Oregon Beach News, Wednesday 6/19 – OSU Research Shows Rocky Shores of Pacific Northwest Show Low Resilience To Changes In Climate & 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, June 19, 2024

Oregon Beach Weather

OSU Research Shows Rocky Shores of Pacific Northwest Show Low Resilience To Changes In Climate

A 15-year period ending in 2020 that included a marine heat wave and a sea star wasting disease epidemic saw major changes in the groups of organisms that live along the rocky shores of the Pacific Northwest.

The study by Oregon State University scientists, involving four capes in Oregon and California, suggests these communities of species may have low resilience to climate change. Findings were published recently in Nature Ecology & Evolution.

Researchers learned that sessile invertebrates — those that stay in one place, such as mussels and barnacles — became more abundant during the study period, while seaweed species like kelps declined.

“These changes occurred after the loss of adult ochre sea stars due to an epidemic of sea star wasting disease and during a three-year marine heatwave when water temperatures were extremely warm,” said Zechariah Meunier, a doctoral graduate of the OSU College of Science and the lead author on the paper. “Sea stars are like the wolves of rocky shores because they normally eat enough mussels and barnacles to prevent these invertebrates from dominating the lower elevation areas. And many kelps did not survive the thermal stress during the heat wave.”

Of further concern to the scientists: When the epidemic ended and ocean temperatures cooled, the rocky shore communities did not return to their baseline conditions. That suggests the communities have low resilience to changes in both temperature and predator numbers.

“Diminishing resilience may lead to degraded rocky shore communities under future climate conditions,” said Meunier, who along with OSU professors Sally Hacker and Bruce Menge looked at 13 sites spread among Oregon’s Cape Foulweather, Cape Perpetua and Cape Blanco and California’s Cape Mendocino. “And a warming climate will make restoring baseline conditions more difficult – regime shifts to degraded states are likely to last longer and put community structure and ecosystem function at risk.”

Hacker and Menge have been studying Northwest coastal ecosystems for decades. Healthy marine ecosystems are important because the ocean, and the species that live in it, are critical to the proper functioning of the planet. For example, the ocean supplies half of the oxygen humans breathe and annually absorbs one-quarter of the carbon dioxide people emit into the atmosphere.

The scientists note that climate change and pollution are combining to force marine ecosystems to experience unprecedented stressors including harmful algal blooms, ocean acidification and hypoxia. The stressors often work in concert and exacerbate one another, resulting in damage to marine habitats or species diversity loss.

When stressors are especially severe, they can lead to habitat transitions from one state to another in what’s known as a regime shift.

“A classic example of multiple stressors causing a regime shift is the transition from kelp forests to urchin barrens in the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of North America,” Meunier said. “That transition is attributed to a marine heat wave, urchin overgrazing, historical extirpation of the sea otter and recent mass mortality of the sunflower star. Digging even deeper, the sunflower star demise was itself driven by two stressors: a sea star wasting disease epidemic and a marine heat wave.”

While sunflower stars have not recovered, adult ochre sea stars on rocky shores are growing in size and number to what was measured before the disease epidemic. Thus, there is hope that the sea stars will be able to limit the expansion of barnacles and mussels in the future, the researchers say. The study by Meunier, Hacker and Menge was funded by the National Science Foundation. (SOURCE)

Lincoln County Fire Defense Board Begins Debris Burn Bans

This message is being sent on behalf of the Lincoln County Fire Defense Board

Fire Agencies to begin Debris Burn Bans

The Lincoln County Fire Defense Board and the Oregon Department of Forestry have made the
decision to establish a consistent start and end date for the annual Debris Burn Ban in Lincoln
County. Taking into consideration the increasingly dry fuel models year after year, Debris Burn
Ban will begin annually, June 15th, 2024, and end October 15th, 2024. Individual fire districts
may choose to adjust the burn ban dates based on current weather conditions. The Fire Defense
Board has carefully selected these dates to provide a consistent schedule for the annual burn ban,
to allow the citizens to better plan for yard debris burning.

Agency Contact Information
North Lincoln Fire & Rescue: 541-996-2233
Depoe Bay Fire District: 541-764-2202
Newport Fire Department: 541-265-9461
Seal Rock Fire District: 541-563-4441
Central Coast Fire & Rescue: 541-563-3121
Toledo Fire Department: 541-336-3311
Siletz Fire District: 541-444-2043
Yachats Fire District: 541-547-3266
Oregon Dept. Forestry: 541-336-2273

This ban is specific to yard debris burning and does not include recreational campfires, portable
propane/patio fireplaces, or charcoal BBQ grills. Please check with your local fire agency for
details specific to each jurisdiction.

Reminder: Carelessness is the largest cause of wildfire.
Escaped fires of any kind resulting in property damage requiring efforts from a fire agency or
multiple fire agencies, may result in fines and individual financial responsibility for damages
caused and for fire response recovery, per Oregon Revised Statue; 476.920 – Billing owner of
property for cost of extinguishing fire.

Curry County Sheriff’s Office Drone Demonstration

  · Tuesday the Curry County Sheriff’s Office attended Camp Wildcat and did a drone demonstration. The kids were able to see how the drone can assist officers during emergency situations such as search and rescue, crowd monitoring, suspect tracking, crime scenes and many other situations. Thank you to all of the kids that participated and to the staff for allowing us to be there.

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay – Register for our Yellow Radio class

 https://evcnb.org/events-and-training/yellow-radio-06292024 Register for our Yellow Radio class today. You’ll learn how to communicate with others during an emergency.

Razor Clam Harvest Ban Lifted For Northern Oregon Coast Amid Shellfish Toxin Scare

Oregon fish and wildlife officials reopened the northern Oregon coast for razor clamming last week while keeping a prohibition in place south of Yachats and continuing a coastwide ban on harvesting bay clams and mussels.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife had closed the entire coast to shellfish harvesting earlier this month because of a potentially deadly toxin, paralytic shellfish poisoning, or PSP, that had sickened at least 20 people who had eaten Oregon coast mussels.

