The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Oregon Beach Weather
Hazardous Seas Watch Issued: 5:29 AM Jan. 29, 2025 – National Weather Service
...HAZARDOUS SEAS WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Very steep and hazardous seas 9 to 14 ft at 10 seconds, and south winds 25 to 35 kts with gust around 45 kts are possible. * WHERE...All areas in marine zones 350 and 370. Beyond 20 nm from shore west of Point St. George in zone 376. In marine zone 356, beyond 5 nm from shore north of Gold Beach, except closer to shore north of Port Orford. * WHEN...From Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Very steep and hazardous seas could capsize or damage vessels. Bar crossing could become especially hazardous. * View the hazard area in detail at https://go.usa.gov/x6hks
Air stagnation advisory issued for South Central Oregon Coast until Thursday midday
An updated air stagnation advisory was issued by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 12:59 a.m. in effect until Thursday at noon for South Central Oregon Coast.
The weather service comments, “A strong inversion and stagnant air conditions near the surface will trap pollutants possibly leading to poor air quality.”
The Columbia River Maritime Museum Construction Continues
The Columbia River Maritime Museum will be CLOSED today, Wednesday, January 29, 2025.
We’re doing some essential work to connect power to the Mariners Hall construction site. This includes boring new power lines under the railroad tracks, trenching across the riverwalk, and preparing for the PP&L tie-in.
We anticipate the shut down to last all day, but we’ll be back and ready to welcome you on Thursday, January 30, 2025. Thank you for your understanding as we make progress toward the opening of Mariners Hall in 2026!
Click It or Ticket Campaign Gears Up
Oregon Department of Transportation has funded a high visibility seat belt enforcement event that began on January 27 and goes through February 9. Local law enforcement agencies along the Oregon coast will provide additional enforcement during that period.
The agencies are reminding drivers about the lifesaving benefits of wearing a seat belt and proper child safety restraints. The Oregon laws regarding child safety include requirements that children ride in a rear-facing safety seat until they are at least two years old. A child over age two must continue to ride in a car seat with harness or in a booster until they reach age eight or 4’ 9” in height and the adult belt fits them correctly. The requirements better protect the child’s head, neck, and spine from potential crash injuries. This is because a rear-facing seat spreads crash forces evenly across the seat and child’s body while also limiting forward or sideways motion of the head.
Seat belts are the best defense against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. Being buckled up during a crash helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle; being completely ejected from a vehicle is almost always deadly.
For more information on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/ciot. Online Resources:• Car Seat Types: Determine whether your child fits best in a rear-facing car seat, forward-facing car seat, booster seat, or seat belt.• Car Seat Recommendations: Review NHTSA’s recommendations for the best car seat for your child’s age and size. • Find and Compare: Find and compare car seats with NHTSA’s handy car seat finder, which also searches specific brands.
Oregon Department of Transportation Seatbelts and Child Seats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFC2K2AfdJMMore ODOT information on safety belts and child seats at: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TS/Pages/safetybelts.aspx
Coos County Sheriff’s Office — · 
Increased Patrols
The Coos County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in a state wide seatbelt enforcement blitz starting on January 27, 2025 and ending February 9, 2025. This will include all areas within the County, with a higher focus in Charleston and Bunker Hill.
The Coos County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the motoring public to use your seatbelts and ensure children are properly restrained. Not only is it the law, but it could save your life. SEAT BELT SAFEY STARTS WITH YOU https://youtu.be/NFC2K2AfdJM
Lincoln City Police Department · CASE UPDATE – PELICAN BREWERY THEFT
The Lincoln City Police Department, in cooperation with the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office, is pleased to be posting the media release issued by the Lincoln County District Attorney regarding the conclusion of the trial involving Denali Cox, who on July 23, 202,3 had reported being robbed near the Pelican Brewery in Lincoln City.
Coos County Sheriff’s Office 
Felony Assault
On January 28, 2025, at approximately 2:30 AM, Deputy Z. Smith responded to an assault report on Beaver Loop Road in North Bend. Upon arrival, a woman was found with significant injuries after being assaulted by another woman, identified as Robin Thatcher (38), who allegedly struck her with a flashlight. The victim was bleeding and required immediate medical attention.
Witnesses indicated that Robin fled the scene in a red Toyota 4-Runner. Law enforcement worked diligently to locate Robin but were initially unsuccessful. Later that day, around 4:50 PM, she was found at a residence on Bowron Road in Lakeside.
However, Robin resisted arrest, resulting in a physical struggle with deputies. Robin Thatcher now faces serious charges, including Assault in the Second Degree, Burglary in the First Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Resisting Arrest. “Police action is not indicative of guilt. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”
A Seaside man who was trying to keep warm with a candle died in a tent fire last week at a city-sanctioned encampment
The fire follows months of debate over how the city should respond safely and humanely to homelessness on the Oregon coast — and where it should locate the specific encampment, the only designated one in Seaside.
The fire happened Wednesday just before 1 p.m., according to the city. Rocky Alan Guerrero, 53, was found dead at the scene, and authorities said a candle sparked the tent fire.
Officials said someone at the camp used a nearby hose to douse the blaze before first responders arrived. The flames did not spread beyond the one tent, and no other injuries or damages were reported.
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.
Sunday, February 2, 8-11am Pancake Breakfast & Shirt Sale
Cape Perpetua Collaborative – · Let’s hear it for this years featured artists at the 12th annual Land Sea Symposium!!!
Each local artist will have a few of their brilliant pieces displayed on the walls (and one on the stage!) throughout the evening. Make sure to check out their work and pages, and tune in on our FB live stream https://www.facebook.com/capeperpetuacollaborative on Friday evening to see their work up close and personal! @a.rosepond @renatureart @oystercatcheryl @emydanielsart @waveframe @casiepants @scubadoobiedo @girlinwaterphotography
Cape Perpetua Collaborative
The 12th Annual Land Sea Symposium is just a week away! We can’t wait to see and celebrate with yall! 
Want to be a part of the celebration? Tune into our Facebook live stream starting at 5pm, right here, on the 31st! https://www.facebook.com/capeperpetuacollaborative
The 48th Annual Newport Seafood and Wine Festival
February 20-23rd 2025 Follow Newport Seafood & Wine Festival For tickets & more information
Earthquakes Off the Coast of Oregon
A magnitude 4.7 earthquake struck off the Oregon coast late Friday night, according to the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network: https://pnsn.org. The seismic event was recorded at 9:36 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located approximately 125 miles west of Coos Bay. Another smaller quake followed later.
Authorities have reported no damage or injuries resulting from the earthquake, and no tsunami warnings have been issued.
While multiple sources have reported the event as a magnitude 4.7 quake, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) also documented a separate seismic occurrence earlier in the day. The USGS reported a magnitude 2.7 earthquake at 5:39 a.m. UTC (9:39 p.m. PST), centered approximately 190 kilometers (118 miles) west-southwest of Port Orford, Oregon. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), with coordinates recorded at 42.421°N latitude and 126.772°W longitude.
Officials are urging residents who may have felt the earthquake to report their experiences through the USGS’s “Did You Feel It?” program, which collects valuable data on ground shaking and regional impacts.
For additional details and to access interactive seismic activity maps, visit the official USGS and PNSN websites.
