right next step,” Brian Moore, president and CEO of Bay Area Hospital, said in a statement.

Bay Area Hospital leaders said its arrangement with Quorum Health could provide resources that the hospital can’t access on its own. They said the partnership would help the hospital grow its services, keep doctors and nurses on staff and invest in updated technology and facilities.

Quorum Health Corporation, a hospital system owned by private equity firms, has 12 hospitals across nine states. It started as a publicly traded company overseeing 38 hospitals in 2016. By 2020, after closing three and selling 11 of them, it had slimmed down to 22 hospitals across 13 states before entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy. At the time of that filing, the private equity firm KKR was the largest holder of the company’s debt and owned approximately 9% of its public shares.

Following the bankruptcy, private equity firms Davidson Kempner Capital Management and Goldentree Asset Management gained control of the company. Goldentree now owns the majority stake in Quorum Health.

Since emerging from bankruptcy, Quorum Health has continued to face financial challenges and has closed or sold off hospitals in recent years. Last year, it closed a rural hospital in eastern North Carolina that left a county with a population of 22,000 without a hospital. Patients have to drive more than 20 miles to reach the nearest hospital.

As of August 2024, Quorum Health operated only 10 hospitals — down from 22 at the time of its 2020 bankruptcy filing. But the health system recently acquired two Steward Health Care hospitals in Texas through a bankruptcy court-approved sale. (SOURCE)

Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuges —  Planting for (coastal) Prairies

USFWS staff planted 200 beach strawberry, 200 coastal goldenrod, and 1000 kinnikinnick plugs to bolster native plant diversity and support native pollinators.

Kinnikinnick is the host plant for the imperiled Seaside Hoary Elfin Butterfly. Some factors that contribute to the butterfly’s decline are invasive vegetation displacing resources and habitat loss. Planting these native plants is just one way USFWS is trying to restore this coastal prairie.Photos by // USFWS

Winter Whale Watch Week Returns to the Oregon Coast December 27-31

— Oregon State Parks will host Winter Whale Watch Week on the Oregon Coast Friday, Dec. 27 through Tuesday, Dec. 31.

Trained Oregon State Park volunteers will be stationed at 15 sites along the Oregon Coast from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help visitors spot gray whales on their southward migration to the calving lagoons in Mexico. 

The sites are some of the best places to watch for whales on the Oregon Coast. A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online at the official event webpage: https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_whaleWatching

“Now is a perfect time to see the whales as their population rebounds on the Oregon Coast,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced an end to an Unusual Mortality Event impacting gray whales. Since then, the estimated population has increased by roughly 30% from 14,530 last year to 19,260 this year, according to NOAA. The numbers are on the rise overall, but the calf count is still low as the population continues to rebound.

“While there are more gray whales to see now on the Oregon Coast, the calves remain a rare and important sight,” said Michael Milstein, public affairs officer with NOAA Fisheries.

Winter Whale Watch Week provides an opportunity to see not only the gray whales but other coastal wildlife including birds and other marine mammals with help from trained volunteers and rangers. 

The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 27-31. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about the whales.

All Whale Watch Week visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, to bring binoculars and to follow beach safety guidelines such as remaining out of fenced areas, knowing the tide schedule and always keeping an eye on the surf. Go to https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beach-safety/ for a list of safety tips.

For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visit oregonstateparks.org.

Visitors are encouraged to share their photos and videos from Winter Whale Watch Week on social media using #OregonStateParks and #ORWhaleWatch24.

Prosecutors Says Coos County Boy Was On the Radar of Child Welfare Workers When He Died and No Arrests Expected

Hypothermia and exposure contributed to the death of the 5-year-old Coos County boy whose body was found 2 miles from home last month, the Coos County district attorney said Wednesday.

Joshua James McCoy went missing Nov. 9. Joshua’s mother, Angela German, 43, told authorities she woke up from a nap she had taken with her son only to discover he was gone. The boy had autism, didn’t talk much and did not like to wear clothes, she said. Feeling uncomfortable in clothing is a common response for people with autism.

Three days later, on Nov. 12, the boy’s naked body was found down the road from his home on Stage Road in the unincorporated Coos County community of Hauser.

District Attorney Paul Frasier told The Oregonian/OregonLive on Wednesday that while the case remains under investigation, he does “not anticipate any arrests will be made in the near future.”

He said authorities are awaiting the results of toxicology tests and that the autopsy showed hypothermia was a “contributing cause of death.”

The child’s body was found partially under a bush about 20 feet from the road, according to a probable cause affidavit written by Coos County Sheriff’s Deputy BradLee Davis in support of a search warrant of German’s property.

Investigators saw no scratches, bruises or marks on his body. A deputy medical examiner examined Joshua’s body at the scene and found no signs of trauma, the deputy wrote.

The affidavit spells out the early hours of the investigation — and German’s involvement with child welfare authorities in two states.

Oregon child welfare authorities had recently obtained a “pick up order” for the boy that had been signed by Coos County Circuit Judge Matthew Muenchrath, the court filing states, though it does not provide a date when the order was signed.

German had been on the radar of the Oregon Department of Human Services for at least six months when the child disappeared. Child welfare workers opened a case on the family in May due to allegations of “neglect and mistreatment towards Joshua,” the affidavit says.

State workers documented “alcohol use, filthy home with food on the floor and human feces in the home,” according to the affidavit. The court filing says the Department of Human Services had a record of another welfare check and a second referral related to German’s care of her son in July.

