Oregon Beach News, Wednesday 1/15 – Oregon Housing and Community Services Awards $12.2 Million to Elm Park Apartments in Florence, Area North of Cape Falcon Opens Today to Commercial Dungeness Crab Fishing & 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

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Oregon Beach Weather

Small Craft Advisory Issued: 2:34 AM Jan. 15, 2025 – National Weather Service

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THURSDAY TO 7 AM PST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Seas 5 to 8 ft at 13 seconds expected.

* WHERE...For waters 5 nm to 10 nm from Cape Blanco and beaches south of Cape Blanco.

* WHEN...From 4 PM Thursday to 7 AM PST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds and/or steep seas could capsize or damage smaller vessels.

* View the hazard area in detail at https://go.usa.gov/x6hks

Oregon Housing And Community Services Boosts The Creation Or Preservation Of More Than 100 Affordable Homes In Curry, Lane, And Multnomah Counties Including Florence

Agency awards more than $37 million for three affordable housing developments

— Oregon Housing and Community Services is funding the creation, preservation, and rehabilitation of more than 100 affordable homes across Oregon, with the more than half designated for seniors. The Housing Stability Council (HSC) gave the green light to the three projects last Friday. They include M Carter Commons in Portland, Elm Park Apartments in Florence, and Shelly Cove Apartments in Port Orford. 

The council awarded $12.2 million to Elm Park Apartments in Florence through the agency’s Oregon Centralized Application (ORCA) process. The new construction will create 32 units ranging in size from one to three bedrooms. The development, built by Our Coastal Village, Inc., will feature a greenhouse, raised garden beds, a community center, and a playground. The site is centrally located across the street from a park and close to an early childhood education facility that will open this year.   (https://www.ci.florence.or.us/sites/default/files/fileattachments/planning_commission/page/26096/exhibit_aa3.pdf)

Up to $21.5 million in pass-through revenue bond financing will go to M Carter Commons. The 62-unit development in Portland will serve residents over the age of 55. It’s named after Margaret Louise Carter, Oregon’s first Black woman legislator, and is co-developed and co-owned between Urban League of Portland and Northwest Housing Alternatives (NHA). Project amenities include an enclosed courtyard, bicycle parking, community and laundry rooms, a resident service provider space, and more. Urban League of Portland will provide culturally responsive services.  

“Dirt is flying as communities across Oregon break ground on new housing developments,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “We are not just building—we are creating opportunities, connecting communities, and strengthening our state. Making life better and more affordable for Oregonians is possible through real investments, real affordable housing options, and real efforts to strengthen our economy.” 

Shelly Cove Apartments is an acquisition and preservation project with 14 units in Port Orford that will receive $4.1 million in funding through ORCA. Sponsored by Chrisman Development, Inc, the preservation and rehabilitation will prevent the loss of affordable units and restore the building’s condition. Renovation will include a new roof, siding, exterior doors, and windows, and each of the units will be renovated and will receive new hot water heaters and energy-efficient appliances. 

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) – OHCS is Oregon’s housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.

Area North of Cape Falcon Opens Today to Commercial Dungeness Crab Fishing

Commercial Dungeness crab fishing opens Jan. 15 from Cape Falcon, OR to Klipsan Beach, WA. A fourth round of preseason testing in Long Beach, WA shows crab meat fill meets optimal commercial harvest criteria.

Targeted to open Dec. 1, Oregon’s ocean commercial Dungeness crab season can be delayed or partially opened so consumers get a high-quality product and crabs are not wasted.

This year’s commercial Dungeness crab fishery opened Dec. 16 from Cape Falcon to the California border. The season was delayed in this area due to preseason testing that showed crabs were too low in meat yield in four areas and domoic acid was elevated in crab viscera (guts) in two areas on the south coast. Check ODFW’s website for more on Oregon’s commercial Dungeness crab fishery.