No one is reported to have died in the outbreak, but some were hospitalized, according to Oregon health officials. Naturally occurring marine toxins are not eliminated by cooking or freezing.

Officials said Friday that two consecutive tests had shown razor clams in the newly reopened area were below the threshold at which harvesting is banned due to biotoxins. They said the earlier closure was precautionary, and that testing had not detected biotoxin levels above the closure threshold.

However, razor clamming is closed from the Yachats River to the California border, where tests have detected high levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning and domoic acid.

Harvesting bay clams and mussels remains prohibited along the entire Oregon and Washington coast.

The state also has reopened commercial oyster fisheries in Tillamook Bay and Netarts, while the Umpqua River/Winchester Bay commercial oyster fishery remains closed. Crab harvesting is open for the length of the Oregon coast.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture operates a toll-free shellfish biotoxin hotline 800-448-2474​ and maintains a list of closures on its website. (SOURCE)

Beverly Beach State Park Remains Closed Until End of July

Due to delays in construction, Beverly Beach State Park will now be closed through the end of July, according to Oregon Parks & Recreation.

Located just seven miles north of Newport, the popular campground and day-use area has been closed since September 2023. The construction work included moving power lines underground and replacing water lines. The park is now slated to reopen on August 1.

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office to Host Hiring Event in July

We are looking for individuals with strong character, motivation, and integrity to join our Sheriff’s Office team. With multiple positions open, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a hiring event on Saturday, July 20, 2024. This event is a great opportunity to learn about the rewarding careers our team has to offer. 

Those interested in participating are encouraged to complete an application before the event. To submit an application, visit www.co.lincoln.or.us/748/Join-the-Team. Join us at this hiring event to jumpstart your successful career in Law Enforcement.  

All applicants are invited to meet our team, have lunch, and learn more about our career opportunities. Deputy applicants ages 21 years and older are invited to complete the physical testing requirements during this event. Participants in this event experience a significantly expedited application process. In addition to completing the required physical test for free, participants have the opportunity to meet our team, ask questions, receive more information on perks and benefits, and enjoy free lunch and snacks. All participants need to bring ID and deputy applicants need to bring athletic clothes and shoes.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, July 20, 2024
Time: 11:00am – 2:00pm 

• Check in anytime between 11:00am and 1:30pm.
• Deputy applicants will complete the physical testing for free (testing takes less than 15 minutes per participant).
• Enjoy lunch and network with our team.
• Ask questions and get a feel of what your future career looks like.

Location: Search and Rescue Building, 830 NE 7th St., Newport

What to Bring:

• Government Issued Identification
• Athletic clothes and shoes if applying for a deputy position
• Interest in joining our team

Registration for this event is encouraged but not required. For questions or to register, contact Jess Palma at 541-265-0652 or jpalma@co.lincoln.or.us

Costco Recalls Some Tillamook Cheese Products Sold in Northwest

Costco is recalling some Tillamook cheese products due to the possible presence of plastic materials.

In a letter to Costco members who purchased the recalled product, a Tillamook executive said the cheese may contain “gray and black plastic pieces.”

A 32-ounce twin-pack package of Tillamook Colby Jack and Tillamook Monterey Jack cheese slices, with item number 651195, is among the recalled products, according to the company. The company said that the cheese was available at Costco locations in the Northwest from May 9 through May 31. The best before date for the recalled product is October 22, 2024.

Costco stated the cheese was made for its Northwest region sites, but it did not say which retail locations the recalled goods had been shipped to. Washington, Oregon, Northern California, Montana, and Idaho are states in the Northwest region.

It’s unclear, however, how many products or Costco stores in total the recall impacts. The Tillamook letter noted the recalled cheese was only produced for Costco locations in the Northwest region.  

According to the letter, the cheese slices impacted are “in a limited quantity” and the presence of plastic, if consumed without issue, “is very minimal.”

Bever notes that Costco members who still have the product should return the affected cheese slices for a full refund, however. 

Lincoln City Police Investigation Leads To Arrest In Child Sex Abuse Case

On Wednesday, June 12, 2024, Lincoln City Police arrested 53-year-old, Daniel Ryan Stuebgen, of Lincoln City at his place of business, Happy Trails Feed and Tack & U-Haul Neighbor Hood dealer, located at 2150 SE Hwy 101, Lincoln City. Mr. Stuebgen was arrested on charges of Rape 2, Sex Abuse 1 and Sodomy II.

The arrest came after a 10 month long investigation conducted by LCPD’s criminal investigations and patrol divisions as well as the Oregon DHS Office of Training, Investigations and Safety. Mr. Stuebgen is suspected of sexually assaulting a 12 year old child during the summer of 2023 at Happy Trails Feed and Tack. During the investigation, it was learned that Mr. Stuebgen was also residing at the business location.  

If you have any information on this case please contact Det. Charles Lane at the Lincoln City Police Department, 541-994-3636. 

Insurer Sues the Builders and Engineers and City Of Astoria Over 2022 Buoy Brewery Collapse

A new lawsuit blames the city of Astoria and several construction and engineering companies for the dramatic collapse of the Buoy Beer brewery on the Astoria waterfront in 2022.

The lawsuit alleges that the city and three private companies — Stricker Engineering, Rickenbach Construction and Columbia Dockworks — ignored decaying pilings on the wharf under the brewery. The lawsuit, filed Wednesday by Mt. Hawley Insurance Co., says collapse was inevitable given those weaknesses.

The insurance company is seeking to recoup a $9 million property insurance payout it made to Buoy Beer Co., as well as additional punitive damages.

Buoy Beer purchased the former cannery site in 2013 to repurpose as a brewery and restaurant.