German’s involvement with Oregon child welfare authorities contributed to her decision to leave for Utah, where child welfare officials also opened their own investigation, according to the affidavit.

Investigators were able to arrange “an emergency ping” by the carrier, which showed the phone within about a mile-and-a-half radius of the home, according to the affidavit. Joshua’s phone was 10 feet from his body when he was found. (SOURCE)

Route 20 Designation of the Longest U.S. Highway as the “National Medal of Honor Highway”

Last week, U.S. Route 20, the nation’s longest road stretching from Newport, Oregon, to Boston, Massachusetts, will be officially designated as the “National Medal of Honor Highway” under legislation approved by the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday. The 12 states along US Highway 20 account for about 62 percent of all 3,516 Medal of Honor awards presented since the Civil War. 

The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest military award for valor, presented by the President in Congress’ name. This section of U.S. Route 20 will honor 29 Medal of Honor recipients connected with Oregon who acted with “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty at the risk of his life” during combat with an enemy of the United States thus receiving our nation’s highest award for military valor during 8 wars over a 108-year period. 

I was honored to support this effort and am even more gratified to have my House colleague’s support to pass it in the House this week. 

I would also like to mention a Central Oregon Veteran, Dick Tobiason, who set out on a mission 11 years ago to name Highway 20 in honor of our Medal of Honor Veterans. Tobiason is the chairman of the Bend Heroes Foundation, which he founded in 2010 with his son. Bend Heroes Foundation has been coordinating the designation of 11 more state Medal of Highways and has led the charge in getting U.S. Route 20 designated in Congress.

Dick Tobiason has made it his life’s work to ensure that Veterans and their families get the recognition they deserve. His lifetime of service and dedication to the Oregon Veteran community have been instrumental in bringing this recognition to fruition. I salute his efforts, his tenacity, and his relentless advocacy on behalf of Oregon Veterans and their families. 

A full copy of the legislation renaming U.S. Route 20 as “The National Medal of Honor Highway” can be found by clicking here. A link to my letter regarding the U.S. Highway, here. —- (SOURCE)

Yaquina Bay Lighthouse slated for exterior restoration in 2025

NEWPORT, Oregon— The Yaquina Bay Lighthouse will get a full exterior restoration in 2025. 

The lighthouse, built in 1871, is the only wooden lighthouse still intact on the Oregon Coast, and it’s the last example in the state of the combined lighthouse and living quarters. 

The Yaquina Bay Lighthouse served mariners for only a few short years before it was decommissioned in favor of the Yaquina Head Lighthouse in 1874. 

The lighthouse will close temporarily for restoration from Jan. 1 to June 2025, but the park will remain open. The $1.6 million project includes a complete rehabilitation of the exterior:

• Repair roof framing and chimneys
• Repair brick foundation
• Repair lantern
• Repair siding, doors and windows
• Install new roof
• Complete exterior paint

“This restoration work will help protect and preserve the historic structure for future visitors to enjoy,” said Brian McBeth, historic architecture project manager. 

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s mission includes protecting and sharing historic structures like the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse for the enjoyment and education of current and future generations. 

Each biennium, the department spends a portion of its project funds on historic restoration and maintenance. Upcoming projects include the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, Cape Foulweather Gift Shop at Otter Crest and Hughes House at Cape Blanco State Park. The Cape Foulweather Gift Shop will be closed Feb. through June 2025 with limited to no parking due to construction. 

For more information about the lighthouse and any updates to closures, visit the park page.

Recreational Crabbing Now Open Coastwide – Oregon’s Commercial Dungeness crab season begins December 16th

Oregon’s commercial Dungeness crab fishery opens Dec. 16 from Cape Falcon (Oswald State Park) to the California border. according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW).

“Pre-season testing in this area shows crab meat fill meets criteria and domoic acid is below the safety threshold,” a release from ODFW states.

Oregon will open the north coast in coordination with southern Washington to ensure consumers get a quality product and crab is not wasted. Dec. 31 is the earliest this area could open.

The commercial fleet can begin the presoak period – setting baited crab pots in the water – on Dec. 13 from Cape Falcon to the California border. The presoak time gives permit holders a chance to get their gear out in an equitable, organized, and safe manner and all can begin harvesting crab Dec. 16 in this area.

—– Recreational crabbing is now open coastwide in all bays and the ocean, the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today.

Two consecutive tests of crab samples indicate levels of domoic acid (a marine biotoxin) are below the safety threshold from Cape Blanco to CA. (This area has been closed to high levels of domoic acid since Nov. 14.)

People should always call the Shellfish Safety Hotline at 1-800-448-2474 before heading out to harvest any shellfish or visit the ODA Recreational Shellfish Biotoxin Closures Webpage.

Current recreational harvest closures and openings:

• Crabs:
  • OPEN coastwide. 
• Razor clams:
  • OPEN from the WA border to Cascade Head.
  • CLOSED from Cascade Head to the CA border.
• Mussels:
  • OPEN coastwide.
• Bay clams:
  • OPEN coastwide.

In areas open to crab harvesting, it is always recommended that crab be eviscerated and the guts removed prior to cooking. This includes removal and discard of viscera, internal organs, and gills. Toxins cannot be removed by cooking, freezing or any other treatment.

ODA will continue testing for shellfish toxins at least twice per month, as tides and weather permit. Reopening an area closed for biotoxins requires two consecutive tests with results below the closure limit. 

For more information call ODA’s shellfish biotoxin hotline at (800) 448-2474, the ODA Food Safety Program at 503- 986-4720, or visit the ODA Recreational Shellfish Biotoxin Closures Webpage .