Clatsop Community College – Get College Ready Event on Wednesday 1/15

 · If you are looking at going to college in the fall, now is the time to start the process. Interested students and their families are invited to Get College Ready on Wednesday, Jan. 15th at 5:30 p.m. The event will include scholarship presentations, FAFSA/ORSAA assistance and a college & community resource fair.

This event is free and open to the public, providing vital support for students planning for college, particularly those needing help with financial aid applications, scholarship opportunities, and interested in speaking with college and university admissions representatives.

In addition to Clatsop Community College, admissions representatives of several universities along with community resource organizations will be present to answer questions. For more information, please contact Amy Magnussen, Pre-College TRIO Director at amagnussen@clatsopcc.edu

Local Man Arrested for Domestic Assault Following Dispute on Walker Lane in Charleston

On January 14, 2025, at around 11:37 PM, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a dispute at a residence on Walker Lane in Charleston. Deputy Z. Smith, who was in the vicinity, quickly arrived on the scene to address the situation.

Upon arrival, Deputy Smith made contact with 35-year-old Michael Hashberger, who was involved in the dispute and had been drinking that night. During the investigation, it was revealed that there had been a prior incident between Michael and the victim, during which the altercation had turned physical. The victim sustained minor injuries, which the responding Deputy documented. It was also noted that this incident occurred in close proximity to minor children.

As a result of the investigation, Michael Hashberger was arrested for Assault in the Fourth Degree Domestic-Felony. He was subsequently transported to the Coos County Jail, where he was booked and lodged.

The Coos County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone experiencing domestic disputes or violence to seek help and report such incidents to the authorities. “Police action is not indicative of guilt. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”

LAST CHANCE! Lincoln County Cultural Coalition wants cultural organizations throughout Lincoln County, and/or that serve Lincoln County, to apply for 2025 grants.

Applications for FY2025 will be accepted until January 17, 2025. Learn more at lincolncountycc.org

The North Bend Ice Skating Rink and Marathon Rewards is thrilled to announce an upcoming Free Ice-Skating Weekend.   

Join the North Bend Ice Skating Rink and Marathon Rewards for a Free Ice-Skating Weekend on January 18–19, 2025 at 2040 Union Ave. Enjoy free skate rentals, “booties” for non-skaters, music, and fun activities for all ages. Sponsored by Marathon Rewards, this event celebrates community and connection. Visit northbendoregon.us/iceskatingrink for details. Free Ice-Skating Weekend Sponsored by Marathon Rewards

Join us for two days of Free Ice Skating, excitement, and fun at the North Bend Ice Skating Rink, located at 2040 Union Ave, on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

This generous sponsorship by Marathon Rewards ensures that everyone can enjoy free ice skate rentals and even complimentary “booties” for those who prefer to explore the ice without skates. This event is the perfect opportunity for families, friends, and individuals of all ages to create lasting memories, try something new, and visit with each other, all while experiencing the joy of ice skating at no cost!

Marathon’s, newest establishment is conveniently located at 3390 Broadway Ave, North Bend, and is dedicated to making a positive impact in the community it serves. This free ice-skating weekend is a testament to their commitment to bringing people together, fostering connection, and creating moments of joy.

Event Highlights:
• Free Ice Skating: Includes skate rentals and booties for non-skaters.
• Fun for All Ages: A perfect outing for families, friends, and ice enthusiasts.
• Music and Activities: Enjoy upbeat tunes and engaging on-site activities.

Don’t miss this opportunity to make memories with your loved ones and celebrate the winter season. Join us in thanking Marathon Rewards for their incredible sponsorship and community spirit. For more information about the event visit northbendoregon.us/iceskatingrink

Lincoln City Parks & Recreation – · All are welcome to join LC Parks & Rec for National Day of Service, Mon. Jan. 20th, MLK, Jr. Day.

Meet at Cutler City Open Space at 10am to spread bark and cut ivy. All tools provided, raffle prizes and snacks on hand. Parking open at SW 63rd. https://s.mtrbio.com/cctdpchwji

Cannon Beach Gallery – Dreamscape Exhibition

The Cannon Beach Gallery is kicking off the new year with our “Dreamscape” exhibition, which opened on January 3 and runs through February 2, 2025. This one-of-a-kind show will delve into dreamlike imagery and the power of imagination, featuring a diverse collection of works by local and regional artists.