ODOT launches roadwork projects to boost safety in Curry County on Hwy 101
In Curry County, a $4.5 million emergency repair project will address sunken road surfaces on U.S. 101, with work taking place between mileposts 303-306 and 342-351. Single-lane traffic and delays of less than 20 minutes are expected. Additionally, pavement repairs will be made in Gold Beach and Brookings with intermittent lane closures and minor delays. — Drivers are advised to follow posted signs and be prepared for delays. For more information, visit the ODOT website.
Newport Oregon Police Department — ARMED SUBJECT NEAR SAM CASE ELEMENTARY
On January 24, 2025, at around 1500 hours, the Newport Police Department and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon responded to the area of Sam Case Elementary School on the report of a male subject who had a firearm and was acting threatening. The subject, identified as TIMOTHY BOTTORFF, was located walking eastbound on NE Eads, near NE 7th Street. BOTTORFF was immediately contacted and found to be in the possession of an airsoft pistol that looked identical to a real firearm. Investigation revealed that BOTTORFF was yelling angrily, making aggressive body movements, and had his replica handgun openly displayed as he approached the eastern doors of Sam Case Elementary. Parents who were in the area to pickup their children reported the incident, and the school was immediately locked down.
During the investigation, BOTTORFF attempted to flee police on foot. BOTTORFF was quickly taken to the ground and arrested. While fleeing, BOTTORFF attempted to throw a meth pipe and a bag of methamphetamine.
BOTTORFF was arrested and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail for the following charges:
TIMOTHY AARON BOTTORFF, 48
• Disorderly Conduct II
• Menacing
• Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine
• Tampering with Evidence
• Escape III
• Resisting Arrest
The Newport Police Department would like to thank the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon for their assistance during this incident.
The incident remains under investigation. If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Officer Cullivan of the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348. The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856 or tipline@newportpolice.net.
Drunk Driver Arrested After Endangering Beach-Goers At D-River
On January 25th 2025, the Lincoln City Police Dispatch Center began receiving multiple calls from concerned parties regarding a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed on the beach at D-River. The driver departed southbound at a high rate of speed prior to police arrival. At the time numerous families were enjoying bonfires in the area and witnesses reported it nearly missing people. The driver was also driving “cookies” along the beach. In addition to this area being closed to vehicle traffic, this was an obvious safety concern.
A short time later, members of the Lincoln City Police Department located the occupied vehicle parked just south of Canyon Drive Beach Access. When they approached the vehicle, the driver began driving erratically and a half-full handle of Vodka fell out of the open trunk onto the beach. The driver eventually stopped and police detained him.
The Driver, Artem A. Savenko, of Beaverton Oregon, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Reckless Driving, and Recklessly Endangering Another Person (the multiple beachgoers who had been put in danger). Savenko’s vehicle was impounded and he was transported to the Lincoln County Jail to be lodged.
We would like to emphasize that Lincoln City’s beaches are here for public enjoyment; however, when drivers put people in danger, our Officers will investigate and enforce the law. Luckily nobody was hurt during this incident, but it is a reminder of the danger that intoxicated drivers pose to the public. Alcohol impairs portions of the brain associated with decision-making and judgement. Be safe and drive sober.
The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians announced they have been rewarded with a three-year $1.56M grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to support efforts to return sea otters to the Oregon & Northern California coasts!
Through the America the Beautiful Challenge, CTSI and partners like the Elakha Alliance, CTCLUSI, Yurok Tribe, and Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation will lead this Indigenous-driven project: Bringing Xvlh-t’vsh Home. The grant will fund reintroduction planning, key studies, and building coastal support to restore this culturally significant keystone species.
Sea otters not only support marine ecosystems like kelp forests and estuaries, but their return marks a vital step in ecological and cultural restoration. Read full press release: https://www.elakhaalliance.org/siletz-tribe-receives…/
On the menu: scrambled eggs, sausage or ham, orange juice, all-you-can-eat pancakes, and hot beverages. $10 adults, $6 kids ages 6-12; under 6, free. Gleneden Beach sweatshirts available in multiple styles. Cash or credit card. Gleneden Beach Community Hall, 110 Azalea St. —- More events to come as space on the board allows, so keep watch! https://www.facebook.com/GlenedenBeachCC
Lincoln Co. Sheriff’s Office Child Luring Investigations Lead To Multiple Arrests
From late December to mid-January, Deputies with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office used decoy social media accounts for online child luring investigations. During these investigations, Deputies posed as an underage child on various online social media platforms and were contacted by adults wanting to meet for sexual encounters.
On January 15, 2025, 28-year-old Ruben Martinez Jimenez, of Newport, Oregon, was arrested and charged with the crimes of: Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a child in the first degree. At the time of his arrest, Ruben was communicating with the decoy account, and arrived at a predetermined location to meet with the underage child for a sexual encounter. Ruben was arrested and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail without further incident.
On January 16th, 32-year-old James Tybierius Kirk, of Siletz, Oregon, was arrested and charged with the crimes of Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the second degree. At the time of his arrest, James was communicating with the decoy account, and made a plan with the underage child to meet for a sexual encounter. James was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail without further incident.
On January 21st, 43-year-old Adan Chavez-Pena, of Newport, Oregon, was arrested and charged with the crimes of: Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a child in the first degree. At the time of his arrest, Adan was in communication with the decoy account, and arrived near the predetermined location to meet with the underage child for a sexual encounter. Adan provided Deputies with fictitious identification at the time of arrest. Adan’s true identity was determined by further investigation and fingerprints. Adan had multiple warrants out of Lincoln County issued from 2007 and 2008. Adan was charged with the additional crimes of: Giving False information, ID Theft, as well as two probation violation warrants charging possession of a controlled substance Methamphetamine, Give False info; Assault IV, Give False Info, and an indictment warrant charging ID Theft, Criminal Possession of Forged instrument. Adan was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office continues to encourage parents to monitor their children’s social media activity and to discuss the possible dangers of communicating with strangers online. These investigations are conducted in an effort to reduce criminal activity and to further enhance the safety of our community.
Newport Construction Updates
Here is a quick update on the installation of flashing beacons at the pedestrian crosswalk on US 20 and NE Eads St. Taking advantage of a nice weather window, concrete pouring has begun. Traffic commuting through the project area may experience delays as the dedicated turn lane may be closed during work. Please continue to exercise caution when transiting in and around work zones. Thank you to the community for your patience during this project!
Newport Begins Water Main Flushing Program Next Week
The City will begin an annual water main flushing program next week. Every water main in the city will be flushed. In total, this will take a few months, but we will update you on social media each week on which water mains and which areas of town will be flushed the next week.
It is advised to reduce your water usage while flushing is taking place in your area. The City will work with organizations such as education centers, medical facilities, and food service to minimize interruptions. Please watch the video for some more info, and reach out if you have any questions: https://www.facebook.com/NewportOre/videos/2089395161491515
We thank you for your patience during this process. Newport Oregon Police DepartmentNewport Public LibraryThe City of Newport Parks and RecreationNewport 60+ Activity Center
Astoria Downtown Historic District Association (ADHDA) – Our 2nd annual We Love Downtown Astoria Photography Contest is back!
