Oregon Beach News, Wednesday 12/18 – Drug Lab Investigation in Bandon, Search For Missing Coos County Man & 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, December 18, 2024

Oregon Beach Weather

Active Weather Alerts – National Weather Service

...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM PST THIS MORNING...
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM THIS MORNING TO 10 PM PST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...For the Gale Warning, southwest winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and seas 14 to 18 ft at 15 seconds. For the Small Craft Advisory, south winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and seas 9 to 14 ft at 15 seconds expected.

* WHERE...All areas.

* WHEN...For the Gale Warning, until 7 AM PST this morning. For the Small Craft Advisory, from 7 AM this morning to 10 PM PST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Strong winds and very steep seas could capsize or damage vessels. Low visibility conditions are expected.

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

Drug Lab Investigation in Bandon

Through the South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team’s (SCINT) investigation into an illegal marijuana organization starting in November 2024, SCINT identified Matthew Houglum (50) as a suspect. SCINT identified Matthew’s address to be 50280 Highway 101, Bandon, located within Coos County Oregon.

On December 9th, 2024, SCINT Detective B. Davis applied for and was granted a search warrant for Matthew’s residence. On December 11th, 2024, a multi-jurisdictional operation including: SCINT, Oregon State Police, Coos County ERT, Bandon Police, Coquille Police, North Bend Police, Coquille Tribal Police, Coos County Parole and Probation, and the U.S Coast Guard drone unit executed the search warrant.

Matthew and other co-conspirators were found to have an illegal psilocybin mushroom lab, marijuana processing center, and an arsenal of firearms.Detectives seized over two thousand mushrooms containing suspected amounts of psilocybin, forty-nine firearms including short barreled rifles and shotguns many of which are suspected to be obtained illegally, various grenades, and marijuana processing equipment.

The FBI and ATF are being briefed on this illegal psilocybin lab. Under the Controlled Substance act, psilocybin is a schedule 1 substance, which also includes heroin, meth and LSD. Charges for this case are pending, as it is an ongoing investigation.”Police action is not indicative of guilt. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law”

Search For Missing Coos County Man

On December 16, 2024, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office received a request for assistance from North Bend Police Department regarding a missing person from their jurisdiction, Joseph Neill. Mr. Neill was reported to have left his home to go photograph the King Tides at the beach and never returned home.

In the early morning hours of December 16, Mr. Neill’s vehicle was located on Transpacific Parkway near a landmark known as Jordan Point. North Bend Police requested a K9 team in order to track the area for Mr. Neill’s whereabouts as some of his property had been located in that area. A Sergeant from the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, a Coos County Search and Rescue trailing K9 Team, Flanker and a Deputy responded to check the area. The K9 checked the area and determined that Mr. Neill is no longer in that area.

Coast Guard assets were deployed at the request of North Bend Police Department as was a boat from North Bend Fire Department to check the Coos Bay and surrounding areas. As there was evidence to suggest that Mr. Neill was elsewhere, the search was suspended pending further information or clues. The property the search was conducted on is private property and there are hazards to life and limb in that area. Members of the public should not be on that property without landowner permission. If anyone has any further information, please contact the North Bend Police Department at 541-756-3161.

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Congratulations

Congratulations are in order for Deputy Grace Paranto on her successful completion of Corrections Academy. She also assisted with color guard duties. Deputy Paranto enjoys reading and agate hunting when she is away from the office. Way to go Deputy Paranto and welcome home!

Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) Instructor of the Year – Deputy Eric Churchill 

Deputy Blake was honored by the Oregon State Marine Board at the annual Post-Season conference held in Bend, 2024. Dion received the “Service Excellence Award” in recognition for his work while a member of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Team throughout the 2024 boating season.

Deputy Blake was recognized for his tireless dedication with multiple programs including the “Clean Marina” OSMB project in which he piloted an initiative of registration compliance, identifying derelict vessels to be removed from the local marinas. The pilot program initiated in Lincoln County is now being disseminated to counties across the state with positive impact.