About the exhibition: Artist Lloyd Lindley’s work transports viewers into a timeless, dystopian realm alongside urban surrealist artist Gregory Hergert whose paintings capture the hidden energy of city life turning everyday moments into dreamlike scenes. Artist David Cohen will feature black-and-white images with layers of symbolism embedded into the work. Glass artist Kate Saunders creates kiln-formed glass images, using a photoresist technique working her own photographs onto glass. Ceramicist Janet Maher’s whimsical ceramics inspired by myth and storytelling, evoke a time when ravens spoke with elk and mermaids swam alongside seals. John Kirk’s photographic creations weave dreamlike narratives through layered images, Gwen Kirk’s folk art paintings seamlessly blend reality and imagination and Patti Brendibach, brings her unique characters to life with felt sculpture.

An opening reception will be held on January 10, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Visitors will have the chance to meet the artists, enjoy refreshments, and experience the surreal, imaginative worlds created in the Dreamscapes exhibition. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or new to the scene, Dreamscapes promises a visual experience.

Exhibition Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

For more information, please contact the Cannon Beach Gallery at 503-436-0744 or email info@cannonbeacharts.org. We are located in mid-town Cannon Beach at 1064 S Hemlock St, Cannon Beach, OR 97110. FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/cannonbeacharts

Gleneden Beach Community Club Events

Look what’s coming up soon at the Club…Bingo night, a Lunar New Year potluck (sign up at glenedenbeach.org) and education night with the Oregon Coast Therapy dogs.

More events to come as space on the board allows, so keep watch! https://www.facebook.com/GlenedenBeachCC

 Join Us for the Yachats Lions Club All-You-Can-Eat Crab Feed! 

Bring your appetite and friends for a feast like no other! Our annual Crab Feed is back, offering a delicious meal and a wonderful community gathering. Saturday, January 25, 2025

 Seating Times:12:30 PM @ Yachats Lions Hall
4:00 PM @ Yachats Lions Hall
4:00 PM @ Yachats Commons (Groups of 6+ only) Locations:
Yachats Lions Hall (344 W 4th St, Yachats, OR 97498)
Yachats Commons (4:00 PM seating for groups) What to Expect:
All-You-Can-Eat Dungeness Crab: Fresh and delicious, straight from local waters.
Tasty Sides: Baked beans, coleslaw, fresh bread, and soda included!
Great Atmosphere: A fun and lively event for crab lovers of all ages.
 Tickets: $45 per person. Seating is limited (100 at each Lions Hall seating; 140 at Yachats Commons), so reserve your spot early! Reserve Your Spot: Visit yachatslionsclub.org/shop.

Big Blue Film Festival (BBFF) returns January 24 & 25, 2025!

The BBFF showcases ocean-themed films at the confluence of marine sciences, humanities, and the arts. Over 200 films were submitted by filmmakers from 55 countries. In the end, 34 films were selected and will be shown at Hatfield’s Gladys Valley Marine Studies Building and the Newport Performing Arts Center. Learn more about the festival, the films, or purchase passes at coastarts.org/events/big-blue-25

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

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

Do you need a GoBag or GoBag supplies? Purchase supplies on the website and pick up items at the Pop-Up Shop. Pick up January 11, from 1:00-1:30 PM at the Manzanita Police Station — https://evcnb.org/events-and-training/gobag-popup-01112025

Oregon Governor Kotek delivered the State of the State address on Monday

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek delivered her the State address on Monday. She says the new year carries a clear charge “to embrace opportunities for change together.” You can read it here:  https://www.oregon.gov/gov/speeches/Pages/2025-1-13-state-of-the-state-remarks.aspx/

The Red Cross Cascades Region Is On The Ground In Los Angeles In The Wake Of Deadly And Destructive Wildfires

One week after wildfires ripped through the Los Angeles region, the Red Cross is still on the ground helping to provide shelter, feeding, reunification, health and mental health support, providing emergency supplies and more. We have over 400 volunteers supporting this relief operation.

