The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Oregon Beach Weather
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY ISSUED – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM PST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Seas 7 to 12 ft at 13 seconds and north winds 10 to 20 kt with gusts to 25 kt. * WHERE...All areas. * WHEN...Until 7 PM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds and/or steep seas could capsize or damage smaller vessels. * View the hazard area in detail at https://go.usa.gov/x6hks
Sneaker Waves Along The Coast – Anyone planning to spend time during the holidays along the Oregon coast should be mindful of possible sneaker waves.
King tides refer to the highest tides of the year and along the Oregon Coast these tides are typically 9 to 10 feet. There are four series of king tides, so mark your calendars. To learn more about these tides and/or to participate in some cool citizen science visit: https://www.oregonkingtides.net
Sneaker waves are waves that suddenly surge further up the beach than expected, according to the NWS. They are powerful enough to sweep people into the ocean, and can roll logs and other debris along the beach.
Yachats Winter Solstice Bonfire — Thursday, December 21, 2023
This is a very fun event! Nothing is sold, but donations are accepted. Chili, popcorn, and cornbread will be served. Yachats Ladies Club is providing cookies.
There will also be a music jam session.
Date :December 21, 2023 Time:4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Location: View Facility Pavilion Address: 501 HWY 101 N. Yachats, OR 97498
Cost: FREE
The annual Yachats Winter Solstice Celebration takes place at the pavilion on the grounds of the Yachats Commons on Thursday, Dec. 21, from 4 to 7 p.m., or “until the bonfire goes out.” The commons is located at 441 Highway 101 N.
Enjoy cookies donated by the Yachats Ladies Club. A variety of chili, including vegan, will be available, plus popcorn. Beverages will be provided.
Morgen Silverhorn and friends will entertain and lead an acoustic instrument jam session. People are asked to bring their acoustic instruments and dress warmly.
As the Earth revolves around the sun, it rotates on its axis. The Winter Solstice occurs when the Earth’s axis is tilted farthest away from the sun. Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year. This year, winter officially begins at 7:27 p.m. on Dec. 21. Then the days become longer leading up to the Summer Solstice and the longest day of the year.
Citizens Voice Concerns About Cannon Beach Elementary School Project
During a November 28th Cannon Beach city council work session scheduled to gather public feedback on city projects, members of the community voiced their concerns about the proposed $12 million elementary school rejuvenation project.
Members of the business community led the opposition to the project, saying that they were concerned about saddling the city with the project’s debt load and believed that the facility would compete with their businesses.
The meeting started with brief presentations on the elementary school and city hall and police station projects, which are all currently underway. Justin Johnson, the architect from CIDA who is leading the elementary school project, said that the current designs had been developed with community feedback and that the project was ready to finish up its development stage.
Several members of the Clatsop-Nehalem tribe appeared at the meeting to voice their support for the proposed project. The tribe members said that they had been involved in trying to build a cultural site of some sort at the site dating back to 2014. They said that honoring their ancestors who had lived in the village at the site and educating people about their way of life was important to the current members of the tribe and they supported the project in its full scope.
The first couple public commenters said that while they appreciated the sentiment behind the project, they were concerned about its budget, the debt load it would create and potential tax implications.
Another commenter clarified that the project was being paid for by transient lodging tax (TLT) dollars, 70% of which have to go to tourism related projects and expenses. He said that the city had little choice but to spend the funds on a project like the elementary school and that he was in favor of the proposal. A handful of other commenters also spoke in favor of the project as proposed.
It quickly became clear that this was a minority viewpoint though, as even many commenters voicing general support for the project said they favored reconsidering its budget and scope.
One of the first commenters from this group said that while he appreciated the restrictions on TLT funds, he believed that taking on the proposed debt load could pose problems if the tourism in Cannon Beach declined. He also noted that the 30-year term on the loans associated with the project would lock the city into the project even if the TLT funding formula were to change with state legislative action.
Another, larger group comprised of local business owners and employees went even further, calling the entire project into question and taking its team to task over a lack of outreach.
A business owner said that the group had tried to raise their concerns about the project in May of this year but that it did not seem the city council had listened to their feedback. She argued that the new project would compete with other event venues in town, negatively impacting local businesses, and that it would exacerbate parking shortages in the summer months.
The business owner raised concerns over City Manager Bruce St. Denis’s financial interest in the project, noting the bonus he is set to receive for serving as project manager of the elementary school project.
She argued that the project would mark another square on the “gentrification bingo” card in Cannon Beach, as it prioritized a flashy facility over addressing serious issues facing those who wished to work and live in the city.
