Oregon Beach News, Wednesday 12/20 – DUII Enforcements Planned For The Christmas New Year Holiday Season Along the Coast & Other Local and Statewide News…

Reports Shows Oregon Has 2nd Highest Rate Of Homeless Families In The Country

Oregon has the second highest rate of homelessness in the nation, trailing only California, according to a new federal count of homeless individuals in 2023.

And Oregon has the highest rate of families with children and unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness of any state. The lack of affordable housing is a significant factor.

The new count found there are 48 unhoused Oregonians for every 10,000 people in the state – or 20,142 unhoused people total. Experts agree the numbers are likely an undercount. The phenomenon is not new, but it is quickly getting worse. The state’s homeless population increased 15% since 2007, with a 23% increase in total population during the pandemic years from 2020 to 2022.

Jimmy Jones, director of housing and homelessness nonprofit, Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action, said he does not believe Oregon has reached the worst of it yet.

“This is almost all economic,” Jones said. “Despite all resources we’ve been investing, this is not the peak. All of those people in 2021 who gave up their homes during the pandemic and moved into their cars and RVs, they haven’t started showing up on the streets yet. It is hard to count those folks during the point-in-time count. That wave has not yet reached us.”

National counts are conducted during a single night in January each year. Across the country, the total number of people experiencing homelessness increased 12% between 2022 and 2023 to 653,104 people. But states in the West reported the highest percentages of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

In Oregon, 65% of those who were homeless were living on the street, in their cars or another unsheltered place. The others were in shelters.

The rate of homeless families with children is 9 per 10,000 residents. The next highest state is Idaho at 4 per 10,000 residents.

Since 2020, the total number of unhoused people in families in Oregon increased 27% to 3,900. Of the total, nearly 60% were without safe shelter. While Oregon and Washington each have large populations of families without stable homes, Oregon had a much higher percentage of unsheltered families.

States with the highest rates of families with children experiencing homelessness:

• Oregon: 3,900 total people in unhoused families with 58.7% unsheltered
• Idaho: 818 with 43.8% unsheltered
• Arkansas: 496 with 28.2% unsheltered
• Washington: 7,136 with 26.4% unsheltered
• California: 25,483 with 23.5% unsheltered

Compared to the rest of the country, the Portland and Gresham area and the Eugene and Springfield area both have some of the highest percentage of unsheltered families out of their total unhoused populations. Both report that nearly 75% of their unhoused families are unsheltered.

Oregon did not have as large an increase in family homelessness, as New York, Massachusetts and Colorado did, but that is because Oregon’s numbers have been consistently high over the years. Between 2022 and 2023, the number of unhoused families in Oregon rose 16%.

Since the federal government began requiring data collection, “Oregon has frequently reported the highest rate of unsheltered family homelessness in the nation and almost six in ten families experiencing homelessness did so outdoors in 2023,” the report noted. (SOURCE)

Oregon’s Nonfarm Payroll Employment Drops by 7,300 in November

In November, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment declined by 7,300 jobs, following a revised loss of 4,300 jobs in October. November’s losses were largest in professional and business services (-2,900 jobs); construction (-1,700); leisure and hospitality (-1,500); financial activities (-1,300); and information (-1,000). The only industry growing substantially in November was health care and social assistance, which added 2,400 jobs.

Professional and business services expanded slower than overall employment over the past 12 months, adding 3,000 jobs, or 1.1%, compared with growth of 39,600 jobs, or 2.0%, for total nonfarm payroll employment. While most of the industry grew over this period, employment services trended downward, cutting 3,500 jobs, or 7.7%, since November 2022.

Construction rose rapidly during most of the past two years. November’s drop of 1,700 jobs was preceded by big gains totaling 5,700 jobs during January through October.

Although leisure and hospitality gained 6,800 jobs, or 3.4%, in the past 12 months, the industry showed recent weakness by cutting 2,900 jobs between August and November.

Government added 500 jobs in November and was up 10,200 jobs, or 3.4%, in the past 12 months. It has consistently expanded over the past three years. In November, local government reached a record high of 234,200 jobs, adding 6,900 jobs in the past 12 months.

Health care and social assistance grew the fastest of the major industries over the past 12 months, adding 17,900 jobs, or 6.5%. Gains during that time were led by social assistance and nursing and residential care facilities, which each grew by close to 8.5%.

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 3.6% in both October and November. November was the seventh consecutive month in which Oregon’s unemployment rate was between 3.4% and 3.7%. The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.9% in October and 3.7% in November.

