Salem – Moving to increase protections for workers against the effects of climate change, Oregon OSHA is adopting two new and distinct emergency rules. One puts protections in place against the hazards of wildfire smoke. Another establishes safeguards against high heat in  employer-provided housing. 

The wildfire smoke rule encompasses a variety of exposure controls, training and information, and other measures. The heat rule applies to occupants of housing provided by employers. It requires access to cooling areas and other steps to minimize dangerous heat in housing units.

Both rules take effect Aug. 9 and remain in effect for 180 days. The rules reflect those provisions Oregon OSHA believes can be put in place immediately and are based largely on input from labor and employer stakeholders.

“These rules underscore our ongoing work to bolster Oregon’s ability to protect workers from extraordinary hazards that have been exacerbated by climate change,” said Andrew Stolfi, director of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, which includes Oregon OSHA. “Wildfire smoke and extreme heat continue to pose threats to our communities. Those threats are not going away. And that is why we must act.”

“These latest measures reflect our long-standing mission of advancing protections for all Oregon workers,” said Michael Wood, administrator for Oregon OSHA. “That mission is even more important now in light of the unprecedented challenges to worker safety.”

“We believe these rules provide better safeguards for workers,” Wood added, “and create greater clarity for employers as they move forward.”

The two temporary rules follow Oregon OSHA’s July 8 adoption of emergency requirements to prevent heat illness in outdoor and indoor workplaces. In addition to its enforcement tools, Oregon OSHA offers employers free consultations and expert advice to help comply with the requirements. Meanwhile, the division continues to develop a permanent wildfire smoke rule with an eye toward adoption this fall. Also, it is working on permanent protections involving housing provided by  employers.

Workers have a right to a safe and healthy workplace. That includes the right to raise concerns free from retaliation and to file a complaint with Oregon OSHA. Oregon OSHA encourages a careful reading of the temporary rule providing  protection from wildfire smoke – which includes protective measures for employer-provided housing – and of the temporary rule addressing high heat in employer-provided housing.  The following are summaries of each rule’s provisions:

Protection from wildfire smoke  

The wildfire smoke rule applies to employers whose employees are – or will be – exposed to wildfire smoke where the ambient air concentration for fine particulate matter (also known as PM2.5) is at or above an Air Quality Index (AQI) 101, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include people with lung and heart problems; children younger than 18 and adults older than 65; pregnant women; and people with diabetes.

Workplaces and operations that are exempt from the rule include enclosed buildings in which the air is filtered by a mechanical ventilation system and enclosed vehicles in which the air is filtered by a cabin air filter. In both cases, doors and windows must be closed, except when it is necessary to enter or leave.

Information and training

• Beginning Aug. 16, 2021, employers must ensure workers who may be exposed to AQI 101 have been trained in a manner and language they understand.
• Such training must include the following topics: 
  • The potential health effects of wildfire smoke, including increased risk of health effects to sensitive groups 
  • The symptoms of exposure, including burning sensations in the eyes; runny nose, sore throat, cough, and difficulty breathing; and fatigue, headache, and chest pain
  • How employees can get the current and forecasted AQI level
  • How to operate and interpret any air quality monitoring device provided by the employer
  • The employer’s methods to protect workers from wildfire smoke
  • Emergency response procedures
  • The employee’s right to report health issues and obtain medical treatment without fear of retaliation
  • Two-way communication system for wildfire smoke hazards
  • The importance, limitations, and benefits of using filtering facepiece respirators when provided by the employer, and how to properly put them on

Communication system

• Before workers are exposed to an AQI 101, employers must develop and implement a system to communicate wildfire smoke hazards, including:
  • Notifying employees when the worksite’s ambient air concentration is at or above AQI 101
  • Giving notification when ambient air concentration is at or above an AQI 201, which involves very unhealthy  air quality with the risk of health effects increased for everyone.
  • Notifying employees when the ambient air concentration is at or above an AQI 500. 
  • Notifying employees when the ambient air concentration drops below levels requiring protective measures.

Exposure controls

• Whenever feasible, employers must use engineering or administrative controls to reduce employee exposure to less than AQI 201. Engineering controls include enclosed buildings or vehicles where the air can be adequately filtered. Administrative controls include relocating work to another outdoor location with better air quality or changing work schedules.
• Whenever employee exposure exceeds AQI 201, even after the use of engineering or administrative controls – or both – employers must ensure workers wear filtering facepiece respirators approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH). Such respirators include what is commonly known as an N95.
• Whenever employee exposure exceeds an AQI 101, employers must maintain an adequate supply of NIOSH-approved filtering facepiece respirators that effectively protect wearers. Such respirators must be provided at no cost and be readily available for voluntary use to all exposed workers at their request.
• For the 2021 season, KN95s previously approved under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s emergency use authorization can be substituted for NIOSH-approved filtering facepiece respirators for exposures below an AQI 499.  For exposures at AQI 500 and above,  NIOSH-approved filtering facepiece respirators must be used. 

Meanwhile, Oregon OSHA is coordinating with several partners on the distribution of respirators. That coordination includes working with the Oregon Department of Agriculture, the Oregon Home Builders Association, the Associated General Contractors Oregon Columbia Chapter, and Hoffman Construction.

Employer-provided housing heat rule

• Cooling areas. If rooms where people sleep are not able to maintain an indoor temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit or less, then employers must provide an area for occupants to cool off whenever the heat index outside the housing is at or above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooling areas – large enough to accommodate at least 50 percent of the occupants at any one time – can use a combination of these two approaches but employers are encouraged to provide at least some of the required space indoors:
  • Giving occupants continual access to one or more common rooms maintain at or below 78 degrees Fahrenheit (using air conditioners, evaporative coolers, air purifiers with coolers, or other reliable means).
  • Giving occupants continual access to outdoor rest areas, away from work areas or activities that could cause a hazard. Rest areas must be shaded; provide water misters, cooling vests, or equally effective means of relief; and provide adequate seating. 
• Minimizing heat in housing units. If rooms where people sleep are not able to maintain an indoor temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit or less, employers must take steps, including:
  • Maximizing the ability to keep housing cool by ensuring windows can be protected from direct sunlight during all hours of the day – through the use of artificial or natural shade – including coverings to deflect radiant heat from  the sun
  • Making fans available at no cost for any occupants who want to use them
• Temperature awareness. Employers must provide a thermometer that displays the temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celsius in each housing unit.
• In addition to training for employees and supervisors about the dangers of heat illness, employers must display the “Heat Risks in Housing” poster provided by Oregon OSHA so occupants can see it. The poster is available in both English and Spanish.
• Access to emergency services. Employers must ensure occupants have access to a working telephone to contact emergency services.

Consultation, technical advice, educational and other resources

Oregon OSHA offers free resources – involving no citations, no penalties, and no fault – to help employers comply with workplace health and safety requirements. They include:

Consultation services – Provides free help with safety and health programs, including how to control and eliminate hazards, and hands-on training

• Phone (toll-free in Oregon): 800-922-2689
• Field offices
• Online
• Email: consult.web@oregon.gov

Technical staff – Helps employers understand requirements and how to apply them to their worksites

• Phone (toll-free in Oregon): 800-922-2689
• Online
• Email: tech.web@oregon.gov

Also, the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, which includes Oregon OSHA, maintains the Multicultural Communications Program that provides outreach to communities with limited English proficiency. That outreach encompasses information about on-the-job safety and health. The program includes a toll-free phone number for Spanish-speaking Oregonians: 800-843-8086.

Oregon OSHA encourages workers to learn about their rights to raise safety concerns and to protect against retaliation.

The division offers a how-to video on the proper care and use of N95 respirators in Spanish and English. Other resources include:

• Oregon Smoke Information blog
• Oregon OSHA heat illness prevention A-to-Z topic page
• Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) wildfire response
• Oregon Health Authority (OHA) wildfires and smoke

Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, visit Oregon OSHA.  

August 2, 2021

Contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@state.or.us

Advance Directive Adoption Committee meets Aug. 5

What: The Advance Directive Adoption Committee will hold a meeting.

Agenda: Discuss implementation of SB 199 and update Advance Directive User’s Guide.

When: Thursday, Aug. 5, from 2:30-4:30 pm. The meeting is open to the public. A public comment period will be held at the end of the meeting.

Where: Conference call: +1 971-277-2343; Conference ID: 128 040 470# 

Background: The Advance Directive Adoption Committee provides guidance to the Oregon Health Authority on necessary revisions to Oregon’s Advance Directive form. 

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

•          Sign language and spoken language interpreters

•          Written materials in other languages

•          Braille

•          Large print

•          Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Cara Biddlecom at 971-673-2284, 711 TTY or a.m.biddlecom@state.or.us">cara.m.biddlecom@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

August 2, 2021

Oregon reports 2,056 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 5 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — There are five new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 2,863, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today. 

Oregon Health Authority reported 2,056new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 221,799.

The 2,056 cases reported today include new infections recorded by counties for the 3-day period between Friday, July 30th and Sunday, Aug.1st. 

Final statewide incentive drawing winners announced

Here are the final statewide winners in the Take Your Shot, Oregon incentive drawings. This list includes the 36 individual county winners of the $10,000 prize and the four statewide Travel Oregon incentive drawings. The Oregon Health Authority congratulates the winners and thanks all Oregonians who’ve chosen to protect themselves and the people around them from COVID-19 by getting vaccinated. 

Vaccinations in Oregon

Today, OHA reported that 2,857 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations were added to the state immunization registry. Of this total, 2,080 doses were administered on Aug. 1 and 777 were administered on previous days but were entered into the vaccine registry on Aug. 1.

The seven-day running average is now 4,938 doses per day.

Oregon has now administered 2,666,579 first and second doses of Pfizer, 1,787,728 first and second doses of Moderna and 182,009 single doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

As of today, 2,495,082 people have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 2,314,786 people have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series.

Cumulative daily totals can take several days to finalize because providers have 72 hours to report doses administered and technical challenges have caused many providers to lag in their reporting. OHA has been providing technical support to vaccination sites to improve the timeliness of their data entry into the state’s ALERT Immunization Information System (IIS).

To date, 3,024,045 doses of Pfizer, 2,302,340 doses of Moderna and 299,100 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered to sites across Oregon.

These data are preliminary and subject to change.

Updated vaccination data are provided on Oregon’s COVID-19 data dashboards and have been updated today.

 COVID-19 hospitalizations

The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 340, which is 15 more than yesterday. There are 102 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is two more than yesterday.

The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day, nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.

More information about hospital capacity can be found here.

Cases and deaths

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (9), Benton (34), Clackamas (183), Clatsop (39), Columbia (21), Coos (23), Crook (11), Curry (33), Deschutes (105), Douglas (123), Harney (2), Hood River (13), Jackson (132), Jefferson (24), Josephine (116), Klamath (6), Lane (305), Lincoln (17), Linn (100), Malheur (8), Marion (85), Morrow (9), Multnomah (320), Polk (21), Tillamook (15), Umatilla (112), Union (41), Wallowa (1), Wasco (23), Washington (87), Wheeler (1), Yamhill (37). 

Oregon reports 1,055 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases on Friday, July 30: 549 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases on Saturday, July 31: and 452 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases on Sunday, Aug.1.

Oregon’s 2,859th COVID-19 death is a 59-year-old man from Lane County who tested positive on July 28 and died on July 29 at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend. He had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,860th COVID-19 death is an 81-year-old woman from Jackson County who tested positive on July 21 and died on July 29 at her residence. She had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,861st COVID-19 death is a 71-year-old man from Douglas County who tested positive on July 19 and died on July 30 at Mercy Medical. He had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,862nd COVID-19 death is a 53-year-old man from Clackamas County who became symptomatic on July 22 and died on July 29. Location of death and presence of underlying conditions are being confirmed.

Oregon’s 2,863rd COVID-19 death is a 93-year-old woman from Baker County who tested positive on July 8 and died on July 29 at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center. She had underlying conditions. 

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations  

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine situation in Oregon, visit our webpage (English or Spanish), which has a breakdown of distribution and other information.

# # #

Aug. 2, 2021 (SALEM, ORE.)— Today the Oregon Employment Department, in partnership with WorkSource Oregon, launched two efforts to support Oregon’s economic recovery.

• Thirty-five WorkSource Oregon centers reopened for in-person services since closing April 7, 2020 due to the pandemic, and
• A refreshed WorkSource Oregon website was launched in English and Spanish. Google Translate is available on the website and nine additional languages will be added over the coming weeks.

“WorkSource Oregon helps people find jobs and businesses find talent and the reopening of local WorkSource Oregon centers is a major milestone in Oregon’s recovery from the pandemic. We are very happy to be open again and helping customers find work and explore their career options in person. The refreshed website will showcase the range of personalized, high-quality employment and training services that our skilled WorkSource staff can offer to job seekers and employers,” said Jim Pfarrer, director of Workforce Operations for the Oregon Employment Department.

To ensure the safety of our employees and visitors and prevent further spread of COVID-19, masks must be worn by all employees and customers.

For individuals interested in in-person help, center operating hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. To reduce wait times, Oregonians are encouraged to first call their local WorkSource Oregon center and make an appointment for in-person services.

People also may continue seeking WorkSource Oregon job assistance virtually and by phone. All services are available to users at no cost because they are paid for by state and federal revenue

Services provided in these centers include:
●   Workforce development programs
●   One-on-one help from an employment specialist
●   Job matching
●   Workshops on resume writing, interviewing and other skill-building activities
●   Hiring events
●   Public computers
●   SNAP Training and Employment Program (STEP)
●   On-the-job training
●   Veterans Services

"We are thrilled to be welcoming Oregonians back into our WorkSource centers," said Karen Madden Humelbaugh, director of the Office of Workforce Investments at the Higher Education Coordinating Commission Office. "When you make an appointment and come into one of our locations, you can expect to be welcomed by a staff member and receive one-on-one service. We will listen to your needs and connect you to trainings, workshops, employers--whatever makes the most sense for you and your career goals.”

It is important for Oregonians to know that the look and feel of WorkSource Oregon has changed, meaning the logo and materials may look different. For people concerned about fraud, communications with this new logo are safe, as long as they come from the Employment Department or a WorkSource Oregon office. The website URL, worksourceoregon.org, also remains the same. 

The WorkSource Oregon centers’ reopening and website refresh dovetails with changes to work search requirements. As of the week of July 25-31, 2021, all people receiving Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits are required to report work search activity when they file a weekly claim. In addition, people receiving regular UI and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) must register through iMatchSkills and complete their Job Seeker profile. 
Two other work search requirements--being able and available for work-- are being phased in through Sept. 1, 2021. The Employment Department is closely monitoring how the ongoing pandemic may impact peoples’ ability to meet these requirements. 

Oregon has nine Local Workforce Areas that support locally-driven decisions and programs. WorkSource Oregon’s integrated one-stop service delivery provides a flexible, unified workforce education and training system that consistently exceeds customer expectations. Vocational rehabilitation and on the job training services are available.

For more information, visit WorkSourceOregon.org or a WorkSource partner.

2 de agosto de 2021 (SALEM, ORE.)— Hoy, el Departamento de Empleo de Oregon, en asociación con WorkSource Oregon, lanzó dos esfuerzos para apoyar la recuperación económica de Oregon.

• Treinta y cinco centros de WorkSource Oregon han reabierto para servicios en persona desde el cierre del 7 de abril de 2020 debido a la pandemia, y
• Se lanzó un sitio web actualizado de WorkSource Oregon en inglés y español. Google Translate está disponible en el sitio web y se agregarán nueve idiomas adicionales en las próximas semanas.

“WorkSource Oregon ayuda a las personas a encontrar trabajo y a las empresas a encontrar talento, y la reapertura de los centros locales de WorkSource Oregon es un hito importante en la recuperación de Oregon de la pandemia. Estamos muy contentos de estar abiertos nuevamente y ayudar a los clientes a encontrar trabajo y explorar sus opciones profesionales en persona. El sitio web actualizado mostrará la gama de servicios de capacitación y empleo personalizados y de alta calidad que nuestro personal calificado de WorkSource puede ofrecerle a quienes buscan empleo y a los empleadores”, dijo Jim Pfarrer, director de Operaciones de la Fuerza Laboral del Departamento de Empleo de Oregon.

Para garantizar la seguridad de nuestros empleados y visitantes y evitar una mayor propagación de COVID-19, todos los empleados y clientes deben usar cubre bocas.

Para las personas interesadas en la ayuda en persona, el horario de atención del centro es de 8:30 a. m. a 5 p. m., de lunes a viernes. Para reducir los tiempos de espera, se recomienda a los residentes de Oregon a que primero llamen a su centro local de WorkSource Oregon y hagan una cita para recibir servicios en persona.

Las personas también pueden continuar buscando asistencia laboral de WorkSource Oregon de manera virtual y por teléfono. Todos los servicios están disponibles para los usuarios sin costo alguno porque los pagan los ingresos estatales y federales.

Los servicios prestados en estos centros incluyen:
• Programas de desarrollo de la fuerza laboral
• Ayuda personalizada de un especialista en empleo.
• Encontrar trabajos
• Talleres sobre redacción de currículums, entrevistas y otras actividades de desarrollo  de habilidades.
• Eventos de contratación
• Computadoras públicas
• Programa de capacitación y empleo SNAP (STEP)
• Capacitación en el trabajo
• Servicios para veteranos

"Nos encanta recibir nuevamente a los habitantes de Oregón a nuestros centros WorkSource", dijo Karen Madden Humelbaugh, directora de la Oficina de Inversiones en la Fuerza Laboral en la Oficina de la Comisión Coordinadora de Educación Superior. "Cuando programe una cita y venga a una de nuestras ubicaciones, usted puede esperar ser recibido(a) por un miembro del personal y recibir un servicio personalizado. Escucharemos sus necesidades y le conectaremos con capacitaciones, talleres, empresas ... lo que tenga más sentido para usted y sus metas profesionales". 

Es importante que los residentes de Oregon sepan que la apariencia de WorkSource Oregon ha cambiado, lo que significa que el logotipo y los materiales pueden verse diferentes. Para las personas preocupadas por el fraude, las comunicaciones con este nuevo logotipo son seguras, siempre que provengan del Departamento de Empleo o de una oficina de WorkSource Oregon. La URL del sitio web, es.worksourceoregon.org, también sigue siendo el mismo. 