OSMB Law Enforcement Training Coordinator, Eddie Persichetti, highlighted Dion’s infectious positive attitude, commending him for initiating and then fostering a positive atmosphere throughout the training process.

“He consistently goes above and beyond to engage students and peers, making a tremendous impact on their learning through varying training methods that are thorough, professional, and exciting,” according to Eddie Persichetti, Marine Law Enforcement Training Coordinator.  — Just another example of the continued dedication of Dion and our LCSO Marine Patrol Team!

Cape Lookout to move construction closure to summer and reopen spring reservations

TILLAMOOK, Oregon— Cape Lookout State Park will move its construction closure to summer 2025, which means spring 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 in March 1 through May 31 starting 9 a.m. Dec. 20, 2024. 

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 summer or 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yaquina Bay Lighthouse slated for exterior restoration in 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Current recreational harvest closures and openings:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oregon Coast Humane Society is Offering Special Holiday Deliveries

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seaside Art Walk for December

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

Enjoy A Festive Holiday Experience Aboard the Candy Cane Express!

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

Annual Holiday Lights at Shore Acres

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

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

Celebrate the Season at Sea of Lights

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

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

Sandbagging Stations in Lincoln County

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

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

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

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

FedEx shipping deadlines to arrive by Dec. 25, 2024

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

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

FedEx holiday shipping deadlines

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

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

UPS shipping deadlines to arrive by Dec. 25, 2024

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

UPS holiday shipping deadlines

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

USPS shipping deadlines for Dec. 25, 2024

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

USPS holiday shipping deadlines

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

Amazon estimated shipping deadlines for Dec. 25, 2024

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

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

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

Amazon holiday shipping deadlines

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

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

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

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

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

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

New facial illustration released in Clatsop County cold case – Public assistance sought to identify remains

With the assistance of a new facial re-approximation from Parabon NanoLabs, a 25-year-old Oregon State Police (OSP) cold case is receiving new attention. Working closely with Oregon State Police Forensic Anthropologist Dr. Nici Vance, Parabon used the individual’s genetic phenotype to create the latest illustration.

On Nov. 3, 1999, mushroom pickers reported the discovery of human skeletal remains in rural Clatsop County. The unidentified partial remains were located in a wooded area off Hwy. 26 near milepost 29. At the time, searchers located remains over a wide area, including a skull and lower jaw with all the teeth present.

A forensic examination of the skeletal remains indicated the deceased is female, 16-30 years of age, about 5 ft. 2 in. tall, and weighing between 108-117 pounds. Forensic anthropologists believe the individual had given birth some time prior.

Investigators also found white athletic socks, Levi’s blue jeans size 33×34, a medium-sized black leather jacket, and a silver-colored “peace symbol” belt buckle in the same wooded area.

Investigators hope the new illustration will help renew interest in the case to determine the young woman’s identity. “This new illustration created by Parabon NanoLabs may be the key to unlocking her identity; we hope someone may recognize her now. We also know her ancestry includes relatives from Western Europe, West Africa, and Central America, which are huge clues to her origins and family. Everyone deserves the dignity of a name; through our partnership with Parabon NanoLabs, we will continue to search for her family and ultimately identify her.”

Since 2019, Parabon and the Oregon State Police have partnered to identify more than 30 previously unidentified individuals in Oregon using Parabon’s groundbreaking technology and investigative genetic genealogy research.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Derek Rose through OSP’s Northern Command Center at 800-442-0776 or *OSP (*677) on a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP99433623.

AAA expects 119 million Americans including nearly 1.7 million Oregonians to travel for the holidays

– AAA projects 119.3 million Americans (35% of the population) including 1.68 million Oregonians will travel 50 miles or more for the Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year holidays. This year’s travel volume narrowly beats the previous record set in 2019 by 64,000 travelers. AAA expects an additional three million travelers this holiday season compared to last year. 