Stricker Engineering submitted plans for the brewery’s buildout in 2016, according to the lawsuit, noting plans for larger, heavier equipment on the wharf structure. Astoria building officials then subcontracted a structural review to Clair Co., a Corvallis engineering firm.

The lawsuit alleges Stricker failed to respond to more than half of Clair’s requests for comment on its construction plans. Responses provided, the lawsuit says, were also inadequate.

A Clair official recommended the city deny Stricker’s buildout permit plans, the lawsuit says, because the company did not provide sufficient structural evaluation and design information. Stricker representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

But the city, according to the lawsuit, nonetheless approved the permits. The lawsuit alleges that if a comprehensive structural analysis had been completed, the city would have denied the permits and tagged the building for analysis and repair long before the building’s collapse in 2022.

A minor collapse occurred in September 2021, and another construction company recommended the brewery install new supports and complete a detailed inspection of the wharf’s substructure.

Columbia Dockworks, another defendant, along with Rickenbach were brought in to address the wharf’s substructure, the lawsuit said. But it alleged the repairs were “obvious haphazard work” and that defendants failed to alert Buoy about the ongoing danger. Columbia did not respond to a request for comment.

The lawsuit alleges the city allowed work to continue throughout, including the installation of tanks that could weigh between 5,000 and 10,000 pounds even empty of beer and solar panels, and that city officials approved work even after the partial collapse in 2021.

Representatives for the city of Astoria did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The lawsuit says Rickenbach also endangered the brewery by beginning construction work without completing a structural analysis. Mt. Hawley’s lawsuit says Rickenbach was knowledgeable of Astoria building permit requirements yet still failed to comply with them. The company declined to comment on the lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges Stricker and Rickenbach used engineering calculations that wouldn’t be accurate for new or on-ground construction, much less a decaying wharf. And it accuses the companies of submitting plans to designate the brewery as a historical landmark, a distinction it was awarded in 2013, to avoid the comprehensive structural analysis required of other buildings.

Buoy is not a party to the lawsuit. The company was back to making beer in a facility nearby about a year after the building’s collapse and has since expanded further. (SOURCE)

Lincoln County Accepting Grant Funding Applications for Share Of $398,000 in ARPA Funds for Local Water and Sewer Projects

$398,000 in funds from the American Rescue Plan Ac (ARPA) are set to be distributed to eligible districts in Lincoln County to invest in local water, sewer and drainage projects.

The American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law in March of 2021 and provided states, cities, and counties with federal money to support pandemic recovery efforts and economic stimulus. One allowed use for ARPA dollars is to support public water, sewer and drainage projects.

Lincoln County is accepting grant funding applications from local water, sewer and drainage districts in unincorporated Lincoln County for water and sewer projects. Eligible projects must meet the ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) eligible funding requirements.

Districts must be in good standing with State of Oregon financial reporting requirements and show proof of complying with public meeting law requirements. The county has a total of $398,000 to provide for eligible projects from districts. Applications will be reviewed by a committee selected by Lincoln County to look at the financial stability of the organization, the engineering feasibility of the project, and if the project meets ARPA requirements.

The county is planning to use an open grant process to award the funds. Starting June 10 applications will open, they will be awarded on a first come, first served basis to qualifying districts and projects; applications will close once all funds have been allocated.

The county says each eligible district can ask up to $50-thousand total. Projects can be stand-alone projects or a discrete portion of a larger project. Applications will be reviewed by county administrative, legal, and engineering staff to ensure projects meet American Rescue Plan Act, legal and technical requirements. All projects must adhere to federal procurement rules and Davis-Bacon Act requirements.

County officials say they will execute contracts with awarded districts before December 31, 2024. All work on the awarded projects must be completed by subrecipients before December 2026. To apply for the Local Water, Sewer and Drainage Districts’ Grant click here.

OHA 2024 Oregon Beach Monitoring Season

Agency shares list of monitored beaches for May-September

—The Oregon Beach Monitoring Program (OBMP) is kicking off the 2024 beach monitoring season by announcing the list of coastal recreation areas it will be keeping an eye on for bacteria during summer and early fall.

The 24 beaches on the list that the OBMP, based at the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Public Health Division, is publishing includes some of the most frequently visited beaches in Oregon. It also includes beaches where the program has found bacteria present, or beaches for which local partners and the public have requested monitoring due to potential pollution concerns.

The following are Oregon beaches being monitored during 2024, including beach name, and the city and county in which they are located:

• Seaside Beach – Seaside, Clatsop County
• Cannon Beach – Cannon Beach, Clatsop County
• Tolovana Beach State Park– Cannon Beach, Clatsop County
• Short Sand Beach (Oswald West State Park) – Arch Cape, Tillamook County
• Manzanita Beach – Manzanita, Tillamook County
• Rockaway Beach – Rockaway, Tillamook County
• Twin Rocks Beach – Twin Rocks, Tillamook County
• Oceanside Beach – Oceanside, Tillamook County
• Cape Kiwanda Beach – Pacific City, Tillamook County
• Neskowin Beach – Neskowin, Tillamook County
• D River Beach – Lincoln City, Lincoln County
• Siletz Bay Beach – Lincoln City, Lincoln County
• Beverly Beach – Newport, Lincoln County
• Agate Beach – Newport, Lincoln County
• Nye Beach – Newport, Lincoln County
• Ona Beach (Brian Booth-Beaver Creek State Park) – Seal Rock, Lincoln County
• Seal Rock Beach – Seal Rock, Lincoln County
• Heceta Beach – Florence, Lane County
• Bastendorff Beach – Coos Bay, Coos County
• Sunset Bay State Park Beach – Coos Bay, Coos County
• Hubbard Creek Beach – Port Orford, Curry County
• Harris Beach State Park – Brookings, Curry County
• Mill Beach – Brookings, Curry County
• Crissey Fields State Recreation Site – Brookings, Curry County

Beach monitoring season runs from mid-May to mid-September. Beach advisories are only issued for beaches that are actively being monitored within this sampling window. Other beaches will be investigated for inclusion in the next beach monitoring season.