A group of some half dozen working-age residents who were attending the meeting virtually from a nearby residence with the city hall at capacity, echoed those concerns. They said that while they loved living in Cannon Beach, the dearth of affordable housing had forced them to move repeatedly and driven friends and acquaintances out of the city.
They said that they were troubled to see so much money dedicated to a project that would not address those issues and asked the council to reconsider its support for the project as budgeted.
Another business owner said that before moving forward on the project, he would like to see the council solicit more feedback and try to win the buy-in of himself and other local business owners. He said that they should bring in consultants to evaluate what businesses would support in the project and asked that the plans be evaluated for their impact on local businesses.
The council did not discuss the comments offered but were scheduled to consider approving the project’s design at their regular meeting on December 5, after the city’s design review denied the request in November. (SOURCE)
Beach Grass Fire Near Florence Remains Under Investigation
A beach grass fire that started Sunday evening, Dec. 17, remains under investigation by Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority. At about 5:30 p.m., fire personnel were dispatched to the north jetty for a report of a 100 by 100-foot area of grass and brush burning just north of the lookout tower.
WLFEA Deputy Chief Matt House said he was surprised at the size of the fire when he arrived.
Mutual aid was requested from Gardiner and Reedsport as personnel attacked the fire from the west side. Gusty winds moved the fire quickly, but personnel made quick work of it.
House said the fire was knocked down within a half-hour, by which time it had grown to 150 by 150 feet in size.
“It was a fluke occurrence,” House said. “We had an east wind prior to the fire which is notorious for drying conditions and at the time, we had about 20 percent humidity. I guess the moral of the story is that we’ve been seeing fire behavior like never before. It’s been a continuing theme over the last five years.”
About 14 personnel responded to the fire and cleared from the scene about 90 minutes after responding. A cause of the fire has not been determined. Anyone with information should call WLFEA at 541-997-3212.
Suspension of Local Recreational Abalone Fishery Due to Environmental Changes
The Commission has suspended the recreational abalone fishery indefinitely due to a significant drop in the population. This is largely due to environmental changes, including warm water events that have reduced kelp, a primary food source for red abalone. Surveys show an 82% reduction in kelp beds in the Brookings area from 2010 to 2022.
The sea star population has also declined due to wasting disease, leading to an increase in purple urchins and further reducing the food supply for red abalone. The red abalone in Oregon are part of a regional population and rely on dispersal from other areas. The fishery has also declined sharply in California, where it is also closed.
The abalone fishery was previously suspended for three-year periods in 2018 and 2021. Now, it is closed indefinitely with no set reopening date. The Commission also received a briefing on the recently completed Conservation and Fishery Management Plan (CFMP) for red abalone.
In other news, the Commission adopted the revised sage-grouse core and low-density habitat map. This map identifies the most productive sage-grouse populations and habitats, and important habitats for connectivity. The revision includes new data collected since 2011, identifying current breeding, brood-rearing, summering, wintering, and migratory habitats for greater sage-grouse in Oregon.
The Commission also adopted the 2024 Commercial and Recreational Groundfish Regulations and Territorial Sea Plan Revisions. The trip limits for the commercial nearshore fishery remain the same as 2023, with increases to black rockfish limits in two periods. The 2024 recreational seasons are similar to 2023, including a 5-fish marine bag limit, a 12-fish bag limit for the longleader fishery, and no retention of yelloweye and quillback rockfish. The Territorial Sea Plan revisions align with changes made by the Ocean Policy Advisory Council of the Land Conservation and Development Commission.
Finally, the Commission revised the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund (OCRF) rules, established by the Oregon State Legislature in 2019. The OCRF Advisory Committee has funded 140 projects through six rounds of competitive request for proposals (RFP). The revised rules clarify the RFP process and allow the OCRF to offer Urgent Grants outside of the regular granting cycle. The Commission also approved funding for projects including replacing fishing docks at Vernonia Lake and extending the Open Fields hunting access program for one year.Visit here for more details
Fire At Tolovana Inn in Cannon Beach Displaces 35 People Early Sunday Morning
Just after 2:15 a.m. on Sunday, firefighters from Cannon Beach Fire Department were dispatched to the Tolovana Inn . When they arrived, firefighters reportedly saw smoke coming from several hotel rooms and began evacuation.
The fire prompted response from multiple Oregon Coast fire departments and displaced 35 people. The fire was upgraded to a 1st alarm, and firefighters from Seaside Fire & Rescue, Hamlet Volunteer Fire Department, and Gearhart Volunteer Fire Department were called to the scene.