The Red Cross Cascades Region (Oregon and SW Washington) has deployed 18 people.

Last night, we staffed 7 shelters with close to 800 people. That doesn’t include the people who are coming in during the day to get help and resources.

Shelters:

• They serve as a place to come in and get food, get basic health needs met and emotional support too. 
• They are a place where people can come in and charge cell phones and laptops if their power is cut off. 
• They are also information hubs. We work with fire departments, emergency managers, forecasters and other partners to help those who’ve been evacuated get the most updated information. 

The wildfires are still burning, and we know the Santa Ana winds are forecast to flare up in the coming days.

As the wildfires in Southern California continue to burn and impact air quality, the number of Red Cross blood drive cancelations have grown impacting hundreds of lifesaving blood donations.

Where it is safe to do so, we encourage people to schedule a blood donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 

The devastation from these wildfires is unbelievably sad. Our hearts go out to everyone who’ve lost their homes and communities.

We will continue to coordinate with local officials and community partners to make sure people have the help they need during this challenging time and we will remain there as long as needed.

People are still counting on us and the best way to support our work right now is by making a financial contribution.  Please go to RedCross.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or text “CAWILDFIRES” to 90999

If you want to donate items, you are asked to go to 211la.org

The Red Cross has a downloadable emergency app with information on how to prepare, respond to and recover from wildfires. In addition, the American Red Cross has activated the Northwest Response Fund to help impacted residents. 

The Red Cross also provides disaster mental health support to people impacted by the fires. For people struggling with the stress and uncertainty of a crisis situation like this, they can reach out to the free 24/7 multilingual Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 for support. In some cases, there will be mental health workers at shelters as well.

Reunification is another area where the Red Cross works to help people affected by the fires. By calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and providing as much detail as possible about a missing loved one, the Red Cross may be able to assist.

After the immediate disaster has abated, the Red Cross will also aid with recovery. That can include financial support for those who lost their homes and are having trouble finding a place to live, a bus or train ticket to the home of a relative, or assistance with other agencies involved in the recovery process. 

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

In the wake of a disaster like this, the Red Cross said its primary concern is to ensure that people are safe and have shelter, prioritizing getting a roof over everyone’s heads. By Wednesday night, the organization had staffed seven shelters in Southern California and served over 1,000 people for the night.

The Red Cross serves meals to both people who stay at a shelter and those who visit during the day, in some cases just to get information, charge their phones or relax. The organization has served over 10,000 meals since the fires erupted.

Those shelters are available to everyone, including pets — although some pets may need to be found a place at a different location with support from other local partners depending on the situation.

The Red Cross has a downloadable emergency app with information on how to prepare, respond to and recover from wildfires. (SOURCE)

Oregon State Fire Marshal Sending Additional Support To California

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon State Fire Marshal is mobilizing six additional strike teams of water tenders to Southern California. In total, 30water tenders and 70 firefighters are being sent from Clackamas, Columbia, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Morrow, Multnomah, and Umatilla counties.  

These tenders from the Oregon fire service will join the 15 strike teams that arrived Thursday and began work Friday morning. These latest teams will leave Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, take part in a routine safety check to ensure the safety of our first responders, and will receive their assignments from CAL Fire. 

“We understand the gravity of the disaster taking place in California and are using the power of the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System to give our neighbors additional tools to combat these wildfires and protect people and homes,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “Please rest assured our system is designed to ensure adequate coverage for our communities at home while at the same time providing support to those impacted by a disaster.” 

A water tender is a standard response tool to wildfires and is a specialized truck designed to carry and deliver large amounts of water. Some of the water tenders mobilizing to California are Oregon’s new tactical tenders that were delivered to local fire agencies through the OSFM Engine Program in 2024. 

The Oregon State Fire Marshal has mobilized a total of: 

• 21 strike teams 
• 75 fire engines 
• 30 water tenders 
• 370 firefighters  

The Southern California area is expecting dangerous fire conditions into next week. For information about the wildfires, visit CAL Fire’s Current Emergency Incidents webpage.  

The Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System is made up of the 300+ local structural fire agencies across Oregon. During emergencies, the Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilizes this force to protect people, property and critical infrastructure.  

This request came the Oregon Department of Emergency Management and the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. The compact provides help during governor-declared emergencies or disasters by allowing states to send personnel, equipment, and supplies to support response and recovery efforts in other states. The strike teams will be reimbursed directly by California.

Strike Continues At All Providence Hospitals Across Oregon – Heading to The Bargaining Table

Statement From ONA On Providence Finally Returning To The Bargaining Table

– We are happy that Providence has finally decided to do the right thing and join the nearly 5,000 striking frontline caregivers at the bargaining table to move this process forward in order to reach a fair contract and end the strike.

Clearly, the pressure from the strike is working. As 5,000 frontline caregivers picket on sidewalks across Oregon, Providence has been spending an estimated $25.39 million per week on replacement nurses – approximately $1,400 per replacement nurse per day. This does not include the immeasurable cost of the replacement hospitalists and other caregivers from Providence St. Vincent and the Providence Women’s Clinics. 

After illegally refusing to bargain during the 10-day notice period, Providence has shifted its position on negotiations dramatically over the last few days. As we move back into negotiations, we call on Providence to take this process seriously, come to the table with substantive offers to address the systemic issues that impact hospitals and clinics across Oregon and reach a fair contract that prioritizes patients and frontline caregivers instead of profits. 

5,000 frontline caregivers from eight hospitals and six clinics across Oregon went on strike for reasons beyond fair compensation, but a systemic crisis affecting patient care, staffing safety, health insurance benefits, and healthcare delivery. At the core of negotiation will be key issues that include: 

• Resolution of systemic unsafe staffing issues documented across facilities 
• Addressing health insurance and benefits disparities 
• Implementation of necessary patient safety measures 
• Market-competitive wages that will attract and retain skilled healthcare professionals. 

Frontline caregivers are not asking for much and not asking for exorbitant wages; they are asking for market-competitive compensation that recognizes their experience, hard work, and value. Providence is notoriously behind other healthcare systems in Oregon when it comes to wages and benefits which directly impacts their ability to recruit and retain enough staff. 

As an example, despite the numbers that Providence likes to tell the press, based on their last proposal, by 2026 Providence nurses with 15 years of experience would earn approximately $8,000 less annually than the market-setting wages at OHSU.  

Similarly, the severity of the system-wide staffing crisis is clearly documented in the 305 unsafe staffing complaints filed against Providence facilities in 2024 alone. The completed investigations have revealed troubling patterns of violations across multiple facilities. In their most recent proposals on staffing, Providence is attempting to exclude the nurses delivering care from providing input into how their units are staffed, treating patients as simply numbers rather than unique individuals with specific care needs. Doing so puts patients at greater risk for harm and nurses at increased risk for burnout. And burnt-out nurses leave, further perpetuating the staffing crisis. 

In the coming days, ONA will release more information on the details of our proposals. 

Providence faces a choice: continue investing millions in temporary strike-breaking measures or work collaboratively with frontline caregivers to take bargaining seriously and develop comprehensive solutions that will strengthen healthcare delivery across all their facilities to better serve the people of Oregon. 

On the fifth day of a historic health care workers strike impacting Providence facilities in Oregon, the hospital system signaled that it is now prepared to resume negotiations at all eight of its hospitals.

—————— The strike, which includes physicians as well as nurses and other health care workers, impacts 14 different Providence hospitals and clinics throughout the state. Providence has said that the process of setting up replacement workers at its facilities delayed its ability to bargain at each of them.

Providence Health has filed an unfair labor practices complaint against the Oregon Nurses Association. It accused the union of refusing to meet at reasonable times and intervals. The union denies the accusations.

According to the hospital system, all eight of its hospitals in Oregon — finally including the two largest, Providence Portland and Providence St. Vincent — “are now ready to discuss resuming mediated negotiations” with bargaining teams from the Oregon Nurses Association.