OBMP works with Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to identify beaches that need monitoring based on several established criteria. These criteria include: pollution hazards present; previous beach monitoring data that identify water quality concerns; type and amount of beach use; and public input.

As part of an adaptive sampling plan, beaches and sampling locations are routinely re-evaluated to ensure available resources best protect public health. A copy of DEQ’s beach evaluation is available upon request.

For more information and current beach monitoring conditions please visit: www.healthoregon.org/beach, or contact OBMP at each.Health@odhsoha.oregon.gov“>Beach.Health@odhsoha.oregon.gov or 971-673-0400.

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

Oregon to honor fallen fire fighters during June 20 memorial ceremony

SALEM, Ore. – The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) and the Oregon Fire Service Honor Guard will host the annual Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial to honor members of the fire service who have died in the line of duty. The event takes place at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 20 at the Oregon Public Safety Academy, located at 4190 Aumsville Highway SE in Salem.

The memorial commemorates Oregon’s fire service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice since 1881, including career, volunteer, wildland and structural fire fighters. The names of three fallen firefighters were added to the wall during an engraving ceremony held Wednesday, June 12. An honor guard stood watch as the names of Mo Stadelli of the Salem Fire Department and Brandon W. Norbury and Brian Edward Flowers of the Gresham Fire Department were added to the memorial, joining those of 176 previously fallen fire service members.

Mo Stadeli served as a professional firefighter with the Salem Fire Department for more than twenty-five years. In 2018, he was diagnosed with tonsillar cancer and he passed away on February 24, 2019.

On February 3, 2023, after participating in routine hose evolution training, Brandon W. Norbury of Gresham Fire & Emergency Services suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed on the training ground. Despite life-saving efforts of other fire department members, Norbury was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital.

After a fifteen-year career, Gresham Fire & Emergency Services Firefighter Brian Edward Flowers passed away on November 19, 2023 after a monthslong battle with Occupational Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

For more information on the Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial, including the names of the fallen, history of the memorial, and the Oregon Fire Service Honor Guard’s involvement, please visit DPSST’s Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial website.

For questions about the Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial, please contact Brooke Bell-Uribe at 503-569-8260.

###About DPSST — The mission of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is to pursue excellence in training and accountability for public safety professionals. DPSST certifies and licenses police, corrections, and parole and probation officers, as well as regulatory specialists, emergency telecommunicators and medical dispatchers, criminal justice instructors, private security providers, private investigators, fire service professionals and polygraph examiners in the State of Oregon.  DPSST works with public and private safety agencies around the state to provide basic, leadership and specialized training at the 237-acre Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem and regionally throughout the state.

U.S. Olympic Track And Field Team Trials Start Friday at Hayward Field

Thousands of athletes, their families, and fans will descend on Hayward Field in Eugene this week for the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials.

The trials begin June 21 and conclude June 30 at Hayward Field in Eugene. At least one final race will be held during each evening session.

The eight-day competition starts on Friday and ends June 30 and will determine who will qualify to be inside the State de France in northern Paris when the track and field portion of the Summer Games begins Aug. 2.

With an increase in tourism and traffic expected to hit the Eugene and Springfield area, here’s all you need to know about the street closures, transportation services, and parking plans available for attendees.

Road closures planned around Hayward Field

Hayward Field is located at the University of Oregon at 1530 Agate Street in Eugene. To accommodate the event, parking lots and streets around the stadium will be closed.

On Monday night, East 18th Ave. and Agate Street closed to the public. Portions of East 15th Ave. and East 17th Ave. near Hayward Field were also blocked off from traffic.

Starting Friday, access to East 13th Ave. and University Street will be limited to use for University of Oregon business.

The following parking lots on campus will be closed to permit holders:

VIEW SCHEDULE HERE: https://www.usatf.org/events/2024/2024-u-s-olympic-team-trials-%E2%80%94-track-field/schedule

While the track and field trials are a long event, held over eight days, there’s no better place to see Olympic athletes compete than Hayward Field.

Here’s how to get tickets for the competition: https://am.ticketmaster.com/haywardtrackandfield/buy — MORE INFO: https://www.usatf.org/events/2024/2024-u-s-olympic-team-trials-%E2%80%94-track-field

More than 3,000 nurses at six Providence hospitals across Oregon went on strike on Tuesday

The strike is set to last three days, impacting: Providence St. Vincent, Newberg, Willamette Falls, Medford, Hood River and Milwaukie.

Along with issues around wages, the union said the implementation of Oregon’s hospital staffing law is a key sticking point. The Oregon Nurses Association sent a cease-and-desist letter to Providence on June 14, saying the health system was violating the safe-staffing law, requiring a certain patient-to-nurse ratio. Providence said it is working to build out those plans and follow the law.

Other sticking points include paid time off and health care benefits.

Providence St. Vincent in Northwest Portland, Providence Newberg, Providence Willamette Falls in Oregon City, Providence Medford, Providence Hood River and Providence Milwaukie are all impacted by the strike

Gentry said that while Providence had to divert ambulances for a couple of hours Tuesday morning while they brought in replacement workers, the transition overall went smoothly at all six campuses.

“Providence nurses ensured that the handover went well and that our replacement nurses had all of the information they needed to ensure that we were able to continue providing excellent care,” she said.

Providence officials said they had to guarantee five days of work in order to recruit replacement workers, and that they’ll invite striking nurses back as needed after the walkout concludes.

Both the union and Providence are encouraging patients to continue to seek emergency services at any of these hospitals, as needed, regardless of the strike action. Providence said all sites are open and serving patients. Read More at ONA: https://www.oregonrn.org/page/provstrike

Health officials confirm measles in Clackamas County household

Two people believed to have been exposed in Marion County between May 19, June 4

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and county public health officials are investigating two cases of measles in a single Clackamas County household.