La reapertura de los centros WorkSource Oregon y la actualización del sitio web encajan con los cambios en los requisitos de búsqueda de trabajo. A partir de la semana del 25 al 31 de julio de 2021, todas las personas que reciben beneficios de desempleo deben informar la actividad de búsqueda de trabajo cuando presenten un reclamo semanal. Además, las personas que reciben el desempleo regular y la Compensación de Desempleo de Emergencia por la Pandemia (PEUC) deben registrarse a través de iMatchSkills y completar su perfil de solicitante de empleo. 

Otros dos requisitos de búsqueda de trabajo-- poder trabajar y estar disponible para trabajar, se están implementando gradualmente hasta el 1 de septiembre de 2021. El Departamento de Empleo está monitoreando de cerca cómo la pandemia puede afectar la capacidad de las personas para cumplir con estos requisitos. 

Oregon tiene nueve áreas de Workforce (Fuerza Laboral) Locales que apoyan las decisiones y los programas impulsados localmente. La prestación integral de servicios integrados de WorkSource Oregon proporciona un sistema de formación y educación de la fuerza laboral unificado y flexible que supera constantemente las expectativas del cliente. Se encuentran disponibles servicios de rehabilitación vocacional y capacitación en el trabajo.

Para mayor información visite es.worksourceoregon.org o un socio de WorkSource.
 

###
 

WorkSource Oregon es una agencia/ programa que respeta la igualdad de oportunidades y provee empleo y servicios al público sin discriminar en base a raza, color, religión, sexo (incluyendo embarazo, parto, y condiciones médicas relacionadas, estereotipos sexuales, estado de transgénero, e identidad de género), orientación sexual, nacionalidad (incluyendo dominio limitado del inglés), edad, discapacidad, afiliación o creencia política, estado de ciudadanía,  estado civil o participación en cualquier programa o actividad que recibe asistencia financiera de WIOA Title I. WorkSource Oregon también provee empleo sin discriminar en base a estado de veterano o estado de víctima de violencia doméstica, abuso sexual, intimidación o acoso. Disponemos de los siguientes servicios a pedido y sin costo: Servicios o ayudas auxiliares, formatos alternos para personas con discapacidades y asistencia de idiomas para las personas con conocimiento limitado del inglés.  Para solicitar dichos servicios, contáctese con u centro local de WorkSource Oregon.

August 2, 2021

The next Housing Stability Council meeting will be on Friday, August 6, 2021 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The meeting will be held electronically due to the current COVID-19 health crisis. Please register for access link.

Webinar Meeting Only

Public register in advance for this webinar:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8w0JnFqlReaMDA7P6D3FdQ

AGENDA:

9:00: Meeting Called to Order - Roll Call 

9:05: Public Comment

9:15: Homeownership Division (pg. 01)

Emese Perfecto, Director, Homeownership

• Oregon Bond Loan Approvals: Kim Freeman, Single Family Program Manager
• Housing Assistance Fund (HAF): Ryan Vanden-Brink, Operations Policy Analyst

10:00: Affordable Rental Housing Division (pg. 49)

Julie Cody, Director, Affordable Rental Housing

• MF Housing Transactions:

1. St. Helens Affordable Housing: Brad Lawrence, Production Analyst & Casey Baumann, Production Manager  
2. 53^rd Flats: Tai Dunson-Strane, Production Analyst & Casey Baumann, Production Manager
3. Ontario Affordable Housing: Andrea Matthiessen, Senior HOME Program Analyst & Casey Baumann, Production Manager

• LIFT Multifamily Supplemental Funding Reservations: Becky Isom, Senior LIFT Program Analyst
•  Funding Gap Approval Delegation of Authority: Roberto Franco, Assistant Director of Development Resources & Production

11:15: Break

11:30: Housing Stabilization Division (pg.82)

Andrea Bell, Director, Housing Stabilization

• ERA Update:  Andrea Bell, Director of Housing Stabilization, Laura Lien, Assistant Director of Homeless Services, Sam Kenney, Senior Operations & Policy Analyst, Lauren Dressen, Rental Assistance Program Coordinator

12:00: Wildfire Update (pg. 87)

• Wildfire Recovery Funding and Programs: Julie Cody, Director, Affordable Rental Housing

12:30: Report of the Director (pg. 96)

• Quarterly SWHP update:  Sup Thanasombat, Senior Policy Advisor

12:50: Report of the Chair

1:00: Meeting Adjourned

Please click here to access the meeting materials packet.

Salem, Oregon – Eighty percent, or $655,500, of the $805,000 allocated to the Oregon Arts Commission through National Endowment for the Arts American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will be used to increase FY2021 operating support grant awards for Oregon arts organizations of all budget sizes across the state, the Arts Commission announced today. The remaining $150,000 will augment an existing partnership with the Oregon Folklife Network to support the creation of new work by folk and traditional artists and cover program coordination costs.

“Unrestricted operating support is what arts organizations need most right now, to help them rebuild,” said Arts Commission Executive Director Brian Rogers, “We have hosted a number of listening sessions with arts organizations in recent weeks and that is the constant theme. We are grateful to the NEA for enabling us to allocate the funds in the way that is most meaningful to the statewide arts community.”

Two Arts Commission programs provide operating support; the Operating Support Program, for organizations with budgets over $150,000; and Small Operating Support, for organizations with budgets under $150,000. Operating Support grant awards will increase by a total of $558,500, with ARPA awards ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 depending on an organization’s fiscal size. Small Operating grant awards will increase by $97,000 – potentially allowing the individual grant awards to small arts organizations to double in size. 

The Folk and Traditional Arts Recovery Program, to be administered by the Oregon Folklife Network, will provide stipends of $5,000 artists for the creation of new work to 15 Oregon folk and traditional artists who use a range of art forms to represent and express Oregon’s diverse ethnic, sacred, occupational and regional cultural arts. Application details will be announced soon. 

“Our folk and traditional artists are critical keepers of our cultures,” said Rogers. “We recognized they had not yet been a focus of our relief funding programs and so enlisted the support of our partners at the Oregon Folklife Network to develop this initiative.”

Rogers added that he and other members of the Arts Commission team continue conversations with other funders to explore additional recovery funding for individual artists from all disciplines. 

Oregon Arts Commission

The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, funding and arts programs through its grants, special initiatives and services. Nine commissioners, appointed by the Governor, determine arts needs and establish policies for public support of the arts. The Arts Commission became part of Business Oregon (formerly Oregon Economic and Community Development Department) in 1993, in recognition of the expanding role the arts play in the broader social, economic and educational arenas of Oregon communities. In 2003, the Oregon legislature moved the operations of the Oregon Cultural Trust to the Arts Commission, streamlining operations and making use of the Commission’s expertise in grantmaking, arts and cultural information and community cultural development. 

The Arts Commission is supported with general funds appropriated by the Oregon legislature and with federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust. More information about the Oregon Arts Commission is available online at: www.oregonartscommission.org.

Oregon Folklife Network

The Oregon Folklife Network is the state of Oregon’s folk and traditional arts program. Administered by the Museum of Natural and Cultural History at the University of Oregon, OFN comprises a network of partners working to document, support, preserve, and celebrate the diversity of Oregon’s living cultural heritage. 

For Immediate Release

Oregonians Urged to Sign Up for SOLVE’s Statewide 

Beach & Riverside Cleanup, September 25

Downloadable image file: Volunteers pose in front of a filled dumpster in Portland’s Central Eastside Industrial District.

Downloadable image file: Two volunteers haul marine debris and old fishing rope from D-River.

Portland, Ore., August 2^nd, 2021 – Come together with thousands of Oregonians on Saturday, September 25, for SOLVE’s Beach & Riverside Cleanup, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery. Volunteer registration is now live and all Oregonians, from Astoria to Brookings, Pendleton to Sunriver, are encouraged to sign up for this statewide cleanup event. 

For nearly four decades SOLVE has hosted the annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup. With the support of SOLVE, community leaders and partner organizations host restoration events, urban litter cleanup projects, and beach cleanups. Each volunteer project is aimed at caring for one of Oregon’s most precious resources, our water, from source to sea.

Increasingly, Oregonians are sounding the alarm to protect our freshwater. As more people become aware of the Western States drought crisis, more people want to step up and help where they can.

Removing invasive plant species, nurturing native plants, and collecting litter are all easy ways volunteers can create a huge positive impact on Oregon’s water quality.

Each piece of litter collected removes the possibility of it entering a nearby river, waterway, or storm drain, where it can eventually make its way to the sea and contribute to our global marine debris crisis. Invasive plant species crowd out native plants and typically have shallow roots, leading to increased erosion and poor water filtration. 

“Just as SOLVE has done for decades, the Oregon Lottery values Oregon’s diverse communities and our natural environment,” says Oregon Lottery Director Barry Pack. “By partnering with SOLVE for the Beach & Riverside Cleanup, we are able to give back to both. And as we like to say, ‘Together, we do good things.’”

Interested community members are encouraged to visit solveoregon.org to see a list of volunteer projects and sign up. All necessary tools and supplies will be provided. The Beach & Riverside Cleanup is a great way to bond with family members, coworkers, and neighbors, all while collectively giving back to some of Oregon’s most beautiful places. Join the action today at solveoregon.org.

About SOLVE
SOLVE is a statewide non-profit organization that brings Oregonians together to improve our environment and build a legacy of stewardship. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots group to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains tens of thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, and to build a legacy of stewardship for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information. 

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Contact Info:
Larissa Gordon, SOLVE | 860-942-9108 | issa@solveoregon.org">larissa@solveoregon.org

Join us for 2021 National Night Out

Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021 

5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all fifty states, U.S. territories, and military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August.

There are 8 locations to celebrate National Night Out! If you see your neighborhood listed below, check it out! If not, there are four (4) public locations to pick from!

Open to the Public: 

• Richland Public Library - 955 Northgate Drive - 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Activities will include:

• Assorted carnival games with prizes
• Big blue foam blocks kids can create all sorts of structures with
• Obstacle course
• Selfie Station
• Police themed tattoos
• VIPs police car
• Fingerprint cards
• Otter Pops (while supplies last)

Hills Spring Church, 1153 Gage Boulevard

Hope Tri-Cities Church – at Craighill Park

Mankind Barbershop, 1000 Wright Street

Private/HOA Hosted Locations for Specific Neighborhoods: 

• Horn Rapids HOA
• Badger Mountain South HOA
• Snyder Boat Launch neighborhood gathering
• Falcon Crest Loop

For questions about National Night Out and RPD contact Seargent Swanson, sswanson@ci.richland.wa.us or visit www.ci.richland.wa.us/2021NNO

The pedestrian is identified as John Sebourn (49) of Roseburg. 

On Sunday, August 1, 2021 at approximately 1:10 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a vehicle collision on Interstate 5 near milepost 125. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that an adult male was crossing the northbound lanes of I-5, from the west to east, and was struck by a Buick Enclave, operated by Eric Ortiz (47) of Vacaville, CA. and a Honda Odyssey, operated by Katrina Davis (31) of Roseburg. 

The pedestrian sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.  The name will be released when appropriate. 

OSP was assisted by Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Roseburg Police Department, Roseburg Fire Department & EMS and ODOT.  

On Sunday, August 1, 2021 at approximately 2:39 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 20 near milepost 244.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Suzuki Grand Vitara, operated by Monique Alires (22) of Ontario, was eastbound when it lost control and rolled multiple times.

Alires was transported to the hospital with injuries.

Passenger, Lewis Whipple Jr. (23) of Ontario, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. 

Oregon State Police was assisted by the Malheur County Sheriff's Office and ODOT.  

On Saturday, July 31, 2021 at approximately 1:03 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle collision on Hwy 6 near mile post 30.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Ford F350 pickup, operated by Gary Thornock (50) of Provo, Utah, was eastbound when it crossed into the westbound lane and struck a GMC Sierra pickup operated by Jason Pierce (43) of Fairview, OR. 

Jason Pierce and a juvenile passenger sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased.

The other two passengers of the GMC, Kathryn Pierce (34) and a juvenile, were transported to Portland area hospitals with serious injuries.  

Thornock and two juvenile passengers were not transported for injuries.  The other juvenile passenger was transported to the hospital with injuries.

OSP was assisted by Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office, Tillamook Fire and Rescue and ODOT.

(Salem) – Desde el comienzo del período de inscripción especial debido a COVID-19, más de 16.500 habitantes de Oregon se han inscrito para cobertura a través del Mercado. El período de inscripción especial debido a COVID-19 está abierto para todas las personas que reúnen los requisitos para comprar y termina el 15 de agosto, 2021.

• Se ha determinado que más del 78% de habitantes de Oregon son elegibles para recibir ayuda financiera a través del Mercado.
• Los habitantes de Oregon están recibiendo un promedio de 400 dólares al mes en créditos fiscales para reducir su prima mensual.
• Los beneficiarios de los beneficios del seguro de desempleo en Oregon pueden obtener cobertura para seguro de salud por un costo tan bajo como 1 dólar al mes, incluso si sólo recibieron beneficios durante una semana en el 2021.

El Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Oregon anima a todas las personas que no tienen seguro médico a explorar sus opciones de cobertura y ver cuánto pueden obtener en ahorros adicionales. Cualquier persona que no esté actualmente inscrita en una cobertura médica puede solicitar e inscribirse antes del 15 de agosto para obtener cobertura con estos ahorros adicionales para el resto del 2021.

Los afiliados inscritos en el Mercado pueden entrar en su cuenta de HealthCare.gov e informar que recibieron beneficios de desempleo en el 2021 para aprovechar estos ahorros adicionales. Estos ahorros se agregan a cualquier ahorro adicional que haya estado disponible desde el 1 de abril, 2021 bajo el Plan de Rescate Americano.

El Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Oregon ofrece un resumen de los planes y ahorros a los habitantes de Oregon que reúnen los requisitos. La herramienta está disponible en OregonHealthCare.gov/WindowShop, y está actualizada para calcular correctamente los ahorros adicionales disponibles para las personas que compran a través del Mercado.

Para encontrar la solicitud correcta o para encontrar ayuda de un agente de seguros u organización comunitaria para completar la solicitud e inscribirse visite CuidadoDeSalud.Oregon.gov o llame al 855-268-3767. Los agentes de seguros y los socios comunitarios proporcionan asistencia local y personalizada sin costo. Esta ayuda está disponible virtualmente, por teléfono y en persona siguiendo los protocolos de seguridad.

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El Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Oregon, una parte del gobierno estatal, ayuda a las personas a conseguir seguro médico cuando no tienen cobertura a través de su trabajo, y no califican para el Plan de Salud de Oregon u otro programa. El Mercado es el socio al nivel estatal a CuidadoDeSalud.gov. Para obtener más información, visite CuidadoDeSalud.Oregon.gov.

(Salem) – Since the beginning of the COVID-19 special enrollment period, more than 16,500 Oregonians have enrolled in health coverage through the Marketplace. The COVID-19 special enrollment period ends Aug. 15, 2021, and is open to all people who qualify to shop.

• More than 78 percent of Oregonians have been determined to be eligible for financial help through the Marketplace.
• Oregonians are receiving an average of $400 per month in premium tax credits to reduce their monthly premium.
• Recipients of unemployment insurance benefits in Oregon can get coverage for as low as $1 per month, even if they only got benefits for one week in 2021.

The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace encourages all people who are uninsured to explore their health coverage options and to see how much in additional savings they can now get. Anyone not currently enrolled in health coverage can apply and enroll before Aug. 15 to get health coverage with these extra savings for the rest of 2021.

Current Marketplace enrollees can log in to their HealthCare.gov account and report that they received unemployment during 2021 to take advantage of these additional savings. These savings are in addition to any additional savings that have been available since April 1, 2021, under the American Rescue Plan.

The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace offers a quick snapshot of the plans and savings to eligible Oregonians. The tool, available at OregonHealthCare.gov/WindowShop, and has been updated to correctly calculate additional savings now available to people shopping through the Marketplace.

Start at OregonHealthCare.gov to get to the right application or to find an insurance agent or community partner organization to help complete the application and enroll. Insurance agents and community partners provide local, one-on-one assistance at no charge. This help is available virtually, on the phone, and in person following safety protocols.

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The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, a part of state government, helps people get health insurance when they do not have job-based coverage, and do not qualify for the Oregon Health Plan or another program. The Marketplace is the state-level partner to HealthCare.gov. For more information, go to OregonHealthCare.gov.

The below are being identified as involved with the Officer Involved Shooting / Fatal Hit and Run incident in Keizer on July 28, 2021.

The pedestrian, Becky Dietzel (64) of Salem.

The six Keizer Police Officers:

Sergeant Kevin DeMarco with Keizer Police Department 14 years.    

Officer Scott Keniston with Keizer Police Department 14 years.       

Officer Michael Kowash with Keizer Police Department 3 years.    

Officer Jeremy Darst with Keizer Police Department 3 years.    

Officer Chad Fahey with Keizer Police Department 3 years.

Officer Cody Stupfel with Keizer Police Department 1 year.

The suspect, Sean Beck (47) of Oympia WA. is still being treated at the hospital.

On Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at approximately 8:40 P.M., Keizer Police Department Officers responded to a suspicious vehicle call behind a business at the corner of River Rd. and Dearborn Rd.  

Officers contacted two adult males near the vehicle, which was determined to be stolen.   One of the males exchanged gunfire with officers and then fled in the vehicle. The other male stayed at the scene and was cooperative.  

The male that fled went southbound on River Rd.  The vehicle struck a pedestrian which was crossing the street near the intersection of River Rd. and Cummings Lane.  The pedestrian sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Keizer Officers, with the assistance of Salem Police Department Officers, were able to get the vehicle stopped near the intersection of Cherry Ave. and Salem Parkway.  After a short standoff the suspect surrendered and was taken into custody.  

He was transported to Salem Hospital with several gunshot wounds.

Six Keizer Police Officers have been determined to be involved officers and per standard procedure have been placed on administrative leave.

Per Senate Bill 111 protocol the Marion County District Attorney’s Office has requested Oregon State Police to lead the investigation into the officer involved shooting and the pedestrian fatality.

No further information is available for release at this time and names will be released when appropriate.

Refer to original release from Keizer Police Department below.

OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING

News Release from Keizer Police Dept.
Posted on FlashAlert: July 28th, 2021 11:28 PM

On July 28, 2021, at approximately 2042 hours, Keizer police officers responded to a call of a suspicious vehicle in the area of River Rd N and Dearborn Ave N.  During the contact, there was an officer involved shooting, pursuit and hit and run crash.  The suspect is in custody and there is no danger to the public.  We will be providing further details as we are able.

July 30, 2021

Contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@state.or.us

Recreational use advisory issued for Eagle Ridge Park on Upper Klamath Lake July 30

PORTLAND, Ore. Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Eagle Ridge Park on Upper Klamath Lake due to the presence of a cyanobacteria bloom and cyanotoxins above recreational use values for human exposure. The lake is in Klamath County. 