Submit your photos online at: https://www.astoriadowntown.com/welovedowntownastoria/The contest runs until February 23rd.
Construction of New Lincoln County Commons in Newport To Begin This Year
County Administrator Tim Johnson spoke about this project at the January 8 meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners. Because construction is expected to interfere with this year’s Lincoln County Fair, which is traditionally held at that site over the Fourth of July weekend, Johnson was joined by Heather Tower, fair manager and 4-H program coordinator for Lincoln County. She addressed plans for accommodating many of the usual fair activities at “satellite” locations.
“Progress is going forward,” Johnson said regarding the construction project. Currently, the old lighting is being removed from the fair buildings slated for demolition. This doesn’t include the ag building, which has already been rebuilt. “We will be bringing a contract to you for demolition of some of the buildings … within the next 60 days,” he said.
Following that, they will be seeking requests for proposals “for the selection of an architect, design engineers, to get these building up and going, and then we’ll be moving forward with it,” Johnson said. “We are expecting that the 2025 fair will be interrupted due to the subsequent construction. The fair board understands that and has been looking at opportunities to relocate activities of the fair.”
FURA to Receive Quince Street Development Update
The Florence Urban Renewal Agency meets Wednesday to discuss the Quince Street hotel development. Matt Braun of Braun Hospitality will provide an update on financing and the project’s timeline. At the previous meeting, Braun highlighted challenges, including rising construction costs and delays in securing investors.
The project relies on a non-recourse construction loan, with $500,000 in available funds, but limited partner commitments remain verbal. Braun assured the board of his commitment, citing significant personal investment and the project’s community potential. He requested a one-year extension to finalize funding and permitting, emphasizing no additional agency funds are needed. Directors remain concerned about the timeline and economic uncertainty. The meeting will be Wednesday 1/23 at 5:30 at City Hall.
Yachats Begins Negotiating With Construction Firm To Replace Seventh Street Library
After a slight paperwork snag, the city of Yachats is starting negotiations with the low bidder on the long-awaited library rebuilding project.
At the bids unveiling last week, seven firms submitted bids to construct a new library where the original 51-year-old building now stands on West Seventh Street.
Initially, city infrastructure clerk Neal Morphis announced that the apparent low bidder was DSL Builders of Salem with a bid of $1,447,000. The budget for the new library is $1.5 million. DSL constructed the new Yachats fire station, an $8 million project that opened in 2019.
However, when it was discovered that the DSL bid didn’t include a required insurance letter, the nod went to Unitus Services of Ridgefield, Wash. with a bid of $1,530,000.
“We will begin negotiations with them,” Morphis announced Friday.
Notably absent from the seven firms bidding on the project was King West of Salem, which had been working in an advisory capacity on the library project.
Shortly after a builder is under contract, the 51-year-old original building on Seventh Street will be demolished to make way for the new, larger and updated library.
The new facility will offer some 3,600 square feet of books, magazines and DVDs, plus a community meeting room and an area for teenagers and children. The old structure measures 2,400 square feet. (READ MORE)
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – · Retired Sheriff John O’Brien Memorial Scholarship application process opens today!
This scholarship can help Lincoln County youth interested in law enforcement fund their education. Eligibility: Graduates from any high school in Lincoln County with a GPA 3.0 or higher, pursuing further education in Criminal Justice.Value: $2,500Deadline: April 15, 2025Website: https://lincf.org/
The NXTClean Fuels Project In Clatskanie Gets Approval From The Oregon Department Of Environmental Quality
The NXTClean Fuels project took a significant step forward this month with the approval from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality of a water quality permit.
NXTClean Fuels is proposing a $2.5 billion renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel facility at the Port of Columbia County’s Port Westward Industrial Park in Clatskanie.
NXTClean Fuels, also known as NEXT Renewable Fuels, plans to construct a clean fuels manufacturing facility capable of producing up to 50,000 barrels of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel per day. Renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel are chemically identical to petroleum-based fuels and are a key component of Oregon’s climate plan to reduce carbon emissions.
NXTClean Fuels will use the Port’s deep-water dock to receive feedstock and ship finished product. The project will provide a return on the over $18 million that has been invested by the Port and Columbia County in infrastructure at Port Westward to build out the water intake and discharge systems, make rail improvements and upgrade roads to the industrial site.
The potential economic impact of the project for Columbia County is immense. NXTClean Fuels is expected to create over 2,400 jobs during construction, 240 permanent jobs once operational and contribute $13 million per year in local property taxes. This is more than double what the county’s current highest taxpayer paid in 2024 and will bring much-needed funding for our schools, public safety and other services. NXTClean Fuels has declined the corporate tax incentives available to it, so these funds will have an even greater impact on our community.
Since leasing the 90-acre industrial site from the Port in 2019, NXTClean Fuels has spent over five years navigating Oregon’s rigorous permitting process. The project received state approvals for its removal fill permit and air permit in 2022, and local land use permits in 2024. The approval of the water quality certification concludes the major Oregon state permitting reviews.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is overseeing federal permitting and is expected to publish an Environmental Impact Statement for public review in 2025. The Port recognizes the concerns over a facility of this size but is confident that our state and federal permitting agencies will ensure that any environmental impacts are carefully mitigated.
If approved, the NXTClean Fuels facility will support the transition to cleaner, renewable energy sources and drive long-term economic growth in Columbia County. Sean Clark is the executive director of the Port of Columbia County. (SOURCE)
Port Of Coos Bay Obtains $4M Federal Grant for Rail Overpass Project
The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay a nearly $4 million grant from the Railroad Crossing Elimination program to help fund construction of a rail overpass and make additional safety upgrades at an adjacent grade crossing in Reedsport.
The $3.99 million grant will support the design and engineering of the new overpass, which will cross Oregon Highway 38, and add safety features at the adjacent rail crossing.
The Port of Coos Bay plans to construct a ship-to-rail multimodal container facility, called the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port. It will be served by the port’s existing Coos Bay Rail Line, which will be expanded as part of the project. The overpass and safety upgrades are critical to supporting the future port traffic, port officials said in a press release.
“This is an important step in building the foundation for a modern, multimodal transportation hub on the South Coast,” said Melissa Cribbins, executive director of the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port project. (SOURCE)
Cape Lookout moves construction to fall, reopens summer reservations
TILLAMOOK, Oregon— Cape Lookout State Park will move its construction closure to fall 2025, which means summer campground reservations will reopen.
The park was slated to close temporarily for construction starting in spring 2025, but the schedule has changed.
All reservable campsites sites in A, B, C and D loops as well as deluxe cabins and yurts will be reservable online for stays May 31 through the current 6-month reservation window starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21.
Cape Lookout is one of the nine GO Bond projects at Oregon State Parks supported through Oregon-issued general obligation bonds approved by the Oregon State Legislature in 2021.
Originally, the project included moving camp loops A & B to higher ground and away from encroaching seawater, but unexpected geological and safety concerns prevented the move. Now the work will focus on extending the life of the existing infrastructure and slated to include:
- Reinforcing the existing dune to prevent seawater from entering the camp loops
- Upgrading electrical and water systems in C and D loops
- Day use improvements
- Replacing campground restroom/shower building
The work is scheduled to begin in fall of 2025 and extend into spring or summer 2026. The campground and day-use area will be closed during construction.