One household member, an unvaccinated adult, was confirmed to have measles Friday, June 14. The individual developed a rash June 11. While the time range of the exposure is believed to be between May 19 and June 4, the specific location of the exposure, which occurred in Marion County, is unknown, suggesting there may be other, unreported measles cases in Oregon.

The second household member, an unvaccinated child, developed symptoms a few days later. Both individuals are recovering.

“Spreading measles from one person to another is pretty easy, as it’s a highly infectious disease,” said Paul R. Cieslak, M.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA’s Public Health Division. “That’s why it’s extremely important that all adults and children in their household be up to date on vaccinations.”

“Adults of any age born during or after 1957 can still be vaccinated,” added Cieslak.

People might have been exposed if they were in any of these areas during these times:

• Oregon Health & Science University facilities:
  • OHSU Immediate Care Richmond Clinic, between 4:40 p.m. and 5:40 p.m. Wednesday, June 12.
  • OHSU Hospital Emergency Department, between 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, and 7:15 p.m. Friday, June 14 (risk at this location is believed to be low because the patient was masked and airborne precautions were promptly implemented).

How measles spreads and symptoms

Measles spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. People are contagious with measles for four days before a rash appears and up to four days afterward. The virus particles can also linger in the air for up to two hours after someone who is infectious has left the area.

Measles typically starts with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A rash usually follows, beginning on the face and spreading to the rest of the body. Symptoms begin seven to 21 days after exposure to a person with measles. Common complications of measles include ear infection, lung infection and diarrhea. Swelling of the brain is a rare but much more serious complication. In developed countries in recent years, one or two out of every 1,000 measles cases has been fatal.

Determining your risk of measles

Most Oregonians have been vaccinated to prevent measles, usually as children. Anyone who has received a measles vaccination at any time in their life has a low risk of getting measles. Risk is much higher for anyone who has not received measles vaccination who may have been exposed to the disease.

Measles poses the highest risk to:

1. Unvaccinated pregnant people.
2. Infants younger than 1 year old.
3. People with weakened immune systems.

You are considered immune to measles if any of the following apply:

• You were born before 1957.
• You’ve been diagnosed with measles at any point in your life.
• A blood test proves that you are immune.
• You have had two doses of measles vaccine.

What to do if you suspect measles in your household

Public health officials urge people experiencing symptoms of measles not to arrive unannounced at a medical office if they:

1. Have a measles-like rash, or
2. Have been exposed to measles within the previous 21 days, AND
3. Have any other symptom of measles (such as fever, cough or red eyes).

Individuals planning to seek medical care should first call a health care provider or urgent care center by telephone to create an entry plan to avoid exposing others in waiting rooms.

Learn more about measles at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/measles.aspx.

Klamath Tribes Member Named Miss Indian Northwest

The Miss Indian Northwest pageant is the oldest Native American pageant to represent all Pacific Northwest tribes since 1969 — traditionally the Northwest’s largest and most prestigious elite cultural title for young Native Women.

Leilonnie Wilson, Miss Indian Northwest 2024-2025 was crowned during the annual City of Roses Delta Park Powwow 2024, over the weekend in Portland, Oregon.

As Miss Indian Northwest, she will be a role model to young and old, help to educate and demonstrate the grace, beauty and diversity of Native American Culture, and represent the “Miss Indian Northwest program” throughout her travels across the Northwest etc. She was one of 9 girls competing for the prestigious title.

She was crowned during the Delta Park Powwow, originally founded by Klamath Tribal Elder, Barbara Alatorre – Urban Mukluks Leader.

Oregon State Fire Marshal announces first deliveries of new water tenders to Oregon fire service

– The Oregon State Fire Marshal is proud to announce the first deliveries of new water tenders to the Oregon fire service as part of the agency’s Engine Program. These initial deliveries mark a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to enhance firefighting capabilities and protect communities from the growing wildfire crisis.

The first three water tenders have been delivered to the Amity Fire District, Winston-Dillard Fire District, and Cloverdale Rural Fire Protection District. These tenders are the first of 30 that will be distributed across the state, boosting the resources available to local structural fire agencies.

The state fire marshal purchased 76 apparatus as part of the OSFM Engine Program, including 26 Type 3 engines, 20 Type 6 engines, and 30 water tenders. To date, eight type 3 engines have been delivered, with more expected to arrive throughout the summer. Deliveries of water tenders and type 6 engines will continue through the coming weeks.

“We are thrilled to see the first of these new water tenders delivered to our fire districts,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “This program represents a significant investment in the safety of our communities and the effectiveness of our firefighting efforts.”

The OSFM Engine Program is funded through 2021’s Senate Bill 762. The goal is to modernize equipment within the Oregon structural fire service, ensuring local fire agencies have the necessary tools to effectively combat wildfires and protect lives and property.

For more information about the OSFM’s Engine Program and ongoing efforts to improve wildfire response, please visit the OSFM Engine Program webpage.

Missing California Woman Rescued And 9 Men Arrested In Human Trafficking Mission In Portland

A missing California woman was rescued, a Gresham man was arrested on a theft warrant, a Portland man was arrested on gun charges, and seven other men were arrested on prostitution-related charges during a human trafficking mission in East Portland on Tuesday, June 11.

According the Portland Police Bureau, the woman was reunited with her family in California. Six other providers were contacted by advocates and offered services.

Daniel J. Harding, 24, of Gresham, was taken into custody for a Clackamas County warrant for second-degree theft. He was caught up in a wave of arrests from the Portland Police Bureau’s Human Trafficking Unit, as it conducted a targeted patrol along Southeast 82nd Avenue.

Shauntae D. Kindred, 46, of Portland, was arrested for felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of a loaded firearm in public, first-degree theft, unlawful possession of a firearm, and parole violations.