People should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas of the lake where blooms are as the major route of exposure in ingestion of water. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, if you have skin sensitivities you may get a puffy red rash. 

You are encouraged to visit Eagle Ridge Park and enjoy activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, and bird watching. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Sprays could lead to the risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.

Drinking water

Drinking water directly from areas of the lake affected by a bloom is especially dangerous. Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters. Contact campground management or the local health department with questions about water available at nearby campgrounds or day use areas. 

Not all private treatment systems are effective at removing cyanotoxins. If you do not use a well or public water system and draw in-home water directly from an affected area you are advised to use an alternative water source. 

Children and pets

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore. This is regardless of a recreational use health advisory in place. 

Be aware that dogs can become ill and die from water intoxication after drinking excessive amounts of water while swimming or fetching objects for long periods of time. Intoxication is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain function resulting from an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Water intoxication and heat stroke can cause similar symptoms as exposure to cyanotoxins.

Symptoms

Exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may also be more serious, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require medical attention. Dogs can experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite and more. If your dog exhibits symptoms veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible.

Fishing

Fish caught from areas where cyanobacteria blooms are present may pose unknown health risks. Fat, skin and organs should be removed before cooking or freezing. Toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482.

Learn more here. 

July 30, 2021

Contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@state.or.us

Be aware of cyanobacteria blooms as extreme heat continues

High temperatures create potential for cyanotoxins in water 

PORTLAND, Ore.—With the extreme heat continuing in the Northwest and more people seeking relief in the many waterbodies around the state, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reminds people heading outdoors to be on the look-out for cyanobacteria blooms that can produce toxins when recreating in Oregon lakes, rivers and reservoirs.

Cyanobacteria are beneficial bacteria found in all freshwater worldwide. Under the right conditions—when sunlight, heat, water temperature, nutrients and water chemistry are ideal—cyanobacteria can multiply into blooms in any water body. Many blooms are harmless, but some can produce cyanotoxins that make people and animals sick.

People should avoid swimming, high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, and other water activities where incidental ingestion may occur in areas where you believe a cyanobacteria bloom is present. Ingestion is the major route of exposure. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, if you have skin sensitivities you may get a puffy red rash. 

Drinking water

Drinking water directly from areas affected by a bloom is especially dangerous. Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters. Contact campground management or the local health department with questions about water available at nearby campgrounds or day use areas. 

Not all private treatment systems are effective at removing cyanotoxins. If you do not use a well or public water system and draw in-home water directly from an affected area you are advised to use an alternative water source. 

Children and pets

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore. This is regardless of a recreational use health advisory in place. 

Be aware that dogs can become ill and die from water intoxication after drinking excessive amounts of water while swimming or fetching objects for long periods of time. Intoxication is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain function resulting from an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Water intoxication and heat stroke can cause similar symptoms as exposure to cyanotoxins.

Symptoms

Exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may also be more serious, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require medical attention. Dogs can experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite and more. If your dog exhibits symptoms veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible.

Fishing

Fish caught from areas where cyanobacteria blooms are present may pose unknown health risks. Fat, skin and organs should be removed before cooking or freezing. Toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482.

Learn more here. 

Scoring criteria for two recreation grant programs that fund local park development projects is the topic of an upcoming public meeting hosted by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). 

Past and current members of the grant advisory committees for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the Local Government Grant Program (LGGP) will meet with OPRD staff 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Aug. 5 via web conference. The meeting is being held to discuss adjustments to LWCF and LGGP project scoring criteria and clarify existing scoring criteria.

The meeting is open to the public, but there will not be time for public comments. Register online to watch the meeting live: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8OfOD-q5TFyF3AQNGgdxMA  

OPRD administers both grant programs. An assistance program of the National Park Service, the LWCF program provides matching funds to state and local governments for acquiring and developing public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Since 1964, this national grant has awarded more than $75 million for Oregon recreational areas and facilities.

LGGP has provides grant assistance for public park and outdoor recreation areas and facilities. The program was established in 1998 under the Parks and Natural Resources Fund and is funded by a portion of Oregon Lottery dollars. The program has awarded more than $96 million in grant funding. 

For more information. contact Nohemi Enciso, LWCF Program Coordinator, at 503-480-9092 or Nohemi.enciso@oregon.gov, or visit the LWCF web page and the LGGP web page on the OPRD website. 

July 30, 2021

Oregon reports 1,076 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 3 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — There are three new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 2,858, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today. 

Oregon Health Authority reported 1,076 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 219,755.

Dr. Sidelinger available to discuss COVID-19 modeling today at 3:30 p.m.

State Public Health Officer and Epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger will be available to answer questions about today’s COVID-10 modeling report today at 3:30 p.m.

Interested media can join via this Zoom link: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1610683029?pwd=cEZyeUMzOVZYMmpMTmRIVzVzekFnUT09

Newest COVID-19 modeling report shows sharply higher increases in daily cases and hospitalizations

Today, OHA released its latest COVID-19 forecast, which projects sharply higher COVID-19 associated hospitalizations and daily cases through Aug. 17.

According to the model, the effective reproduction rate – the expected number of secondary cases that a single case generates – was estimated at 1.58 through July 14, more than double the 0.74 reported through mid-June.

At that same level of transmission, over the next two weeks, daily cases would continue to rapidly increase to 390 cases per 100,000 people, or an estimated 1,170 daily cases and 95 new hospitalizations per day. 

According to the report, “Vaccine immunity is helping prevent further spread of COVID-19.” By removing people with immunity from the model calculations, the rate of average rate of infection projects to 3.18 over the same time period. 

Also, according to the report, even if the Delta variant grew to comprise 95% of new cases, the adoption of protective measures such as wearing masks and avoiding large gatherings, would curb the projected increase in hospitalizations and daily cases. 

“Today’s modeling report, although sobering, confirms the importance of protecting ourselves and others by getting vaccinated against COVID-19,” Sidelinger said. 

“By vaccinating more people, we can more quickly drive down hospitalizations and new cases,” he said.

Vaccinations in Oregon

Today, OHA reported that 6,702 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations were added to the state immunization registry. Of this total, 3,404 doses were administered on July 29 and 3,298 were administered on previous days but were entered into the vaccine registry on July 29.

The seven-day running average is now 4,697 doses per day.

Oregon has now administered 2,656,887 first and second doses of Pfizer, 1,784,178 first and second doses of Moderna and 181,017 single doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

As of today, 2,486,197 people have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 2,308,566 people have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series.

Cumulative daily totals can take several days to finalize because providers have 72 hours to report doses administered and technical challenges have caused many providers to lag in their reporting. OHA has been providing technical support to vaccination sites to improve the timeliness of their data entry into the state’s ALERT Immunization Information System (IIS).

To date, 3,019,095 doses of Pfizer, 2,299,680 doses of Moderna and 299,100 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered to sites across Oregon.

These data are preliminary and subject to change.

Updated vaccination data are provided on Oregon’s COVID-19 data dashboards and have been updated today.

COVID-19 hospitalizations

The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 298, which is 13 more than yesterday. There are 97 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is 13 more than yesterday.

The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day, nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.

More information about hospital capacity can be found here.

OHA working with county, state and Tribal public officials on outbreak linked to recent music festival

OHA is investigating a COVID-19 outbreak associated with the Pendleton Whisky Music Fest held in Pendleton on July 10. 

Cases have been identified among residents of Umatilla, Morrow, Union and Wallowa counties, and Washington state. 

OHA is working with local, state and Tribal public health partners to identify other cases in people who may have attended the music festival. As of today, OHA is aware of 58 COVID-19 cases in people who attended the event. 

This outbreak is the first one of its size and scope to be traced to an outdoor entertainment event since the lifting of statewide COVID-19 prevention measures at the end of June. 

The outbreak highlights the importance of protective actions Oregonians can take to limit the spread of and their potential exposure to COVID-19, including wearing masks and getting vaccinated with any of the authorized vaccines that are widely available in every Oregon county.

In Oregon this month, OHA has recorded a large increase in COVID-19 cases. That rise is linked to the spread of the Delta variant, which now accounts for 80% of Oregon’s of new cases.

In response to the resurgence of COVID-19 in Oregon, OHA recommended this week that all persons, regardless of their vaccination status, wear a mask indoors in public spaces. OHA also encourages all Oregonians to consider masking if they plan to attend crowded outdoor events like fairs, sporting events, outdoor theater performances, rodeos or concerts, especially if they are at higher risk for complications from COVID-19 or live with individuals who are unvaccinated or at higher risk for complications from COVID-19.

To learn more about the rise of cases throughout Oregon, driven by the prevalence of the Delta variant identified among new infections, see a rebroadcast of OHA’s Facebook Live conversation yesterday with two of our senior health advisors, Drs. Paul Cieslak and Tom Jeanne.

Cases and deaths

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (22), Benton (21), Clackamas (77), Clatsop (13), Columbia (6), Coos (15), Crook (7), Curry (12), Deschutes (40), Douglas (57), Grant (1),  Harney (2), Hood River (9), Jackson (188), Jefferson (6), Josephine (33), Klamath (3), Lane (81), Lincoln (9), Linn (29), Malheur (5), Marion (46), Morrow (7), Multnomah (134), Polk (20), Sherman (1), Tillamook (13), Umatilla (82), Union (22), Wallowa (10), Wasco (15), Washington (76), Wheeler (2) and Yamhill (12). 

Oregon’s 2,856th COVID-19 death is a 61-year-old man from Marion County who tested positive on July 11 and died on July 21 at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center. He had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,857th COVID-19 death is an 83-year-old man from Jackson County who tested positive on July 12 and died on July 28 at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center. He had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,858th COVID-19 death is an 85-year-old woman from Clackamas County who tested positive on July 19 and died on July 20 at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

OHA does not report the vaccination status of people in our daily update of COVID-19 related deaths. However, statewide data show that people who remain unvaccinated are at much greater risk of infection and severe illness.

In June, 92% of the 7,241 COVID-19 cases and 94% of the 63 COVID-19-associated deaths occurred in unvaccinated Oregonians. On the first Thursday of each month, OHA publishes an update on vaccine breakthrough cases identified in Oregon. The findings shared in our last report, from July 1, indicate that this number remains very small when compared to the more than 2.3 million people who have completed a COVID-19 vaccination series.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations  

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine situation in Oregon, visit our webpage (English or Spanish), which has a breakdown of distribution and other information.

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HINES, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management Burns District announced today plans to conduct a helicopter gather of wild horses within and immediately adjacent to the Stinkingwater Herd Management Area beginning in mid-August 2021. The gather is being conducted to remove approximately 390 excess wild horses.

The Wild-Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 gives BLM the direction for protecting and overseeing wild horses and burros on public lands. In managing these animals, the BLM works to maintain a thriving ecological balance that supports healthy horses on healthy rangelands.

The Stinkingwater HMA is located approximately 25 air miles east of Burns, Oregon, in Harney County. The Appropriate Management Level – the number of horses the range can sustainably support in conjunction with other animals and resource uses – for this area is 40 to 80 horses and the current population is approximately 449.

Animals gathered from the range will be transported to Oregon’s Off-Range Wild Horse and Burro Corrals in Hines. Here, about 30 horses will be selected for return to the HMA, 18 of which will be mares treated with GonaCon-Equine contraceptive and then released. The remaining horses will be prepared for adoption or sale into private care or long-term holding in Midwestern states.

The public is welcome to observe the gather. Details will be provided on the 2021 Stinkingwater Wild Horse Gather web page at: https://go.usa.gov/xFkdZ .

Supporting National Environmental Policy Act documents for this gather are available on the BLM’s ePlanning web site at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/71905 .

The gather will likely last 1 to 2 weeks, though exact start and end dates will be determined by the contractor’s availability.

For more information, contact Tara Thissell at tthissell@blm.gov or (541) 573-4519.

BLM 

This year, we invite everyone to reimagine your public lands as we celebrate 75 years of the BLM’s stewardship and service to the American people. The BLM manages approximately 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The agency’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Dr. Sidelinger available to discuss COVID-19 modeling today at 3:30 p.m.

Oregon State Public Health Officer and Epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger will be available to answer questions about today’s COVID-10 modeling report today at 3:30 p.m.

Interested media can join via this Zoom link: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1610683029?pwd=cEZyeUMzOVZYMmpMTmRIVzVzekFnUT09

SPOKANE MAN SENTENCED TO 70 MONTHS FOR BANK FRAUD CONSPIRACY, MAIL THEFT, AND AGGRAVATED IDENTITY THEFT

Spokane – Joseph H. Harrington, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Jonny Shineflew, age 48, of Spokane, Washington, was sentenced  to a 70-month term of imprisonment after pleading guilty on March 25, 2021, to one count of Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud, one count of Mail Theft, and one count of Aggravated Identity Theft.  United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice also imposed a five-year term of court supervision after Shineflew is released from federal prison.

According to information disclosed during court proceedings, between March 15 and July 31, 2018, Shineflew entered into an agreement with co-defendants and others to commit bank fraud. Shineflew and his co-defendants unlawfully obtained checks, altered the stolen checks, and presented the altered checks for payment at financial institutions and businesses for the use and benefit of the members of the conspiracy. Shineflew and his co-conspirators utilized computer equipment and printers to create false identifications to be used in connection with presenting the fraudulent checks for payment, at times using the identities of real people without their knowledge or consent. Shineflew was recorded passing some of the fraudulent checks on security video. 

During a search of Shineflew’s apartment, which he shared with other members of the conspiracy, investigators seized computers, printers, blank identification cards, stolen checks, lists with personal identifying information for third parties, and empty envelopes for commercial checks stolen from the mail, issued in the total amount of $458,498.00.  The conspiracy resulted in $29,453.15 of actual loss.

Shineflew was the last remaining defendant in this case to be sentenced.  Angus Johnston, 36, of Spokane, Washington, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud, Mail Theft, and Aggravated Identity Theft, and was sentenced to 60 months; Michael Slater, 48, of Spokane, Washington, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud, and was sentenced to 21 months; Anthony Wright, 36, of Spokane, Washington, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud, and was sentenced to 7 months; Jordan Yates, 26, of Spokane, Washington, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud, and was sentenced to 99 days; Jared Pilon, 34, of Spokane, Washington, Tabitha Shineflew, 32, of Spokane, Washington, Britney McDaniel, 30, of Spokane, Washington, Andrianna McCrea, 30, of Spokane, Washington, and Tyler Bordelon, 30, of Mead, Washington, each pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and were sentenced to time served.  All these defendants were sentenced to a five-year term of court supervision following release from custody and ordered to pay restitution.

Acting United States Attorney Harrington said, “The sentence imposed sends a strong message. Crimes such as bank fraud, mail theft, and identity theft should not be taken lightly.  The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington and our federal, state, local and Tribal law enforcement partners will continue to work closely and bring to justice those individuals who may engage in such conduct.  I commend the work of the United States Postal Inspector’s Office and Spokane County Sheriff’s Office who investigated this case.” 

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspector’s Office, in cooperation with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Ann T. Wick, Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.

2:19-CR-00215-TOR-2

July 30, 2021

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@state.or.us

Psilocybin shows promise as mental health therapy, report finds

Advisory board’s comprehensive review of literature an important step

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board have reached a milestone in the effort to build the nation’s first state psilocybin therapy program.

The Board, a governor-appointed advisory body created by the passage of Ballot Measure 109 in November 2020, completed the report summary and findings showing that the active ingredient in psychedelic mushrooms holds promise as an option to address mental health issues.

OHA published the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board Rapid Evidence Review and Recommendations today. Among the findings: that high-quality phase 1 and 2 clinical trials suggest that “psilocybin is efficacious in reducing depression and anxiety.”

Tom Eckert, who chairs the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board, said the board is “laser-focused” on developing recommendations to inform the eventual launch of the country's first statewide psilocybin therapy and wellness program. 

“Science is fundamental, so organizing the scientific literature relating to psilocybin was a first priority,” he said. “This comprehensive review will put us on solid ground moving forward."

The report explains that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has designated psilocybin a breakthrough therapy for treatment of depression, indicating that preliminary clinical evidence suggests it may represent a significant improvement over existing therapies.

“Initial research also suggests that psilocybin may be efficacious in reducing problematic alcohol and tobacco use,” the report continues. “Across studies, psilocybin increases spiritual well-being which may mediate other observed benefits. Study participants also commonly rate their psilocybin experiences as highly meaningful.”

Angie Allbee, manager of the Psilocybin Services Section at the OHA Public Health Division, thanked the board for its “tremendous work in delivering findings and recommendations to OHA for this review.” 

“Making this information available to the public is a significant step forward, as the findings and recommendations will help OHA implement a comprehensive regulatory framework that will provide safe and effective psilocybin services,” she said. 

The Oregon Psilocybin Services Section will eventually license and regulate the manufacturing, transportation, delivery, sale and purchase of psilocybin products, as well as the provision of psilocybin services.

OHA will continue to work with the advisory board on recommendations for draft rulemaking throughout the remainder of the development period, which concludes on Dec. 31, 2022. 

For more information about the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board and the Oregon Psilocybin Services Act, visit http://healthoregon.org/psilocybin.

# # #

Pacific Power media hotline:                               

503-813-6018                                                      

Be prepared as more heat headed to Northwest

Temperatures are forecast to reach triple digits again, but you can stay cool, use less energy and save money with these tips from Pacific Power

PORTLAND, Ore. –July 30, 2021—With  a new heat wave hitting the region, Pacific Power wants to remind customers how to beat the heat, use less energy and save money. 

Be air conditioner smart

• Set your thermostat at 78 degrees. Cooling your house below that temperature can increase your air conditioning bill as much as 8 percent. 
• Don’t turn off the air conditioner when you’re gone; instead set it at 85 degrees. That setting allows your air conditioner to use less electricity to cool the house than if the air conditioning has been off all day.
• Use a smart or programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature around your schedule. Set it to start bringing your home’s temperature from 85 degrees down to 78 degrees no more than 30 minutes before you get home. 

Don’t let the sun shine in

• On warm days, close blinds and drapes, especially in south-facing windows which allow in the most heat.

Open windows and circulate cool air

• Open windows in evening and early morning to let in cool air. 
• Use fans to bring in and circulate cool air. Ceiling and window fans use much less electricity than air conditioning. Running an air conditioner in fan-only mode can also be effective as outside temperatures drop. 