Commercial crabbing in bays will open back up Dec. 16 from Cape Falcon to the California border in conjunction with the commercial ocean fishery. The commercial bay crab season closes at 11:59 p.m. Dec. 31.

Contact ODFW for recreational license requirements, permits, rules, and limits.

Oregon Coast Humane Society is Offering Special Holiday Deliveries

In an effort to spread holiday cheer and to promote adoptions, the Oregon Coast Humane Society has announced it will be making special holiday deliveries on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning to families within 20 miles of Florence, the organization said.

OCHS officials said that, for those who prefer, appointments are also available on both days to visit the shelter and choose an adopted pet in person.

The holiday deliveries provide a two-fold opportunity for not only creating a lasting cherished memory but also a chance for new pet owners to receive guidance by adoption counselors on such topics as introductions to other animals in the home, feeding routines, and an animal’s specific behavioral information, OCHS staff said.

“When you adopt an animal from OCHS, we make sure to discuss the ongoing needs and expenses involved in caring for your new companion throughout their lifetime,” said Elizabeth Thompson executive director of OCHS. “We want all adopters to consider their future and think about how their new pet will fit into their lives in the years to come.”

OCHS staff said that prospective adopters are encouraged to visit the OCHS shelter to meet animals they’re interested in and to complete an adoption application. Pending an approved application, arrangements will be made for a holiday delivery or for a visit to pick the perfect pet, the organization’s staff said. OCHS officials said that the shelter is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More information: https://oregoncoasthumanesociety.org/  —– Or call: 541-997-4277.

Tips To Purchase a Permit to Cut Your Christmas Tree From an Oregon National Forest

The holiday season is upon us, which means the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree is on. For those looking to bring home a real tree, permits are available now for all Oregon national forests.

Christmas tree permits are available for purchase online at recreation.gov (with an added $2.50 processing fee charged by the website) and at local U.S. Forest Service offices or from local vendors.

Permits are $5 each, and each permit allows the cutting of one Christmas tree. Households can purchase a maximum of five permits.

For downloadable maps of tree-cutting areas and a list of local vendors selling tree permits, go to bit.ly/WNFtree .

Fourth-grade students can receive a free tree permit by getting their Every Kid Outdoors pass and entering the voucher or pass number when prompted on Recreation.gov or by visiting a Forest Service office.

Seaside Art Walk for December

Seaside’s art walk takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month in the historic Gilbert District, with free, dedicated parking at Holladay Drive and Oceanway Street. Meet local artists and discover their latest collections.

Enjoy A Festive Holiday Experience Aboard the Candy Cane Express!

Nov 29-Dec 23 — Take in the views of the beautiful Oregon coastline aboard the historic train at Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad! Beautifully decorated both inside and out, this steam-powered train ride is complete with complementary hot cocoa and cookies. Write letters to Santa while awaiting a visit from the man in the red suit himself! This round-trip excursion departs Garibaldi and runs to Rockaway Beach for a one hour round trip ride. https://oregoncoastscenic.org/train-rides/candy-cane-express/

Annual Holiday Lights at Shore Acres

The event will include a speech by Mayor Sean Fitzpatrick, costumed carolers from the upcoming show “Decked!” which opens Dec. 6 at the Ten Fifteen Theater and a guest musical appearance by Blind Pilot.

Holiday Lights are set to sparkle again on Oregon’s Adventure Coast this season at Shore Acres State Park. Perched on the rugged cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Shore Acres State Park is famous for its beautiful 7-acre botanical gardens and Japanese lily pond. Visitors get a chance to stroll through this holiday tradition every night from 4:30pm to 9:00pm, Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve – including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It has become a real holiday tradition for the whole family. Admission is always free! However, parking at Shore Acres any time of the year is $5. — BOOK PARKING PASS NOW

Celebrate the Season at Sea of Lights

Celebrate the season at Sea of Lights: one of the coast’s most unique holiday light displays! Sea of Lights takes place at the Oregon Coast Aquarium from 5-8 p.m. on the first three Friday and Saturday evenings this December, with each weekend featuring a different attraction.

See lights, drink hot chocolate, meet Santa, and be merry! Chart a course for an unforgettable, family-friendly holiday experience. Find a full schedule of events, updates, and tickets online at aquarium.org/sea-of-lights

Sandbagging Stations in Lincoln County

Lincoln County residents have access to three self-serve, public sandbagging stations located in Yachats, Newport, and Lincoln City.

If you plan on using the self-serve sandbagging station, remember to bring a shovel. Hours:  Mid-October through mid-April. You can access sand any time of day or night. Community members may gather up to 10 sandbags per household, per season.  Full news releases, flyers, and social posts in English and Spanish are attached.

Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Looking For Suspect in Sandstone Cliff Vandalism

Officials with the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge are asking for the community’s help identifying the person or persons responsible for vandalizing a rock face recently.

According to the refuge, the names ‘Luke’ and ‘Niko’ were carved deep into a sandstone headland, which is located on public land. The refuge says the rock that was vandalized is on a section of beach between the cities of Gold Beach and Brookings.

Vandalism on public lands is illegal, and penalties include fines and jail time. Anyone with information or
knows who is responsible, is asked to contact the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge by emailing  oregoncoast@fws.gov.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium New Tufted Puffin Oregon License Plates on Sale

One of Oregon’s most adorably iconic seabirds is coming to the front and back of a car near you. The Oregon Coast Aquarium has opened voucher sales for its new tufted puffin license plates.