The fire was upgraded to a 1st alarm, and firefighters from Seaside Fire & Rescue, Hamlet Volunteer Fire Department, and Gearhart Volunteer Fire Department were called to the scene.
With their forces combined, all fire personnel managed to confine the fire to a single room, preventing further spread. No injuries were reported. It is unknown what caused the fire at this time and it is under investigation.
It’s not the first time a fire has happened here. Crews responded to a fire in September of 2009
Man Arrested After Recording In Coquille High School Girls Bathroom
Police arrested a man Friday night after they said he was caught recording underage girls in a bathroom at Coquille High School.
According to the Coquille Police Department, officers responded to the school around 9:30 p.m. on December 15 for a report of a fight. They learned a man had been found in the women’s bathroom using a phone to record girls using the bathroom and changing clothes after an athletic tournament involving schools from around the south coast region.
When some of the girls noticed they were being recorded, one told her father who went to the bathroom and “forcibly detained” the man, police said. Other parents then called 911 to report the incident. Officers noticed signs of injury, but he refused to talk about them.
CPD arrested 59-year-old Patrick Laird of Coquille and initially charged him with second-degree encouraging child sex abuse and first-degree invasion of personal privacy. He was taken to the Coos County Jail where he was still in custody as of Sunday morning.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing and additional charges are possible, the department said. They are working with the Coquille School District on the investigation.
Anyone with any information about the incident, or who believe they were possibly recorded, is asked to contact Coquille Police Officer Aaron Mayo via email at amayo@cityofcoquille.org or the department by phone at 541-396-2114.
Oregon Department Of Forestry Recreation Team Seeking Camp Hosts
The Oregon Department of Forestry Recreation Team is looking for camp hosts to support operations at 8 campgrounds in the Tillamook, Clatsop, and Santiam State Forests for the 2024 season.
Campgrounds operates from May through October with flexible scheduling opportunities to include both full-season and short-season commitments.
Camp hosts are provided with:
*electricity
*water
*firewood
*septic
*ODF uniforms and supplies
Hosts help with light facility maintenance, visitor information services, and provide a point of contact for visitors in case of an emergency. Camp hosts enjoy direct access to trails and other recreation areas, get to meet people from all over the world, and can spend time exploring the vast experiences and views state forests have to offer.
To learn more, visit the ODF volunteer page: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/recreation/pages/volunteer.aspx
Winter Whale Watch Week Returns to the Oregon Coast December 27-31
OREGON COAST, Oregon—Oregon State Parks will once again host Winter Whale Watch Week at 15 sites along the Oregon Coast Wednesday, Dec. 27 to Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023.
Every year thousands of gray whales migrate south through Oregon’s waters at the end of December, and state parks invites visitors to the coast to see their journey.
Trained volunteers will be stationed at 15 sites to help visitors spot whales, share information and answer questions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. Volunteer opportunities are still available along the north and south coast if you register by Dec. 11 at https://orwhalewatch.org/volunteer/
The Whale Watch Week sites are some of the best places to spot whales on the Oregon Coast.
“We are excitedly waiting for the migration of the gray whales to come down from Alaska,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride.
“We really enjoy sharing the experience with visitors,” he said, “It’s been a tradition at Oregon State Parks for more than 40 years.”
A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online on the official event webpage: https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_whaleWatching
An estimated 14,500 gray whales swam past Oregon’s shores last winter, according to the most recent population estimates from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The journey is part of their annual migration south to the calving lagoons near Baja, Mexico, and the end of December is the peak time to see their migration south.
The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. 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 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 keeping an eye on the surf at all times. 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 on social media using #OregonStateParks and #ORWhaleWatch23.
DUII Enforcement Planned For The Christmas / New Year Holiday Season
The Lincoln City Police Department plans on using the first of their 2023-2024 DUII Enforcement Grant funds during the up-coming Christmas / New Year’s holiday season. This time period is part of the national “High Visibility Enforcement,” which runs from December 13, 2023 through January 1, 2024.
The national High Visibility Enforcement events are designed to increase the number of patrol officers on the streets nationwide with an emphasis on seeking out drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs and removing them from the roadways. The holiday season is known for being merry and bright, but it is also a time when increased numbers of impaired drivers may be on the roadways.
The Lincoln City Police Department is pleased to be joining forces with other law enforcement agencies across the nation to crack down on impaired drivers. Our goal is simple: to save lives and prevent injuries. Drunk driving is simply not worth the risk; if you drive drunk, you will be arrested.
DUII Enforcement Grant funds from the previous grant allocation were last used during the 2023 Labor Day weekend time period, however, no DUII arrests were made during those operations.