Reduce the heat inside

• Use heat-producing appliances like ovens, dishwashers and dryers in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. 
• Use a microwave, slow cooker or toaster oven. A toaster oven uses one-third to one-half as much energy as a regular oven and releases less heat into the home. 
• Turn off heat-generating devices when not in use, including lamps, televisions and computers. 

Be safe. With sweltering temperatures, you need to protect yourself. Drink plenty of water and stay out of the sun as much as possible. Also check on any neighbors who may have limited contact with others and may need a fan or other assistance.

Heat waves are something the region experiences each year. From a power supply perspective, we do not anticipate heat-related service interruptions during this current heat wave. In addition to regular maintenance and equipment upgrades, Pacific Power, as part of PacifiCorp, can access a diverse mix of available energy resources – solar, wind, hydro and thermal – which is key to fulfilling our promise of reliability and stability. 

The company owns and operates over 16,500 miles of high-voltage transmission across 10 states. That reach is essential in accessing available energy and delivering it to our customers. Still, extreme weather--either summer heat or winter storms--has the potential to produce localized outages. So we’re closely monitoring the system and will respond promptly if an outage of any nature occurs. 

If you are concerned about your power bill, call us now. We can set up a payment plan or refer you to local agencies for bill assistance. Call us any time at 1-888-221-7070.

###

ABOUT PACIFIC POWER

Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 783,000 customers in 
243 communities across Oregon, Washington and California. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, serving nearly two million customers in six western states as the largest regulated utility owner of wind power in the West. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net.

July 30, 2021

Contact: OHA External Relations, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board, Research Subcommittee meets Aug. 26

What: A public meeting of the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board, Research Subcommittee.

Agenda: TBD 

When: Thursday, Aug. 26, 1-2:30 p.m. 

Where: Via Zoom Meeting: 

https://www.zoomgov.com/j/16018821728

Meeting ID: 160 1882 1728

Background: Established by Ballot Measure 109 (2020), the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board makes recommendations to OHA on available scientific studies and research on the safety and efficacy of psilocybin in treating mental health conditions, and makes recommendations on the requirements, specifications and guidelines for providing psilocybin services in Oregon.

The Board will also develop a long-term strategic plan for ensuring that psilocybin services will become and remain a safe, accessible and affordable therapeutic option for all persons 21 years of age and older in this state for whom psilocybin may be appropriate; and monitor and study federal laws, regulations and policies regarding psilocybin.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters.
• Written materials in other languages.
• Braille.
• Large print.
• Audio and other formats.

If you need help or have questions, please contact Nic Riley at 971-673-0404, 711 TTY, or iley@dhsoha.state.gov">nic.riley@dhsoha.state.gov, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

On Thursday, July 29, 2021 at approximately 10:43 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle collision on Hwy 99E at Boones Ferry Rd.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Hyundai Santa Fe, operated by Jose Sandoval Flores (40) of Woodburn, was northbound on Hwy 99E and turned left, onto Boones Ferry Rd, into the path of a southbound Harley Davidson motorcycle operated by Jerald Stewart (64) of Salem. 

Stewart sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Flores was not injured.

OSP was assisted by Woodburn Fire Department, Woodburn Ambulance, and ODOT.

On Thursday, July 29, 2021 at approximately 12:45 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 97 near mile post 104.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Chevrolet Impala, operated by Charles Carroll (51) of Madras, was northbound when it left the roadway, lost control, and entered the southbound lane colliding with a Mazda CX-5 operated by Greg Rockwell (70) of Bothell, WA.

Carroll was transported by air ambulance to the hospital.

Passenger in the Chevrolet, Donna Reynaga (52) of Ontario, CA. sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Rockwell and passenger, Colleen Donahue (62) of Bothell, WA. were both transported to the hospital with injuries.

OSP was assisted by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Jefferson County EMS, and ODOT.

With the current and forecasted heat in Oregon, the Office of the State Fire Marshal is suspending their enforcement of the regulations that prohibit the self-serve of gasoline at retail gasoline service stations. Governor Brown’s Office approved the suspension of the regulations. The suspension is in place for 24 hours, until 11:59 pm on Friday, July 30th, 2021.

With the hot incoming weather, the Oregon Office of the State Fire Marshal acknowledges employees working outside. For businesses who choose to continue to provide full service, our Office encourages them to provide water and cool areas to keep employees safe. 

This suspension of the self-service regulations does not affect areas of the state or timeframes that are already authorized for self-service refueling under Oregon law. Information about the rules suspension for self-service gasoline can be found on the OSFM website.

On Thursday, July 29, 2021 at approximately 2:19 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 6 near mile post 5.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Saturn Ion, operated by Richard Rose (41) of Portland, was westbound when it crossed into the eastbound lane and collided with a Kenworth semi-truck operated by Robert Kiser (51) of Tillamook.

Rose was transported to Tillamook Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. 

Kiser was not transported for injuries.

OSP was assisted by Tillamook Ambulance, Tillamook Fire Department, Tillamook County Sheriff's Office, Tillamook Police Department, and ODOT. 

July 29, 2021

Contact: OHA External Relations, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 1,026 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 6 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — There are six new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 2,855, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 1,026 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 218,689.

Vaccinations in Oregon

Today, OHA reported that 7,180 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations were added to the state immunization registry. Of this total, 3,292 doses were administered on July 28 and 3,888 were administered on previous days but were entered into the vaccine registry on July 28.

The seven-day running average is now 4,635 doses per day.

Oregon has now administered 2,652,653 first and second doses of Pfizer, 1,782,367 first and second doses of Moderna and 180,441 single doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

As of today, 2,482,028 people have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 2,305,579 people have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series.

Cumulative daily totals can take several days to finalize because providers have 72 hours to report doses administered and technical challenges have caused many providers to lag in their reporting. OHA has been providing technical support to vaccination sites to improve the timeliness of their data entry into the state’s ALERT Immunization Information System (IIS).

To date, 3,013,695 doses of Pfizer, 2,298,280 doses of Moderna and 299,100 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered to sites across Oregon.

These data are preliminary and subject to change.

Updated vaccination data are provided on Oregon’s COVID-19 data dashboards and have been updated today.

COVID-19 hospitalizations

The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 285, which is 11 more than yesterday. There are 84 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is two fewer than yesterday.

The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day, nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.

More information about hospital capacity can be found here.

Scholarship winner Laney: ‘It’s a pretty big deal to me’

Take Your Shot, Oregon incentive winner Laney got vaccinated to be better protected against COVID-19 and to protect her friends and the community.

She plans to use her $100,000 Oregon College Savings Plan scholarship to make a lifelong dream come true.

Watch Laney’s story here.

Cases and deaths

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (11), Benton (17), Clackamas (69), Clatsop (18), Columbia (5), Coos (20), Crook (7), Curry (11), Deschutes (36), Douglas (54), Gilliam (2), Grant (3),  Harney (3), Hood River (4), Jackson (111), Jefferson (4), Josephine (35), Klamath (17), Lane (93), Lincoln (4), Linn (46), Malheur (7), Marion (66), Morrow (6), Multnomah (95), Polk (24), Sherman (5), Tillamook (8), Umatilla (110), Union (21), Wallowa (3), Wasco (27), Washington (60), Wheeler (4) and Yamhill (20).

Oregon’s 2,850th death is an 80-year-old man from Jackson County who tested positive on July 21 and died on July 27 at his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 2,851st death is an 83-year-old man from Jackson County who tested positive on July 16 and died on July 28 at his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 2,852nd death is a 63-year-old woman from Douglas County who tested positive on July 15 and died on July 27 at Peacehealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 2,853rd death is a 48-year-old man from Marion County who tested positive on Sept. 14, 2020 and died on Sept. 21, 2020 at Integris Baptist Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 2,854th death is a 67-year-old woman from Marion County who tested positive on July 11 and died on July 25 at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 2,855th death is an 85-year-old woman from Linn County who tested positive on July 12 and died on July 24 at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations  

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine situation in Oregon, visit our webpage (English or Spanish), which has a breakdown of distribution and other information.

# # #

MEXICAN CITIZEN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR 

PRODUCTION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

Spokane – Joseph H. Harrington, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced Juan Carlos Sandoval-Guerrero, age 21, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today, after pleading guilty to production and attempted production of child pornography, on April 1, 2021.  United States District Judge Salvador Mendoza, Jr. sentenced Sandoval-Guerrero to a 15-year term of imprisonment, to be followed by a lifetime term of court supervision after he is released from federal prison.  Sandoval-Guerrero was also ordered to pay $53,040.00 in restitution to his victims. 

According to information disclosed during court proceedings, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) began investigating Sandoval-Guerrero after law enforcement received a complaint from a concerned local mother.  The mother expressed concern regarding interactions her nine-and eleven-year-old sons were having with a person she believed to be an adult over Xbox.

Through further investigation, HSI determined that Sandoval-Guerrero had been using Xbox to encourage the boys to engage in sexually-explicit activities, to video and photograph those activities, and send the images to him.  Sandoval-Guerrero also communicated with the eleven-year-old boy via an application called TextNow.

On February 6, 2020, HSI executed a warrant to search Sandoval-Guerrero’s Grandview, Washington, residence, and seized numerous electronic devices that contained images of child pornography involving the boys. Officers transported Sandoval-Guerrero to the Grandview Police Department where he was interviewed. Sandoval-Guerrero admitted contacting the boys through the video game “Fortnite.”  Sandoval-Guerrero also admitted that he requested and directed the boys to produce sexually-explicit images and videos. 

 At sentencing Judge Mendoza said “This is a very serious offense. The effects of the offense are not limited to those instances, those moments with the children.  The brain of a 9, 11-year old is just developing.  It has severe life-long impacts – what happens to them at that age.  Impacts that you caused. You did it.”

Acting United States Attorney Harrington said, “The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington, in collaboration with its federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners, uses every resource and tool available to investigate and prosecute aggressively those involved in child exploitation.  This Office will continue to do all we can to protect vulnerable child victims of these horrible crimes.”

This case was pursued as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the United States Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. The Project Safe Childhood Initiative (“PSC”) has five major components:

· Integrated federal, state, and local efforts to investigate and prosecute child exploitation cases, and to identify and rescue children;

· Participation of PSC partners in coordinated national initiatives;

· Increased federal enforcement in child pornography and enticement cases;

. Training of federal, state, and local law enforcement agents; and

· Community awareness and educational programs.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Southeast Regional ICAC.  This case was prosecuted by Alison Gregoire and Brian Donovan, Assistant United States Attorneys for the Eastern District of Washington. 

4:20-CR-06009-SMJ-1

EUGENE, Ore.—A Lane County, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine in Springfield, Oregon.

Delfino Angel Davila-Tamayo, 27, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, in April 2018, Davila-Tamayo was identified as a supplier of methamphetamine in the Springfield area. The next month, Davila-Tamayo sold an informant four pounds of methamphetamine. He was arrested the following day when he went to collect payment from the informant.

Investigators searched Davila-Tamayo’s residence and located a .45 caliber pistol, ammunition, drug packaging materials, and scales. He admitted to selling methamphetamine and carrying the pistol for protection.

After his arrest, Davila-Tamayo was granted pre-trial release and fled. After being on the run for more than a year, he was located and arrested a second time.

On October 16, 2019, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a three-count indictment charging Davila-Tamayo with distribution of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

On April 28, 2021, Davila-Tamayo pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine. As part of his plea agreement, Davila-Tamayo agreed to voluntarily abandon the .45 caliber pistol and ammunition seized by law enforcement.

Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Springfield Police Department. It was prosecuted by Jeffrey S. Sweet, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

# # #

July 29, 2021

Contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@state.or.us

Public Health Advisory Board meets Aug. 19

What: The Public Health Advisory Board will hold a meeting.

Agenda: Approve July meeting minutes; discuss PHAB subcommittees; discuss equity training; PHAB member discussion.

When: Thursday, Aug. 19, 2-3:30 p.m. The meeting is open to the public. A public comment period will be held at the end of the meeting. 

Where: Zoom conference call:

(669) 254-5252, participant code 1609889971#. 

Background: Oregon’s Public Health Advisory Board provides guidance for Oregon’s governmental public health system and oversees the implementation of public health modernization and Oregon’s State Health Improvement Plan. 

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters.
• Written materials in other languages.
• Braille.
• Large print.
• Audio and other formats.

If you need help or have questions, please contact Cara Biddlecom: at 971-673-2284, 711 TTY, or a.m.biddlecom@state.or.us">cara.m.biddlecom@state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

July 29, 2021

Media contact: Aria Seligmann, 503-910-9239, i.l.seligmann@dhsoha.state.or.us">ari.l.seligmann@dhsoha.state.or.us

Measure 110 Oversight and Accountability Council continues meeting weekly in August

What: Public meetings of the Drug Treatment and Recovery Act (Measure 110) Oversight and Accountability Council. 

When: Wednesdays from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. 

Where: Virtual. YouTube link with live captions (English and Spanish). 

Aug. 4 – https://youtu.be/fRmBb6Rdeyo

Aug. 11 – https://youtu.be/ZFLzeWEkQgA

Aug. 18 – https://youtu.be/qekoDyI9jAI

Aug. 25 - https://youtu.be/snU-HPBJOb4

Agenda: The council will continue its discussion on rules and implementation processes.

Purpose: The Drug Treatment and Recovery Act (Measure 110) Oversight and Accountability Council oversees the establishment of Behavioral Health Resource Networks (formerly Addiction Recovery Centers) throughout Oregon. The OAC will hold regular meetings to accomplish the necessary steps to fund and set up the centers. 

Read more about the OAC. Read more about Measure 110. 

Questions? Contact e110@dhsoha.state.or.us">OHA.Measure110@dhsoha.state.or.us

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written materials in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Brandy L. Hemsley at 971-239-2942, 711 TTY or RANDY.L.HEMSLEY@dhsoha.state.or.us">brandy.l.hemsley@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

In February, the College Place Public Schools Board of Directors approved moving forward with a purchase of nearly 40 acres to be the home of a future CPPS school.  This week, the district finalized the deal with land owner Charlie Konen, of Konen Properties LLC, purchasing the land for $1.6 million dollars.  The district had been saving for a number of years to prepare itself for the purchase. There will be no additional costs or taxes for the College Place community due to the purchase.

Currently, a City of College Place sewer project is underway west of College Avenue across from the College Place District Office.  The project will bring a new sewer pipeline to a soon to be constructed sewer lift station that will provide service to future homes and businesses.  This infrastructure is just the beginning of many new types of growth that will develop in the area per the City of College Place’s “FY 2020 to 2025 Capital Facility Plan.”  By purchasing the 40 acres, CPPS has positioned itself to be squarely in the middle of the growth plan and to be able to be a part of creating a community hub for recreation with the new school and adjacent recreational facilities. 

The school district expects that the new school could be on the horizon in the next six to ten years. While it is unclear what type of school would be built, with the current facilities in the district, it would be necessary to evaluate how all three sites would serve the district’s Prekindergarten through Twelfth Grade system.  Currently, College Place Public Schools has roughly eleven years left to pay off the current bond that blessed the community with a new Davis Elementary and College Place High School, and renovated Sager Middle School.

College Place Public Schools Superintendent Jim Fry said, “The current and past Board of Directors have worked extremely hard to be excellent caretakers of public funds. This allows us to purchase this land to support our growth without any new taxes.  All of the new construction that is set to explode west of College Avenue will come right to the doorstep of our new school.  We could not ask for a better situation to prepare for the future of College Place and College Place Public Schools.”

July 29, 2021

Contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

PartnerSHIP meets Aug. 2 via Zoom

What: The PartnerSHIP, tasked with steering implementation of the 2020-2024 State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP), is meeting.

Agenda: The committee will finalize their charter, learn about Healthier Together Oregon priority areas and strategies, and plan for their first in-person meeting happening in September.

When: Monday, Aug. 2, 1-3 p.m. This meeting is open to the public. 

Where: Zoom: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1609047098?pwd=UGd2aGcyNXBSblZRejc5ZktUNFpvUT09

Dial by your location

        +1 669 254 5252 US (San Jose)

        +1 646 828 7666 US (New York)

Meeting ID: 160 904 7098

Passcode: 806191

Background: Oregon’s State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP), Healthier Together Oregon (HTO), identifies interventions and strategies to address health related priorities in our state. The SHIP serves as a basis for taking collective action with cross-sector partners to advance health equity.  The SHIP will be based off of findings from the State Health Assessment. 

• Health departments develop and implement a health improvement plan at least once every five years. 
• The Public Health Division is using the Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) framework, widely used by CCOs and local health departments. The MAPP framework uses six phases. The SHA is developed over the first three phases, while the SHIP is developed and implemented over the second three phases. 
• Information about the PartnerSHIP can be found at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/ABOUT/Pages/partnership-committee.aspx

Program contact: Christy Hudson, 971-678-4347, isty.j.hudson@state.or.us">Christy.j.hudson@state.or.us

###

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are: 

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written materials in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Heather Owens at 971-291-2568, .r.owens@dhsoha.state.or.us">Heather.r.owens@dhsoha.state.or.us.

29 de Julio de 2021

Contacto para medios: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7179, PHD.Communications@dhsoha.state.or.us.

PartnerSHIP se reúne el 2 de agosto vía Zoom

Asunto: El reformado equipo de Socios Comunitarios, encargado de dirigir la aplicación del Plan Estatal de Mejora de la Salud (SHIP) 2020-2024, se reunirá.

Agenda: El comité finalizará su carta, aprenderá sobre las áreas y estrategias de prioridad de Healthier Together Oregon, y planeará su primera reunión en persona en septiembre.

Cuándo: Lunes, 2 de Augusto de 1:00pm a 3:00pm. Esta reunión estará disponible al público en general. 

https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1609047098?pwd=UGd2aGcyNXBSblZRejc5ZktUNFpvUT09

Números por ubicación:

        +1 669 254 5252 US (San José)

        +1 646 828 7666 US (New York)

ID de la reunión: 160 904 7098

Contraseña: 806191

Antecedentes: El Plan Estatal de Mejora de la Salud de Oregon (SHIP, por sus siglas en inglés), Healthier Together Oregon (HTO, por sus siglas en inglés),  identifica intervenciones y estrategias para abordar las prioridades relacionadas con la salud en el estado. El SHIP sirve como base para emprender acciones colectivas con socios intersectoriales para mejorar la salud de las personas en Oregón. El SHIP se basa en los resultados de la Evaluación de Salud del Estado.