“It’s our understanding the mediators have been in conversation with union leaders, and we eagerly await their response,” Providence said in a statement. “The preparations we made in advance, and the commitment of our hospital leadership teams to ensuring a smooth transition to our replacement work force, along with the unprecedented number of ONA-represented nurses who have chosen to work, has brought us to a position where we can resume bargaining at all tables.”

According to Providence, at least 600 nurses represented by ONA have chosen to work during the strike.

Since the very beginning of the strike, Providence has pushed for negotiations with hospitalist physicians at Providence St. Vincent. According to Providence, they’ve also negotiated with the nurses and physicians at Providence Women’s Clinic. But the hospital system has been slower to resume negotiations with other units across the state — namely the ones that Providence has effectively replaced with temporary workers.

In a statement, the ONA took shots at Providence for those delays, and called on the hospital system to take the bargaining process seriously as talks resume.

“We are happy that Providence has finally decided to do the right thing and join the nearly 5,000 striking frontline caregivers at the bargaining table to move this process forward in order to reach a fair contract and end the strike,” ONA said, in part. “Clearly, the pressure from the strike is working.

“As 5,000 frontline caregivers picket on sidewalks across Oregon, Providence has been spending an estimated $25.39 million per week on replacement nurses — approximately $1,400 per replacement nurse per day. This does not include the immeasurable cost of the replacement hospitalists and other caregivers from Providence St. Vincent and the Providence Women’s Clinics.”

The ONA has said that it is pushing to address unsafe staffing levels at Providence facilities, disparities in health insurance coverage and benefits, and market-competitive wages to attract and retain skilled health care workers.

The strike includes nurses, physicians, advanced practice providers, certified nurse midwives and other healthcare professionals at 8 Providence hospitals and 6 Providence Women’s Clinics across Oregon. Striking caregivers continued to welcome patients, labor allies, elected officials and community supporters who came out to join them on strike lines Jan. 12. 

A reminder to patients from doctors, nurses and caregivers: If you are sick, please do not delay getting medical care. Patients who need hospital or clinical care immediately should go to receive care. We would prefer to provide your care ourselves, but Providence executives’ refusal to continue meeting with caregivers has forced us onto the picket line to advocate for you, our communities, and our colleagues. Going into a hospital or clinic to get the care you need is NOT crossing our strike line. We invite you to come join us on the strike line after you’ve received the care you need. Community members can visit www.OregonRN.org/PatientsBeforeProfits to sign a petition to support frontline healthcare workers, get updates and find out how else they can help.   

Central Point School Bus Crashes due to Fog, Ice; Student Transported to Hospital with Minor Injuries

JCSO Case 25-0259 CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies and Fire District 3 firefighters responded to a school bus crash Tuesday morning at 7:50 AM on Richey Road near West Gregory Road in rural Central Point.

One student was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. Preliminary investigations revealed fog and icy roads contributed to the crash.Please remember to drive carefully this winter. Fog has limited visibility and the roads are icy.

Prosecution Says Klamath Falls Kidnapper Should Get More Than Two Consecutive Life Sentences

Federal prosecutors in the infamous cinderblock cell kidnapper case filed the government’s sentencing memorandum last week, arguing for the maximum sentence for Klamath Falls man Negasi Zuberi.

“Negasi Zuberi should never be able to kidnap, beat or sexually assault another woman,” the memorandum reads. “He should be sentenced to life in prison.”

Zuberi, 30, was arrested in July 2023 after the second of two victims — a woman abducted in Seattle — managed to escape a homemade holding cell in his garage by punching the door with her bare hands.

“Mr. Zuberi’s plans depended on his victims staying captive or quiet,” the prosecutors wrote. “Neither complied.”

The first kidnapping took place two months prior when a Klamath Falls woman was taken from a local bar and held captive for 12 hours in Zuberi’s garage.

Prosecutors denoted Zuberi’s crimes as showing a “disturbing and remarkable degree of planning and preparation.”