The members of the Lincoln City Police Department are committed to the safety of our citizens and visitors, and these grant funds are a valuable resource that assist us in improving the traffic safety in our community. These grant funds are made possible through Oregon Impact and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Lincoln City Police Seeking Public Assistance To Identify Victims In Credit Card Fraud Scheme
The Lincoln City Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying potential victims who may have had fraudulent charges placed on their credit cards. On November 17, 2023, the police began an investigation into a credit card fraud scheme that occurred at the north Chevron gas station where persons using their credit cards to purchase fuel had an additional charge placed on their card. A former employee of the station fraudulently placed this additional charge on the card by scanning the card with a device without the knowledge of the card owner. Lincoln City Police believe there may be a large number of additional individuals who fell victim to this credit card fraud scheme. We are asking our residents and visitors of Lincoln City, specifically those who used credit or debit cards at the station on November 4th, 10th, 11th, 15th and 17th of this year, to check their bank statements and transaction history for any transaction listed as “Hot Dog Stand”.
We are taking these additional investigative measures to identify potential victims, but given the nature of the case, this may be a time consuming process. If you or someone you know discovers a transaction consistent with the above information, please call the Lincoln City Police Department at 541-994-3636 and ask for Officer Jon Humphreys or CSO Jim Folmar and reference case LCP23008921.
The Chevron management has been fully cooperating with the investigation and there is no reason to believe the scheme is still occurring as an initial arrest has been made in this case. On November 17, 2023, the former employee, 43-year-old, Jeremy Michael Brown of Lincoln City, Oregon was arrested on initial charges of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card, Theft in the Third Degree and Identity Theft. Brown was transported to the Lincoln County Jail and lodged on the listed charges. More information will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.
Florence Café 60 Senior Meals Program Reopens for Dine-In Meals
Lane Council of Government’s Senior Meals Program is reopening its Café 60 location in Florence after being closed for the past three years.
LCOG officials said that during the closure, LCOG’s Senior and Disability Services division offered grab-and-go meals but the reopening of Café 60 will provide a dine-in location for seniors who might otherwise go hungry. The Florence location will reopen on December 4 and operate three days a week at 11:15 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the Florence Senior Center located at 1570 Kingwood Street, LCOG officials said.
Organizers said that interested seniors should make reservations at least a week in advance by calling ahead at 541-997-5673 or filling out a reservation menu at the Café 60 location. The program is open at no cost to seniors 60 years of age or over and those not 60 years or older are welcome to join by paying the meal cost of $8, program organizers said. Donations are welcomed to support the program’s continued operation in the community, LCOG officials said.
Volunteers are also sought to help with the program and those who would like to participate may call 541-682-1366. More program information is also available here: https://www.lcog.org/sdslane/page/florence-caf%C3%A9-60-reopens-dine-meals
Have you reserved your vehicle timed entry and parking for Shore Acres Holiday Lights, Nov. 23 – Dec. 31, 2023?
Reservations are available now at https://bit.ly/2023holidaylights or call 800-452-5687, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Preferred date and time sold out or you need more flexibility to plan your visit? Beginning Nov. 16, ADDITIONAL timed entry and parking becomes available each day during a 7-day rolling window. So, on Nov. 16 you can reserve for visits on Nov. 23; Nov. 17 for visits Nov. 24; and it continues to roll through the event. The rolling window inventory online becomes available at 6 a.m. each day.
Visitors inside the vehicle don’t need reservations.
The $5 vehicle parking ticket assigned to a date and entry time of the visitor’s choice is needed to enter the show. Just reserve and then have your ticket for parking ready to show when you arrive at your selected time. Visitors no longer have the option to purchase a parking permit onsite to attend.
Go to https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm… for additional details, including options for waiving the $5 parking fee, and the link to reserve.
Image description: an illustration of a starry night, trees, and holiday lights strung along a hedge. Text reads: Shore Acres Holiday Lights. Nov. 23-Dec. 31, 2023.
Oregonians urged to respond to renewals for medical benefits; data shows 5 out of 6 people keeping benefits
SALEM, Ore. — With more than a million renewals complete, so far more than 5 out of 6 Oregonians are keeping their Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or other Medicaid benefits. Oregon is nearly three quarters of the way through the process of renewing medical benefits after the COVID-19 emergency.
Oregon’s 85 percent renewal rate is the third highest in a national comparison of state renewal rates by KFF, a nonpartisan health policy organization. KFF analysis shows Oregon also has saved more people from unnecessary paperwork than any other state via the automated renewal process.
Oregonians encouraged to respond to renewals
More than 400,000 people — about 9 percent of Oregon’s population — still need to respond to a renewal or will receive a letter in coming months.