• Los departamentos de salud desarrollan e implementan un plan de mejoramiento de la salud al menos una vez cada cinco años.
• La División de Salud Pública está utilizando el marco de movilización para la acción a través de la planificación y las asociaciones (MAPP), ampliamente utilizado por la CCO's y los departamentos locales de salud. El marco MAPP utiliza seis fases. El SHA se desarrolla en las tres primeras fases, mientras que el SHIP se desarrolla e implementa en las segundas tres fases. 
• Puede encontrar más información sobre PartnerSHIP en: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/ABOUT/Pages/partnership-committee.aspx

Contacto del programa: Christy Hudson, teléfono: 971-678-4347, isty.j.hudson@state.or.us">christy.j.hudson@state.or.us

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Todos tienen derecho a conocer y utilizar los programas y servicios de Oregon Health Authority (OHA, por sus siglas en inglés). OHA brinda ayuda gratuita. Algunos ejemplos de la ayuda gratuita que puede proporcionar la OHA son: 

• Intérpretes de lenguaje de señas y lenguaje hablado

•          Materiales escritos en otros idiomas.

•          Braille

•          Letra grande

•          Audio y otros formatos

Si necesita ayuda o tiene preguntas, comuníquese con Heather Owens al 971-291-2568, .r.owens@dhsoha.state.or.us">Heather.r.owens@dhsoha.state.or.us.

Middle Market optimism surges +24 points over pre-pandemic levels: more than 70% of companies embrace continued adaptation with “significant” changes to strategy and operations anticipated

Roughly 50% plan to invest in real estate, acquisitions or other expansion in year ahead 

PORTLAND, Ore., July 29, 2021 – Umpqua Bank, a subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: UMPQ), today released its annual 2021 Business Barometer, an in-depth study into the mood, mindset, and strategic priorities of nearly 1,200 leaders at small and middle market companies across the United States. Despite the heavy toll businesses nationwide faced last year, optimism has now surged past pre-pandemic levels, and many companies report being well positioned for growth in the year ahead.

In addition to reporting transformational shifts in operations and strategy over the last year, middle market companies, in particular, are embracing the expectation of continued challenges and the need for ongoing adaptation. And while growth is expected among both small and middle market companies, intense disruptions related to supply chains and competition for workplace talent pose considerable challenges.

“Businesses of all sizes made significant changes over the past year in response to the pandemic. As a result of increased efficiencies and diversification, many have emerged more optimistic and poised for growth as the economic recovery continues,” said Richard Cabrera, EVP and Head of Middle Market Banking at Umpqua Bank. “Leaders have realized their organizations’ capacity to pivot and adapt, and the pandemic has challenged them to think more strategically and in greater detail about their larger purpose and value to the marketplace. This bodes well for the immediate future and will also make them better prepared to adapt to the next disruption.”

Together, small and middle market companies serve as bellwethers for the economy. Middle market businesses alone account for $6 trillion of the U.S. private-sector GDP and provide 44 million jobs. The strength and resiliency of these businesses are critical to economic well being and recovery. 

Key findings and highlights from Umpqua Bank’s fourth annual survey include:

“Significant Changes” Made in 2020 Represent Transformational Shifts

Not surprisingly, most businesses have made major strategic adjustments in response to the pandemic. Nearly all middle market companies (96%) and most small businesses (65%) say they’ve made “significant changes” to multiple areas, including supply chains, staffing models, company culture and vision, brick-and-mortar operations, and products and services. These changes, however, reflect more than temporary pivots to survive. According to the report, about half of those surveyed, including 71% of middle market companies, expect to keep most or all of the changes made. 

Surging Optimism Paves Way for Growth

Positivity around the current state of the economy has roughly doubled since last year, with expectations for overall economic improvement and business growth accelerating past levels recorded in previous Umpqua middle market research. A majority of middle market (55%) and small (52%) businesses expect economic conditions to improve and for revenue to increase (62% of middle market and 53% of small businesses). 

A renewed sense of optimism, and most likely delayed plans from 2020, have middle market companies thinking about growth and expansion in the year ahead. More than half (52%) are considering acquiring another business, up from roughly one-third reporting such interest in 2019 and 2020. Another 56% expect to finance expansion plans. 

The state of the commercial real estate sector may also be less dire than commonly assumed, as 47% of middle market companies are looking to expand their real estate footprint. That figure is most pronounced within the manufacturing, and finance and insurance industries.

Leaders Embrace a Mindset of Continuous Change & Evolution
Despite reporting massive strategic shifts in response to the pandemic a year ago, more changes are coming in a competitive, dynamic post-pandemic economy. Roughly three-quarters or more of middle market businesses expect to continue making significant changes to products and services (75%). They also anticipate substantial changes to their pricing models (75%); another 81% are likely to digitize new areas of their business to become more efficient, while 79% will continue automating repetitive manual tasks.

“Over the past several years, disruptions—whether macro-economic, geopolitical, or technological—have become a constant reality, and none has been more impactful than the pandemic,” said Cabrera. “The data mirrors what we see on the ground with our customers—businesses are starting to accept this reality. While the last year has been difficult, many businesses have tapped into strategic and creative energy that’s changing their mindset from one of resistance to embracing the need for continual change.”

Despite accelerating optimism and plans for growth, businesses face economic headwinds that will continue to challenge their capabilities and need for strategic support from various partners. These include:

Talent Dislocation and Lack of Skilled Workers 

Most middle market businesses (55%) and 41% of small businesses are having trouble finding qualified employees. Companies cite the inability to engage qualified talent and a shortage of skilled candidates as the top staffing challenges; respondents from construction, retail and manufacturing businesses are most likely to have trouble finding qualified employees.

While businesses are offering enhanced incentives, including finding creative ways to support working parents (71% of middle market companies), operating short-handed has a ripple effect across their bottom line and the economy. Higher labor costs, increased delays with goods and costly workforce inefficiencies are cited as the most significant impacts. The inability to pursue new opportunities also ranks exceptionally high for small businesses. 

Supply Chain Disruptions

As companies are working to adapt and grow to meet increasing consumer demand for goods, many are still feeling the effects of the pandemic on the global supply chain, with 88% of businesses citing difficulty sourcing goods in the past 12 months. The most common supply chain difficulties companies have faced include:

• Being unable to purchase the goods in a timely manner needed to run their business (23% of small businesses and 29% of middle market companies)
• Facing longer delays to receive goods (59%)
• Experiencing an increase in the price of goods (76%)

To read the survey in full, visit www.umpquabank.com/business-barometer-survey-report.

Survey Methodology 

The Umpqua Bank 2021 Business Baramoter, conducted annually, surveyed 1,196 owners, executives, and financial decision-makers from U.S. small and middle market companies. The online survey was conducted in partnership with DHM Research, a public policy and business research firm, and targeted leaders at companies with $500,000 to $500 million in annual revenue. The survey has a 2.8% margin of error and was fielded from May 24 – June 4, 2021. 

About Umpqua Bank
Umpqua Bank, headquartered in Roseburg, Ore., is a subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corporation, and has locations across Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada. Umpqua Bank has been recognized for its innovative customer experience and banking strategy by national publications including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, BusinessWeek, Fast Company and CNBC. The company has been recognized for eight years in a row on FORTUNE magazine's list of the country's "100 Best Companies to Work For," and was recently named by The Portland Business Journal the Most Admired Financial Services Company in Oregon for the sixteenth consecutive year. In addition to its retail banking presence, Umpqua Bank also owns Financial Pacific Leasing, Inc., a nationally recognized commercial finance company that provides equipment leases to businesses. 

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon is in the grip of a deepening drought ranked as severe to exceptional in more than half the state. Our yard and street trees are particularly hard hit by the prolonged dryness. That’s why Trees for Life Oregon and Oregon Community Trees have again declared the last week in July and the last week in August as Soak It Week. Oregonians are reminded that to keep their street and yard trees healthy, give them a good, slow soaking in their root zone.

“Unlike a lawn, trees are a long-term investment well worth the water needed to get them through our dry summers,” according to Kristin Ramstad, ODF’s Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Program Manager. “People enjoy multiple benefits from healthy, mature trees. They not only clean the air and reduce noise pollution, they also keep things cooler through shade and releasing water from their leaves into the air.  There are also mental health and social benefits, such as improved focus and less stress.”

Deciduous trees under three years need weekly watering in Oregon from the time they leaf out until they’re leaves turn in the fall. The recommended amount is about 15 gallons. Young evergreens need watering once winter rains end and until fall rains return. 

If you’re lucky enough to have a drought-tolerant Oregon white oak that may be all the watering you need to do. But most other species of trees still benefit after they are three years old from a good soaking every other week until they are established (typically at about 10 years). After a tree is established, it benefits from deep watering once a month during the dry months of July and August (hence Soak It Week). 

Oregon Community Trees President Samantha Wolf says, “Well-watered trees grow faster and are less likely to suffer scorching of their leaves and premature leaf drop. So watering gives you a better-looking tree over time than ones that struggle through our increasingly dry summers.” 

Learn more about tree watering at https://arbordayblog.org/treecare/how-to-properly-water-your-trees/

On Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at approximately 7:20 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 101 near milepost 196. 

Preliminary investigation revealed a Ford Contour, operated by Rhonda Wild (51) of Fresno, CA. was northbound in the southbound lane when it collided with a southbound Nissan Titan, pulling a boat, operated by Jason Smith (46) of Prineville.

Wild and Smith sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased.

Two passengers from the Nissan, Heidi Smith (47) of Prineville and a juvenile, were transported to the Florence Hospital with injuries.  

OSP was assisted by the Lane County Sheriff's Office, EMS, and ODOT.

Kiona-Benton City School Board scheduled a special meeting for 7/30/2021 at 9:00 am via Zoom. Please find the Zoom link at www.kibesd.org.

Oregonians advised to prepare for potential triple-digit temperatures through the weekend

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM) today submitted to the Governor’s Office an After-Action Review of the June 2021 excessive heat event. The AAR assesses government efforts to prevent and prepare for extreme weather events and outlines recommendations for immediate and future implementation. 

Governor Kate Brown directed OEM to lead the expedited review following the excessive heat that occurred June 25 to June 30, 2021, in which at least 83 Oregonians tragically lost their lives to heat-related illness. With potential triple-digit temperatures expected again this weekend, OEM is working with local emergency management partners and fellow state agencies to immediately implement recommendations from the report to help ensure Oregonians are prepared for the extreme heat.

The AAR analyzed collaborative actions by federal, state, tribal, local agencies and non-profit organizations to respond to the unprecedented heat event. Topline results found that partners moved quickly to assess regional needs and align outreach to provide information and resources to their communities on how to stay safe.

“While these efforts undoubtedly saved lives, it is unacceptable that so many were unable to access the available resources,” said OEM Director Andrew Phelps. “Oregon lives were lost to the heat, highlighting gaps where improvements are needed to reduce the impact of future extreme weather events. We’re calling on state, local and regional governments, community organizations and the public to pull together and prepare for the hot summer months ahead -- and the inevitable effects of our changing climate.”

The review presents 16 recommendations for immediate and long-term implementation. The state is working swiftly with partners to implement immediate recommendations; four of which have already been put into action. Those include:

• Increased and earlier health information sharing with local leadership.
• Ensuring 211 is resourced to provide 24/7 coverage to respond to inquiries and requests for assistance.
• Ongoing conversations with local partners to waive public transit fares during extreme heat events.
• Prioritizing the importance of readiness for Oregonians and communicating the importance of checking on neighbors, relatives and coworkers.

Long-term recommendations advise governments to prepare for future climate-driven events by identifying communities in need, enhancing early communication around the risks of extreme weather and implementing infrastructure-level policy changes to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Rachael Banks, Oregon’s Public Health Director, said OHA is looking at innovative approaches to help Oregonians protect themselves during extreme weather conditions like excessive heat, including working on new strategies that will make existing housing healthier and safer.

“Simple steps such as weatherizing a home can help keep cool temperatures in and hot temperatures out. Such improvements can also help people avoid wildfire smoke that has become a common part of our summers.”

The Excessive Heat After-Action Review can be found by following this link.

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You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, call 971-719-1183 or email language@oem.or.us. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711. 

Weekly COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations rise, deaths fall

The Oregon Health Authority’s COVID-19 Weekly Report, released today, shows an increase in daily cases and hospitalizations and a decline in COVID-19 related deaths. 

OHA reported 3,098 new daily cases of COVID-19 during the week of Monday, July 19, through Sunday, July 25. That represents a 53% rise over the previous week.

New COVID-19 related hospitalizations rose to 146, up from 123 the previous week.

There were 12 reported COVID-19 related deaths, down from 29 reported the previous week.

There were 54,566 tests for COVID-19 for the week of July 18 through July 24. Reported cases increased despite a 12% decrease in testing, while test positivity rose from 4.2% to 5.0%.

As of July 27, 2,477,608 Oregonians — 58.1% of the state’s total population — had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

Case rates have generally been higher in counties with lower COVID-19 vaccination rates. During the week of July 18–25, the 10 counties with case rates in excess of 100 per 100,000 had population vaccination rates below 50%.

Today’s COVID-19 Weekly Outbreak Report shows 28 active COVID-19 outbreaks in senior living communities and congregate living settings, with three or more confirmed cases and one or more COVID-19 related deaths.

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(Salem) – A medida que aumentan las temperaturas en los próximos días, Oregon OSHA les recuerda a los empleadores sus nuevas obligaciones bajo una regla de prevención de enfermedades de emergencia por calor. Al mismo tiempo, los trabajadores tienen derecho a un lugar de trabajo seguro y saludable, incluido el derecho a plantear preocupaciones de seguridad a sus empleadores sin temor a represalias.

Oregon OSHA ofrece asesoría gratuita y recursos educativos para ayudar a los empleadores a cumplir con la regla, que entró en vigor inmediatamente cuando fue adoptada el 8 de julio. Si los empleadores se niegan a abordar las preocupaciones planteadas por los trabajadores, los trabajadores pueden presentar una queja ante Oregon OSHA. Es contra la ley castigar a un trabajador por plantear problemas de salud y seguridad en el trabajo.

La regla temporal de emergencia de Oregon OSHA permanecerá en vigencia hasta el 3 de enero del 2022, o hasta que sea reemplazada por una regla permanente de prevención de enfermedades causadas por el calor, que se espera ocurra a finales de este año. La regla de emergencia temporal se aplica a cualquier lugar de trabajo, al aire libre y en interiores, donde los peligros del calor son causados por el clima. Los requisitos incluyen acceso ampliado a sombra y agua fría; descansos regulares para refrescarse; capacitación; comunicación; y planificación de emergencias.
La división ofrece hojas de datos en inglés y español que describen los requisitos clave de la regla. Además, la división ha publicado un nuevo documento de preguntas y respuestas, en inglés y español, para ayudar a comprender la regla.
Bajo un nuevo programa de énfasis, Oregon OSHA ha aumentado su presencia de vigilancia en temas de enfermedades causadas por el calor con más inspectores en el campo durante los días calurosos.
Se alienta a los empleadores a usar recursos gratuitos, ahora disponibles en Oregon OSHA y que involucran no culpa, sin citaciones y sin sanciones, para ayudar con el cumplimiento de los requisitos:

Servicios de asesoría: brinda ayuda gratuita con programas de seguridad y salud, que incluyen cómo controlar y eliminar peligros, y capacitación práctica.
• Teléfono (gratuito en Oregon):): 800-922-2689
• Oficinas de campo
• En línea
• Correo electrónico: consult.web@oregon.gov
Personal técnico: ayuda a los empleadores a comprender los requisitos y cómo aplicarlos en sus lugares de trabajo
• Teléfono (gratuito en Oregon):): 800-922-2689
• En línea
• Correo electrónico: tech.web@oregon.gov

Además, una lista de recursos educativos estatales y nacionales sobre la prevención de enfermedades causadas por el calor está disponible como parte de comunicaciones anteriores emitidas por Oregon OSHA, tanto en inglés como en español.

Además, el Departamento de Servicios para Consumidores y Negocios de Oregon, que incluye Oregon OSHA, mantiene el Programa de Comunicaciones Multiculturales que brinda alcance a las comunidades con dominio limitado del inglés. Ese alcance abarca información sobre la seguridad y la salud en el trabajo. El programa incluye un número de teléfono gratuito para los oregonianos de habla hispana: 800-843-8086.

Los trabajadores pueden presentar una queja ante Oregon OSHA utilizando el formulario de notificación de peligros en línea de la división, disponible en español e inglés. La lista de oficinas de campo está disponible en la página "Presentar una queja" de la división. La división anima a los trabajadores a aprender sobre sus derechos para plantear preocupaciones de seguridad y para protegerse contra represalias.

Según los requisitos de emergencia temporal, los empleadores deben tomar medidas específicas cuando el índice de calor alcanza o excede los 80 grados Fahrenheit, lo que incluye proporcionar suficiente sombra y un suministro adecuado de agua potable. Cuando el índice de calor excede los 90 grados Fahrenheit, los empleadores deben seguir todas las reglas en el umbral de 80 grados y tomar más medidas. Esas medidas incluyen comunicación y observación, descansos regulares para enfriarse, planificación de emergencias y adaptación gradual de los empleados al calor.
Los documentos de las reglas de emergencia están disponibles para su revisión de las siguientes maneras:

• Página de reglas adoptadas por Oregon OSHA: Seguridad y salud ocupacional de Oregón: Reglas adoptadas: Elaboración de reglas: Estado de Oregón

• Reglas temporales para abordar la exposición de los empleados a altas temperaturas ambientales: Reglas temporales para abordar la exposición de los empleados a altas temperaturas ambientales (oregon.gov)

• Texto de las reglas adoptadas: Texto de las reglas temporales para abordar la exposición de los empleados a altas temperaturas ambientales (oregon.gov)

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Oregon OSHA, es una división del Departamento de Servicios para Consumidores y Negocios, hace cumplir las reglas de salud y seguridad en el lugar de trabajo del estado y trabaja para mejorar la seguridad y salud en el lugar de trabajo para todos los trabajadores de Oregon. Para obtener más información, visite osha.oregon.gov.

El Departamento de Servicios para Consumidores y Negocios es la agencia reguladora y de protección al consumidor más grande de Oregon. Para obtener más información, visite www.oregon.gov/dcbs/.

July 28, 2021 (Salem, OR)-- Ayer, la Gobernadora Kate Brown firmó el Proyecto de Ley 3389 de la Cámara de Representantes, que proporciona reducción y aplazamiento de impuestos del seguro de desempleo (UI) de 2021 para las empresas que califiquen. El programa de reducción fiscal fue desarrollado en colaboración por el Departamento de Empleo de Oregon, la gobernadora Brown y la Legislatura del Estado de Oregon como respuesta a la pandemia de COVID-19, que ha tenido un impacto significativo en muchas empresas.