The design, featuring a tufted puffin floating in the ocean and gazing down at some fish below, was created by the
aquarium’s graphic design and marketing coordinator, Cam Mullins.

Starring a tufted puffin—one of Oregon’s iconic seabirds–funds from the new license plate will benefit both the Aquarium’s animals and their wild counterparts. You can purchase a voucher now and exchange it at the DMV once the physical plates are available. We need to sell 3,000 vouchers to reach the production stage—meaning the sooner 3,000 vouchers are sold, the sooner production begins, and the sooner you’ll have your puffin plates in-hand. Read the full story at aquarium.org/puffin-plate-debut: photo by OCAq’s Jeremy Burke

Tufted puffins are native to Oregon and nest on the rocky coast. The aquarium has a Seabird Aviary that sustains a flock of these sea birds and the profits from the license plates will go to benefit these puffins and their wild counterparts.

The voucher is available for purchase on the aquarium’s website. The cost covers the $40 surcharge fee and the money left over after the deduction of the DMV’s fees will go to support the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s
rehabilitation and conservation efforts. The aquarium is building a new marine wildlife rehabilitation center with
hopes of doubling the number of animal patients it can offer care to. FOLLOW on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OregonCoastAquarium

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

Holiday Shipping Guide: Your Last-Minute Dates for USPS, FedEx, UPS and Amazon Shipping

Doing some last-minute shopping? Don’t wait. As of today, you still have time to ship your gifts so they’ll arrive before Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. You’re going to need to act quickly, though. The first deadlines that will guarantee on-time delivery are coming up this week, and you need to be prepared. 

FedEx shipping deadlines to arrive by Dec. 25, 2024

With Christmas falling on a Wednesday this year, you’ll be able to take take advantage of overnight shipping from FedEx on Monday, Dec. 23. In a pinch, you can also ship FedEx SameDay on Tuesday, Dec. 24, to get your package delivered by Christmas. FedEx Express Saver, 2Day and 3Day deadlines are all the week before Christmas, and the FedEx Ground deadline is two weeks before, on Dec. 17.

Here are the dates FedEx recommends you ship by (PDF) to have your packages arrive on or before Dec. 25 in the US.

FedEx holiday shipping deadlines

Domestic service	Ship date
Ground	Dec. 17
Express Saver	Dec. 19
2Day and 2Day AM*	Dec. 20
First Overnight and Priority Overnight*	Dec. 23
SameDay	Dec. 24

*You can send FedEx 2Day and FedEx 2Day AM one day later on Saturday, Dec. 21, with an optional Saturday Delivery surcharge for $16 per package. 

UPS shipping deadlines to arrive by Dec. 25, 2024

As with FedEx, UPS shipping deadlines are a little more reasonable this week, with the holiday landing on a Wednesday instead of a Monday, as it did in 2023. You’ll need to send your very last packages by Dec. 23 to make sure they arrive by Dec. 25. Here are UPS’ recommended shipping dates (PDF) for Christmas 2023.

UPS holiday shipping deadlines

Domestic service	Ship date
Ground	Check the UPS website for deadlines
3-Day Select	Dec. 19
2nd Day Air	Dec. 20
Next Day Air	Dec. 23

USPS shipping deadlines for Dec. 25, 2024

The US Postal Service deadlines for shipping Christmas packages also a bit more favorable for last-minute shopping this year. Here are the dates the US Postal Service recommends you circle on your calendar if you want packages to arrive before Dec. 25, including for Alaska and Hawaii.

USPS holiday shipping deadlines

Domestic service	Date (excluding Alaska and Hawaii)	Date for Alaska	Date for Hawaii
USPS Retail Ground	Dec. 18	Dec. 16	Dec. 16
First-Class Mail	Dec. 18	Dec. 18	Dec. 18
Priority Mail	Dec. 19	Dec. 19	Dec. 19
Priority Mail Express	Dec. 21	Dec. 20	Dec. 20

Amazon estimated shipping deadlines for Dec. 25, 2024

You may be able to streamline the shopping and mailing process by ordering straight from Amazon and shipping the package directly to your giftee. But heads up: Amazon has a habit of waiting until much closer to Christmas before it lists its holiday shipping deadlines. We can extrapolate the deadline this year from shipping dates for preceding holiday seasons. 

Note that these are estimated delivery dates. If it were us, and Christmas was close, we might not risk everything on those one-day and same-day delivery dates and instead send an electronic gift certificate. All shipping dates except for e-gift cards and free shipping in five to eight days are exclusively for Prime members. 

One thing to look for: Amazon said Same-Day Delivery is available in more than 90 metro areas, so check whether your area has Same-Day Delivery. You can also look for “free delivery today” next to the product name. And each Amazon product listing page will also provide an estimated shipping date.

Amazon holiday shipping deadlines

Shipping type	Deadline to buy	Date delivered
Free shipping	Dec. 14	Dec. 24
2-day shipping (Prime)	Dec. 22	Dec. 24
1-day shipping (Prime)	Dec. 23	Dec. 24
Same day delivery (Prime)	Dec. 24	Dec. 24
e-Gift card delivery	Dec. 25	Dec. 25

How to ship packages to arrive in time for Hanukkah and Kwanzaa this year

Shipping companies don’t generally list specific deadlines for Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. However, since both holidays mostly align with Christmas this year, you can use the same deadlines.

Hanukkah starts on the evening of Dec. 25 this year, and Kwanzaa begins the next day on Dec. 26. If you want any Hanukkah or Kwanzaa packages to arrive before the holiday begins, use the shipping deadlines for Christmas.