We encourage visitors to monitor Oregon State Park website for up-to-date information about the Cape Lookout State Park GO Bond project and campground closures.
For more detailed information about the project visit the park construction web page.
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
Governor Kotec Holds Press Conference Concerning Feds Shutting Off Oregonian’s Tax Payer Money That By Law Comes Back to the State for State Programs
You can see press conference here: https://www.facebook.com/GovTinaKotek/videos/1775986422971918
Oregon joins lawsuit while state officials scramble to respond to Trump order freezing federal funds
Oregon is suing the Trump administration after it ordered an abrupt freeze of many federal payments, leaving state agencies unable to access reimbursements for Medicaid and child care programs and sending state officials scrambling to determine the total effect.
Gov. Tina Kotek and Attorney General Dan Rayfield, both Democrats, announced the suit during a brief press conference Tuesday afternoon. Rayfield joined Democratic attorneys general across the country to file the suit in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island following a Trump administration memo directing all federal agencies to “temporarily pause” awarding or disbursing any federal funding that could be impacted by a host of recent executive orders by 2 p.m. Pacific time Tuesday.
“When federal funds that are meant to serve the most vulnerable are suspended or unavailable, that has an impact on Oregonians and it’s a dereliction of the federal government’s duty to protect Americans,” Kotek said.
A federal judge based in Washington, D.C., paused enforcement of Trump’s order until Monday in response to a separate lawsuit filed by a group of nonprofit agencies.
State agencies are still figuring out which grant programs could be affected by the order. Before former President Joe Biden left office, Kotek and members of Oregon’s congressional delegation pushed him to quickly disburse grants that had been approved by Congress. State budgets rely heavily on federal funding: In Oregon, they make up about 30% of the two-year budget — nearly $40 billion — with certain big-ticket programs, like Medicaid, receiving the biggest chunks of the funding. It’s unclear how much of that funding could be affected by Trump’s memo.
But some state agencies and nonprofit providers experienced immediate impacts on Tuesday, Kotek said. The Oregon Health Authority couldn’t temporarily access a Medicaid portal that allows states to enter costs for reimbursements. Preschool providers who receive funds through Head Start for low-income children and the state Department of Early Learning and Care also couldn’t log in to payment management systems. Nor could the Department of Justice access a federal portal to seek reimbursements for child support enforcement — the federal government reimburses states for two-thirds of those costs.
The Trump administration’s memo ordering a federal funding freeze said it wouldn’t affect funding for Head Start, which sends about $70 million a year to Oregon to provide preschool to nearly 10,000 kids in the state under the age of 5. Trump’s press secretary evaded questions about Medicaid, telling White House reporters she would provide a full list later.
“What we’re hearing from the White House is not what we’re experiencing on the ground,” Rayfield said. “We’re hearing that things aren’t going to be impacted, but the fact on the ground is that these portals are shut down, preventing us from getting access to these critical funds that are important to all Oregonians for programs that they rely on, day in and day out.”
Kotek said Oregonians who receive health care coverage from the Oregon Health Plan and parents with children in Head Start or subsidized child care programs should continue as usual while the state government works to restore reimbursements.
“Your services are safe today,” she said. “If you need medical care under the Oregon Health Plan, please keep your appointments. Please keep your care. If you’re a Head Start parent, your Head Start will be there tomorrow.”
State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner added in a statement that the Treasury has funds to sustain federally funded programs in the short term.
The announcement to federal agencies stirred questions and worry and was on the top of Kotek’s mind as she met Tuesday morning with city officials and staff as part of the League of Oregon Cities’ annual lobbying day — an event that already focused on how cities and the state have been hurt by reduced federal funding for infrastructure.
She told city leaders she was frustrated by the federal government’s lack of clarity, and that she was doing everything she could to figure out what was going on.
“I’m a little frustrated this morning because I’m hearing we’ve got money streams being gummed up and actually stopped,” Kotek said. “That does not help anybody. I just want you to know we’re on the case, and we are trying to figure it out, because as the folks in the local communities providing the services, you need to know what’s going on, and we’re going to do everything we can to figure that out.”
Frozen funds have broad range
Medicaid serves 1.3 million low-income Oregonians and the federal government pays for about two-thirds of that budget. That funding is vital to ensure that people get treatment when they need it, including for cancer treatment, surgeries, chronic health problems, addiction and mental health services.
Many other programs in Oregon rely on federal money. According to a list posted by Sen. Ron Wyden’s office, a freeze could touch people across the state and in many areas of life, from public safety and addiction treatment to suicide prevention, veterans care, schools, small businesses and tribes.
Rayfield said he was deeply concerned about impacts across the board, including federally qualified health centers, which provide care for low-income Oregonians, regardless of their ability to pay or whether they have insurance.
The community health centers work across the state, from urban Portland to rural communities with migrant farmworkers.
“Not getting this funding could mean that some individuals and families in Oregon won’t have access to basic medical services, like doctor screenings and chronic disease management and early interventions,” Rayfield said. “That is because a freeze in funding would force these centers to reduce hours, cut staff or even close locations, particularly in rural areas.”
It could also affect legal aid, according to Disability Rights Oregon, which provides legal assistance to people with disabilities, foster children and people in the Oregon State Hospital.
“This is a cruel attack on some of our most vulnerable Americans,” said Jake Cornett, the organization’s executive director and CEO. “We’re going to do everything within our power to make sure this freeze doesn’t impact our services in the near term, but we may be forced to reduce services if the funding pause persists.”
The affected funding includes federal grants and programs meant to collaborate with states and tribes on wildfire prevention, home hardening and community wildfire resilience, and grants providing financial assistance to firefighters. Karl Koenig, president of the Oregon State Fire Fighters Council, said he was very concerned about the pauses in federal funding.
“As the Oregon Fire Service returns from our deployment in California we cannot fathom any suspension or elimination of any of the numerous grant programs you listed,” Koenig said. “We are reaching out to our Congress members to get a sense of what is going to happen moving forward.”
About 14% of Oregon’s annual education budget comes from the federal government, amounting to more than $1 billion each year.
That includes more than $160 million from the U.S. Department of Education under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act. The money supports staff and programs for the more than 80,000 students with special needs in the state’s 197 school districts.
At a news conference to discuss high school graduation data Tuesday, Oregon Department of Education Director Charlene Williams said the agency is trying to understand possible impacts.
“We’re doing what everyone else is doing in terms of really trying to make sense of everything and get people good information around next steps,” she said. “So, as we know more, we’ll share.”
In September, the federal education agency announced it would send Oregon more than $11 million to help support reading instruction, and potentially more than $50 million by 2035.
A list of affected programs published by Politico also includes incentives and research and development grants under the CHIPS Act, a bipartisan 2022 law intended to grow the semiconductor industry. Shortly before Biden left office, his administration announced that Oregon State University, HP in Corvallis and Analog Devices in Beaverton would receive a combined $203 million in CHIPS Act funding. It wasn’t immediately clear Tuesday whether that funding, or hundreds of millions in previously announced CHIPS awards to Oregon companies, will be affected.