"No hay duda de que el pilar económico de Oregon, nuestras pequeñas empresas, así como los trabajadores de Oregon empleados en esas empresas, se vieron profundamente afectados por la pandemia", dijo la gobernadora Brown. “Pero a través de estos tiempos difíciles, hemos visto a los habitantes de Oregon responder con creatividad y fortaleza. Ahora que abrimos el siguiente capítulo de la pandemia y buscamos la recuperación económica, el proyecto de ley HB 3389 brindará cierto alivio a las empresas y, al mismo tiempo, garantizará que podamos continuar brindando beneficios de desempleo a todos los habitantes de Oregon que los necesiten."

El Plan de alivio de impuestos sobre la nómina de UI proporciona tres cosas:

1. Para el año tributario de UI 2021, los empleadores elegibles pueden diferir un tercio de su obligación tributaria de UI hasta el 30 de junio de 2022 y evitar los intereses y multas asociados
2. Se puede perdonar hasta el 100% de los impuestos de UI diferibles de 2021, en función de cuánto aumentó la tasa de UI de un empleador de 2020 a 2021
3. La calificación de experiencia fiscal de un empleador desde 2022 hasta 2024 se reducirá a la tasa de experiencia de UI de 2020 que tenía el empleador antes de la pandemia. Las tasas impositivas pueden fluctuar de 2022 a 2024 debido a cambios en el programa de impuestos; sin embargo, la tasa del empleador se basará en su calificación de experiencia antes de la pandemia

La cantidad de impuestos de UI de 2021 que los empleadores pueden aplazar o perdonar depende de cuánto aumentó su tasa de UI de 2020 a 2021.

• Un aumento de 0.5% a 1% en las tasas de impuestos del UI solo será elegible para aplazamiento
• Si la tasa de impuestos aumentó más de 1% punto porcentual y no más de 1.5% puntos porcentuales serán elegibles para la condonación del 50% de sus impuestos diferibles del UI
• La tasa impositiva aumentó más de 1.5 puntos porcentuales y no más de 2.0 puntos porcentuales serán elegibles para la condonación del 75% de sus impuestos diferibles del UI 
• La tasa impositiva aumentada en más de 2.0 puntos de porcentuales será elegible para la condonación del 100% de sus impuestos de UI diferibles

Los empleadores deben cumplir con todas las condiciones siguientes para ser elegibles para el aplazamiento y la condonación de impuestos del UI:

1. A partir del 1 de enero de 2021, haya pagado todas las contribuciones tributarias de UI pendientes y las responsabilidades relacionadas, incluidas las determinadas en un plan de pago aceptado por el director del Departamento de Empleo de Oregon
2. Presente todos los informes de nómina requeridos para 2021 a tiempo, Y 
3. Pague todas las obligaciones tributarias a tiempo para 2021 que no se difieran ni condonen

No existe una solicitud para el Plan de alivio de impuestos sobre la nómina del seguro de desempleo. El Departamento de Empleo inscribirá automáticamente a los empleadores elegibles en el plan y se comunicará con los empleadores durante el año fiscal del UI 2021 con actualizaciones o cambios en el estado o los requisitos de elegibilidad.

La participación en la parte de aplazamiento de este plan de ayuda podría afectar negativamente el crédito del impuesto federal por desempleo de un empleador. Es posible que algunos empleadores no puedan acceder al crédito completo para el impuesto estatal por desempleo pagado en su Formulario 940 del IRS (Declaración federal de impuestos por desempleo) si pagan los impuestos estatales por desempleo después de la fecha de vencimiento del Formulario federal 940. Para información adicional por favor visite irs.gov/instructions/i940.

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Programa de igualdad de oportunidades: ayudas y servicios auxiliares disponibles a pedido para personas con discapacidades. Contacto: (503) 947-1794. Para las personas sordas o con problemas de audición, llame al 711 Telecommunications Relay Services.

CORRECTION: This press release is revised to correct todays’ reported number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon. The correct number is 274.

July 28, 2021

Oregon reports 804 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 6 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — There are six new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 2,849, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today. 

Oregon Health Authority reported 804 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 217,690.

Vaccinations in Oregon

Today, OHA reported that 5,499 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations were added to the state immunization registry. Of this total, 2,981 doses were administered on July 27 and 2,518 were administered on previous days but were entered into the vaccine registry on July 27.

The seven-day running average is now 4,610 doses per day.

Oregon has now administered 2,647,798 first and second doses of Pfizer, 1,780,671 first and second doses of Moderna and 179,885 single doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

As of today, 2,477,608 people have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 2,302,395 people have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series.

Cumulative daily totals can take several days to finalize because providers have 72 hours to report doses administered and technical challenges have caused many providers to lag in their reporting. OHA has been providing technical support to vaccination sites to improve the timeliness of their data entry into the state’s ALERT Immunization Information System (IIS).

To date, 3,010,095 doses of Pfizer, 2,288,400 doses of Moderna and 299,100 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered to sites across Oregon.

These data are preliminary and subject to change.

Updated vaccination data are provided on Oregon’s COVID-19 data dashboards and have been updated today.

COVID-19 hospitalizations

The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 274, which is 15 more than yesterday. There are 86 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is nine more than yesterday.

The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day, nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.

More information about hospital capacity can be found here.

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (19), Benton (13), Clackamas (44), Clatsop (8), Columbia (10), Coos (8), Crook (6), Curry (5), Deschutes (43), Douglas (50), Grant (1),  Harney (2), Hood River (2), Jackson (91), Jefferson (7), Josephine (54), Lane (67), Lincoln (5), Linn (38), Malheur (7), Marion (59), Morrow (4), Multnomah (80), Polk (12), Sherman (4), Tillamook (3), Umatilla (55), Union (19), Wallowa (7), Wasco (5), Washington (59), Wheeler (1), Yamhill (16).

Oregon’s 2,844th COVID-19 death is an 81-year-old woman from Lane County who tested positive on June 26 and died on July 25 at Peacehealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend. She had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,845th COVID-19 death is a 95-year-old woman from Jackson County who tested positive on June 5 and died on June 18 at Providence Medford Medical Center. She had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,846th COVID-19 death is a 99-year-old woman from Jackson County who tested positive on May 7 and died on July 6 at her residence. She had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,847th COVID-19 death is a 37-year-old woman from Washington County who tested positive on July 25 and died on July 25 at her residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed. 

Oregon’s 2,848th COVID-19 death is a 33-year-old man from Umatilla County who tested positive on July 24 and died on July 24 at Kadlec Regional Medical Center. He had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,849th COVID-19 death is a 90-year-old woman from Umatilla county who tested positive on July 23 and died on July 27. Location of death and presence of underlying conditions are being confirmed. 

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations  

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine situation in Oregon, visit our webpage (English or Spanish), which has a breakdown of distribution and other information.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Mexican National who jointly operated Tienda Mexicana González Bros., a small convenience store and market in Southeast Portland, was sentenced to federal prison today for using the business and its money transmission licenses to launder millions of dollars in drug proceeds on behalf of a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization operating in the Portland Metropolitan Area.

Jesus González Vazquez, 37, of Jalisco, Mexico, was sentenced to 132 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.

“Money launderers who help drug trafficking organizations transfer their illegal proceeds are equally culpable for the path of destruction caused by illegal drugs. While drug trafficking organizations can quickly replace low-level couriers and dealers when they are arrested by law enforcement, it’s much harder for these organizations to quickly replace savvy, large volume money launderers like Mr. González Vazquez and his brother Mr. Romo. Mr. González Vazquez’s prosecution and lengthy prison sentence will challenge this organization’s ability to profit from their crimes and sends a strong message that money laundering is a serious crime with significant consequences,” said Scott Erik Asphaug, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

“Drug cartels thrive on their lust for money and power,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “Operating under the guise of a small convenience store, Vazquez funneled millions of drug profits back to Mexico. This sentence is a successful step towards removing the ability of the cartels to collect their profits from the poison they inject into our communities.”

“This case highlights the importance of teaming with our federal and local partners in order to address these and other related large-scale issues,” said Interim Chief Claudio Grandjean of the Gresham Police Department. “The opioid crisis is ravaging so many in our communities across the region and across the country. I’m proud of the part the Gresham Police Department was able to play in holding those accountable who seek to profit from others’ misery.”

According to court documents, beginning in 2018, two men, Samuel Diaz and Faustino Monroy, organized, led, and ran a drug trafficking organization, based in Mexico, responsible for trafficking hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine and heroin into Oregon for distribution. Diaz and Monroy worked closely with two associates, Edgar Omar Quiroz and Gerson Fernando Martinez-Cruz, who ran a Portland distribution cell. At its peak, Quiroz and Martinez-Cruz’s cell was responsible for distributing as much as 77 pounds of methamphetamine and 55 pounds of heroin weekly in and around Portland.

The organization’s numerous sources of supply would import large quantities of illegal drugs that were taken to stash houses throughout the metro area where they were processed and prepared for sale. A large network of local drug dealers would then distribute user quantities of each drug. The organization would routinely change stash locations, rotate vehicles and phones, and pay individual couriers to take time off to avoid detection by law enforcement.

In approximately 2011, González Vazquez moved to Oregon and began working with his co-defendant and brother, Juan Antonio Romo, 46, also of Jalisco, at the González Bros. market. During this time, the market was an authorized agent for Sigue Corporation; Servicio UniTeller, Inc.; and Continental Exchange Solutions/Ria Financial, three large money services businesses known primarily for international money wires. Between January 2015 and October 2019, the majority of money transfers initiated at the market were conducted by González Vazquez and Romo.

On a continuing basis, González Vazquez and Romo would receive the proceeds of the Diaz-Monroy organization’s illegal drug sales in the form of bulk cash delivered by couriers to the González Bros. market. González Vazquez and Romo would wire the money to various DTO contacts throughout Mexico, structuring the transfers into multiple smaller transactions to avoid detection by the money services businesses or financial regulators. According to the government’s evidence, between January 2015 and October 2019, González Vazquez and Romo laundered at least $19 million dollars in drug proceeds from the market.

In addition to laundering the DTO’s proceeds, González Vazquez also performed other illegal functions for the organization, including facilitating the purchase of weapons in the U.S. to smuggle to Mexico, facilitating large drug transactions, assisting the escape of a fugitive to Mexico, assisting various drug dealers obtain false driver’s licenses, and helping DTO associates illegally enter the U.S.

In October 2019, González Vazquez and many of his co-defendants were arrested as part of a coordinated, multi-agency law enforcement operation. Investigators executed federal search warrants at more than a dozen locations throughout the Portland area, seizing 22 pounds of methamphetamine, quantities of heroin and cocaine, and seven firearms. González Vazquez and his co-defendants arrested as part of the takedown joined several others already in state custody on related charges. In total, law enforcement seized 51 firearms, including assault rifles, shotguns, and handguns, from defendants affiliated with the Diaz-Monroy drug trafficking organization.

On October 24, 2019, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 61-count superseding indictment charging González Vazquez and 41 others for their roles in the drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracy.

On March 24, 2021, González Vazquez pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit money laundering.

During his sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Simon ordered González Vazquez to forfeit all assets seized by law enforcement during the investigation, including body armor, firearms, magazines, several dozen cell phones, and more than $250,000 in criminally-derived proceeds seized by law enforcement.

González Vazquez is the twentieth defendant sentenced for his role in the conspiracy. Defendants have been sentenced to as much as 235 months in prison. 24 defendants are awaiting sentencing and one is pending trial. Diaz, Monroy, and several other defendants are fugitives believed to be in Mexico.

Acting U.S. Attorney Asphaug, Special Agent in Charge Hammer, and Interim Chief Grandjean made the announcement.

This case was investigated by HSI Portland and the Gresham Police Department with assistance from the FBI; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Oregon State Police; Portland Police Bureau; and the Multnomah, Clackamas, and Clark County Sheriff’s Offices. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of the Justice Department’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, the centerpiece of the department’s strategy for reducing the availability of drugs in the U.S. OCDETF was established in 1982 to mount a comprehensive attack on drug trafficking by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in coordination with state and local law enforcement.

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Ask anyone about communing in the outdoors, whether hiking, biking, fishing, boating, camping or just “being,” and many will share a long list of benefits to their mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. But what many people may not be aware of are the wide range of recreational benefits offered through state agency programs and organizations that serve veterans, active military, and persons with physical limitations.

The Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB), in partnership with the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs Oregon (ODVA), Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), are joining forces to raise awareness for veterans and persons with disabilities around different outdoor adventures in the state to uncover some of the lesser-known water recreation opportunities in the outdoors that aid in the healing process. These agencies are committed to working together to help remove barriers and improve information sharing to better connect people to the water so healing can happen.

Through the end of the year, the agencies will highlight various opportunities to get out on the water to boat, fish, and enjoy other forms of outdoor recreation. Additional outreach will include blogs/vlogs highlighting personal stories, agency license/pass discounts, grant opportunities, interactive maps of ADA facilities, and trip planning tips. Information is shared on ODVA’s Recreation page. People are invited to also subscribe to ODVA’s email distribution list for benefit and program information.

“We are excited about this partnership to build awareness of the many recreation benefits and opportunities available to Oregon veterans to enjoy our beautiful state,” said ODVA Director Kelly Fitzpatrick. “The mental and physical healing that is experienced by being in the outdoors, is so important to the overall recovery and well-being of so many of our state’s veterans who have served our nation.”

Visit ODVA’s recreation page to learn more about programs and benefits.

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#H2O4Heroes

July 28, 2021

Oregon reports 804 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 6 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — There are six new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 2,849, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today. 

Oregon Health Authority reported 804 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 217,690.

Vaccinations in Oregon

Today, OHA reported that 5,499 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations were added to the state immunization registry. Of this total, 2,981 doses were administered on July 27 and 2,518 were administered on previous days but were entered into the vaccine registry on July 27.

The seven-day running average is now 4,610 doses per day.

Oregon has now administered 2,647,798 first and second doses of Pfizer, 1,780,671 first and second doses of Moderna and 179,885 single doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

As of today, 2,477,608 people have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 2,302,395 people have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series.

Cumulative daily totals can take several days to finalize because providers have 72 hours to report doses administered and technical challenges have caused many providers to lag in their reporting. OHA has been providing technical support to vaccination sites to improve the timeliness of their data entry into the state’s ALERT Immunization Information System (IIS).

To date, 3,010,095 doses of Pfizer, 2,288,400 doses of Moderna and 299,100 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered to sites across Oregon.

These data are preliminary and subject to change.

Updated vaccination data are provided on Oregon’s COVID-19 data dashboards and have been updated today.

COVID-19 hospitalizations

The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 274, which is 15 more than yesterday. There are 86 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is nine more than yesterday.

The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day, nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.

More information about hospital capacity can be found here.

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (19), Benton (13), Clackamas (44), Clatsop (8), Columbia (10), Coos (8), Crook (6), Curry (5), Deschutes (43), Douglas (50), Grant (1),  Harney (2), Hood River (2), Jackson (91), Jefferson (7), Josephine (54), Lane (67), Lincoln (5), Linn (38), Malheur (7), Marion (59), Morrow (4), Multnomah (80), Polk (12), Sherman (4), Tillamook (3), Umatilla (55), Union (19), Wallowa (7), Wasco (5), Washington (59), Wheeler (1), Yamhill (16).

Oregon’s 2,844th COVID-19 death is an 81-year-old woman from Lane County who tested positive on June 26 and died on July 25 at Peacehealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend. She had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,845th COVID-19 death is a 95-year-old woman from Jackson County who tested positive on June 5 and died on June 18 at Providence Medford Medical Center. She had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,846th COVID-19 death is a 99-year-old woman from Jackson County who tested positive on May 7 and died on July 6 at her residence. She had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,847th COVID-19 death is a 37-year-old woman from Washington County who tested positive on July 25 and died on July 25 at her residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed. 

Oregon’s 2,848th COVID-19 death is a 33-year-old man from Umatilla County who tested positive on July 24 and died on July 24 at Kadlec Regional Medical Center. He had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,849th COVID-19 death is a 90-year-old woman from Umatilla county who tested positive on July 23 and died on July 27. Location of death and presence of underlying conditions are being confirmed. 

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations  

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine situation in Oregon, visit our webpage (English or Spanish), which has a breakdown of distribution and other information.

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PR 11-21                                                                     

BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, July 28, 2021
CONTACT: Doug Johnson, 503-713-7658, or Maryam Habibi, 971-226-6073
or 503-230-5131

BPA lowers average power rates for fiscal years 2022-2023
BPA sets rates for power and transmission and makes changes to its tariff 
that will enable a future decision on potentially joining an energy imbalance market 

 

Portland, Oregon – The Bonneville Power Administration will decrease power rates by an average of 2.5% and slashed its proposed transmission rate increase in half to an average of 6.1%. The new rates were announced as BPA released the final record of decision for its BP-22 power and transmission rate case as well as the TC-22 tariff proceeding.

The TC-22 tariff proceeding adopted new language in BPA’s open access transmission tariff that will enable the power marketer to participate in the Western Energy Imbalance Market if BPA chooses to do so. The decision of whether to join the Western EIM is a separate process outside of the TC-22 proceeding and is anticipated to be made by the end of the fiscal year.

Under the settlement adopted by the BP-22 Record of Decision, the firm power tier 1 rates will decrease by 2.5% for fiscal years 2022 and 2023. Looking back over the previous decade, BP-22 will cap a 10-year period during which BPA’s power rate trajectory increased by less than 2 percent annually, which is in line with historical inflation rates. 

“Rates that have matched inflation – not just in a single rate case, but over a sustained period – is proof of BPA’s commitment to bending the cost curve and driving down rate pressures on our power rates,” said BPA Administrator John Hairston. “Today’s announcement demonstrates we are financially strong, competitive and responsive to our customers’ needs.” 

With Transmission, the settlement provided for a 6.1% average effective rate increase across the rate period – a number roughly half of what was proposed in the BP-22 Initial Proposal.

“We’ve landed in a spot where BPA will be able to continue to keep its transmission commitments and re-invest in the value of BPA’s transmission infrastructure in a fiscally sound and responsible manner,” Hairston said.

Beyond rates, the BP-22 Record of Decision also establishes revenue financing for up to $40 million for both the Power and Transmission business lines. This financing will allow BPA to issue less debt and decrease upward rate pressures in subsequent rate cases. The ROD also established the implementation of the Short-Distance Discount in the point-to-point Transmission rate and addressed the equitable treatment of fish and wildlife costs.