Nothing is guaranteed, and storms and package supply shortages may result in shipping delays, as happened a few years ago.

To make sure your packages are safely delivered, here’s how to guard against porch pirates. (SOURCE)

Oregon lawmakers approve $218M in emergency wildfire funding

The Legislature spent $218 million to cover the costs of the most expensive fire season on record.

Oregon lawmakers approved $218 million in emergency wildfire funds during a Thursday special session that was convened to address unpaid bills stemming from the state’s 2024 record wildfire season.

As wildfires still rage in California, Oregon is among several states grappling with steep costs related to fighting wildfires this year. New Mexico lawmakers in a July special session approved millions of dollars in emergency aid for wildfire victims, and states including North Dakota and Wyoming have requested federal disaster declarations to help with recovery costs.

Oregon lawmakers unleashed a flood of emergency funding Thursday, as the state grapples with its most expensive, expansive wildfire season in modern times.

In a quick special session, the Legislature passed a single bill, allocating $218 million in taxpayer money to cover the costs of a fire year that saw more than 1.9 million acres burn.

The emergency spending will free up the Oregon Department of Forestry and Office of State Fire Marshal — the two state agencies that predominantly tackle wildfires — to pay contractors who sent machinery and manpower to battle this year’s blazes and support firefighting teams, but have sat unpaid for months.

As of late November, the forestry department said it was facing nearly $100 million in unpaid bills for the fire season, with more invoices on the way.

The special session was among the more unremarkable in recent memory. With broad agreement that the state must pay bills that have grown as the state experiences more severe fire years, both Democrats and Republicans were happy to approve the money. The lone bill up for consideration, Senate Bill 5801, sailed through a legislative committee and both chambers on nearly unanimous votes in just a few hours.

That didn’t mean everyone agreed on why the state finds itself in a financial bind.

State Sen. Lynn Findley, R-Vale, accused the forestry department of failing to keep lawmakers informed about the extent of its mounting costs. In a committee hearing, he called on the agency’s head, State Forester Cal Mukumoto, to resign.

“We have vendors in the state of Oregon that we, the State of Oregon, hired months and months ago, and we have not paid that bill,” said Findley, who said he only became aware of the fiscal crunch in mid-November. “If the tables were turned and it was the other way around, the attorney general would be throwing somebody in jail.”

Oregon wildfire funding comes in two main flavors. There is “base” fire funding, split between the state and property owners whose land is under state protection. Oregon agencies tapped $74.5 million in base funding this year, but that money only goes toward spotting and putting out small fires.

When fires spread rapidly, or threaten lives and property, funding comes from a fund for “large” fires. The first $20 million from this bucket is split between the state and landowners. The rest is backfilled, eventually, from the state’s general fund.

And this year, large fire costs hit $352 million — $212 million more than the state’s next most expensive fire year in 2020. The vast majority of that cost was incurred by the forestry department, which received $191.5 million in Thursday’s lone legislation.

While the federal government will ultimately pay nearly 60% of the tab, state officials say that process can take years. In the meantime, they have been scrambling to find money and pay outstanding bills.

“We just don’t have enough cash on hand to pay the folks who came out this year and worked thousands of hours protecting their neighbors and community members,” Joy Krawczyk, a forestry department spokesperson, said earlier this month. “Even if we liquidated everything we could possibly get, we still probably couldn’t get to that number.”

The 2024 fire season began with optimism. Above-average snowpack and low levels of drought kept fires largely in check through June. Then a heatwave quickly dried out the Oregon landscape, and a series of lightning storms set hundreds of fires.

By July, Oregon had become the nation’s top firefighting priority. In total, the state saw more than 1,000 fires — including six “megafires” larger than 100,000 acres each.

DOJ Survey Finds Most Oregonians Care About Privacy, Curious About New Law

Historically, most Americans have little control over their private data, but the new Oregon Consumer Privacy Act has changed that by giving power back to the people.

Keep Personal Information LOCKED

In terms of the new Privacy Act, Oregonians can now protect their personal information by keeping it L.O.C.K.E.D:

• List – ask businesses for a list of third parties that bought their private data.
• Opt-out by disallowing business enterprises to sell, profile, and use advertising targeted to personal information.
• Copy – obtain a copy of personal and sensitive data held by businesses.
• Know the scope of personal information collected.
• Edit any inaccuracies shown by the data.
• Delete personal and sensitive information.

A survey of 344 consumers about attitudes on privacy and perceptions of the new Oregon Consumer Privacy Act that became effective at the beginning of July 2024, was undertaken by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The survey found that 80% of the respondents were concerned about privacy, particularly regarding information about children. Few respondents were aware of the new Consumer Privacy Act to help them keep private information hidden from prying eyes.

The survey also found that more than one-third of the respondents had experienced a data breach of their private information in the last year, while more than a quarter experienced acts of fraud on their bank accounts.

But that should all change with the Oregon Consumer Privacy Act which imposes new restrictions on the collection of personal data by businesses.

The Oregon Attorney General, Ellen Rosenblum urges businesses to become acquainted with the new Consumer Act on how the law expects those that qualify to treat customer data,

Special protections to protect the privacy of children and teens are also addressed in the new Consumer Act.

Rosenblum says parents and caregivers should pay special attention to protections for children under 13. The Attorney General focused her initiative as president of the National Association of Attorneys General this year on the online protection of America’s youth. (SOURCE)

Lawmakers Preview Housing Bills as Many Oregonians Face Unaffordable Rent or Mortgage Payments

Oregon lawmakers this week previewed some of their ideas to build more homes and lower rents and home prices for Oregonians struggling with the high cost of housing.