The year-end holiday travel period is defined as Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.

“With Christmas falling on a Wednesday this year, many are taking the entire week off or working remotely so they can extend their holiday break,” says Doreen Loofburrow. “Travel demand has been strong all year, and now we’ll finish 2024 setting a new record for holiday travel,” says Doreen Loofburrow, senior vice president of travel for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

“AAA expects travel volumes to soar this holiday season, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers, as Americans drive, fly and cruise to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah and ring in 2025. Expect busy roads and crowded airports, pack your patience, and have a plan B as weather is always the wildcard this time of year,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

Most travelers will drive – About 90% of travelers or 107 million Americans will drive to their holiday destinations. This is 2.5 million more than in 2023 but just shy of 2019’s record of 108 million. In Oregon, about 1.5 million will drive. Driving is often the most flexible and affordable way to travel, which is why it’s the number one mode. It’s especially appealing for families with small children.

Air travel to soar to record high – Air travel sets a record this holiday season, with 7.85 million Americans including 160,000 Oregonians taking to the skies. This surpasses the previous record of 7.5 million air travelers last year. In all, about 6.6% of all holiday travelers will fly to their destinations. Find AAA’s tips and advice for air travelers below.

Other modes will see highest volumes in 20 years – Travel by other modes, including cruises, trains and buses, will be the highest in 20 years with nearly 4.5 million travelers including about 62,000 Oregonians. This is up nearly 10% from last year. Domestic cruise bookings are up 37% compared to last holiday season. In all, about 3.7% of all travelers will go by these modes. Cruises are very popular over the holidays because they appeal to multiple generations and there’s something for everyone on board.

Top holiday destinations – These are the trending destinations for regional, domestic and international travel for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho based on bookings by our AAA travel agents and at AAA.com. 

Theme parks, beaches and European cities are among the most popular spots. Bend tops the list as the most popular regional destination again this year.

Gas prices are cheapest for the holidays in four years

Those taking a holiday road trip will find gas prices at their cheapest since 2020. The current (as of Dec. 17) national average for regular unleaded is $3.03 and the Oregon average is $3.47. These prices are at or near the year-to-date lows for 2024. Visit the AAA Fuel Prices website for current gas prices and EV charging rates.

AAA members can fill up for less at Shell stations when they join the Fuel Rewards® program at AAA.com/Shell. Save 30¢/gal on your first fill-up at Shell when you join the Fuel Rewards® program by 12/31/25 and make your first transaction within 30 days of joining. After that, save 5¢/gal every day on each individual fill-up of up to 20 gallons from participating Shell stations.  Find current fuel prices at GasPrices.AAA.com.

Best and worst times to drive; Peak traffic expected December 22 and 29 – The busiest days for road trippers are expected to be Sunday, December 22 as folks head out to their Christmas destinations, and again on Sunday, December 29 as people return home. But roads will be busier than usual throughout the holiday season with a record number of travelers going by car. The afternoon and evening hours from December 19 through December 23, and from December 26 through January 2, will all have more congestion, especially on the weekdays in urban areas as commuters mix with holiday travelers, The lightest traffic is expected on December 24 and 25.

Some metro areas across the U.S. could have travel times that are two to three times longer than typical drive times, especially in larger urban areas. In Oregon, drivers can expect that their trips will take 8% to 50% longer than a normal commute, assuming no additional delays from crashes or winter weather.

“Leave early if you can. Mornings during the holiday season are the times with the least congestion. You can also avoid the heaviest traffic by traveling on the actual holidays – December 24, 25, 31 and January 1. But with a record number of travelers taking a holiday road trip, assume traffic will be heavier than usual and that it will probably take you longer to get to your destination,” says Dodds.

AAA also recommends using traffic apps, local Department of Transportation notifications, 511 services, and local news and traffic reports to get real-time updates.