Members who have not received a renewal yet should:
- Keep their address and contact information up to date.
- Check their mail or Online ONE account for their renewal letter.
- Do what the renewal letter asks as soon as possible.
Anyone concerned they missed their letter should get help with their renewal via one of the ways to find help listed below.
People who are asked to submit information to finish the medical renewal process should consider uploading documents through a ONE online account at ONE.Oregon.gov or the free Oregon ONE Mobile app. They are the fastest ways to share required information.
- It’s best to set-up a ONE online account before downloading the mobile app.
- People who need help setting up a ONE online account can call 833-978-1073 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. All relay calls accepted.
Although most people are keeping coverage, 1 in 6 people are losing or reducing benefits. Over 150,000 people will need to consider their other coverage options after completing their renewal.
People who do not have coverage through a job or Medicare may be able to enroll through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace with financial help. People who have recently lost OHP benefits can enroll anytime until July 31, 2024 or within 60 days of their benefits ending. Open enrollment for 2024 also continues until Jan. 16, 2024. For more information and ways to get help signing up for Marketplace, Medicare, or employer coverage, see “what to do if OHP is ending” below.
December OHP renewal data
As of Dec. 13, 2023, 1,053,636 people have completed the renewal process. This represents 72.4 percent of all OHP and Medicaid members.
- 898,868 people (85.3 percent) were renewed and kept their benefits.
- 140,535 people (13 percent) were found ineligible.
16,227 people (1.5 percent) had a reduction in their benefits. Most of these members lost full OHP but were able to continue Medicare Savings Programs that help pay their Medicare costs. In December, renewal letters were sent to an additional 143,808 people.
- 73.6 percent were renewed without any action needed.
- 21.4 percent were asked to provide some information to renew. The most common requests are for income-related proof such as paystubs, or forms of identification such as a government identification or birth certificate.
- 2.4 percent were asked to fill out a renewal form.
- 2.9 percent had previously reported that they no longer met income limits or other requirements and received a notice that their benefits will end in 60 days.
Find help renewing your benefits
- Learn more about how to renew your Oregon Health Plan medical coverage.
- Call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075. All relay calls are accepted, and help is available in multiple languages. Wait times are lowest between 7 and 8 a.m.
- Visit or call a local Oregon Department of Human Services office. People can find their local office at https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/Pages/office-finder.aspx.
- Visit a community partner for free in-person help. To find one near you visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp (English) or orhim.info/ayuda (Spanish).
The large number of OHP renewals, along with renewals of long-term services and supports, may cause greater wait times, delays, and possible interruptions to people’s OHP benefits. The fastest way members can provide an update is by going to benefits.oregon.gov and logging into their ONE online account.
What to do if your OHP is ending:
- First, review the case summary in your letter to make sure the information used to make the decision was correct. If that information has changed, notify the state. You can call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075 (toll-free, all relay calls accepted) or find other options to connect at benefits.oregon.gov. If the information on file for you is correct and you disagree with the decision, you can request a hearing. Learn more about hearings.
- Explore options through an employer. If you, your spouse, or a parent are working, you may be eligible for health coverage through that employer. Talk to your manager or Human Resources department to see if you qualify. You will have a special enrollment period to enroll mid-year due to loss of OHP benefits.
- If you have or are eligible for Medicare: For help understanding and choosing the right Medicare options, go to OregonHealthcare.gov/GetHelp to find an insurance agent or a counselor at the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA). You can also call SHIBA at 800-722-4134.
If you need to sign up for Medicare for the first time, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 800-772-1213 to enroll by phone or find a local office. You can also enroll in Medicare online at ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up.
- Nearly 80 percent of Oregonians qualify for financial help through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. Visit OregonHealthCare.gov/WindowShop to answer a few quick questions, find out how much you can save and find out how much coverage may cost you. You can also call the Marketplace Transition Help Center at 833-699-6850 (toll-free, all relay calls accepted).
- Need free local help finding other coverage? Visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp to find professional help near you.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) are committed to transparency and will continue to send monthly information about medical coverage among Oregonians as the agencies continue to track the programs. Check our ONE Eligibility Operations Dashboards for more frequent updates on medical renewal data and wait times for callers to the ONE Customer Service Center.
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.
OHCS Homeowner Assistance Fund Application Portal Closes December 20
SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is closing the Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) program to most new applicants to avoid overcommitting funds. The application portal will close at noon PST Dec. 20. Homeowners who are in active foreclosure may still be able to apply through a housing counselor.
