An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody who walked away from a work crew is back in custody. Donald Jones walked away from a Warner Creek Correctional Facility work crew at Pacific Pine Wood Mill in Lakeview, Oregon at approximately 7:36 a.m. Monday, January 27, 2025. 

Jones was taken into custody by the California Highway Patrol at approximately 4:53 p.m., Monday, January 27, 2025, in Humboldt County, California.

####

RELEASE DATE:               Jan. 27, 2025

CONTACT PERSON:         On Duty PIO
CASE NUMBER:                 25-3314
 

Gresham, Ore.-- Gresham Police release the identity of the victim of a fatal shooting in Vance Park.

On Thursday, Jan. 23, shortly after 4 p.m., Jorge Ovidio Mateo Vasquez, 17-years-old, was shot and killed at Vance Park. His family has been notified of his death and is requesting privacy at this time. The family provided a photo for public release.

The East County Major Crimes Team (MCT) is continuing to investigate the shooting.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact Detective Huffman at frederick.huffman@greshamoregon.gov or Detective Snider at tim.snider@greshamoregon.gov and reference case number 25-3314.

###30###

Press Release  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
 

GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS ENDORSES SCHOOL REPLACEMENT LEVIES AND BONDS ON FEBRUARY BALLOT 
Investing in Education to Build a Stronger Workforce and Thriving Community 

Vancouver, Wash. -- The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) Board of Directors has unanimously endorsed the school replacement levies and bonds proposed by Clark County's seven school districts--Battle Ground, Evergreen, Hockinson, La Center, Mount Pleasant, Ridgefield, and Vancouver. The Chamber urges its members and all residents to vote YES for our schools in the February 11, 2025, special election, highlighting the essential role these measures play in building a stronger workforce and supporting community success. 

As workforce development continues to be a cornerstone of the GVC's mission, the Chamber emphasizes that strong public education is fundamental to preparing a skilled and adaptable workforce. Investments in schools directly impact the region's economic vitality, business growth, and ability to compete in a dynamic global marketplace. 

"A strong education system is critical for maintaining a thriving and sustainable workforce," said John McDonagh, President & CEO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber. "These proposed bonds and levies will address crucial needs in our schools, ensuring students have the tools and opportunities to succeed while strengthening our local economy." 

Why These Measures Matter 

The replacement levies and bonds aim to address vital needs in Clark County's schools, including: 

• Enhanced Campus Security: Investments in lockdown systems, School Resource Officers, and advanced emergency notification technologies. 

• Special Education Support: Funding to close the gaps left by state education budgets for special education services. 

• Facilities Maintenance: Proactive repairs and upgrades, such as roof and HVAC replacements, to ensure safe and effective learning environments. 

• Extracurricular Programs: Support for arts, drama, and athletics, as well as field improvements like synthetic turf for year-round use. 

If approved, the levies will fund essential programs and services from 2026 to 2029, benefiting every school in the districts and addressing the significant funding shortfalls left by the state's declining investment in education. 

Bridging the Funding Gap 

Despite the state's constitutional responsibility to fund basic education, the percentage of the state budget allocated to education has dropped significantly--from 52.4% in 2019 to just 43.1% in 2024. This decline underscores the critical importance of local levies and bonds in providing the resources necessary for students and schools to thrive. 

A Call to Action 

The GVC urges the community to "Say Yes to Our Schools" by supporting these measures. "By approving these levies and bonds, we're not just investing in education--we're investing in our community's future, ensuring students are prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow's workforce," McDonagh added. 

Ballots for the February 11, 2025, special election will be mailed on January 24 and should arrive in mailboxes by January 30. These replacement levies are not new taxes; they renew expiring levies and will provide critical funding to sustain school programs, services, and infrastructure for the next four years. 

For more information on the levies and bonds, visit the Clark County Elections website or contact your local school district. 

About the Greater Vancouver Chamber

SW Washington's largest business organization, the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), with nearly 1000 members, has been Moving Business Forward in southwest Washington for over 130 years through business advocacy, community building, education, and creating visibility for our members. The Chamber is a supportive alliance of diverse member businesses, individuals, and organizations, working together toward long-term business prosperity. The GVC is the heart of Clark County's business community, advocating for sound, sensible and dynamic policies that ensure a vital economic climate and prosperity for all. For more information, please visit VancouverUSA.com. 

(PORTLAND, Ore.) -- Recent findings from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) confirm what frontline caregivers at Providence hospitals have long been warning: Providence is failing to meet critical staffing requirements, putting patient care and worker safety at risk.

According to OHA's investigations into multiple staffing complaints at Providence Portland Medical Center and Providence Seaside Hospital, OHA found multiple violations of Oregon's hospital staffing laws, including failures to adopt required Nurse Staffing Plans (NSPs) in critical departments such as Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Cardiology, Critical Care, and Emergency Departments.

Providence recently stated, in a communication to staff, that "Providence ministries are complying with Oregon's staffing law...We will not agree to additional contract requirements that differ from the law." However, OHA's repeated findings of violations of Oregon's Safe Staffing Law tell a different story--one of a systemic and dangerous pattern of failing to follow even the most basic legal requirements.

OHA found that, at Providence Portland Medical Center, the hospital repeatedly failed to adopt legally-required Nurse Staffing Plans (NSPs) for critical units, including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Critical Care, Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, and Labor and Delivery. In recent complaint investigations, OHA cited Providence for failing to adopt staffing plans on 8 units at Providence Portland Medical Center. This means that--according to nurses on those units and the Hospital Staffing Committee--those units are not staffed appropriately for safe and therapeutic patient care. This systemic failure has left caregivers without the necessary staffing guidelines to provide safe and effective care. 