Here are projected travel times in and out of Portland at the peak times for driving:

AAA’s tips for a safe drive:

• Get your car road-trip ready. Breakdowns are always a hassle, and you don’t want to be stranded during the holidays. Find a trusted mechanic nearby at AAA.com/repair.
• Be sure your vehicle and passengers are ready for winter driving conditions. Get tips and advice, including what to put in your emergency kit, at AAA.com/winterprep.  Bring enough water, provisions and warm clothing so that you can keep everyone safe if you are stranded for several hours or even overnight.
• Please let family members or friends know your itinerary, so authorities have an idea where to start looking for you if you don’t make it to your destination.
• Don’t blindly follow your GPS. If a road looks remote and not well traveled or maintained, don’t proceed!
• Slow Down, Move Over. A roadside worker is killed every other week in the U.S. To help prevent these tragedies, AAA asks drivers to Slow Down, Move Over. When you see an emergency responder on the side of the road assisting a stranded driver, reduce your speed and, If possible, change lanes to give those crews room to do their jobs safely. All 50 states, including Oregon, and the District of Columbia have Move Over laws in place.
• Drive only when alert and refreshed. Driving on four to five hours of sleep is as dangerous as driving with a 0.08 BAC. Less than 4 hours of sleep? The risk doubles. Travel during hours you’re normally awake and avoid overnight drives. Take a break every couple of hours. If needed, park at a safe location and take a 20-to-30-minute nap to recharge.
• Of course, if you’re driving, don’t get impaired. If you’re impaired, don’t drive.

AAA has advice for air travelers:

• Download the airline’s app on your phone and set it up for push notifications so that you’ll be notified about departure and arrival information as well as any flight changes, delays or cancellations. FlightAware and other sites let you track your incoming flight so you can find other options if that flight is late or cancelled.
• Get to the airport early – two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. The increase in travelers can make for longer than usual wait times to get through security. If you’re flying out of PDX, arrive early if you haven’t been in the new terminal which opened in September after four years of construction. You may need extra time to find your way around.
• If you need to park at the airport, book a parking spot in advance or at least check on availability before you go. Many airports including Portland International airport let you check current availability https://www.flypdx.com/Parking.  Better yet, take transit, use a ride sharing service, or get a ride from a friend to the airport.
• Carry your bags on your flight instead of checking them. If you do need to check bags, bring medications, a change of clothes, comfortable shoes, and any other necessary items in your carry on bag. Make sure your bags have name tags, and also put your name and contact info inside each bag. Consider using an Apple AirTag, Samsung Galaxy SmartTag, or another tracker if you do check your bags.
• Plan ahead for meals and snacks. Full airports can mean long lines and wait times at restaurants. Bring a refillable water bottle and snacks. Many airlines allow you to pre-order food up to 24 hours before your flight. The TSA allows solid foods through screening but liquids or gels (such as yogurt) must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
• Consider signing up for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and/or CLEAR to expedite the security screening process. Do make sure the airports you use offer CLEAR as it’s not available at all airports.

What to do if your flight is cancelled

• If your flight is canceled by the airline or there are significant delays, they will try to accommodate you on a later flight; however, you are entitled to a full refund under federal law.
• Weather is considered an “act of God”. Airlines will rebook you on flights that are available but are not required to do much more. The issue is when flights are full, rebooking passengers can be a challenge and could be days later.
• If you do call your airline, expect long wait times if you call the customer service number. You may have better luck dialing the international or rewards phone number. If you’re already at the airport, use a three-pronged approach: while waiting in line to speak to an airline representative at the gate or ticket counter, use the airline’s app to try to book a new flight and/or call the airline.