###Next Press Releases The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the November county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Wednesday, Dec. 27, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for December on Thursday, Jan. 18.

OHA statement on Secretary of State’s Measure 110 Audit Update

(Salem, OR – December 20, 2023) Oregon Health Authority Behavioral Health Director Ebony Clarke issued the following statement in response to the Secretary of State’s Measure 110 audit update, “Funding and Delivery of Measure 110 Substance Use Disorder Services Shows Progress, but Significant Risks Remain.”

State health officials appreciate the Secretary of State’s recognition of the progress that has been made in the implementation of Measure 110. As the audit shows, the services Measure 110 funds play a vital role in expanding access to care in Oregon and putting more people who have substance use disorders on the road to recovery and sustaining healthier lives.

We agree with each of the audit’s recommendations. OHA staff are committed to presenting the legislature with a plan to report Measure 110 outcome metrics, better report on staffing in Measure 110 funded programs (including youth programs and culturally relevant services), improve the consistency of data collection, identify gaps in care and barriers to service in each county, and continue to improve the Measure 110 grantmaking process.

We appreciate the work of all the Oregonians supporting individuals reduce risks, find treatment and stay in recovery every day. We know many people would not have the opportunity to receive the lifesaving and life-changing services without the funding that Measure 110 provides.

A copy of the SOS Audit Report and Oregon Health Authority’s full management response to the audit can be found here.

Court rules Oregon’s landmark climate change regulations invalid in case brought by gas utilities

The Oregon Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday that a procedural error in approving the Climate Protection Program invalidates the regulations

Oregon’s second highest court ruled in favor of natural gas utilities seeking to invalidate the state’s landmark climate program.

The state’s Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday that the three-year-old Climate Protection Program is invalid on a technicality. Judges James Egan and Jacqueline Kamins said that the state’s Environmental Quality Commission did not fully comply with disclosure requirements in 2021 when it voted to create emissions rules that exceed federal rules and affect entities holding industrial air pollution permits under the federal Clean Air Act.

“As a result, we conclude that the CPP rules are invalid,” the judges wrote in a 21-page opinion.

Lauren Wirtis, communications officer for the environmental quality department said officials will continue to work with counsel at the Oregon Department of Justice on how to move move forward.

“We consider this an administrative ruling,” Wirtis said. “It doesn’t deter us from ensuring this plan is fully implemented.” She said among the possible options the agency and the justice department are considering are to appeal the case to the Oregon Supreme Court or potentially go through an administrative process to address the procedural problem.

Until then, it’s unclear what will happen with the Climate Protection Program, enacted under the administration of then-Gov. Kate Brown. It was approved in 2021 by the state’s Environmental Quality Commission following more than a year of meetings over rulemaking and public comment. It requires fossil gas companies operating in the state to gradually reduce their emissions, getting to 50% reduction by 2035 and 90% by 2050. At least 26% of the reductions will have to come from the natural gas utilities.

Natural gas is almost entirely methane gas, among the most potent climate-warming greenhouse gases, which trap heat in the atmosphere. One-third of global warming is due to human-caused emissions of methane, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Lawyers for the state’s natural gas utilities – NW Natural, Avista Corporation and Cascade Natural Gas Corporation – challenged the Environmental Quality Commission and the Department of Environmental Quality over the 2021 rules.

They said that in the process of imposing state regulations to cap and reduce emissions, the commission failed to submit required disclosures to them and to other entities that hold federal industrial air pollution permits. Those disclosures include a written explanation about why the state is adopting limits that exceed federal rules and an explanation of alternatives to the rules that were considered and why those alternatives were not adopted.

Officials at the environmental quality department said they were disappointed with the court’s ruling but not worried about the future of the program because the judges ruled on an administrative error, not the validity or authority of the state to adopt and enforce the Climate Protection Program.

“The Climate Protection Program is integral to Oregon’s work to reduce greenhouse emissions, address climate change and benefit the most impacted communities,” Wirtis wrote.

David Roy, communications director for NW Natural, said in an email that the company is “pleased” with the court’s decision and that it still intends to “address climate change.”

“We believe in effective climate policy and remain committed to moving toward a low-carbon energy future while safely and reliably serving our customers,” Roy wrote.

Several energy, farm and timber industry groups intervened on behalf of the gas utilities, including the Oregon Farm Bureau, the Oregon Forest and Industries Council and the Alliance of Western Energy Consumers.