During committee hearings at the state Capitol on Tuesday and Wednesday, lawmakers discussed proposals to limit rent increases for mobile home parks, build more condos and crack down on landlords pocketing deposits. All are aimed at easing pressures that result in more than half of all renters and a third of homeowners spending more than 30% of their income on housing costs, according to a recent report from the Oregon Housing and Community Services. 

Here’s a look at some of the housing bills lawmakers plan to introduce next year:

Rent control for mobile home parks

Current state law limits annual rent increases for buildings older than 15 years to no more than 10% or 7% plus inflation, whichever is less. Rep. Pam Marsh, D-Ashland and chair of the House Housing and Homelessness Committee, plans to introduce a bill to further limit rent increases in manufactured home parks and marinas.

Oregon has 1,328 manufactured home parks with more than 72,000 spaces, according to Lane County legal aid attorney and Oregon State Tenants Association vice president John VanLandingham. Most people living in those parks own their homes but rent the land. The roughly 25 marinas in the state that have floating homes operate similarly — people rent boat slips, like parking spaces on the water and live in houseboats. 

“Our focus is entirely on rent increases, because that is the issue that is scaring the pants off of all manufactured home park tenants across the state,” VanLandingham said. 

Marsh’s proposal would limit rent increases on manufactured home parks and marinas to no more than the rate of inflation. That, VanLandingham said, would bring potential rent increases more in line with the cost of living increases manufactured homeowners on fixed incomes see from Social Security. Many manufactured homeowners are seniors or farmworkers.

Easier path to building condos

Unlike traditional single-family homes, condominiums let people buy an individual unit in a building. They’re typically cheaper than other types of homes: The median cost of a condo in Oregon was $341,000 in 2023 compared to the median price of $552,460 for a single-family home.

But condo construction has plummeted from a peak of about 4,200 new units in 2006 to just 309 last year — a 92% drop. 

“​​We aren’t building condos in Oregon anymore, and we haven’t for years,” said Sen. Mark Meek, a Gladstone Democrat and real estate agent.

He attributed that decrease in large part to restrictive state laws that give property owners more time to file complaints or lawsuits against construction companies than they have in other states. A 2018 report from ECONorthwest found that Oregon’s 10-year time limit for property owners to file claims over construction defects  was higher than other West Coast states. Between the risk of lawsuits and apartment rents increasing, developers and lenders have seen regular apartment buildings as a safer and more profitable option compared to condos. 

Meek’s proposed bill would decrease that limit from 10 years to six years and require more robust inspections of condo exteriors, which he said would reduce the risk of defects. He said the proposal, backed by developers and Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson, the Republican vice chair of the House Housing and Homelessness Committee, was the kind of bold but practical solution demanded by the state’s housing crisis. 

Cracking down on ‘hold deposits’

Many landlords charge “holding” deposits, typically at least several hundred dollars and sometimes as high as a month’s rent, to future tenants to secure an apartment while working out lease details and a move-in date. If a tenant moves in, that deposit is usually credited toward their first month’s rent, security deposit or other move-in costs — but if a tenant can’t move in, they often lose that money. 

Rep. Annessa Hartman, D-Gladstone, plans to introduce a bill to limit landlords’ ability to keep those deposits. Hartman’s measure would require landlords to immediately refund the deposit and pay a penalty equal to the amount when they fail to provide a lease, such as by overbooking a rental unit or trying to rent a unit that doesn’t meet state standards for habitability. 

Air conditioning apartments

After changing state law two years ago to require landlords to allow tenants to use air conditioning units, lawmakers are looking at requiring indoor cooling in all apartments with 10 or more units.

The Senate Housing and Development Committee will introduce a bill to require landlords to provide central air, portable air conditioning devices or other passive cooling to keep each bedroom at a temperature 15 degrees below the outdoor temperature and not higher than 80 degrees. Otherwise, landlords would have to provide tenants with access to a community cooling space on or near the apartment premises that maintains a temperature below 80 degrees.

Oregon and other states have long required that landlords provide heat in rental properties so tenants can have a minimum indoors temperature of 68 degrees. Debates over landlords’ responsibilities for cooling units have taken off in recent years as Oregon experiences more extreme heat tied to climate change. About 100 Oregonians died during a 2021 heat dome event, and Salem, Eugene and Hillsboro broke record high temperatures in a heat wave this July.   (SOURCE)

Pilots Report Mysterious Lights ‘Moving at Extreme Speeds’ Across Oregon Skies

At least four commercial pilots encountered mysterious lights over the weekend. Researchers theorize they could be flares from numerous Starlink satellites.

At least four commercial pilots encountered mysterious lights zipping through the skies above Oregon this past weekend. 

One pilot flying an air ambulance reported a bright light streaking toward his Life Flight plane, with it suddenly reversing back toward the Pacific Ocean.  

“Red in color — moving at extreme speeds. I don’t even know how to describe how fast it was moving,” the pilot told air traffic control.

On Sunday night, Dec. 8, the pilot of a United Airlines flight described unexpected lights in the sky above the Eugene area. 

“We’re seeing three or four targets. They’re all altitudes. Up and down. It’s pretty crazy,” the pilot told air traffic controllers, who confirmed there was no military activity in the area.

The Life Flight pilot reported one of the lights was going in circles in a “corkscrew pattern” and showed up on his aircraft’s collision avoidance system.  