The Nonprofit Association of Oregon sent out an email Tuesday afternoon advising any nonprofits in the state that have federal funding to request a drawdown before 5 p.m. Eastern time. They said they expect the federal pause to last 30 to 60 days.
“There is significant uncertainty about how broad this order extends. Regardless of its reach, we are certain this action will effectively halt many billions of dollars in federal grants and loans to organizations across the country and appear to leave many other federal payments in jeopardy — including grants and loans issued to charitable nonprofits, research bodies, community projects, and more in Oregon,” association officials wrote in the email.
The National Council of Nonprofits, of which the Nonprofit Association of Oregon is a member, sued in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Tuesday to block the White House Office of Management and Budget from pausing all federal agency grants and loans.
Congressional delegation responds to
Officials from the departments of human services, education, environmental quality, agriculture, forestry and transportation did not immediately respond to requests for details about specific cuts or deferred to Kotek’s office. A spokesman for the Oregon Health Authority, Jonathan Modie, responded Tuesday evening, saying there had been “no lapse in access to care.”
But some Democratic members of Oregon’s congressional delegation were quick to react:
“Chaos is not leadership,” Wyden said. “Ransacking resources from Oregonians counting on federal support for local law enforcement, schools, small businesses, firefighters, veterans and more hurts each and every community I am honored to represent. My team and I are working overtime right now to hold this lawless administration accountable for trampling the Constitution and make sure that everyone depending on these funds aren’t left in the cold.”
Oregon’s U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, also the ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee, said Trump’s order is unconstitutional and will ripple through local communities.
“The President is not a king, and the laws Congress passes are not suggestions,” Merkley said. “The Trump administration must follow the law and immediately reverse this shameful order. Federal funds are the foundations for our schools, hospitals, and law enforcement and fire departments.”
U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici said Trump’s move will shut down essential services for Oregonians across a range of areas.
“Federal funding, including grant funding, gives Oregonians and Americans better opportunities and better access to quality health care, housing, education, infrastructure, scientific advancements and much more,” Bonamici said. “This will harm families, workers, and the economy, and in some cases cost lives. I will do everything I can to get this funding restored.”
U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum said the decision threatens Oregonians’ ability to pay for groceries, rent and education.
“There’s uncertainty about which programs will and will not be impacted and which bills Americans will and will not be able to pay,” Bynum said in a statement. “This is irresponsible, unproductive, and exactly what Americans have said they want to see less of in Washington.”
U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter said Trump’s order is cruel and creates uncertainty and confusion for people.
“This is a great betrayal of Oregonian who have planned around these programs and funding,” Dexter said. “Trump’s chaos is wreaking havoc on our communities and nation by upending our ability to rely on federal programs that serve so many.”
And U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas condemned Trump’s move as an “illegal theft” of taxpayer dollars.
“With the stroke of his pen, President Trump is ordering an unprecedented steal that will take critical resources away from our police, firefighters, veterans, growers, and working families here in Oregon and across the country,” she said. “Oregonians will immediately feel the effects of Trump’s steal at a time when most folks are already struggling to pay the bills and put food on the table.” — (SOURCE)
Oregon Food Bank Says Hunger At Its Worst Since Great Depression
Newly released data shows hunger crisis in Oregon, underscoring urgent need for action
The president of the Oregon Food Bank delivered her first State of Hunger address at the state capitol this week. “We are in the worst rate of hunger and food insecurity, since the Great Depression,” said President of the Oregon Food Bank Andrea Williams.
She said that while the food bank distributed nearly 100 million meals, food is just a small part of addressing the hunger crisis. “We must also address the root causes of hunger. “These are the policies that keep people from having the access to resources that they need to thrive. Until we do that those lines will keep forming.”
Williams also introduced the introduction of Senate Bill 611, the Food for All Oregonians Bill.
Food for All Oregonians Coalition Introduces Bill as Part of Immigrant Justice Package
In a show of broad support, community members, legislators and advocates gathered at the Oregon State Capitol today to introduce the Food for All Oregonians bill (SB 611) as part of the larger Immigrant Justice Package. This legislation seeks to ensure every Oregonian — including immigrants and refugees excluded from federal programs like SNAP — has access to the resources we need to thrive.
The Food for All Oregonians coalition, comprised of over 160 organizations across the state, made clear the need to pass this legislation highlighting the critical contributions immigrants and refugees make to Oregon’s economy and food systems, despite being excluded from food assistance programs.
Andrea Williams, newly-appointed President of Oregon Food Bank, delivered her first State of Hunger Address, unveiling new data that shows hunger in Oregon is at its worst since the Great Depression. “The federal administration has issued executive orders threatening immigrant communities,” said Williams. “But that vision doesn’t reflect the Oregon we want for our kids. Oregon can and must lead by example by passing the Food for All Oregonians bill. This legislation sends a clear message that immigrants and refugees can call Oregon home and that we are committed to ensuring our communities have the resources needed to thrive — we are rising for all.”
The press conference featured a powerful lineup of speakers, including Senator Wlnsvey Campos, who is sponsoring SB 611 in the legislature. It also included Food for All Oregonians coalition member Andrea Vanessa Castillo from Oregon Latino Health Coalition and David Soria Garcia, Policy Leadership Council member and Tillamook community leader. Senator Wlnsvey Campos shared her support, saying, “This bill isn’t just about food — it’s about building a stronger, more equitable Oregon where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Hunger persists at crisis levels, with 2.5 million visits to food assistance sites across the Oregon Food Bank Network in the last year alone — a 31% increase from the previous year. While Oregon Food Bank and its network distributed over 91 million meals worth of food, nearly 110 million pounds, Williams emphasized that food alone cannot solve hunger. “We must address the systems and policies that perpetuate hunger. Until we do, those lines at food pantries will keep forming,” she said.
Part of the Food for All Oregonians coalition, the Oregon Latino Health Coalition emphasized the importance of this effort. “Access to nourishing food is a fundamental aspect of health,” said Andrea Vanessa Castillo, Policy and Advocacy Manager at Oregon Latino Health Coalition. “Immigrants and refugees are vital — they help put food on the table for families across our state. Yet, they remain excluded from essential benefits like SNAP.”
The Food for All Oregonians bill (SB 611) for the second year in a row, continues to be one of the top three Policy Recommendations of the Oregon Hunger Task Force. “Tomorrow, we will present the Roadmap to End Hunger and our list of priority policy recommendations to legislators,” shared Chris Baker, Administrator of the Oregon Hunger Task Force. “This legislative session, the Oregon Hunger Task Force urges lawmakers to prioritize bills that will have an immediate and lasting impact on reducing hunger in Oregon’s most impacted communities.”
“As a mother, I think about the future I want for my two kids — a future where every family in Oregon has access to the resources they need, including immigrants and refugees,” said Williams. “The Food for All Oregonians bill is about creating that brighter future… because no one should be hungry.” https://www.oregonfoodbank.org/posts/food-for-all-oregonians-coalition-introduces-bill-as-part-of-immigrant-justice-package?fbclid=IwY2xjawIHLb9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHQFNDtMA_0ABUXHVNaWdcOnWSepamhCnJcA0C98zIdqRy11lnGNvHlh6DA_aem_RlEZzVMbSo0c_4KgwtOK5Q
Recent OHA Findings Support Striking Caregivers’ Focus On Safe Staffing: Providence Has Been Failing On Staffing
— Recent findings from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) confirm what frontline caregivers at Providence hospitals have long been warning: Providence is failing to meet critical staffing requirements, putting patient care and worker safety at risk.