Tips on booking flights:

• Book the first flight of the day or early morning flights if you can. They are less likely to be cancelled or delayed.
• Try not to book tight connecting flights – you’ll want enough time to change flights in case your originating flight is late.
• If you really need to be at your destination on a certain day, book flights a day or two early so that you have a buffer. A winter weather event can wreak havoc on airlines’ schedules.
• If possible, avoid airports for connecting flights where winter weather can lead to delays, including Denver, Chicago O’Hare, Newark Liberty, LaGuardia, and JFK.
• Don’t book more than one flight. Duplicate bookings will not only cost you a non-refundable ticket but could also cause both reservations to be canceled. Many carriers have algorithms in place to spot dupes and cancel both itineraries which could leave you with no flights at all.

Holiday travel costs – This holiday season, AAA finds that travelers are generally paying more for domestic and international trips compared to last year. But travelers are paying less in some categories.

Costs of overall year-end holiday travel (average of all categories)

• Domestic year-end travel bookings are up 36% compared to last year.
• Domestic year-end vacations are 12% more expensive this year with an average cost of $1,000.
• International year-end travel bookings are up 13% compared to last year.
• International year-end vacations are 7% more expensive this year with an average cost of $1,500.

Here’s a breakdown of average booking prices, according to AAA data.

Flights

• The average price for a domestic roundtrip flight is $830, up 4% this holiday season compared to last year.
• The average price for an international roundtrip flight is $1,630, up 13% over last year.

Hotels

• The average price for a domestic hotel stay (typically a few nights) is $690, up 1% from 2023.
• The average price for an international hotel stay (typically a few nights) is $1,125, down 15% from last year.

Rental cars

• The average price for a domestic rental car (typically for several days) is $630, down 8% from 2023.
• The average price for an international rental car (typically for several days) is $790, up 1% from last year.
• AAA partner Hertz says the busiest pick-up days will be Friday, December 20 and Saturday, December 21. The busiest time for rental returns is expected to be the weekend and Monday after Christmas. The average length of rental is one week. 
• Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Oahu, Orlando, Phoenix, and Tampa are the cities displaying the highest rental demand for the holidays.
• See AAA’s rental cars do’s and don’ts for advice.

Cruises

• The average price for a cruise departing from domestic cities is $1,315, up 33% compared to 2023.
• The average price for a cruise departing from international cities is $2,120, up 5% from last year.

Tours

• The average price for a domestic tour is $1,015, the same as last holiday season.
• The average price for an international tour is $1,155, up 4% from last year.

What to know before you go – AAA tips for holiday travelers

• Take all necessary travel documentation, including your Real ID, driver’s license, and/or passport, as well as health insurance cards.
• Consider working with a travel agent to help plan your trip. They can help you plan the trip that meets your needs and comfort level this holiday season, provide the best value for your vacation dollars, explore travel insurance options, assist with any last-minute changes to travel plans, and act as an advocate if the unexpected happens.
• Travel and medical insurance. AAA strongly recommends travel insurance to cover unexpected delays or trip interruptions. Travel insurance provides a safety net should something unexpected happen ahead of or during your trip. Travel insurance can cover expenses associated with flight cancellations, travel delays, lost luggage, and trip cancellation. Medical travel insurance can provide coverage for illness and injuries and that may not be included in your regular health insurance plan. Travel agents can also advise on what travel insurance policy makes the most sense for your trip.

AAA to the Rescue – Before you head out on a holiday road trip, be sure your vehicle is ready to avoid a breakdown along the way. AAA expects to respond to 869,000 calls including 15,000 Oregonians at the roadside over the holidays. Dead batteries, lockouts, flat tires and extrications are the top issues.

AAA makes it easy to request assistance – by phone (800-222-HELP), app or online – and members can track the service technician’s progress as they make their way to your vehicle.

Before any long trip, AAA suggests getting an inspection to check key components such as the battery, fuel system, tires, brakes and fluid levels. Have your vehicle inspected by a trusted repair shop, such as one of the 7,000 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across North America.

Be sure that your vehicle and passengers are ready for winter driving conditions. This includes having proper traction—snow tires, chains and/or tire socks—and an emergency kit in your vehicle. Also bring warm clothing as well as water and snacks in case you get stranded. Find all the info and tips at AAA.com/winterprep.