“When he went to a bar on May 6, 2023, he had ready his taser, handcuffs, ammunition and the pistol he stole,” the memorandum says. “He tased (the victim), beat her, handcuffed her, kidnapped her and raped her.”

The Klamath Falls victim reported the crimes to officers with the Klamath Falls Police Department, but no charges were filed.

The local woman reported Zuberi saying to her “I don’t know where I’m going to keep you.”

“(Zuberi) then accelerated his plans, addressing a critical problem he faced with (the first victim) … and built what he intended to be an escape-and-sound-proof cell,” the memorandum said.

Despite his efforts, the victim from Seattle managed to escape the cell, run to the street and flag down a woman driving past the residence.

Zuberi also attempted to escape his jail cell — “twice,” according to court documents that show shattered glass broken out of the bottom of the cell wall. Neither attempt was successful.

The prosecution reminded the court that these were not Zuberi’s first violent crime convictions.

In 2020, Zuberi was convicted of beating an underaged sex worker who he then raped and left on the side of the road.

Prosecutors included a statement made by the judge in Zuberi’s previous assault case.

“I hope we don’t have to wait until something really, really bad happens, Mr. Hyche (Zuberi’s former name). I’ve been around this business long enough to feel confident to say that there’s a little something going on that’s not necessarily on the up-and-up and you might need to wake up before you find yourself in a heap of trouble.”

The presiding judge went on to say that he hoped Zuberi wouldn’t find himself in a “much more serious situation, to which Zuberi assured the court he would not.

“Time will tell,” the judge said.

The prosecution’s sentencing memorandum details some of the more disturbing evidence to support the proposed consecutive life sentences:

A text message to the mother of his children in which Zuberi said, “Women need to go back to being property,” and “History will repeat itself. Once upon a time, every race was a slave.”

Hand-written plans titled “Operation Take Over” and a list of “Targets.”

“Beyond the charged conduct, Mr. Zuberi also stalked women and girls,” the memorandum says. “He sat in high school parking lots and recorded girls walking towards a car, calling out license plate numbers.”

Similar recordings and photos were also found on Zuberi’s iCloud storage, including a video of a car in the Vancouver Mall parking lot, followed by another video of the same car parked outside of a residence with Zuberi stating the address of the home out loud and then taking a screenshot of the address on Google Maps.

“Mr. Zuberi also talked to a minor who worked at a Klamath Falls restaurant and took video of her car in the parking lot and of her vehicle at her residence,” the memorandum said.

The prosecution is seeking the court to sentence Zuberi to two consecutive life sentences plus another 55 years, also to be served consecutively.

“One thing alone will protect women and society from Negasi Zuberi, and that is removing him from society for the rest of his life.”

Suspicious death ruled homicide, victim identified as missing woman, and suspect in custody 

Update: The state medical examiner’s autopsy has ruled the manner of death to be homicide; the individual had a gunshot wound to the head. The victim was also identified as missing person Priscilla Joann Aldana, age 43 of Salem. Aldana was reported missing on December 23, 2024.

On January 3, a body was located outside a burned structure on an abandoned lot and later identified as Aldana.

The investigation into Aldana’s disappearance led detectives to Erik Mauricio Meza as a suspect in the case. Meza, age 44 of Salem, and Aldana were in a domestic relationship.

Detectives and a contingent of tactical officers were following Meza and apprehended him without incident in the 500 block of 18 ST NE on Thursday night, January 9.

Meza was lodged at the Marion County Jail on the following charges:

• Murder, second degree
• Abuse of a corpse, second degree
• Arson, second degree

With Meza in custody, all further media inquiries in the case should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

Memorial Service for Priscilla Aldana will be held at Restlawn Memory Gardens & Funeral Home201 N Oak Grove Rd, Salem, OR 97304On February 8th at 2:00pm

The U.S. Department of Transportation will spend 36-million-dollars in Oregon on two railroad projects.

Bend will get 32-million-dollars to build a bridge over tracks on Reed Market Road. Rail traffic has caused major disruptions. The new overpass will be used by vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.