According to OHA’s investigations into multiple staffing complaints at Providence Portland Medical Center and Providence Seaside Hospital, OHA found multiple violations of Oregon’s hospital staffing laws, including failures to adopt required Nurse Staffing Plans (NSPs) in critical departments such as Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Cardiology, Critical Care, and Emergency Departments.
Providence recently stated, in a communication to staff, that “Providence ministries are complying with Oregon’s staffing law…We will not agree to additional contract requirements that differ from the law.” However, OHA’s repeated findings of violations of Oregon’s Safe Staffing Law tell a different story–one of a systemic and dangerous pattern of failing to follow even the most basic legal requirements.
OHA found that, at Providence Portland Medical Center, the hospital repeatedly failed to adopt legally-required Nurse Staffing Plans (NSPs) for critical units, including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Critical Care, Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, and Labor and Delivery. In recent complaint investigations, OHA cited Providence for failing to adopt staffing plans on 8 units at Providence Portland Medical Center. This means that–according to nurses on those units and the Hospital Staffing Committee–those units are not staffed appropriately for safe and therapeutic patient care. This systemic failure has left caregivers without the necessary staffing guidelines to provide safe and effective care.
Additionally, the OHA investigation uncovered repeated violations in the Medical Oncology and Surgical Oncology units, where Providence failed to meet RN staffing levels across multiple shifts in June 2024, jeopardizing patient outcomes and staff well-being.
These violations in oncology units–where cancer patients require intensive and specialized care–demonstrate Providence’s ongoing disregard for legally-mandated staffing levels.
The pattern of non-compliance extends beyond Portland, as OHA also found that Providence Seaside Hospital failed to adopt required staffing plans for its Medical-Surgical (Med-Surg) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) departments by the June 1, 2024 deadline. Earlier this year, Providence was also found in violation at Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center for submitting a staffing plan it created rather than a more detailed plan that was approved by the Hospital Staffing Committee.
This failure to meet basic legal obligations underscores why caregivers are fighting for stronger, enforceable staffing protections in their contracts; Providence has repeatedly demonstrated it cannot be trusted to adhere to existing regulations without additional safeguards in place.
The Oregon Nurses Association urges Providence to acknowledge their ongoing staffing failures and negotiate in good faith to provide meaningful staffing protections and stop obstructing hospital nurse staffing committees. Caregivers remain committed to fighting for the safety of their patients and the integrity of their profession.The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) Represents A Diverse Community Of More Than 21,000 Nurses, And Health Care Professionals Throughout Oregon. Together, We Use Our Collective Power To Advocate For Critical Issues Impacting Patients, Nurses, And Health Care Professionals Including A More Effective, Affordable And Accessible Healthcare System; Better Working Conditions For All Health Care Professionals; And Healthier Communities. For More Information Visit Www.OregonRN.org.
JOINT STATEMENT ON MEDIATION BETWEEN PROVIDENCE AND OREGON NURSES ASSOCIATION
At the request of Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, the Oregon Nurses Association and Providence Oregon have agreed to have representatives from both sides re-engage in intensive, in-person mediation beginning today, January 29th, 2025, in an effort to end this strike. Both sides are engaging in every effort to get this dispute resolved as expeditiously as possible and get people back to work.
Officials warn SNAP users to prevent fraud
Oregonians who receive supplemental federal food benefits need to be more vigilant than ever against fraud, officials say: If their monthly benefits are stolen, they’ll be gone for good.
In the past, the federal government replaced benefits lost to fraud, but that policy changed late last year. The federal government is no longer replacing stolen benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
That could mean a total loss of tens of thousands of dollars in SNAP benefits in Oregon, primarily through “skimming,” according to officials from Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon. That happens when a device is inserted into a credit card reader and steals financial information when the card is run through the reader.
Only a small minority lose their benefits this way. Oregon has nearly 447,000 households receiving SNAP benefits. From Oct. 1 through Dec. 20, nearly 200 households had their benefits stolen, losing $77,000 in food aid.
The average household receives $310 in SNAP benefits, which are not meant to foot an entire food bill, but the money is often crucial for those who need it.
Jake Sunderland, press secretary for the Oregon Department of Human Services, said SNAP users should take several precautions to protect themselves from fraud:
- Only manage your account through the ebtEDGE website or mobile app, which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
- Freeze your card right away after each use and unfreeze it before you make purchases and block purchases made outside of Oregon or online through Cardholder.ebtEDGE.com.
- Keep your PIN secret and cover the keypad when you enter it.
- Check your account activity regularly and cancel your card immediately if you see purchases you didn’t make. (SOURCE)
Oregon’s Federal Employees Ordered Back To The Office
Oregon has the fourth-highest share of federal workers who work remotely, which could cause an exodus after President Trump ordered all such employees to return to the office full time.
Why it matters: Trump’s return-to-office executive order is part of a broader effort to cut the size of the bureaucracy.
- Yes, but: Experts told Axios’ Emily Peck that the federal government will have a tougher time attracting and retaining talented employees.
By the numbers: Of the nearly 40,000 federal workers in Oregon, more than 17% said they worked from home at least once per week, per data from the U.S. Census.
- That’s well above the national average of 12.7%.
- It’s also higher than any other state or district except Maryland, Vermont and Washington, D.C.
What they’re saying: “Requiring federal employees to come to the office five days a week would result in a wave of voluntary terminations that we welcome,” Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who stepped down from DOGE, wrote last year in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece.
Zoom in: It’s not just the federal government, either.
- Mayor Keith Wilson recently announced that roughly 700 city managers and supervisors would be required to work in-office, full time.
- That move came after Wilson originally said all 7,000 city employees would need to work in person, a position he backtracked from after receiving pushback from labor unions. (SOURCE)
Oregon health officials called out three health care organizations this week for unreasonably driving up Oregonians’ medical costs.
The state in 2021 set a cap on annual spending growth for health care organizations at 3.4% per person, part of a regulatory bid to rein in rising health care costs. The Oregon Legislature authorized the program in 2019 and updated the law in 2021.
The Oregon Health Authority on Wednesday flagged three organizations for overshooting this limit between 2021 and 2022 without justifying the increase. They include Eugene-based Oregon Medical Group and two insurers, Moda
Health and UnitedHealthcare, both of which managed Medicare Advantage plans. Optum and UnitedHealthcare did not immediately respond to emailed requests for comment.
Oregon’s Nonfarm Payroll Employment Drops by 3,700 in December
In December, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment declined by 3,700 jobs, following a revised increase of 3,700 jobs in November. December’s gains were largest in health care and social assistance (+1,900 jobs) and government (+700). Declines were largest in leisure and hospitality (-1,900 jobs); manufacturing (-1,800); financial activities (-1,000); and retail trade (-900).
Health care and social assistance continued its rapid, consistent pace of hiring, adding 18,100 jobs, or 6.2%, in the past 12 months. Within this industry, social assistance added the most jobs, gaining 9,200 jobs, or 12.2%, since December 2023. The three health care industries each added between 3,300 and 4,400 jobs during that time.