Forecast Methodology – In cooperation with AAA, S&P Global Market Intelligence (SPGMI) developed a unique methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes. The economic variables used to forecast travel for the current holiday are leveraged from SPGMI’s proprietary databases. These data include macroeconomic drivers such as employment, output, household net worth, asset prices, including stock indices, interest rates, housing market indicators, and variables related to travel and tourism, including gasoline prices, airline travel, and hotel stays. AAA and SPGMI have quantified holiday travel volumes going back to 2000.

Historical travel volume estimates come from DK SHIFFLET’s TRAVEL PERFORMANCE/MonitorSM. The PERFORMANCE/MonitorSM is a comprehensive study measuring the travel behavior of U.S. residents. DK SHIFFLET contacts over 50,000 U.S. households each month to obtain detailed travel data, resulting in the unique ability to estimate visitor volume and spending, identify trends, and forecast U.S. travel behavior, all after the trips have been taken.

The travel forecast is reported in person-trips. In particular, AAA and SPGMI forecast the total U.S. holiday travel volume and expected mode of transportation. The travel forecast presented in this report was prepared the week of November 4, 2024.

Because AAA forecasts focus on domestic leisure travel only, comparisons to TSA passenger screening numbers should not be made. TSA data includes all passengers traveling on both domestic and international routes. Additionally, TSA screens passengers each time they enter secured areas of the airport, therefore each one-way trip is counted as a passenger tally. AAA focuses on person-trips, which include the full round-trip travel itinerary. As a result, direct comparisons of AAA forecast volumes and daily TSA screenings represent different factors. 

Year-End Holiday Travel Period  – For this forecast, the year-end holiday travel period is defined as the twelve-day period from Saturday, December 21 to Wednesday, January 1. AAA’s year-end holiday travel period can range from 10 to 13 days, depending on which day of the week Christmas and New Year’s Day fall. This year’s holiday travel period is two days longer than last year. While a longer holiday travel period can offer more options for departures and return trips, all the year-end holiday periods contain two weekends. 

About AAA — Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA delivers exceptional roadside assistance, helps travelers plan their dream vacations and adventures, offers exclusive member discounts and benefits, and provides trusted financial and insurance services – all to enhance the life journey of our 65+ million members across North America, including nearly 58 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA offers or become a member, visit AAA.com. Drivers can request roadside assistance, identify nearby gas prices, locate discounts, book a hotel or map a route via the AAA Mobile app.

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

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

Keep Personal Information LOCKED

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rent control for mobile home parks

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

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

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

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

Easier path to building condos

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

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

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

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

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

Cracking down on ‘hold deposits’

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

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

Air conditioning apartments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, what could it be?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Red Cross is in need of blood donations. During the holidays, regular donors are on vacation and the supply of blood declines. Winter weather can also increase demand from people injured in traffic crashes. They need donors with all types, but they especially need people with type O negative. Platelet donations are also important. Donors giving blood through January 3rd will also get an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt.

Thirty-five-percent of food produced or imported in the U.S. is never eaten, and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is working to reduce that. The Bad Apple campaign has a goal of minimizing food waste. One family of four saved 200 dollars a month. Food waste is the second largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions behind transportation. The website don’t let good food go bad dot org has tips on how to reduce food waste.

If you have someone on your holiday gift list that enjoys the outdoors, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has gift ideas.

If they hunt or fish, you can buy them a license. If they kayak or raft, you can buy a waterway access permit. For wildlife viewers or hikers, the wildlife area parking permit costs 30 dollars. You can also make a donation in someone’s name to the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund. https://myodfw.com/articles/gift-outdoors

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ways to get and give help this holiday season

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

Ways to get holiday help:

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

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

2. Connect with 211info

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

3. Reach out to your local ODHS office

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

Ways to give holiday help:

1. Donate to ODHS or a community organization

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

2. Volunteer

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

3. Build community connections

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com