Seven men were arrested or cited for commercial sexual solicitation:

Ismael Gonzaga-Pedroza, 22, of Forest GroveRobert Casper, 45, of Onalaska, WashingtonBraulio L. Lazaro, 50, of VancouverGuerner Ramirez Fuentes, 44, of PortlandAlejando Ibarra, 41, of VancouverFiraol Gecho, 22, of Portland,Habtamu Egata, 51, of Milwaukie

During the mission officers also towed four vehicles.

If you or someone you know is being sex trafficked, call 911 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or report tips to humantrafficking@police.portlandoregon.gov. (SOURCE)

Oregon’s psilocybin industry, a year old, seeks customers

Advocates say they need to spread the word about the benefits of taking a psychedelic trip under supervision

A year in, Oregon’s experiment with the first regulated psilocybin mushroom market in the world is short on customers.

To attract them, advocates say the industry needs to get the word out about its benefits.

“We think everybody knows that psychedelics can help them because we’re in this little bubble. But 99% of people have no idea what they could get out of a journey,” said Heidi Venture, founder of a Hood River mushroom center, Vital Reset, where customers undergo supervised “trips” on psilocybin, the psychedelic compound in magic mushrooms.

She was among about 100 local psilocybin entrepreneurs who attended a recent industry conference in Portland. Attendees included business owners like Venture who run state-licensed centers where customers can trip on mushrooms, and trained guides, known as facilitators, who accompany them on the hours-long journey. 

The conference was hosted by the Psilocybin Assisted Therapy Association, a nonprofit that’s trying to raise awareness of the health and spiritual benefits detailed in studies on the supervised use of psychedelics like psilocybin. 

Panelists recalled a year of challenges, red tape and waning interest in guided mushroom trips under Oregon’s pioneering legal model, but also life-changing experiences for clients. They pledged to share information and lobby lawmakers for regulatory improvements.

A majority of Oregon voters in 2020 approved Measure 109, which directed the Oregon Health Authority to create a legal system for offering psilocybin. Unlike marijuana, customers can only buy and use psilocybin mushrooms under the watchful eye of a state-licensed facilitator and in a service center like Vital Reset. Prices usually range between $800 and $2,500 for a trip and two therapeutic sessions with a facilitator – although advocates say discounts are often available. Activists in other states are watching Oregon’s experiment closely, including in Colorado, which is debuting a more relaxed system. Like Oregon, that state will license centers and facilitators but has also decriminalized the use and sharing of psilocybin and other psychedelics. 

When Oregon’s first psilocybin center opened in Eugene in June 2023, it was the first in the nation to offer access to the drug in a licensed setting. The drug is still illegal by federal standards, categorized as a Schedule I substance, meaning that it has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.  

To date, roughly 3,500 clients have taken a supervised trip in one of Oregon’s 25 psilocybin centers. 

The nonprofit Healing Advocacy Fund, which advocates for psilocybin policy and supports entrepreneurs, estimates that number to increase to about 7,000 by the end of the year. That’s lower than some observers expected, who predicted a surge of interest in the nation’s first legal opportunity to use a psychedelic drug. 

‘It’s going to get over-saturated’ — Oregon has 25  licensed centers, but not all of them have made it. In March, The Journey service center in Portland became the first to fold for a lack of customers. 

“Unfortunately we’ve seen one service center close down. I imagine there will be more, because very quickly it’s going to get over-saturated,” said Tori Armbrust, owner of Satori Farms PDX. Armbrust grows psilocybin mushrooms and sells them to about half of the service centers in the state. 

She said competition will intensify next year, when out-of-state business interests can begin launching their own psilocybin ventures in Oregon.

“Overall, marketing seems to be a big challenge. But places are doing well, and there’s product going out to a lot of people,” Armbrust said.

Courtney Campbell, founder of the center Chariot in Northwest Portland, recently told a Capital Chronicle reporter that a steady stream of customers has kept his business afloat, but not lucrative. 

Oregon has also seen a spike in the number of training programs, which are pumping out hundreds of facilitators. Coeli Dwivedi, owner of the Entheogen Institute, has only been able to give herself one paycheck despite graduating about 70 students in the last year.

“I’m looking forward to having a real salary as well,” she said in an interview. 

Grassroots advertising  — Venture, who owns Vital Reset in Hood River, is trying to attract more customers. Like many centers, Vital Reset is offering discounts to people from underrepresented communities. 

However, she said she’s hamstrung by strict rules on online advertisements for psilocybin services. According to the Healing Advocacy Fund, magic mushroom businesses must prove that their advertisements aren’t reaching too many children or consumers under 21 years old. Plus, Venture and others believe that social media companies subtly suppress content related to psilocybin mushrooms. So Venture is relying on word-of-mouth and open houses to bring in business. She recently spoke about her business to members of  an local Lions Club.

Facilitators also say they are navigating a competitive market. About 325 facilitators have obtained a state license so far. Many have found that there are limited opportunities to work in service centers. It’s common for more experienced facilitators to find their own clients and work underground, illegally supervising psilocybin trips at homes and in Airbnbs.

Marlin Hofer, a facilitator at Brain Brew PDX and an instructor, said he carries a stack of business cards with him wherever he goes to raise awareness among the public. 

Matthew Wissler, another facilitator, said he would provide his services almost for free to certain low-income customers, such as those receiving food assistance, but he hasn’t been able to find any who fit the bill. Initially, Oregon’s model attracted wealthy tourists and people seeking treatment from other states and countries. 

While some facilitators are struggling to find work, some have found the work very lucrative, according to interviews with 10 facilitators. 

Despite the business challenges, Oregon’s psychedelic entrepreneurs are often floored by the positive impact felt by customers who use psilocybin, particularly people with treatment-resistant depression, addiction and trauma. 

“If we just hang in there, stay positive, it will evolve into something we can all be proud of,” said Mary Nielsen, owner of Brain Brew PDX in Beaverton.

To keep service centers financially sustainable, Armbrust suggested that the Oregon Health Authority limit the number of licenses it approves.