“We’re encouraging homeowners who are at imminent risk of housing displacement, socially disadvantaged individuals as defined by U.S. Treasury, or anyone who meets one of the additional eligibility criteria listed on the HAF website to apply for HAF assistance before noon Dec. 20,” said Ryan Vanden Brink, assistant director of Homeowner Assistance Programs. “Although we are accepting new applications, there may not be enough funds for everyone who applies as the program winds down.”
Existing applicants can continue to log on to the HAF portal to check the status of their application or scheduled payments.
OHCS planned its HAF program to operate as a safety net for the most at-risk homeowners who have no viable workout option, so those homeowners will receive priority processing. If funds still remain after the portal closes and applications are processed, HAF intake partners will be able to submit new applications on behalf of homeowners in a judicial foreclosure action or in nonjudicial foreclosure with a scheduled sale date. These applicants may need to complete intake paperwork and foreclosure prevention counseling before working with a counselor. Funding may not be available for all these new applications.
In addition to Oregon’s foreclosure moratorium and increased mortgage forbearance and default workout options, HAF has helped Oregon maintain a historically low foreclosure rate during and since the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping many in their homes. According to August 2023 Corelogic data, there were 1,016 residential foreclosures in Oregon, which reflects a 0.16% foreclosure rate, compared to a 20-year average 1.03% foreclosure rate.
As of Dec. 4, OHCS has approved 1,745 applications, totaling about $46.9 million of the $72 million available to homeowners when the program launched. Over $35 million in approved funds have already been paid with an average award of about $27,000. OHCS is reviewing or monitoring another 859 applications that, if approved, are projected to total $23.2 million in assistance. The agency projects $1.9 million remains. OHCS is currently working with homeowners, housing counselors, and mortgage servicers to postpone and prevent hundreds of foreclosures for applicants. Visit the HAF Dashboard for more detailed information.
Free help is available – Homeowners who have fallen behind or are at risk of missing a payment on their mortgage can continue to get free help from certified housing counselors around the state to learn about options to keep their homes, such as modifications or adding deferred payments to the end of a mortgage. Housing counselors are knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated professionals who can help homeowners communicate with their mortgage servicers.
Search the full list of free certified housing counselors by county. Homeowners should be aware that some housing counseling agencies take longer due to high volume and remote working policies.
In addition to connecting with a certified housing counselor, Oregon homeowners should directly contact their mortgage servicers and lenders to see what types of mortgage assistance and foreclosure prevention programs are available. Homeowners who communicate with their lenders and servicers have some additional protections and usually have more time to figure out their options.
Avoiding fraud – The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services recommends being extremely cautious with offers to help from unauthorized companies or people. Homeowners are urged not to provide financial or personal information unless they verify the company or person’s licensing status. It does not cost anything to apply for the HAF program or meet with an Oregon housing counselor.
There are several common warning signs homeowners should watch out for that may indicate a scam. If a homeowner suspects they’re being contacted by a scammer, they can report it to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Oregon Department of Justice, or the U.S. Treasury’s Office of the Inspector General.
To verify a lender’s license, visit the Division of Financial Regulation’s license page and compare it with the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) license number. This number must be included on all advertising materials and should be easy to find. To verify a housing counseling agency’s status with the state, make sure they are listed on the OHCS website.
Attorney General Rosenblum Announces $700 Million Settlement with Google over Play Store Misconduct
Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum and a bipartisan group of 52 other attorneys general today announced a $700 million agreement with Google in their lawsuit about Google’s anticompetitive conduct with the Google Play Store.
“Every company is required to play by the rules, from the smallest of mom-and-pop shops to the biggest brands on the planet, and this settlement demonstrates that principle as clear as day,” said AG Rosenblum. “Google has agreed to make right with the more than 100 million consumers it wronged and will be required to take many important steps to prevent anticompetitive conduct in the future.”
Google will pay $630 million in restitution, minus costs, and fees, to consumers who made purchases on the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023 and were harmed by Google’s anticompetitive practices. Google will pay the states an additional $70 million for their sovereign claims. People eligible for restitution do not have to submit a claim – they will receive automatic payments through PayPal or Venmo, or they can elect to receive a check or ACH transfer. More details about that process will be forthcoming. The agreement also requires Google to make their business practices more procompetitive in a number of important ways.
The attorneys general sued Google in 2021 alleging that Google unlawfully monopolized the market Android app distribution and in-app payment processing. Specifically, the States claimed that Google signed anticompetitive contracts to prevent other app stores from being preloaded on Android devices, bought off key app developers who might have launched rival app stores, and created technological barriers to deter consumers from directly downloading apps to their devices. The states announced a settlement in principle on September 5, 2023, and today released the finalized terms of that deal.