“You are cleared to maneuver as necessary — a left or right to avoid the UFO out there,” an air traffic controller responded in the audio clip posted online.

Several brief video clips taken by pilots and their crew showed lights in the night sky, although objects are difficult to see because of the dark conditions.

“It’s weird. It’s red, circular shape, and it keeps zipping out towards the ocean and then coming back about 20 miles or closer to us — then it zips back to the ocean,” the Life Flight pilot told air traffic controllers on Sunday night.

Two Horizon Airlines pilots also reported seeing mysterious lights, according to an air traffic controller.

The flights each continued without further incident. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) acknowledged that a pilot saw unidentified lights but did not provide further comment.   

So, what could it be?

“That appears to be Starlink satellites, most likely,” explained scientist and researcher Douglas Buettner, who led a study examining a case of five pilots who saw several bright moving objects over the Pacific Ocean in 2022. 

The pilots, flying in two commercial aircraft, took photos and video of unrecognizable objects reported as unidentified aerial phenomena. Buettner and his colleagues determined the bright lights were flare from numerous Starlink satellites, launched by SpaceX to provide broadband internet.

“Literally all it is — it’s the sun hits the satellite just right, and it is being reflected back into your eye,” explained Buettner, deputy chief scientist of the Acquisition Innovation Research Center, led by the Stevens Institute of Technology. 

He believes the eye-catching lights spotted by pilots over Oregon were most likely satellite flares — although without better data and clear video, he hasn’t ruled out other possibilities.

“I’ve had two other people look at it, and they say it is consistent with Starlink,” Buettner explained.

In August 2022, people in Oregon witnessed a string of Starlink satellites moving dramatically across the night sky.

Last month, the Pentagon director overseeing unidentified anomalous phenomena told lawmakers the Defense Department has seen an increase in reported UAP sightings, especially since satellite constellations such as Starlink were launched.

“We do have one example that I’m aware of where we were able to correlate a number of observations of interesting lights in the sky, and eventually, we concluded that it was multiple people observing Starlink flares,” Jon Kosloski testified at a Senate hearing. (SOURCE)

Data Center Energy Demands Could Trigger Blackouts

A panel of authorities on the data center industry told Northwest energy planners Wednesday that the tech sector will take all the electricity it can get its hands on, warning of severe consequences.

A panel of authorities on the data center industry told Northwest energy planners Wednesday that the tech sector will take all the electricity it can get its hands on, warning of severe consequences if the region doesn’t respond in time.

“We’re going to need to build more transmission faster than any time we have in the last 70 years as a region,” said Robert Cromwell, who consults with Northwest power utilities. He said the region is already flirting with rolling blackouts because peak energy demand is already near the region’s capacity to provide electricity.

Data center demand is soaring because of artificial intelligence, which uses massive amounts of electricity for advanced computation. These powerful machines already consume more than 10% of all of Oregon’s power and forecasters say data center power use will be at least double that by 2030 — and perhaps some multiple higher.

If the Northwest fails to add enough generation and transmission to meet the growing energy needs, Cromwell said periodic blackouts are inevitable at times power demand is at its greatest. He used an industry term, “rotating load shedding,” to describe rolling blackouts, which briefly cut off power to homes, businesses and even hospitals that need electricity to provide life-saving care.

“Nothing will change policy faster than elected officials going to constituent funerals, and it won’t be for the better because it’ll be reactionary and less than fully thought through,” Cromwell told Wednesday’s meeting of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council.

Oregon has one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing data center industries, owing in large part to some of the most generous tax breaks anywhere in the world. Data centers don’t employ many people, but the wealthy tech companies that run them enjoy Oregon tax giveaways worth more than $225 million annually. (READ MORE)

Oregon State Parks Offering Discounted Parking Passes – Give the gift of the outdoors and save this season with the Oregon State Parks 12-month parking permit sale during December.

Shoppers can buy the annual parking permits for only $25 (regularly $30) from Dec. 1 through Dec. 31. The permit is good for 12 months starting in the month of purchase at the 25 parks that currently charge for parking.

The annual permit is an even better option for frequent park visitors in 2025 when day-use parking fees will increase from $5 to $10 on Jan. 2, 2025.

Purchasing permits is easy. Visitors can buy them online at Oregon State Parks store. They’re also available at select park stores operated by friends’ groups, park visitor centers and local businesses throughout the state. For a complete list, visit stateparks.oregon.gov.

The daily parking fee is required at the 25 parks that charge for day-use parking unless visitors have a 12-month or 24-month parking permit or a same-day camping receipt. The parking fee does not apply to those who hike, bike or use public transportation.

The 24-month permit is $50 and is also available at OregonStateParkStore. The cost for the 12-month and 24-month permits is not currently increasing. The permits are transferable from vehicle to vehicle.

Ways to get and give help this holiday season

‘Tis the season for connection and caring for one another. But we also know this time of year can be challenging for many families. So whether you need a little extra support, or are looking for ways to give back to your community, we’ve got some suggestions to make the holiday season special.

Ways to get holiday help:

1. Visit the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) holiday resources webpage

Our 2024 holiday resources webpage has a list of local organizations that can provide hot meals, toys, winter clothes and more for families and individuals this holiday season. The page is available in English and Spanish, and you can sort the list by county to find resources in your area.

2. Connect with 211info

Not seeing anything near you on our list? Dial 2-1-1 to connect with someone who can guide you to the support you need. You can also visit 211info.org, enter your zip code, and search for “Holiday Gifts/Toys,” “Christmas Baskets,” or “Christmas Meals.”