Jesse Sweet, an Oregon Health Authority policy analyst, said the agency doesn’t have that authority. The agency is kicking off another round of rules on a law requiring that centers collect certain data on their customers and will seek public input this year. Its new rules could tweak the current regulations, and lawmakers are expected to revisit the issue perhaps next year.  (SOURCE)

Renee Miereanu will be Presenting “The Miracle of Psilocybin” at Oregon Hypnotherapy Association Summer Conference… June 22nd 2024 —

 Renee Miereanu – “The Miracle of Psilocybin” Explore the profound and miraculous benefits of psilocybin with Renee Miereanu. This session will offer fascinating insights into how this powerful substance can significantly alter the landscape of therapeutic practices.Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to advance your knowledge, network with like-minded professionals, and discover innovative approaches to mental health and personal growth.

Renee Miereanu is a highly accomplished Master in Neuro-Linguistics, Counselor, Master Clinical Hypnotherapist, Oregon State Certified Psilocybin Facilitator, Happiness Coach, Relationships Coach, and an expert in nicotine cessation. With over 30 years of experience, Renee has dedicated her career to helping individuals overcome challenges, transform negative beliefs, and create lasting changes in their lives. She is the founder of The Breathe Center, a renowned institution that offers a holistic approach to personal growth and well being. MORE INFO: https://mushroomguide.org

Oregon Hypnotherapy Association Summer Conference…June 22nd 2024 12:30p – 5:00p Best Western Hotel 29769 SW Boones Ferry Rd. Wilsonville, Oregon — Register: https://ohanw.org/product-category/registration/

You can read more at: https://willamettevalleymagazine.com/2024/06/14/renee-miereanu-will-be-presenting-at-oregon-hypnotherapy-association-summer-conference-june-22nd-2024/

Douglas County Awarded FEMA Grant for Emergency Radio Communications System

            (Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Chris Boice, Tim Freeman, and Tom Kress, along with the Douglas County IT & Radio Director Nancy Laney and the Douglas County Information Technology Departmentwere notified this week that Douglas County was awarded grants totaling over $16.6 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as a part of FEMAs Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to help in the upgrade of the 30-year-old outdated Douglas County Emergency Radio Communications System (ERCS). FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding to government entities following a presidentially declared disaster so they can develop hazard mitigation plans and rebuild infrastructure that reduces or mitigates future disaster losses in their communities. Douglas County Commissioner Tom Kress and Douglas County IT & Radio Director Nancy Laney first submitted the application for this grant in September 2020 and have diligently worked with State and Federal agencies over the last four years to acquire the much needed and critical grant funding. 

The ERCS, often referred to as our Legacy Radio System, is our vital public safety communications link between our 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Dispatch Center and the 55 local law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical service agencies who provide critical, time-sensitive, and life-saving services countywide. 

“Douglas County is ecstatic that our due diligence has paid off!  I am incredibly thankful for the foresight and resolve of our Douglas County IT & Radio Director Nancy Laney for working with me to get through the federal process of applying for this unique federal grant,” stated Douglas County Commissioner Tom Kress.  “In Douglas County, over half of our land is owned and managed by the Federal Government, thus receiving financial support to help fund projects that supply vital services to our entire county is imperative.  The process to overhaul our 30-year-old outdated Emergency Radio Communications System (ERCS) has been a multi-year, multi-faceted, and financially challenging endeavor. The initial assessment and scope of the ERCS project has been completed. We are currently in the process of conducting an engineering study.  With this grant from FEMA, once the engineering study is complete Douglas County will be able to definitively establish project timelines and bring the necessary and critical upgrades of our ERCS system to fruition.” 

Douglas County listed the following on our grant application to FEMA for our project description, mitigation efforts and overall objective, “This grant will fund the upgrade of the existing emergency radio system infrastructure supporting the Sheriff’s Office and 911 communications for Douglas County Public Safety, Law, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services. The proposed upgrade will allow each radio tower to continue to function independently, even if not able to communicate to other towers or the mothership, allowing emergency responders in the vicinity of a tower to continue to communicate and respond during emergencies. The hazards that will be mitigated are coastal storms, dam/levee breaks, droughts, floods, freezing, human causes, mudslides, severe ice storms, snowstorms, special events such as windstorms/seismic/wildland fires, tornados, tsunamis, and volcanos. This project increases resilience and reduces the risk of injuries, life loss, and property damage and destruction, including critical services and facilities.”

Providing support, securing funding and applying the necessary resources for our public safety programs continues to be a top priority for the Douglas County Commissioners.  Given our rugged topography supplying effective communications to our large network of first responders from sea level to the 9,182-foot crest of Mt. Thielsen through swooping valleys, up steep terrain, and along our cadre of winding rivers has always provided a challenge.  Douglas County has been in the process of slowly overhauling our current VHF simulcast conventional analog ERCS system consisting of 19 relay transmitting towers strategically located across our county for the last six years.  Our ERCS system was the pinnacle of technology back in the 1990’s, but just as time keeps ticking, advancements in technology continue to outpace annual budgets. The Commissioners and current Radio & IT Director inherited the outdated 30-year-old ERCS system when they came on board at the County.  The initial engineering report from 2018 estimated that it would cost approximately $15-20 million to completely replace the aging ERCS system; a price tag that was not feasible within our budget constraints unless we acquired outside financial support.  Realizing that we must prioritize building capacity for and maintaining public safety communications systems that continue to meet the ever-increasing needs of serving and protecting our citizens, the Commissioners, Sheriff Hanlin, IT Director Laney and Douglas County Management and Finance Director Dan Wilson worked together to develop a strategic plan for ongoing maintenance and repairs, while steadfastly researching and applying for as many grants and funding opportunities as possible to upgrade our Legacy Radio System.  This grant is a direct result of our collaborative efforts. 