The settlement requires Google to reform its business practices in the following ways:
- Give all developers the ability to allow users to pay through in-app billing systems other than Google Play Billing for at least five years.
- Allow developers to offer cheaper prices for their apps and in-app products for consumers who use alternative, non-Google billing systems for at least five years.
- Permit developers to steer consumers toward alternative, non-Google billing systems by advertising cheaper prices within their apps themselves for at least five years.
- Not enter contracts that require the Play Store to the be the exclusive, pre-loaded app store on a device or home screen for at least five years.
- Allow the installation of third-party apps on Android phones from outside the Google Play Store for at least seven years.
- Revise and reduce the warnings that appear on an Android device if a user attempts to download a third-party app from outside the Google Play Store for at least 5 years.
- Maintain Android system support for third-party app stores, including allowing automatic updates, for four years.
- Not require developers to launch their app catalogs on the Play Store at the same time as they launch on other app stores for at least four years.
- Submit compliance reports to an independent monitor who will ensure that Google is not continuing its anticompetitive conduct for at least 5 years.
For much of this case, the attorneys general litigated alongside Epic Games and Match, two major app developers. Match announced a separate settlement earlier this year, while Epic Games took its case to trial. A jury unanimously found that Google’s anticompetitive conduct violated the federal antitrust laws early last week.
This lawsuit was led by the Attorneys General from North Carolina, Utah, Tennessee, New York, and California, and joined by the attorneys general of all remaining states, the District of Columbia and the territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
A copy of the settlement is available HERE.
“I appreciate the hard work of our team at Oregon DOJ as well as public-sector lawyers across 53 states and territories to reach such a significant settlement,” added AG Rosenblum. https://www.doj.state.or.us/media-home/news-media-releases/attorney-general-rosenblum-announces-700-million-settlement-with-google-over-play-store-misconduct/
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Suspicious Death, Seeking Tips
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information related to a suspicious death on De Armond Road, near Airlie Road, in rural southwest Polk County.
The body of Francisco “Frankie” Javier Davidson (37 years old) of Aumsville, Oregon, was found on the morning of November 26, 2023. The last known area that Davidson was known to frequent was the Salem area.
The Sheriff’s Office is requesting that anyone with knowledge of Davidson or his whereabouts leading up to November 26, 2023, please contact Detective David Shorter at ter.david@co.polk.or.us“>shorter.david@co.polk.or.us or 503-831-1753. Callers can remain anonymous.
As the investigation is open and ongoing, no additional information will be released at this time.
Fatal Crash — Hwy. 97 — Deschutes County
On Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, shortly after midnight, Oregon State Police troopers responded to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle on Highway 97 at NW Maple Avenue near Redmond.
The preliminary investigation indicated that Deschutes County 9-1-1 received a call of a person sitting in the median of an unlighted portion of Highway 97 near the NE Maple Avenue overpass at approximately 12:19 a.m.
A short time later, Corey Lee Smith, 52, of Warm Springs was in the right northbound lane of Highway 97 when he was struck by a Ford F-150 operated by Brandon Wayne Boland, 48, of Redmond.
Smith was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Ford and a passenger were uninjured.
The northbound lanes of Highway 97 were closed for approximately three hours. OSP was assisted by the Redmond Police Department, Redmond Fire Department, and Oregon Department of Transportation.
Look Back at First Year of Oregon’s Legal Psilocybin Program
As Oregon closes out the inaugural year of its first-in-the-nation legal psilocybin program, hundreds of Oregonians and visitors are finally accessing services in Portland and throughout the state.
According to informal data gathered by Healing Advocacy Fund, a nonprofit that advocates for legal psilocybin programs in Oregon and Colorado, at least 715 people have accessed services in Oregon since the program officially launched this year.
The Oregon Health Authority, which runs the psilocybin program, does not currently collect data from people participating in the program. That will change in 2025 when the Oregon Psilocybin Services section of the health authority will start to collect some aggregated data from service centers as required by Senate Bill 303, which passed in June.
While Oregonians passed the legal psilocybin framework in 2020, the law allowed the state to spend two years developing the system. Oregon released the first draft rules for the psilocybin program in February of 2022. In late 2022, the state started licensing facilitator training programs, and in January of 2023 began accepting applications for licenses for workers, facilitators, manufacturers, laboratories and service centers, as required by the new law.
By May, the Oregon Psilocybin Services began issuing licenses for psilocybin treatment centers. Later that month, Oregonians and visitors started accessing services.