3. Reach out to your local ODHS office

We’re here to help! Our local office staff often know about upcoming events and resources in your community. We can also help you learn more about services that be accessed year-round, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Oregon Health Plan (OHP), and more.

Ways to give holiday help:

1. Donate to ODHS or a community organization

ODHS partners with many community organizations that collect donations, like food, clothes, and toys, that support children in foster care, older adults, families in need, and more. For 2024, we’ve compiled a list with some of the ways you can donate to help the families ODHS serves. Don’t see anything on the list in your area? Contact your local ODHS office for more suggestions. You can also make a financial contribution to ODHS and specify how you want it to be used by emailing dhs.volunteerservices@odhs.oregon.gov.

2. Volunteer

Your time is one of the most valuable gifts you can give. At ODHS, we have several temporary volunteer opportunities this holiday season for things like wrapping donations, delivering gifts, and helping at holiday parties for children in ODHS care. Email dhs.volunteerservices@odhs.oregon.gov to learn about holiday openings or to get involved longer-term. If that’s not for you, we also recommend reaching out to local nonprofits or community centers with missions you believe in to see how you can help.

3. Build community connections

Sometimes, the best way to give back is by simply showing up. Attend local events, check in on your neighbors, and spread the word about the ways to get help that we listed above. A little kindness and connection can go a long way!

Holiday Express Steams Up – Rides run every Friday – Sunday through Jan. 4.

The countdown is on! The first day of the highly anticipated Holiday Express is almost here, and it’s your chance to ride a train pulled by a historic steam locomotive—an unforgettable experience like no other.

Santa’s nearly ready—list checked, elves prepped, lights sparkling, and candy canes in hand. The only thing missing is YOU!

Get your tickets now for this beloved annual tradition. Create lasting memories with friends and family aboard the Holiday Express. Rides begin Nov. 29 and run every Friday – Sunday through Jan. 4.

Special Offer: Get 10% off select rides from Nov. 29 to Dec. 8! But don’t wait, tickets are selling fast.

Be part of the magic this holiday season. Reserve your seat today! Oregon Rail Heritage Center 

Media contest invites Oregon high school students to promote young worker safety; entries due Feb. 21, 2025

Salem – High school students across Oregon are encouraged to put their video or graphic design skills on display by competing for cash prizes as part of a larger cause: increasing awareness about workplace safety and health for young workers.

The 2025 media contest, organized by the Oregon Young Employee Safety (O[yes]) Coalition, calls on participants to create an ad – through a compelling graphic design or video – that grabs their peers’ attention and convinces them to take the Young Employee Safety Awareness online training.

Participants get to choose the key message, theme, or tagline they believe will go furthest in capturing their audience and moving it to act. The target audience? Teen workers or teens who are preparing to work for the first time. The contest is now open for submissions. To compete, participants may submit either a graphic design or a video that is no more than 90 seconds in length.

Participants are expected to choose their key message, theme, or tagline in a wise and positive manner, including constructive and effective messages and language.

The top three entries in each of the two media categories will take home cash prizes ranging from $300 to $500. In each category, the first-place winner’s school, club, or organization will receive a matching award. Moreover, O[yes] will use the best of the submissions as ads in its ongoing efforts to improve on-the-job safety and health protections for teens.

While they carry out their projects, participants must ensure the health and safety of their team. No one should be endangered while creating their video or graphic design project.

The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. 

Participants are encouraged to submit entries online. Submissions may also be mailed on a USB thumb drive or delivered in person.

For more information about the entry form and rules, contest expectations, and resources – including previous contest winners  – visit the O[yes] online contest page.

The contest sponsors are local Oregon chapters of the American Society of Safety Professionals, Construction Safety Summit, Central Oregon Safety & Health Association, Hoffman Construction Company, Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Oregon OSHA, SafeBuild Alliance, SAIF Corporation, and the Oregon Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) Alliance.

### About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

About the Oregon Young Employee Safety Coalition (O[yes]): (O[yes]) is a nonprofit dedicated to preventing young worker injuries and fatalities. O[yes] members include safety and health professionals, educators, employers, labor and trade associations, and regulators. Visit youngemployeesafety.org.

Lend Your Voice to Shape the Future of Emergency Management in Oregon!

SALEM, OR – November 19, 2024 – The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) invites all Oregonians to participate in shaping the future of emergency management across the state. On February 11, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., OEM is hosting its second annual town hall where community members and partners from all backgrounds can provide input and feedback on the agency’s 2023–2025 Strategic Plan and the OEM Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) plan.

The Strategic Plan serves as a blueprint for OEM’s commitment to delivering excellent customer service and building resilience within Oregon’s communities. The IDEA plan guides emergency management practices that address the needs of all communities, fostering equitable outcomes and inclusive resilience statewide.  Feedback from this town hall will help guide OEM’s efforts to improve emergency preparedness, response and recovery in ways that serve every community across the state—before, during and after a disaster.

The town hall is open to everyone, and no prior emergency management experience is required. Closed captioning will be available, and a video and audio transcript of the event will be accessible upon request after the event.

Event Details:

Event: Oregon Department of Emergency Management’s second annual strategic planning and IDEA town hall
Date: February 11, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Meeting will be virtual; link will be sent as event nears.  

Your feedback is critical in helping OEM serve Oregon’s diverse communities better and to foster an inclusive approach to emergency preparedness and resilience. We look forward to hearing from you at this important event.

For more information or questions, please contact Bobbi McAllister at obbi.mcallister@oem.oregon.gov“>bobbi.mcallister@oem.oregon.gov.

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com