Oregon’s 2024 Minimum Wage Increase Takes Effect July 1st

A 50-cent hike to Oregon’s minimum wage will bring baseline pay in the Portland area just to the doorstep of $16 an hour this summer.

Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries announced Tuesday that the minimum wage in the Portland area will rise to $15.95. In urban counties outside the Portland area, the minimum wage will be $14.70 an hour. And in rural counties, the minimum will be $13.70. The change takes effect July 1.

Oregon has had a tiered minimum wage since 2017, when the state Legislature approved a series of minimum wage increases but kept the minimum lower in more rural parts of the state, reasoning that the cost of living was lower, too.

Since 2023, annual increases in the minimum wage have been tied to the rate of inflation. The Consumer Price Index, the inflation measure used to calculate the increase, rose 3.5% over the past year.

The increases announced Tuesday range from 2.9% for the Portland metro to 3.8% raise in rural areas.

The average Oregon hourly wage is much higher than the minimum, $31.17 last year, according to the state employment department. The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 an hour since 2009. (SOURCE)

The Oregon Health Athority is rasising awareness for one of the most common forms of financial fraud: Medicare fraud. 

OHA says Medicare loses $60 billion a year to fraud, errors and abuse. 

Raising awareness on 6/5 and the week after signifies the 65-yr-old and older population since most people become eligable for Medicare at 65-yrs-old.  To learn more, read the OHA blog here: https://ow.ly/VIRu50Sc7pS

Oregonians Targeted By Text Tolling Scam

A new nationwide texting scam is targeting Oregon drivers now. Ellen Klem, with the Oregon Attorney General’s Office says the phishing scheme started in the midwest earlier in the spring. “I’m honestly not surprised it’s happening now, because now is the time where everyone is gearing up to drive.”

The text claims to be from “Oregon Toll Service” and says the recipient owes an $11.69 outstanding balance; they face a $50 late fee if they don’t click on a link and pay up. Klem says some people may identify the fraud right away, because Oregon doesn’t have tolling, “But, we live next to all these other states that have tolls.” And she worries some will fall for it. 

“They are not interested in the $11,” says Klem, “They are interested in much, much more.” She believes the scammers want your personal information, and clicking on the link could allow them to access other data on your phone.

The text has all the markers of a scam, like contact out of the blue from an unknown agency. “There’s a lot of really cheap or free technology out there that allows the scammers to pretend to be somebody they’re not. So, in this case, they’re pretending to be associated with an agency that administers tolls in the state of Oregon. But that doesn’t exist,” says Klem, “Second sign: There’s some sort of emergency. In this case, you have an unpaid bill; that’s frightening to a lot of people.”

She suggests not being in such a rush to respond to every text or email, “These phones, they’re everywhere and we have this sort of automatic response to click on a link or to pick up every phone call. And, I want to remind people just to slow down and think before you click on anything.” Klem adds, “Really, at the end of the day, this is a text message that you can and you should ignore.”

If you get a text, email or phone call you’re not sure is legit, call the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer hotline at 877-877-9392. Volunteer experts are available weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Come to the World Beat Festival to Experience Global Cultures: Ukraine is the 2024 Featured Country

Salem Multicultural Institute is excited to celebrate Ukraine as the 27^th annual World Beat Festival’s featured country. World Beat is one of Salem’s premier community traditions, offering a vibrant two-day program of international music, dance, song, theater, food, crafts, customs, rituals, and folklore. This year’s festival will begin Friday evening, June 28, and run through Sunday, June 30, at Salem’s Riverfront Park.

Kathleen Fish, Executive Director, emphasizes that this is the only festival of its kind honoring the Salem/Keizer community’s rich tapestry of cultures. “There are 107 languages spoken in our school district. The festival recognizes and explores the cultures of many of these families.”

The festivities kick off Friday, June 28, from 5 to 10 p.m. with “Friday Night at the Beat,” featuring vocal performances and fire dancing on the Main Stage.

The festival opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 29, with the Children’s Parade. Kids who want to participate in the parade will assemble at the Pavilion at the North End of the park.

Each child who attends will receive a passport at the entrance gate to collect stamps from each World Village. Village tents will feature kid-friendly cultural games and activities. This year’s activities include making cherry blossoms in the Asian Pacific Village, Pysanky (traditional egg decorating) in the European Village, Arpilleras (traditional Chilean textile art) in the Americas Village, and crafting Nguni Shields in the Africa & Middle East Village.

Adults can enjoy beverages in the beer garden while listening to live music. Boating enthusiasts can cheer on their favorite teams during the World Beat Dragon Boat Races.

“We had over 25,000 guests attend last year, enjoying performances on seven stages representing more than 50 different countries and cultures. Our visitors come from all over the Northwest and even Canada,” added Fish.

Organized by the volunteer-driven Salem Multicultural Institute, the festival requires 400 volunteers annually to manage setup, stage operations, and cleanup. Volunteers contributing at least four hours receive an event T-shirt and free entry to the festival.

Admission to the festival is $10/1-day pass/adult or $15 for the weekend. Children 0-14, SNAP card holders, and Veterans are free.

You can view a complete schedule and vendor list or sign up to volunteer atwww.worldbeatfestival.org or call (503) 581-2004.

About the World Beat Festival: The World Beat Festival originated in the late 1990s and was conceived by two young mothers, Mona Hayes and Kathleen Fish, who wanted a space to celebrate cultural heritage. Starting with a small gathering in 1998, the festival has grown into Oregon’s largest multicultural event of its kind. www.WorldBeatFestival.org, 503-581-2004.

About the Salem Multicultural Institute (SMI): The vision of the Salem Multicultural Institute and the purpose of the World Beat Festival and World Beat Gallery are to create an environment of openness for all people. In all our activities, SMI aims to be family-friendly, economically inclusive, and culturally authentic. Visit the gallery located at 390 Liberty ST SE, Salem. www.salemmulticultural.org.

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com