As part of the settlement, BPA has committed to holding workshops on various topics of interest to customers, including revenue financing, EIM costs and benefits, balancing services, the Eastern Intertie, and transmission losses.

TC-22 changes to tariff enable potential EIM participation

The TC-22 tariff proceeding updated language in BPA’s tariff, including addressing the terms and conditions that will apply to transmission service if BPA decides to participate in the Western Energy Imbalance Market. The adoption of this language enables the potential participation of BPA in the Western EIM without committing BPA to that path.  

The TC-22 proceeding also addressed Southern Intertie studies, transmission planning process, real power loss return, the removal of an exception for designation of Seller’s Choice agreements, ministerial edits to service agreement templates, generator interconnection procedures and requirements, and credit standards.

“We appreciate the work customers and stakeholders did with us during the tariff case,” said Hairston. “Confronting and solving these issues demonstrates that BPA, its customers and the region benefit from a tariff designed by the Northwest for the Northwest.”

The changes captured by the final RODs for BP-22 and TC-22 will be effective October 1. Specific to rates, BPA will file the case with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, requesting interim approval to start on that date while awaiting final FERC approval. 

BPA initiated both the BP-22 power and transmission rate case and the TC-22 proceeding in December 2020. The final RODs as well as Information on meetings and publications are available on the BP-22 rate case website and the TC-22 proceeding website.

About BPA

The Bonneville Power Administration, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is a nonprofit federal power marketer that sells wholesale, carbon-free hydropower from 31 federal dams in the Columbia River Basin. It also markets the output of the region’s only nuclear plant. BPA delivers this power to more than 140 Northwest electric utilities, serving millions of consumers and businesses in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, western Montana and parts of California, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. BPA also owns and operates more than 15,000 circuit miles of high-voltage power lines and 261 substations, and provides transmission service to more than 300 customers. In all, BPA provides nearly a third of the power generated in the Northwest. To mitigate the impacts of the federal dams, BPA implements a fish and wildlife program that includes working with its partners to make the federal dams safer for fish passage. It also pursues cost-effective energy savings and operational solutions that help maintain safe, affordable, reliable electric power for the Northwest. www.bpa.gov 

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Salem, Ore.— The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will hold a press conference at 4 p.m. today, July 28, to discuss the forecasted heat for this weekend and actions Oregonians can take now to stay safe. Findings and recommendations from the expedited After Action Review (AAR) from the June 2021 excessive heat event will also be addressed. 

OEM will be joined by subject matter experts from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).

OEM is using a Zoom-based platform for the press conference. Members of the media who are interested in attending should email public.info@mil.state.or.us>">Public.Info@mil.state.or.us no later than 3:00 p.m. today. Members of the media will then be sent a link to register for the press conference; upon registering, a meeting ID will be provided. 

The press conference will also be live streamed on the OEM YouTube channel and recorded. Members of the media are asked to log in a few minutes early to allow time to individually grant permissions to record.

Contact Info: Public.Info@mil.state.or.us

With high temperatures forecasted again for later this week, the City of Richland wants to remind citizens that three facilities are open to the public. Citizens can access these locations during operating hours to cool down in the air-conditioned facilities. Internet access is available as are water refilling stations. Locations and hours of operation are as follows:

Richland Community Center

500 Amon Park Drive

Richland, WA 99352

Hours of Operation:

Monday/Wednesday/Friday

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday/Thursday

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Richland Public Library

955 Northgate Drive

Richland, WA  99352

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Thursday

10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Friday and Saturday

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Richland City Hall

625 Swift Blvd.

Richland, WA  99352

Hours of Operation: 

Monday - Friday

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

In addition, George Prout Pool, Badger Mountain Community Park Splash Pad, and the Howard Amon Park Wading Pool are open. Locations and hours of operation are as follows:

George Prout Pool

1005 Swift Blvd.

Richland, WA  99352

Hours of Operation: 

Monday - Saturday

Lap Swim 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Open swim sessions:

2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. 

An additional open swim timeslot of 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. has been added, Monday – Friday.

Some times are reserved for lessons and classes and are subject to change. Visit https://www.richlandparksandrec.com/programs-events/aquatics/fees-and-schedule for the open swim schedules and fees.

Badger Mountain Community Park Splash Pad

350 Keene Rd.

Richland, WA  99352

Hours of Operation

Monday – Sunday

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Howard Amon Park Wading Pool

Behind the Richland Community Center

Monday – Sunday

10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. 

Follow the Richland Parks & Recreation Facebook Page for any additional changes or specials. 

The Richland City Council meeting originally scheduled for August 3, 2021, has been rescheduled to a City Council Special Meeting on Monday, August 2, 2021, starting at 6:00 p.m.

This change was made to allow attendance and participation by councilmembers in the annual National Night Out event that occurs on the first Tuesday in August.

In addition, this meeting will continue to accommodate both virtual or in-person attendance. Those desiring to participate virtually are encouraged to join the meeting via Zoom using the information provided below. 

Virtual participants wishing to provide comments for the Public Comment portion of the meeting must register by 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Only those virtual participants who register by the 4:00 p.m. deadline will be permitted to speak during the meeting.  As we are once again allowed to hold in-person meetings, we will no longer be accepting written public comments to be read by staff into the record.  

In-person participants do not need to pre-register and may offer comments during the Public Comment portion of the meeting at Richland City Hall, located at 625 Swift Blvd. 

Fully vaccinated in-person meeting participants and attendees need not be masked. 

The meeting will be broadcast live on Charter Cable Channel 192, on the City’s website at www.ci.richland.wa.us/cityviewtv, or on our YouTube Channel. 

Upon publication, the agenda can be accessed at www.ci.richland.wa.us/agendas. The link to the form to register for Public Comment virtually can be accessed from the link in the agenda.

Join the Zoom meeting at https://cityofrichlandwa.zoom.us/j/5056257380.

Questions can be directed to the City Clerk’s office at 942-7385.

The Oregon State Marine Board will be partnering with 32 county sheriff’s offices and the Oregon State Police, looking for expired motorboat boat registrations as part of a targeted annual “Operation Ship Shape” exercise, August 7 and 8. 

If you own a motorboat in Oregon, it’s time to check your “OR” numbers on the front of your boat (bow) and make sure you’ve applied your current registration decals. The OR numbers are a boat’s license plate and registration decals are the tags that tell marine officers if your boat is legally registered and to whom it belongs, similar to motor vehicles. Registrations are valid for two calendar years.

“Oregon’s recreational boating infrastructure is funded entirely by boaters, so it’s really important for every boater out there to be currently registered,” says Randy Henry, Boating Safety Program Manager for the Marine Board. “On August 7 and 8, we’re checking everyone whose decals are expired or numbers are unreadable.”

The Marine Board is funded by registration, title fees, and marine fuel taxes paid by motorized boaters. No lottery, general fund tax dollars or local facility parking fees are used to fund agency programs. These fees go back to boaters in the form of boat ramps, docks, trailered parking spaces, restrooms, construction and maintenance, and for boating safety -marine law enforcement services.

“Any boat that is powered by a motor – electric, gas, diesel or steam, and all sailboats 12 feet and longer -must be currently registered when on the water, even when docked or moored,” said Henry. This includes drift boats, inflatable rafts, stand up paddleboards or float tubes with an electric motor. Henry added, “Each boat registration brings in additional funds from motorboat fuel tax and federal boating dollars. Registering a 16-foot boat provides $100.20 of funding, but results in additional matching funds of nearly $190, so this registration fee results in $267 of revenue available to fund facilities and marine enforcement.”

Henry reminds boaters that if they’ve just purchased their boat or are in the process of registering it, be sure to carry the temporary registration and present it to marine officers, just like vehicle registration.

Boaters can renew their motorboat registration online or by visiting their local registration agent. Boaters can print a temporary permit after successfully completing their transaction online. A registration agent will issue a temporary permit for an additional fee. If you need assistance renewing online, please contact the Marine Board at ine.board@oregon.gov">marine.board@oregon.gov or 503-378-8587.

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July 28, 2021 (Salem, OR)-- Yesterday Governor Kate Brown signed into law House Bill 3389, which provides UI tax relief and deferral for 2021 unemployment insurance (UI) payroll taxes to qualifying businesses. The tax relief program was collaboratively developed by the Oregon Employment Department, Gov. Brown, and the Oregon State Legislature as a response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has had a significant impact on many businesses. 

“There is no question that Oregon’s economic backbone, our small businesses—as well as the hardworking Oregonians employed at those businesses—were deeply impacted by the pandemic,” said Governor Brown. “But through these challenging times, we’ve seen Oregonians respond with creativity and resilience. As we’ve entered the next chapter of the pandemic and look to economic recovery, HB 3389 should provide some relief for businesses, while at the same time ensuring we can continue to provide unemployment insurance benefits to all Oregonians who need them.”

The UI Payroll Tax Relief Plan provide three things:

1. For UI tax year 2021, eligible employers can defer one-third of their UI tax liability until June 30, 2022, and avoid any associated interest and penalties
2. Up to 100% of deferrable 2021 UI taxes may be forgiven, based on how much an employer’s UI tax rate increased from 2020 to 2021
3. An employer’s tax experience rating from 2022 through 2024 will be rolled back to the employer’s pre-pandemic 2020 UI experience rate. Tax rates may fluctuate from 2022 to 2024 due to tax schedule changes, however, the employer’s rate will be based on their experience rating prior to the pandemic

The amount of 2021 UI taxes that employers are eligible to defer or have forgiven depends on how much their UI tax rate increased from 2020 to 2021:

• 0.5% to 1% increase in UI tax rates will be eligible for deferral only
• Tax rate increased more than 1.0 percentage point and not more than 1.5 percentage points will be eligible for 50% of their deferrable UI taxes forgiven
• Tax rate increased more than 1.5 percentage points and not more than 2.0 percentage points will be eligible for 75% of their deferrable UI taxes forgiven
• Tax rate increased more than 2.0 parentage points will be eligible for 100% of their deferrable UI taxes forgiven

Employers must meet all of the following conditions to be eligible for UI tax deferral and forgiveness:

1. As of Jan. 1, 2021, have paid all outstanding UI tax contributions and related liabilities, including those determined in a payment plan accepted by the director of the Oregon Employment Department
2. File all required payroll reports for 2021 on time, AND
3. Pay all tax liabilities on time for 2021 that are not deferred or forgiven

There is no application for the UI Payroll Tax Relief Plan. The Employment Department will automatically enroll eligible employers into the plan and will contact employers throughout the 2021 UI tax year with updates or changes to eligibility status or requirements. 

Participation in the deferral portion of this relief plan could negatively affect an employers’ Federal Unemployment Tax credit. Some employers may be unable to access the full credit for state unemployment tax paid on their IRS Form 940 (Federal Unemployment Tax Return) if they pay state unemployment taxes after the Federal Form 940 due date. For additional information, please visit irs.gov/instructions/i940.

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Equal Opportunity program — auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Contact: (503) 947-1794. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, call 711 Telecommunications Relay Services.

(Salem) – As temperatures rise in the days ahead, Oregon OSHA is reminding employers of their new obligations under an emergency heat illness prevention rule. At the same time, workers have a right to a safe and healthy workplace, including the right to raise safety concerns with their employers free from retaliation.

Oregon OSHA offers free consultation and educational resources to help employers comply with the rule, which took effect immediately when it was adopted July 8. If employers refuse to address concerns raised by workers, then workers may file a complaint with Oregon OSHA. It is against the law to punish a worker for raising on-the-job health and safety concerns.

Oregon OSHA’s emergency temporary rule remains in effect until Jan. 3, 2022, or until it is replaced sooner by a permanent heat illness prevention rule, which is expected to occur later this year. The temporary emergency rule applies to any workplace – outdoors and indoors – where heat dangers are caused by the weather. The requirements include expanded access to shade and cool water; regular cool-down breaks; training; communication; and emergency planning. 

The division offers fact sheets in English and Spanish that outline the rule’s key requirements. Also, the division has published a new question-and-answer document – in English and Spanish – to help with understanding the rule.

Under a new emphasis program, Oregon OSHA has boosted its enforcement presence around heat illness issues with more inspectors in the field during hot days. 

Employers are encouraged to use free resources – available now from Oregon OSHA and involving no fault, no citations, and no penalties – for help with meeting requirements:

Consultation services – Provides free help with safety and health programs, including how to control and eliminate hazards, and hands-on training

• Phone (toll-free in Oregon): 800-922-2689
• Field offices
• Online
• Email: consult.web@oregon.gov

Technical staff – Helps employers understand requirements and how to apply them to their worksites

• Phone (toll-free in Oregon): 800-922-2689
• Online
• Email: tech.web@oregon.gov

Moreover, a list of state and national educational resources about preventing heat illness is available as part of previous communications issued by Oregon OSHA, in both English and Spanish. 

Also, the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, which includes Oregon OSHA, maintains the Multicultural Communications Program that provides outreach to communities with limited English proficiency. That outreach encompasses information about on-the-job safety and health. The program includes a toll-free phone number for Spanish-speaking Oregonians: 800-843-8086.

Workers may file a complaint with Oregon OSHA using the division’s online hazard reporting form, available in Spanish and English. A list of field offices is available on the division’s “File a complaint” page. The division encourages workers to learn about their rights to raise safety concerns and to protect against retaliation. 

Under the temporary emergency requirements, employers are required to take specific steps when the heat index reaches or exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit, including providing sufficient shade and an adequate supply of drinking water. When the heat index exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit, employers are required to follow all of the rules at the 80-degree threshold and to take more measures. Those measures include communication and observation, regular cool-down breaks, emergency planning, and gradual adaptation of employees to the heat.

The emergency rule documents are available for review in the following ways:

• Oregon OSHA’s Adopted Rules page: Oregon Occupational Safety and Health : Adopted Rules : Rulemaking : State of Oregon
• Temporary Rules to Address Employee Exposure to High Ambient Temperatures: Temporary Rules to Address Employee Exposure to High Ambient Temperatures (oregon.gov)
• Text of adopted rules: Text of Temporary Rules to Address Employee Exposure to High Ambient Temperatures (oregon.gov)

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Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, go to osha.oregon.gov.

The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, go to www.oregon.gov/dcbs/.  

During the regular July budget hearing and board meeting, the College Place Public Schools Board of Directors approved the 2021-2022 operating budget.  The district is expecting revenues of nearly $26.4 million and expenditures of nearly $26.9 million.  The school year is expected to conclude with the district having $2.7 in fund balance, or roughly 10%.

The board approved the budget that includes over a half million dollars spent out of reserves to support the district’s strong return from the pandemic.  The Board prioritized adding teaching and support staff, a math specialist, additional health services staff, and outside of school programming for students.  Additionally, the Board directed additional support in the areas of intervention for students in the areas of academics and social emotional learning. 

College Place Public Schools Superintendent Jim Fry stated, “It is evident that the Board of Directors in College Place is focused on our kids accelerating their learning and growth after a very difficult eighteen months.  The resources, additional support, and financial investment in our staff and our schools shows that they expect nothing but excellence from our schools.”

The district has continued to be excellent stewards of public funds expecting to close on a piece of land in College Place for a future school site in the upcoming days utilizing funds from its savings.  Also, the school board is strategically using ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) Funds to purchase three double-classroom portables to allow for the safe, full opening of school in the fall and to handle the growth in College Place.  Both purchases will not rely on any additional taxes or revenue bore by the community.

College Place is expected to run a levy in February 2022 to as a renewal of its expiring levy.  The rate currently is $2.60 per thousand dollars of assessed property value.  The Board has not acted on what that will look like and is expected to do so by November. 

July 27, 2021

Contact: OHA External Relations, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

OHA recommends universal mask use for all public indoor settings

In response to a large jump in cases and hospitalizations and new national guidance calling for masking measures to prevent the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant, the Oregon Health Authority today is recommending universal mask use in public indoor settings throughout the state to protect Oregonians from COVID-19.

“Today’s reported sharp rise in cases and hospitalizations in Oregon are sobering reminders that the pandemic is not over, especially for Oregonians who remain unvaccinated,” said Dr. Dean Sidelinger, state epidemiologist and state health officer.

“The highly contagious Delta variant has increased tenfold in the past two weeks in Oregon, and it is now estimated to be associated with 80% of the new cases in Oregon. The use of face masks provides significant protection for individuals who are unvaccinated as well as an additional level protection from a small but known risk of infection by the virus for persons who have already been vaccinated.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who are vaccinated with currently available vaccines are protected from the virus and the circulating variants, including the Delta variant that is now seen in the majority of Oregon’s new cases.

OHA’s recommendation aligns with the CDC’s new guidance issued today that everyone, including fully vaccinated persons, wear a mask in public indoor settings. OHA’s recommendation applies statewide, and not just areas with higher infections and high transmission, as cases have increased across the state in recent weeks due to the Delta variant.

OHA is continuing to call on local community and public health leaders, and businesses, to encourage vaccination and masking to prevent new outbreaks in areas of substantial and high transmission.

WALLA WALLA - Most school and classroom supplies will continue to be provided for all Walla Walla Public Schools students and families throughout the 2021-22 school year. For elementary aged students there is no expectation that families procure specific school supplies, cleaning/hygiene products, or other classroom materials for their child. Middle and high school students are asked to only bring a limited set of individual supplies with them to campus.

See below for a summary of district-provided and family-provided items:

Preschool/Head Start
- Head Start provides basic school supplies (backpacks, pens, pencils, markers and crayons)

TK-5
- WWPS provides all school supplies (e.g. pens, pencils, markers/crayons, glue, tissue, hand sanitizer, or other classroom supplies)
- Families provide: Backpacks

Middle School/High School
- WWPS provides composition notebooks and course specific items such has graphing calculators and rulers. Classrooms will continue to be stocked with hand sanitizer.
- Families provide: 3-ring binder with loose paper, writing utensils (pencils/pens) and a backpack

NOTE: Families in financial hardship are asked to contact their child’s school secretary to make arrangements if they are unable to meet one or more of the above provisions.

The district is still waiting for school guidance from the Washington State Department of Health related to masks and other COVID safety precautions. Should masks be required by the state, the district will make these PPE items available to students.

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SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) approved PacifiCorp’s application to transfer ownership of four hydroelectric dams located on the Klamath River to the Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC). The ownership transfer, which was approved with conditions to keep the PUC informed through the transfer process, includes approximately 8,000 acres of property associated with the dams. 