The Port of Coos Bay will receive nearly four-million-dollars to design and engineer an overpass over Highway 38, to
eventually eliminate the at-grade crossing.

Oregon’s second largest port is getting another exception to a water pollution permit it’s violated for much of the last two decades, according to Gov. Tina Kotek.

She issued an executive order Monday afternoon, allowing officials at the Port of Morrow in Boardman six weeks of relief — between Jan. 15 and Feb. 28 — from state penalties for violating their wastewater permit and over-applying nitrogen contaminated water on farmland that sits atop an already contaminated underground aquifer.

That aquifer supplies drinking water to thousands of residents in Morrow and Umatilla counties in northeast Oregon, many of whom cannot drink water safely from their taps because of the pollution. Nitrates, which come from nitrogen, is unhealthy to drink for long periods when it’s above 10 milligrams per liter, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Studies have shown high levels of nitrate consumption can lead to higher risk of certain cancers and birth defects.

IRS Direct File, Direct File Oregon Will Be Available When Income Tax Return Processing Begins January 27

Salem, OR— Free electronic filing through the combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon will open January 27 when both the IRS and the Oregon Department of Revenue begin processing e-filed 2024 federal and state income tax returns. Paper-filed return processing will begin in mid-February.

The IRS estimates that 640,000 Oregon resident taxpayers preparing their own tax returns in 2025 will have the option to electronically file both their federal and state income tax returns for free by filing directly with the IRS and the state.

Taxpayers are encouraged to use the IRS Eligibility Checker to see if they qualify to file directly with the IRS and the state.

E-filed returns will be processed in the order they are received. However, as in years past, the department won’t be issuing personal income tax refunds until after February 15. A refund hold is part of the department’s tax fraud prevention efforts and allows for confirmation that the amounts claimed on tax returns match what employers and payers report on Forms W-2 and 1099.

E-filing is the fastest way for a taxpayer to get their refund. On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund two weeks sooner than those who file paper returns and request paper refund checks.

The department reminds taxpayers that taking a few easy steps in the next few weeks can make preparing their 2024 tax return easier in 2025.

Free filing options open January 27 — In addition to IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon, other free filing options will also open January 27. Free guided tax preparation is available from several companies for taxpayers that meet income requirements. Free fillable forms are available for all income levels. Using links from the department’s website ensures that both taxpayers’ federal and state return will be filed for free.

Free and low-cost tax help — Free tax preparation services are available for low- to moderate-income taxpayers through AARP and CASH Oregon. United Way also offers free tax help through their MyFreeTaxes program. Visit the Department of Revenue website to take advantage of the software and free offers and get more information about free tax preparation services.

Voluntary self-identification of race and ethnicity information — New for 2025, Oregon taxpayers and Oregonians can voluntarily provide information about their race and ethnicity on Form OR-VSI when they file their 2024 taxes. Providing this information may be done separately from a tax return through Revenue Online. The information will be confidential. It can only be used for research purposes to analyze potential inequities in tax policy. The new option is a result of Senate Bill 1 in 2023.

Use Revenue Online to verify payments — Taxpayers can verify their estimated payments through their Revenue Online account.

Through Revenue Online, individuals can also view letters sent to them by the department, initiate appeals, make payments, and submit questions. Visit Revenue Online on the Revenue website to learn more.

Those who don’t have a Revenue Online account can sign up on the agency’s website.

To check the status of their refund after February 15, or make payments, taxpayers can visit Revenue’s website. You can also call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), we accept all relay calls.

You’ll need a Real ID to fly domestically, starting in May of 2025, that’s unless you have a passport or enhanced driver’s license issued by several states.

The deadline is May 7, 2025, but you probably don’t want to wait until the last minute to get your Real ID. You can apply for your Real ID driver’s license or ID card through your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Real IDs are marked with a star on the top of the card. Real IDs will also be needed to access certain federal facilities. Congress mandated the real IDs in 2005 on the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission.

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.

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com