December’s growth in government also capped off a year of strong performance. Its 7,000-job gain (+2.3%) was the second fastest growth over the year.
Leisure and hospitality cut 3,200 jobs in the past two months. It employed 204,000 in December, which was 3,000 below its average during January 2023 through October 2024.
Cutbacks of 1,500 jobs within semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing contributed most of the December employment reductions in manufacturing. Over the year, manufacturing dropped 2,500 jobs (-1.3%). Several durable goods manufacturing industries have shed jobs in the past 12 months: wood product manufacturing (-500 jobs, or -2.2%); machinery manufacturing (-300 jobs, or -2.2%); and transportation equipment manufacturing (-600 jobs, or -5.3%).
Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.1% in December and 4.0%, as revised, in November. The rate has consistently remained between 4.0% and 4.2% since October 2023. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.1% in December and 4.2% in November.
Oregon joins lawsuit over Trump attempt to end birthright citizenship — Judge grants request to temporarily block Trump’s birthright citizenship order
A federal judge in Seattle on Thursday temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship.
U.S. District Court Judge John Coughenour’s ruling in a case brought by Washington, Oregon, Arizona and Illinois is the first in what is sure to be a long legal fight over the order’s constitutionality.
Coughenour called the order “blatantly unconstitutional.”
“I have difficulty understanding how a member of the bar could state unequivocally that this is a constitutional order,” the judge told the Trump administration’s attorney. “It boggles my mind.”
Coughenour’s decision came after 25 minutes of arguments between attorneys for Washington state and the Department of Justice.
On Tuesday, Attorney General Nick Brown, along with peers in Oregon, Arizona and Illinois, sued the Trump administration over the order. Shortly after filing the lawsuit, the states asked Coughenour to grant a 14-day temporary restraining order stopping the executive action from taking effect nationwide.
In Oregon, Attorney General Dan Rayfield welcomed the ruling, saying it protects the rights of all children in the state.
“Today was a huge victory,” Rayfield said in a statement. “In terms of the next steps, this temporary restraining order preserves the status quo for now. In the meantime, the states in the other birthright citizenship case in Massachusetts are also arguing for a preliminary injunction.”
Eighteen other states filed a similar lawsuit in federal court in Massachusetts.
Trump signed the executive order shortly after he was sworn into office on Monday. It would end birthright citizenship for babies born to a mother and father who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
Brett Shumate, of the Department of Justice, argued the rush for an emergency pause is unwarranted because the order doesn’t go into effect until Feb. 19. He called the state’s motion “extraordinary.”
Attorneys for the state acknowledged the temporary restraining order is extraordinary, but warranted. Washington would lose federal dollars used to provide services to citizens and officials would be forced to modify those service systems.
The order is “causing immediate widespread and severe harm,” said Lane Polozola, of the Washington attorney general’s office. “Citizens are being stripped of their most foundational right, which is the right to have rights.”
Addressing reporters after the hearing, Brown said while the executive order doesn’t go into effect for nearly a month, it forces states to start preparing now for the change.
The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution codified birthright citizenship in 1868. It begins: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”
The executive order focuses on the “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” phrase.
“The Fourteenth Amendment has never been interpreted to extend citizenship universally to everyone born within the United States,” Trump’s order reads. “The Fourteenth Amendment has always excluded from birthright citizenship persons who were born in the United States but not ‘subject to the jurisdiction thereof.’”
Polozola called this interpretation “absurd,” saying children without legal immigration status are still subject to U.S. law. He added birthright citizenship is a right that is “off limits.”
Legal precedent has long backed up birthright citizenship. In 1898, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the concept when justices ruled Wong Kim Ark, a man born in San Francisco to Chinese parents, was a U.S. citizen.
In 2022, about 153,000 babies were born to two parents without legal immigration status across the country, including 4,000 in Washington state, according to the lawsuit filed this week.
Coughenour has been a federal judge for decades. Republican President Ronald Reagan nominated him for the bench in 1981.
Brown called Thursday’s hearing “step one.”
“But to hear the judge from the bench say that in his 40 years as a judge, he has never seen something so ‘blatantly unconstitutional’ sets the tone for the seriousness of this effort,” Brown said.
Video and audio recording were not allowed in the courtroom Thursday.
Looking forward, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals would have jurisdiction over the case. Democratic presidents appointed a majority of the circuit court’s judges. Appeals could eventually land the dispute before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Shumate said the case will almost certainly end up there. But Brown said he’s taking it “one step at a time.”
“I see no reason why in a court of appeals, or even the United States Supreme Court, would reach a different decision than was reached today,” Brown told reporters.
A court hearing on a preliminary injunction to pause the executive order while litigation is ongoing is set for Feb. 6.
In court filings this week, state officials, academics and nonprofit leaders explained how the order could have detrimental effects on Washington, including losing federal reimbursements for a variety of social programs.
Tom Wong, an assistant professor at University of California, San Diego, retained by the state, wrote the order will create a “permanent underclass of people who are excluded from U.S. citizenship and are thus not able to realize their full potential.”
Congressional Republicans on Thursday introduced legislation to restrict birthright citizenship. The bill would amend federal immigration law to only allow children to be U.S. citizens if one of their parents is a citizen, a green card holder or a legal immigrant serving in the military.
The Bootleg Fire 3 years ago is still being studied by many forest officials, lobbyists and other groups.
A large Oregon forest meant to offset planet warming emissions was badly burned three years ago in that summer’s wildfire, and the project had to be pulled from a carbon credit market that aims to fight against climate change.
Now, its owners want to re-enter some of those burned acres into California’s carbon market, which generates credits based on the amount of emissions stored by trees.
When trees are burned, they release some of those stored emissions, but the owners, Green Diamond Resource Company, maintain that the scorched land still offers some climate benefits.
The move would mark a first, and it worries critics. They say that the land is already in an area ripe for wildfires, and they’re concerned that re-enrolling high-risk land would set a precedent that could undermine carbon crediting markets, which mark one approach to curtailing harmful emissions.
In 2021, the Bootleg Fire burned a quarter of the 435,000-acre Klamath East carbon project. In response, the California Air Resources Board removed the project from its carbon offset market last year because it could no longer meet its promise of capturing and storing the hundreds of thousands of metric tons of carbon dioxide that was promised.
But recently Green Diamond asked the board to enroll four new forest carbon offset projects in the same area of southern Oregon — including 48,000 acres of the former Klamath East project that burned in the Bootleg Fire. Though a first, the re-enrollment would not be against the rules of California’s government-regulated carbon market, said officials at the California Air Resources Board, provided the trees are not double counted. This means the carbon capture power of previously registered trees cannot be included in the new plan.
The new projects have not been approved but the request is raising concerns among watchdogs who fear it would compromise the integrity of California’s carbon market and encourage the development of projects in areas with a high fire risk and low climate benefit.
Half of hospitals throughout Oregon are operating in the red, because of underfunding by Medicaid.