Several legal organizations and environmental nonprofits supported the state’s case, including the Portland-based Oregon Environmental Council and the Washington-D.C.-based Natural Resources Defence Council.

In a news release, the groups said the court’s decision was an unfortunate setback, but that the state cannot afford to let it derail the landmark climate regulations.

“We will not stop holding the oil and gas industry accountable for the impact it is having on our lives, our families and our communities,” the groups wrote. “Without swift state action to restore these protections, the court’s decision to invalidate the Climate Protection Program based on a procedural technicality will cause incalculable harm to Oregon families, workers, and local economies, now and in the future.” (SOURCE)

Oregon Registered Domestic Partnerships expand to all couples in 2024

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon Registered Domestic Partnerships will be available to couples of any sex beginning Jan. 1, 2024.

House Bill 2032, passed during Oregon’s 2023 legislative session, removes restrictions on the sex of partners entering into Oregon Registered Domestic Partnerships. Starting Jan. 1, Oregon Registered Domestic Partnerships will be available to all adult couples (age 18+) regardless of sex. By state law, Oregon Registered Domestic Partnerships are granted all the same rights, benefits, and responsibilities as marriage.

The Declaration of Oregon Registered Domestic Partnership form, instructions and frequently asked questions are located at the Oregon Center for Health Statistics website.

Couples who wish to become registered Domestic Partners must sign and notarize the Declaration form and file it with a county clerk’s office, where they may receive a commemorative certificate. Once the form is registered at the Center for Health Statistics, certified copies of the vital record can be ordered in person, via drop box, or by mail, phone or the internet.

Visit www.HealthOregon.org/chs for information on ordering a certified copy, including fees.

Home replacement assistance for 2020 Labor Day disaster survivors coming in 2024

SALEM, Ore. — The Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program (HARP) will be the first assistance available directly to 2020 Labor Day disaster survivors administered by Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS). The program is part of ReOregon, which is funded by a $422 million Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

HARP assistance will help low- and moderate-income homeowners who still need to repair, rebuild, or replace their homes. Those who have already completed repairs or rebuilding may be reimbursed in a future phase of HARP, if funds are still available.

“OHCS remains committed to action towards recovering, rebuilding, and revitalizing our communities,” said OHCS Director Andrea Bell. “As trusted voices in their communities, our partners have a pulse on the needs of our many neighbors and friends who are still working to recover. ”

OHCS will begin accepting applications for HARP by the end of March 2024. The agency has partnered with community-based organizationsto support the launch of HARP.

The following organizations will be conducting outreach and providing in-person support to help survivors work through the application process:

• Glide Revitalization, Douglas County
• ACCESS, NOWIA Unete Center for Farmworker Advocacy, and Firebrand Resilience Collective (Remake Talent), Jackson County
• McKenzie Valley Long Term Recovery Group, Lane County
• Community Services Consortium, Lincoln County
• Santiam Service Integration Team (Santiam Hospital), Linn and Marion counties

In addition, Unite Oregon in Jackson County and the Lincoln County Long Term Recovery Group will be assisting with the outreach work.

“Every household who lost their home in the Labor Day disaster has struggled to recover—and, unfortunately, many continue to do so,” said Joe Vollmar, chief operations and housing officer at ACCESS community action agency. “ReOregon is probably the last, best chance that many survivors will have to receive significant assistance. Knowing how hard it has been for Oregonians to work with FEMA and other recovery programs, we appreciate that OHCS is taking the time build a user-friendly system and fund local organizations like ours to help survivors with the application process.”

While OHCS and its partners continue to prepare to launch an application portal, survivors can help make the process as smooth as possible by ensuring they have the right documentation before they apply. HARP applicants will need the following information: 

• Proof they owned the damaged or destroyed home, and it was their primary residence.
• Records of damage from the 2020 Labor Day Disasters.
• Proof of current income.
• Record of any insurance or other recovery funds you received.
• Personal identification (ID) for all household members over the age of 18.

OHCS recognizes how challenging this disaster has been and wants to work with survivors to ensure they have the resources they need to apply to the appropriate ReOregon program. The federal rules governing CDBG-DR are extensive and include significant documentation requirements for any beneficiary households.

Survivors can stay up to date on ReOregon programs in various stages of development, by signing up for email updates and visiting the ReOregon website at re.oregon.gov.

New Oregon Transparency Website Launched

New Oregon Transparency Website provides details on state spending and performance. 