Advocates of psilocybin say it can help people dealing with a host of issues, from trauma to addiction. And many are hoping that Oregon’s program allows for more extensive research into the therapeutic properties of the substance, which remains illegal at the federal level. (More Info: https://www.newsbreak.com/news/3271049721661-over-700-people-used-psychedelic-mushrooms-under-oregon-s-program-in-2023 )
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.
Another Death Has Been Linked To Cantaloupe Contaminated With Salmonella
Another death has been linked to cantaloupe contaminated with salmonella, bringing the total to four in the United States. Another 72 illnesses also have been reported, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
So far, the CDC said, 302 people have become sick in 42 states. Of those, 72 have been added as of Dec. 15. Almost half of those people had to be hospitalized and four have died – three in Minnesota and one in Oregon.
Consumers have been urged to not eat any pre-cut cantaloupe unless they know where the whole fruit came from.
“The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for salmonella. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak,” the CDC said.
The outbreak has been linked to cantaloupe from Mexico that may have a sticker with “Malichita” or “Rudy” and the number 4050.
Recalls of whole cantaloupe and pre-cut cantaloupe have been growing.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said its “traceback investigation” has identified Sofia Produce, LLC doing business as TruFresh of Nogales, Arizona; Crown Jewels Produce of Fresno, California; and Pacific Trellis Fruit doing business as Dulcinea of Fresno, California, as suppliers of the potentially contaminated “Malichita” or “Rudy” brand cantaloupes.
The three companies issued recalls.
Adults age 65 and older, children younger than 5 and people with weakened immune systems are more at risk from a salmonella infection.
Severe symptoms include diarrhea for more than three days that is not improving, a fever higher than 102 degrees, bloody diarrhea, vomiting that includes not being able to keep liquids down and dehydration.
Mexico’s Health Department on Dec. 15 ordered the temporary closure of a melon-packing plant implicated in salmonella infections that killed five people in Canada and four in the United States.
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.
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).###
OHA launches winter campaign to encourage conversations about alcohol
Rethink the Drink urges communities to talk about alcohol, offers tips for supporting others during holiday season
At a time when many people in Oregon are celebrating the holiday season with friends, coworkers, and loved ones, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is launching Rethink the Drink’s new winter advertising campaign to change the conversation about alcohol.
The campaign emphasizes the need for people to come together and support one another to be healthy and care for communities. That includes creating healthy environments that support people in their efforts to drink less alcohol. The campaign reveals how common alcohol has become in community settings and asks people to consider ways they can best support their friends and loved ones – and their entire community – to be healthy.
Rethink the Drink, informed by significant community and partner engagement, aims to decrease alcohol consumption and related harms in Oregon. Elements of this winter campaign include a website; statewide TV, radio, digital and print advertisements; and Facebook and Instagram pages. Oregon is the only state in the country to initiate a public health campaign of this scale to reach adults 21 and older.
Note: If you or someone you care about is suffering from alcohol dependence or an alcohol use disorder, free confidential resources and support are available online or by calling or 1-800-923-435.
Missing Yachats Man’s Vehicle Found in North Lane County
On 08/25/2023, Dustin Steyding was reported missing to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office after he left work on 07/22/2023 and hadn’t been located since. Dustin was living and working in the Yachats area.
Dustin was reported to be in good physical condition, having previously worked as a hot shot firefighter in New Mexico. Dustin is very experienced in the woods and commonly goes out for hikes to stay in shape. Without means to locate Dustin, Deputies entered Dustin as a missing person in a national database.
On 09/04/2023, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received a call from Dustin’s family after they located his vehicle on Keller Creek Rd, just outside of Lincoln County in Lane County. Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Deputies contacted the vehicle and determined it had been at the location for some time. Deputies were unable to determine Dustin’s direction of travel from the vehicle.
The vehicle having been located in Lane County, Lincoln County Deputies contacted the Lane County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team and arranged for their response the next day to started searching the area. After two days of searching, no clues to Dustin’s have been found.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Dustin Steyding should contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 541-265-0777 and reference case number 23S-07321.
83-year-old Clarence Edward Pitts walked away from his home in Bandon on Tuesday, January 31 at around 1:00 p.m. Pitts is described as:
- 6′ 00″
- 150 lbs
- Gray hair
- Brown eyes
- Last seen wearing an orange beanie, plaid jacket, tan pants and white shoes
- May have a walking cane
- Has dementia and PTSD
Pitts may be in a vehicle that was also found to be missing from the home:
- 1999 Toyota Van
- White
- Oregon license plate: WYN 788
If you see Clarence or have any information pertaining to where he may be, please call the Coos County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center at 541-396-2106 or the Bandon Police Department at 541-347-3189.
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