This decision was required as part of a larger negotiated agreement to decommission and remove the J.C. Boyle, Copco No. 1, Copco No. 2, and Iron Gate dams, known as the Lower Klamath Project, as part of the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement (KHSA). The Lower Klamath Project dams were built solely for power generation and are not used for irrigation, flood control, or the safe passage of fish. The Keno and Link River dams, located to the north and not targeted for demolition as part of this agreement, have fish passages and are part of massive irrigation system that straddles the Oregon-California border and provides water to more than 300 square miles of farmland.

The KHSA finalized a settlement under the framework of the 2008 Agreement in Principle, supported by Oregon Senate Bill 76 (2009) and was signed in 2010 by 48 parties, including PacifiCorp, the states of Oregon and California, the U.S. Department of Interior, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Marine Fisheries Service, several Native American tribes, among others, and was part of a broader initiative to address resource issues in the Klamath Basin. The KHSA was amended in April 2016 and requires PacifiCorp and the KRRC to seek approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to transfer ownership to KRRC and decommission the four dams. On November 17, 2020, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was announced by PacifiCorp, the States of California and Oregon, the Karuk and Yurok Tribes, and the KRRC that describes how the parties will proceed with implementation of the Amended KHSA and, ultimately, dam removal.

“Our decision to approve the transfer is one step on a long and winding path that will continue through the next phases,” said PUC Chair Megan Decker. “It keeps in motion efforts to restore the Klamath Basin and improve the health of a river vital to indigenous communities and others that depend on it.”

Earlier this month, the California, Idaho and Wyoming utility commissions also approved the transfer of ownership of the Lower Klamath Project from PacifiCorp to KRCC. 

“Given the high expected cost to relicense and continue operating these dams, the likelihood that the dams would generate less energy after relicensing, and the declining cost of alternative power sources, dam removal remains the least costly and risky option for PacifiCorp customers,” added Chair Decker.

PacifiCorp submitted the original application for transfer of ownership of these dams to the PUC in 2010, but the Commission at that time concluded that the decision to transfer the property was premature and should be deferred until closer to the date of the actual transfer.

The PUC Staff report voted on by the Commission can be found at: https://oregonpuc.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=597&meta_id=30037. The official order memorializing this decision will be filed later this week and posted online at: https://apps.puc.state.or.us/edockets/DocketNoLayout.asp?DocketID=16113. 

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The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) regulates customer rates and services of the state’s investor-owned electric, natural gas and telephone utilities, as well as select water companies. The PUC mission is to ensure Oregon utility customers have access to safe, reliable, and high quality utility services at just and reasonable rates, which is accomplished through thorough analysis and independent decision-making conducted in an open and fair process. 

July 27, 2021

Contacts: Philip Schmidt, 503-383-6079,  philip.schmidt@dhsoha.state.or.us  (media inquiries)

Tara Chetock, 971-304-9917, a.a.chetock@dhsoha.state.or.us">tara.a.chetock@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)

Oregon Health Policy Board meets August 3 via Zoom 

What: A public meeting of the Oregon Health Policy Board.

When: August 3, 8:30 a.m. to noon. 

Where: Virtual meeting only. The public can join remotely via Zoom or a conference line. To join via Zoom: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1602657497?pwd=emhzUnJsK1EzWk5rV0VpYTdjU3VrQT09

To call in to the meeting on a mobile device, use the following number: 

+16692545252,,1602657497#,,,,,,0#,,306554#

Proposed Agenda Topics:

1. Welcome, Roll Call, Minutes Approval & Updates
2. Committee Membership Workgroup: Draft Findings and Recommendations
3. Cost Growth Target Program: New Advisory Committee Charter & Membership
4. Public Comment (please register at least 48 hours before meeting)
5. OHA Director’s Update 
6. 1115 Medicaid Waiver Update

For more information and meeting materials, please visit the OHPB meeting webpage at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/OHPB/Pages/OHPB-Meetings.aspx 

To provide public comment, please complete the public comment request template at least 48 hours prior to the meeting at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OHPB-Public-Comment 

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Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• CART (live captions)
• Written materials in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Tara Chetock at 971-304-9917, 711 TTY, a.a.chetock@dhsoha.state.or.us">tara.a.chetock@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

On Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at approximately 5:20 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 240 near milepost 9.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Toyota pickup, operated by Jeffrey Brown (36) of Yamhill, was eastbound when it crossed into the westbound lane and collided with a Nissan Sentra operated by Irene Gomez (34) of Woodburn.

Brown sustained serious injuries and was transported to OHSU by Life Flight. 

Gomez sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Hwy 240 was closed for approximately 4 hours.

OSP was assisted by Yamhill County Sheriff's Office, TVF&R, and ODOT.

Contact: Bob Gravely                                                                                                   July 27, 2021

503-813-7282                                                                                     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oregon Public Utility Commission approves transfer of Klamath River dams

State regulatory reviews complete for key component of dam removal deal

Salem, Ore. — The Oregon Public Utility Commission Tuesday approved an order granting transfer of four dams on the Klamath River and associated property from PacifiCorp to the Klamath River Renewal Corporation.

The action by the Oregon PUC follows similar approvals from utility commissions in California, Idaho, and Wyoming, and means that all needed state regulatory reviews are complete for the Klamath dams to be transferred consistent with the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement.  State approvals of the transfer also affirm that dam removal under the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement remains a good outcome for the company’s electricity customers.  

“This is an important milestone toward full implementation of the Klamath settlement, and one that reflects the dedicated effort of our company, the states of Oregon and California, Klamath Basin Tribes, the KRRC and many other stakeholders to reach today’s outcome,” said Stefan Bird, President and CEO of Pacific Power, the unit of PacifiCorp that serves electricity customers in Oregon, California, and Washington. “It has been a difficult summer in the Klamath Basin due to drought and extreme weather. We hope the successful implementation of the dam removal agreement will help communities in the Basin move toward a broader solution of water-related natural resource conflicts in addition to protecting electricity customers.”

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in June 2021 approved the transfer of PacifiCorp’s operating license for the dams to the KRRC and the states of Oregon and California. The transfer of the license, and ultimate conveyance of the dams and associated property, will occur when FERC finishes a pending environmental review and approves a separate application from the KRRC to surrender the operating license in order to decommission and remove the dams. Parties to the Klamath dam removal agreement are planning for dam removal to begin in 2023.

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July 27, 2021

Oregon reports 1,032 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 5 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — There are five new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 2,843, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today. 

Oregon Health Authority reported 1,032 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 216,875.

“Today’s reported sharp rise in confirmed and presumptive cases and in hospitalizations in Oregon are sobering reminders that the pandemic is not over, especially for Oregonians who remain unvaccinated,” said Dr. Dean Sidelinger, state epidemiologist and state health officer. 

“The highly contagious Delta variant has increased tenfold in the past two weeks in Oregon, and it is now estimated to be associated with 80% of the new cases in Oregon. OHA continues to encourage all Oregonians who are eligible to make a plan to get vaccinated as soon as possible. We are also reviewing updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to assess opportunities for alignment in Oregon based on the increased cases and hospitalizations we are facing here in Oregon.”

Vaccinations in Oregon

Today, OHA reported that 5,018 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations were added to the state immunization registry. Of this total, 2,672 doses were administered on July 26 and 2,346 were administered on previous days but were entered into the vaccine registry on July 26.

The seven-day running average is now 4,594 doses per day.

Oregon has now administered 2,644,312 first and second doses of Pfizer, 1,779,091 first and second doses of Moderna and 179,508 single doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

As of today, 2,474,186 people have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 2,300,081 people have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series.

Cumulative daily totals can take several days to finalize because providers have 72 hours to report doses administered and technical challenges have caused many providers to lag in their reporting. OHA has been providing technical support to vaccination sites to improve the timeliness of their data entry into the state’s ALERT Immunization Information System (IIS).

To date, 3,009,645 doses of Pfizer, 2,287,600 doses of Moderna and 299,100 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered to sites across Oregon.

These data are preliminary and subject to change.

Updated vaccination data are provided on Oregon’s COVID-19 data dashboards and have been updated today.

COVID-19 hospitalizations

The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 259, which is 52 more than yesterday. There are 77 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is 19 more than yesterday.

The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day, nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.

More information about hospital capacity can be found here.

Cases and deaths

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (3), Benton (14), Clackamas (72), Clatsop (13), Columbia (13), Coos (4), Crook (8), Curry (5), Deschutes (35), Douglas (63), Gilliam (1), Grant (1),  Harney (2), Hood River (4), Jackson (107), Jefferson (19), Josephine (19), Klamath (18), Lake (2), Lane (92), Lincoln (13), Linn (27), Malheur (9), Marion (112), Morrow (4), Multnomah (74), Polk (24), Tillamook (3), Umatilla (112), Union (19), Wallowa (3), Wasco (9), Washington (98) and Yamhill (30). 

Oregon’s 2,839th COVID-19 death is an 87-year-old woman from Lane County who tested positive on July 22 and died on July 24 at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed. 

Oregon’s 2,840th COVID-19 death is an 84-year-old man from Lane County who tested positive on July 12 and died on July 23 at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center. He had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,841st COVID-19 death is a 95-year-old woman from Marion County who tested positive on July 16 and died on July 25 at Salem Hospital. She had underlying conditions. 

Oregon’s 2,842nd COVID-19 death is a 58-year-old man from Polk County who tested positive on July 15 and died on July 24 at Salem Hospital. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed. 

Oregon’s 2,843rd COVID-19 death is a 90-year-old man from Josephine County who tested positive on July 15 and died on July 25 at Asante Three Rivers Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

OHA does not report the vaccination status of people in our daily update of COVID-19 related deaths. However, statewide data show that people who remain unvaccinated are at much greater risk of infection and severe illness.

In June, 92% of the 7,241 COVID-19 cases and 94% of the 63 COVID-19-associated deaths occurred in unvaccinated Oregonians. On the first Thursday of each month, OHA publishes an update on vaccine breakthrough cases identified in Oregon. The findings shared in our last report, from July 1, indicate that this number remains very small when compared to the more than 2.2 million people who have completed a COVID-19 vaccination series.

Oregon updates non-viable vaccine disclosure^1,2,3

OHA’s non-viable vaccine table has been moved to the Tableau dashboard. You can find that link to the weekly tab here. OHA reports updates on vaccines not being used each Tuesday in our daily media release.

¹Updated: 07/27/21 

²Data source: ALERT Immunization Information System (IIS)

³Data is preliminary and subject to change.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations  

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine situation in Oregon, visit our webpage (English or Spanish), which has a breakdown of distribution and other information.

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WHO:               David Gerstenfeld, Acting Director, Oregon Employment Department and Gail Krumenauer, State Employment Economist

WHEN:             Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 1 p.m. PT

WHAT:           The Oregon Employment Department is hosting a video conference media briefing to share updates on economic and workforce-related trends, employment services, unemployment claims processing, claimant resources and more on July 28 at 1 p.m. PT.

WHERE:          Via Zoom video conference: Members of the media must RSVP for call information by emailing OED_Communications@oregon.gov by 12 p.m. PT on July 28. Video conference information will be provided to all reporters who RSVP.

OTHER:           The Oregon Employment Department is updating a claims processing progress data dashboard daily. Visit this link for weekday updates. A recording of the video conference will be emailed to reporters attending the briefing after the briefing concludes. 

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Equal Opportunity program — auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Contact: (503) 947-1794. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, call 711 Telecommunications Relay Services

Salem, Oregon -- A geometric mural by Portland artist Damien Gilley, commissioned through Oregon’s Percent for Art in Public Places Program, has been installed in Oregon Institute for Technology’s Student Recreation Center (TechRec).

Titled “Arena,” one immersive site-specific mural designed by Gilley extends the full length of a 75-foot walking corridor along both walls and the ceiling. A second related mural is located at the check-in area of TechRec. The mural design of geometric shapes and lines – painted primarily in a custom-mixed blue – communicates a visual representation of technology while responding directly to the Rec Center site and surrounding environment. The mural transforms the Recreation Center lower-level entrance into a kinetic experience as a person travels through the corridor. The viewer enters through a design reminiscent of a sports arena overhead and progresses through an increasingly energetic visual space that refers to speed and movement. Linear markings of the Rec Center court floor are used to playfully lead the viewer into the arena of athletic experience.

In 2020, Oregon Tech’s three-story 15,800 square foot Student Recreation Center was completely remodeled. The renovations provide a new wood multi-purpose sports court, aerobics/cardio and weight areas, a fitness studio and new locker rooms, an updated main floor lobby and a new coaches’ office area. The Recreation Center facilities are designed as bright and welcoming spaces for students to use independently or for intramural sports.

Guided by Oregon’s Percent for Art Statute, an art selection committee considered the most appropriate artwork for the building. Through a competitive process, the selection committee -- comprised of Oregon Tech faculty, staff, the project architects and local arts professionals and chaired by Renee Couture of the Arts Commission -- selected Gilley to create a site-specific mural for the corridor that connects the check-in area for the Recreation Center to the exterior of the building. Gilley’s artwork proposal aligned with the selection committee’s goals of commissioning an artwork that adds to the innovative and dynamic environment of OIT and the Rec Center, encourages engagement and curiosity, creates a sense of transition and relates to the local setting.

Gilley is a multi-disciplinary artist, educator and art director who makes artwork that creates perceptual moments that transform sites. He has exhibited nationally and internationally, including at Sharjah Art Museum (United Arab Emirates), Suyama Space (Seattle) and Bemis Center for Contemporary Art (Omaha, Nebraska). His work has been reviewed by Artform, Juxtapoz Art & Culture Magazine, and New York Times Art Beat, among other journals.

The mural is located on the lower level of the Recreation Center on Oregon Tech’s Klamath Falls campus (3201 Campus Drive).

Oregon's Percent for Art in Public Places Program

Oregon was one of the first states in the nation to pass Percent for Art legislation, placing works of art in public spaces throughout the state. Since then, the Percent for Art in Public Places program has maintained a commitment to the placement of permanent art of the highest quality in public places. Committees of local residents across Oregon make selections. The overall collection enhances the state’s public spaces and contributes to our well-recognized quality of life. 

Oregon Arts Commission

The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, funding and arts programs through its grants, special initiatives and services. Nine commissioners, appointed by the Governor, determine arts needs and establish policies for public support of the arts. The Arts Commission became part of Business Oregon (formerly Oregon Economic and Community Development Department) in 1993, in recognition of the expanding role the arts play in the broader social, economic and educational arenas of Oregon communities. In 2003, the Oregon legislature moved the operations of the Oregon Cultural Trust to the Arts Commission, streamlining operations and making use of the Commission’s expertise in grantmaking, arts and cultural information and community cultural development. The Arts Commission is supported with general funds appropriated by the Oregon legislature and with federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust.

More information about the Oregon Arts Commission: www.oregonartscommission.org 

Oregon Institute of Technology
Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech) is a public university based in Klamath Falls and the Portland metropolitan area. Oregon Tech was originally founded in 1947 as a vocational facility for World War II veterans. Over the years, it changed to a community college, then a four-year technical school, and is now a four-year university with graduate programs. As Oregon’s only polytechnic university, Oregon Tech specializes in engineering, technology, healthcare, business, communication and applied sciences.

July 27, 2021

Media contact: Aria Seligmann, 503-910-9239, i.l.seligmann@dhsoha.state.or.us">ari.l.seligmann@dhsoha.state.or.us

Program contact: Hilary Harrison, 503-209-1949, y.harrison@dhsoha.state.or.us">hilary.harrison@dhsoha.state.or.us  

System of Care Advisory Council meets remotely Tuesday August 3, 2021

What: A regular public meeting of the System of Care Advisory Council

When: Tuesday August 3, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Where: By webinar at ZoomGov

Meeting ID: 160 347 3675, Passcode: 123456

Dial by your location +1 669 254 5252 US (San Jose)

Agenda: The full agenda can be found at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HSD/BH-Child-Family/Pages/SOCAC.aspx. The meeting will include time for public comment.

Details: Senate Bill 1 (2019) established a Governor-appointed System of Care Advisory Council to improve the efficacy and effectiveness of the state and local continuum of care that provides services to youth and young adults. 

The council's primary focus for this meeting is on the strategic work to develop a comprehensive long-range plan for a coordinated state system. 

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written materials in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Hilary Harrison at 503-209-1949, 711 TTY, or y.harrison@dhsoha.state.or.us">hilary.harrison@dhsoha.state.or.us at least two business days before the meeting.

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. Today: Building a digital defense against rental car scams.

The summer of 2021 is a much different – and hopefully better – place for you and your family than the summer of 2020. States are lifting restrictions, and you are finally able to travel again!

That tropical beach – or the mountains – or even that big city across the country is calling, and there is nothing more that you want to do than hop on a plane and go. What you may find when you get there, though, is that renting a car is very difficult and expensive.

According to our friends at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), rental car availability is at an all-time low and prices are sky high. That, of course, gives scammers a prime opportunity.

The FTC says scammers are posing as rental car companies, setting up their own websites, and advertising fake customer service phone numbers. The goal is to convince you that they’re legit. 

You should consider it a big red flag if you are asked to pay with a gift card or prepaid debit card. Other ways to protect yourself include: 

• Research the rental car company by searching for the name of the company and words like “scam,” “complaint,” or “review” to check if other people have had a bad experience.
• Verify deals with the company directly. If you need customer support, look for contact info on the company’s official website. Don’t use a search engine result. Scammers can pay to place sponsored ads in search results, so they show up at the top or in the sponsored ad section.
• Pay with a credit card if possible. You can dispute credit card charges, but gift cards and prepaid debit cards can disappear like cash. Once you give the number and PIN to a scammer, the money is gone.

If you are the victim of any online fraud, you should also report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov or call your FBI local office.  

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SALEM, Oregon – The Oregon Heritage Commission will meet via online meeting on August 9 at 9am. The agenda includes nominations for Chair and Vice Chair of the Commission, recommendations for this fiscal year’s Oregon Cultural Trust Partner Funds, and a presentation by Nonprofit Association of Oregon. The meeting is open to the public and the agenda includes an opportunity for public comment. 

The Heritage Commission is comprised of nine people representing Oregon's heritage and geographical diversity who have been appointed by the Governor. There are nine advisory representatives from state agencies and statewide organizations. The mission of the Oregon Heritage Commission is to secure, sustain, and enhance Oregon's heritage by ensuring coordination of heritage initiatives by public and private organizations; advocacy on its behalf; education of the public about its extent and value; and promotion and celebration of its diversity. For more information, contact coordinator Katie Henry at 503-877-8834 or katie.henry@oregon.gov.

Commission meetings are open to the public and their agendas include opportunities for public comment. Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986‐0690 at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting.

For call-in details and the agenda or more information about the commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org.

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