Salem, OR — Enterprise Information Services has launched a new Oregon Transparency Website, which went live on Dec. 13, 2023. The transparency website features information and resources on public meetings, public records, state salaries, revenue, budgets and more.

In 2009, through the approval of House Bill 2500, Oregon state government enacted the Oregon Transparency Program and website legislation. The program created an open resource where website visitors can access details on how the state is spending tax dollars and information on programs and services that provide investments back into Oregon’s economy.

The Transparency Oregon Advisory Commission (TOAC) was created to advise on website content and information. The Commission consists of state senators, state representatives, Legislative Fiscal Office staff, as well as state agency and public members.

Enterprise Information Services’ Data Governance and Transparency Program focused efforts in 2023 to redesign the website to include updated content, more user-friendly navigation, and a new design to promote greater interactivity and transparency for the public. The process included insight from current users, agencies, committees and site analytics to improve the user’s experience.

Chief Data Officer Kathryn Darnall Helms, the director of Data Governance and Transparency, says the new site is “a significant improvement in how we get valuable information and data out to our constituents, and is but one part of how we are pushing for greater transparency and more open data within Oregon state government.”

Links:

• Oregon Transparency – State of Oregon Public Meetings: https://www.oregon.gov/transparency/Pages/Public-Meetings.aspx
• Oregon Transparency – State of Oregon Public Records Request: https://www.oregon.gov/transparency/Pages/Public-Records-Request.aspx
• Oregon Transparency – State of Oregon Salaries: https://www.oregon.gov/transparency/Pages/State-Salaries.aspx
• Oregon Transparency – State of Oregon Revenue: https://www.oregon.gov/transparency/Pages/Revenue.aspx
• Oregon Transparency – State of Oregon Budget: https://www.oregon.gov/transparency/Pages/budget.aspx
• Oregon House Bill 2500 (2009): https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2009R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/HB2500/Enrolled
• Oregon Transparency Laws and Legislation: https://www.oregon.gov/transparency/pages/Laws-Legislation.aspx
• Transparency Oregon Advisory Commission: https://www.oregon.gov/transparency/pages/about-transparency.aspx#transparency-commission
• Enterprise Information Services: https://www.oregon.gov/eis/Pages/default.aspx
• Enterprise Information Services Data Governance and Transparency: https://www.oregon.gov/eis/data-governance-and-transparency/Pages/default.aspx

Quaker Granola Bars and Granola Cereals Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

Nearly 80 varieties of Quaker Oats Company‘s granola bar and granola cereal products are being recalled due to a potential salmonella contamination.

News of the recall was announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday. The products were sold throughout all 50 states in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and Saipan, in stores like Target, Costco, Walmart, Kroger and more.

Among the products are various flavors and variety/value packs of Quaker Chewy Bars (including the “Less Sugar” option), Quaker Big Chewy Bars, Quaker Chewy Bars Minis, Quaker Chewy Dipps and Quaker Chewy Mini Dipps.

Quaker Puffed Granola, Quaker Simply Granola Oats and Quaker Protein Granola Oats products are also affected, in their respective offerings.

AAA expects 115 million Americans including 1.6 million Oregonians to head away from home for the holidays

AAA projects 115.2 million Americans (33.8% of the population) will travel 50 miles or more for the Christmas and New Year holidays. This is up 2.2% from 2022 and the second-highest holiday travel volume since 2000 when AAA began tracking holiday travel, only behind 2019. About 1.63 million Oregonians will pack their sleighs for a holiday trip.

The year-end holiday travel period is defined as 10 days from Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, through Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.

About 90% of travelers or 104 million will drive to their holiday destinations, up 1.8% compared to 2022. In Oregon, roughly 1.4 million will drive.

Air travel sets a new record this holiday season, with 7.5 million Americans including 156,000 Oregonians taking to the skies. This is up 4.7% over last year. In all, about 6.5% of all holiday travelers will fly to their destinations.

Travel by other modes, including cruises, trains and buses, is also reaching new highs this year with 4 million travelers including 50,000 Oregonians. This is up 10.7% from last year. In all, about 3.5% of all travelers will go by these modes.

“We’ve seen robust demand for travel throughout 2023, and now people are ready to wrap up the year with holiday trips. We expect to see about 2.5 million more travelers for Christmas and New Year’s this year compared to 2022,” says Doreen Loofburrow, senior vice president of travel for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “Your AAA card can provide discounts and rewards, and we recommend travel insurance to protect your investment.”