Becky Hultberg, executive director of the Hospital Association of Oregon, says the Oregon Health Plan underpaid hospitals a billion dollars in 2023 and that continues. They want the Legislature to approve more funding. Lawmakers will have a difficult time coming up with the extra money, because it faces its own budget trouble. The Trump Administration is also considering cuts to Medicaid.
Oregonians looking to renew their vehicle registration and get new tags can now do so at a handful of Fred Meyer stores around the state
The self-service express kiosks from Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services are designed to give Oregonians another way to renew their registration besides at a DMV office, online or by mail, according to a news release.
The kiosks are located in Fred Meyer locations in Salem and Eugene as well as in Beaverton, Bend, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Medford, Oak Grove and Tualatin. A location in Portland is coming soon and the DMV said it plans to offer more kiosks around the state in the future.
In Salem, the kiosk is at the Fred Meyer located at 3740 Market St. NE and allows users to pay by cash, credit or debit card. In Eugene, it’s located at the Fred Meyer at 3333 W 11th Ave. and will only allow payment via debit or credit card.
“We see these kiosks as a way to improve customer service, access and equity,” DMV administrator Amy Joyce said in the news release. “This program is the latest effort aimed at improving the DMV experience for our customers.”
The kiosks are ADA-accessible and registration renewal can be completed in English and Spanish. Users will be charged a $4.95 vendor fee for each transaction.
Customers will need to bring identification (license, permit, or ID card), insurance information and registration renewal notice. — Vehicle registration cards and license plate stickers will be printed after the transaction.
Registration Is Now Open For The Bob Ross-inspired Happy Little (Virtual) 5K Run for the Trees
Oregon Parks Forever — Inspired by American painter and PBS television personality Bob Ross’ love of the outdoors, Oregon Parks Forever is sponsoring a virtual 5K race to help plant trees in Oregon’s parks & forests. Registration is now open for the 2025 Run for the Trees at www.orparksforever.org.
Participants can run, walk, hike, skate, paddle or roll to complete their 5K anywhere outdoors anytime between April 19 and 27 (covering Earth Day and Arbor Day). Participants are encouraged to register by April 1 to ensure that your swag arrives before the event week. If you register after April 1, you may not receive your swag before race week. Registration will close on April 15.
For $36 per person, each participant will receive a keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, a commemorative bib number and a finisher’s medal. All Oregon race proceeds support tree planting and forest protection efforts in Oregon parks. Ten trees will be planted in Oregon for each registration.
Gather your friends, family and/or colleagues and create your own walk or run. Make it fun!
Initially, the “Happy Little Trees” program began with a partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Bob Ross Inc., with hundreds of volunteers helping to plant “happy little trees” at locations hard-hit by invasive pests and tree diseases. The partnership quickly expanded to include the Run for the Trees / Happy Little (Virtual) 5K.
As the Happy Little 5K gained popularity, more states have joined the effort. Now in its fifth year, the Happy Little 5K has expanded its reach to include ten other states. Together, Michigan, Oregon, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Maryland and Virginia will “lock arms” as they help raise awareness and funding for stewardship efforts in each state’s parks.
“We are thrilled to partner with Bob Ross, Inc. and these other ten states on the Happy Little 5K concept as a way to honor the late Bob Ross and create a legacy event to plant trees,” said Seth Miller, Executive Director of Oregon Parks Forever.”
Oregon Parks Forever joined this event as an expansion of our efforts to fund the replanting of trees killed by wildfires, heat domes and invasive insects. Over the past three years, Oregon Parks Forever has been able to fund the replanting of more than 800,000 trees across Oregon.
“The official Bob Ross 5K is probably our most favorite initiative,” says Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Company. “It’s the perfect blend of everything Bob held dear; nature, taking care of the environment, and happy trees too of course. He would have been so pleased to see how it’s getting so popular around the world.” — Learn more about the program at http://www.orparksforever.org
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.
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.
Department Of Revenue Volunteers Will Help Taxpayers Use Direct File Oregon To E-file Their Taxes For Free At Libraries Across The State
Salem, OR—Oregonians looking for assistance in electronically filing their taxes for free, could find help as close as their local library this tax season.
Volunteers from the Oregon Department of Revenue will be traveling to libraries in 17 different communities across the state in February, March, and April to assist taxpayers in using the free combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon to complete their returns.
The one-day tax help clinics are planned at libraries in:
| Bandon | North Bend |
| Burns | Prineville |
| Coquille | Pendleton |
| Cornelius | Roseburg |
| The Dalles | Salem |
| Klamath Falls | Seaside |
| Lebanon | Sweet Home |
| McMinnville | Toledo |
| Tualatin |
Dates, times, and addresses for each clinic can be found on the Free Direct File assistance at local libraries webpage.
Last year, more than 140,000 taxpayers in 12 other states filed their federal tax returns using a limited IRS Direct File pilot program while nearly 7,000 Oregon taxpayers filed their state returns using the free, state-only Direct File Oregon option.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced in May that it would make IRS Direct File a permanent option for taxpayers and invited all 50 states to participate. Oregon was the first of 13 new states to accept the invitation from the IRS in June creating a seamless free e-filing system for both federal and state taxes.
With the two direct file systems connected, the IRS estimates that 640,000 Oregon taxpayers will be able to e-file both their federal and state returns for free in 2025.
The department believes that offering free assistance will help maximize the number of Oregonians who choose to use the new free option and make it possible for many who don’t have a filing requirement to file and claim significant federal and state tax credits for low-income families.
For example, the IRS estimates that one in five Oregon taxpayers eligible to claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit are not doing so. One Oregon organization estimates that the unclaimed credits have totaled nearly $100 million in recent years.
Taxpayers should use the IRS eligibility checker to see if they’ll be able to use IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon. Eligible taxpayers should set up an IRS online account and an account with Oregon’s Revenue Online before they come to an event. Taxpayers attending an event should bring the following information with them.
- Social security card or ITIN for everyone on your tax return
- Government picture ID for taxpayer and spouse if filing jointly (such as driver’s license or passport)
Common income and tax documents
- Forms W2 (wages from a job)
- Forms 1099 (other kinds of income)
- Form SSA-1099 (Social Security Benefits)
Optional documents to download
- Canceled check or bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit
- Last year’s tax return
Taxpayers can signup for the new “Oregon Tax Tips” direct email newsletter to keep up with information about tax return filing and how to claim helpful tax credits.
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.
https://www.oregon.gov/osp/missing/pages/missingpersons.aspx
Oregon’s Missing Persons
Many times you’ll see postings without case numbers or police contact. There is rarely a nefarious reason why (the nefarious ones are pretty obvious). Usually the loved one tried to call to report their missing person and they are either refused or told to wait a day or two by people who are unaware of SB 351 and the laws that they are bound to when answering the phone. Many people don’t bother calling LE if their loved one is homeless or in transition because they believe LE won’t care. The biggest myth is the 24 hour rule.
In Oregon we don’t have those rules and an officer or person answering the phone is not allowed to decide. The law decides. We have Senate Bill 351 and it states that the police CANNOT refuse a request for any reason and they must begin working on it within 12 hours. The person making the report does not have to be related to missing person either.
Here is SB 351 written by families of the missing here in Oregon in conjunction with Oregon law enforcement officers. This should be common knowledge, please make it this way. https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/…/SB351/Introduced
Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com