“This holiday season will be the second-busiest in the last two decades, with air travel setting new records this year. Count on busy roads and crowded airports this holiday season. With some planning before your trip, and patience and flexibility along the way, you can have an enjoyable holiday trip,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “Weather is always the wild card this time of year, so make sure you have a plan B, just in case.”

Most will travel by car

AAA projects nearly 104 million Americans (90.0% of travelers) will drive to their holiday destination. This is up 1.8% compared to 2022. Travel by car this year will be the second highest on record, up nearly 2 million from last year but lower than 2019 when 108 million Americans drove out of town for the holidays.

In Oregon, roughly 1.4 million will drive.

Air travel to set new record

Holiday air travel will jump to the highest volume ever for the holidays with 7.5 million air travelers. This is up 4.7% over last year and beats 2019’s previous high mark of 7.3 million passengers.

Approximately 156,000 Oregonians will travel by air. In all, 6.5% of holiday travelers will fly to their destinations.

Gas prices similar to last year

Those who hit the road for the holidays will find gas prices that are similar to last year’s holiday season.

The current (as of Dec. 20) national average for regular unleaded is $3.10 and the Oregon average is $3.84. Find current prices at https://gasprices.aaa.com/

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 12/31/23 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.

Get $5 off annual Oregon State Park parking permit in December

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

The permit hangtag once again features whimsical designs from Portland artist El Tran. Holiday shoppers can buy the annual parking permits for only $25, which is a $5 savings starting Dec. 1 and running through Dec. 31. The permit is good for 12 months starting in the month of purchase.

Purchasing permits is easy. Buy them online at the Oregon State Parks store (use the drop down menu to pick your favorite design). Parking permits are also sold at some state park friends’ group stores and select local businesses throughout the state. For a complete list of vendors, visit stateparks.oregon.gov.

Parking costs $5 a day at 25 Oregon state parks unless you have a 12- or 24-month parking permit or a same-day camping receipt. The 24-month pass is $50 and is also available at store.oregonstateparks.org. The permits are transferable from vehicle to vehicle.

People in Oregon can now manage state benefits with the Oregon ONE Mobile app

People can now securely manage their medical, food, cash and child care benefits through the State of Oregon from the convenience of their mobile devices using the new Oregon ONE Mobile app. People first will need to apply for benefits online, in person at a local office or over the phone.

The app is available for free in the Apple and Android app stores. It is an official State of Oregon app created by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). The app’s development was partially funded by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

“At ODHS we are committed to meeting people in Oregon where they are with as many ways as possible to manage their benefits, check application status and share needed documentation, like when they get a request for information during a renewal,” said Nathan Singer (he/him), director of the ODHS Oregon Eligibility Partnership. “People can now manage their benefits in-person, by mail, by fax, by telephone, online and on their mobile phone using the Oregon ONE Mobile app, which is available in English and Spanish.”

Interview with OEP Director Singer available on YouTube

Oregon ONE Mobile app video on YouTube

New Oregon ONE Mobile app video link

• Create a ONE Online account.
• Access their existing ONE Online account.
• Report changes to household information including address, contact information and income.
• Upload requested documents using a smartphone camera.
• Get updates on application status and check if it is approved, denied, or pending, and what actions might need to be taken.
• See and download notices that were mailed.
• Find the next renewal date for their benefits.
• Get important, time-sensitive alerts and notifications about benefits on mobile devices.
• View benefit issuance history for food and cash payments.

People who serve as Authorized Representatives for people with benefits are also able to use the app.

How to manage your medical, food, cash and child care benefits: 

• By phone at: 1-800-699-9075. All relay calls accepted.
• Online at: benefits.oregon.gov
• Through the free Oregon ONE Mobile app available on Apple and Android app stores
• In person at an office near you: Find an office.
• In your language: Help in Your Language
• By mail at: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
• By fax at: 503-378-5628

Resources to help meet basic needs

• Find food resources in your community: needfood.oregon.gov.
• Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.
• Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
• Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: www.caporegon.org/find-services/
• Oregon Department of Human Services help center 

About the Oregon Department of Human Services

The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve well-being and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.

About the Oregon Eligibility Partnership

The Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) is part of the Oregon Department of Human Services. OEP supports state staff who determine eligibility for people applying for and receiving medical, food, cash and child care benefits. It also manages the ONE Eligibility System used to process applications and deliver benefits to eligible individuals and families in Oregon. One in three people in Oregon receive benefits through the ONE Eligibility System. OEP administers the ONE Eligibility system in partnership with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC).###