Additionally, the OHA investigation uncovered repeated violations in the Medical Oncology and Surgical Oncology units, where Providence failed to meet RN staffing levels across multiple shifts in June 2024, jeopardizing patient outcomes and staff well-being.

These violations in oncology units--where cancer patients require intensive and specialized care--demonstrate Providence's ongoing disregard for legally-mandated staffing levels. 

The pattern of non-compliance extends beyond Portland, as OHA also found that Providence Seaside Hospital failed to adopt required staffing plans for its Medical-Surgical (Med-Surg) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) departments by the June 1, 2024 deadline. Earlier this year, Providence was also found in violation at Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center for submitting a staffing plan it created rather than a more detailed plan that was approved by the Hospital Staffing Committee.

This failure to meet basic legal obligations underscores why caregivers are fighting for stronger, enforceable staffing protections in their contracts; Providence has repeatedly demonstrated it cannot be trusted to adhere to existing regulations without additional safeguards in place.

The Oregon Nurses Association urges Providence to acknowledge their ongoing staffing failures and negotiate in good faith to provide meaningful staffing protections and stop obstructing hospital nurse staffing committees. Caregivers remain committed to fighting for the safety of their patients and the integrity of their profession.

Chemeketa's Auditorium Continues Tradition of Providing Quality Entertainment for the Community

Salem, Ore., January 27, 2025 -- Chemeketa Community College is thrilled to present renowned violinist Frank Almond in a special Valentine's concert on Friday, February 15, at 7:30 PM. The event will take place at Chemeketa Community College, offering an evening of exceptional music and romance.

Frank Almond held the Charles and Marie Caestecker Concertmaster Chair with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra for 25 years and previously served as Concertmaster of the Rotterdam Philharmonic with Valery Gergiev and Guest Concertmaster of the London Philharmonic with Kurt Masur.

A celebrated soloist and chamber musician, Frank regularly performs with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and has graced stages across the U.S. and Europe. He is also the founder of Frankly Music, a highly regarded chamber music series in Milwaukee known for its innovative programming and world-class guest performers such as Lynn Harrel, Orion Weiss, and the Miró Quartet.

Frank's early career achievements include being one of the youngest prizewinners in the history of the Nicolo Paganini Competition in Genoa, Italy, at age 17. He later became one of two American prizewinners at the Eighth International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow, which was featured in an award-winning PBS documentary.

His extensive discography spans a diverse repertoire across multiple labels, earning him critical acclaim and numerous Grammy nominations.

Don't miss this enchanting evening filled with passion and romance. Whether you're a longtime admirer or discovering his music for the first time, Frank Almond's performance promises to be a memorable celebration of music and artistry.

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Chemeketa Community College
Tickets and Information: Frank Almond in Concert

Vancouver, Wash. -- On December 21, 2024, Vancouver Police responded to a bank robbery at the Bank of America at 1145 SE 164th Ave. During the robbery, a male entered the bank, presented a note and implied that he had a firearm. The suspect fled the bank and was not located by police. Vancouver Police Department Major Crimes Unit investigators obtained a photo from surveillance video and on December 30^th posted that photo of the suspect on the VPD X channel. Through tips from the public, detectives identified the suspect as Ryan Frisbie. Detectives learned Frisbie was the suspect in at least two other bank robberies in the Portland/metro area. Investigators also obtained a photo of the vehicle associated with him, which was an RV/Motorhome. A photo of that vehicle was distributed to patrol officers along with information on the robberies.

On January 24^th a Vancouver Police patrol officer noticed an RV in the parking lot of a Vancouver gas station that resembled the vehicle associated with Frisbie. As the RV left the lot, the officer followed, confirmed it was a match for the bank robbery suspect vehicle and Vancouver Police patrol officers conducted a high-risk traffic stop in the area of SE 160^th Avenue and took the driver into custody. The driver was identified as Ryan Frisbie. He was booked into the Clark County Jail for Robbery I.

The investigation is continuing.

###

You know the one. The teacher who changed your life. They helped you accomplish a big goal. They believed in you. Sometimes, you still hear their voice in your head when you need guidance. Fast forward to today, thousands of teachers are leaving their mark on future leaders.

Nominate an outstanding teacher by Feb. 6.

The nomination process is quick, and the teacher can decide whether they'd like to apply.

Details about how it actually works are below:

• You nominate one or more outstanding teachers by Feb. 6. Teachers must have an active teaching license, must teach preK through 12th grade in an Oregon public school and should be planning to teach during the 2025-26 school year.
• The Oregon Department of Education invites all nominees to apply by April 6.
• Evaluating committees organized by Oregon's 19 ESDs will review applications and select regional winners in the spring.
• Regional winners will be announced in the fall of 2025. Every regional winner receives $1,000 at a special recognition ceremony and will be considered for statewide recognition.
• The Oregon Department of Education in partnership with the Oregon Lottery announces Oregon's Teacher of the Year a few weeks after regional winners are announced. The statewide winner receives a gift of $10,000 as well as a special fund to cover travel costs for the year and an additional gift of $5,000 for their school.
• Read more about the process. 

We were thrilled to recognize Forest Grove third grade teacher Kayla Davidson as our Regional Teacher of the Year in September. 

To celebrate Davidson's award, the Fern Hill community came together for an assembly led by Principal Rogelio Martinez. They were joined by Forest Grove Superintendent Dr. Suzanne West, Forest Grove Board Chair Kristy Kottkey, Oregon State Senator Janeen Sollman and NWRESD Board Member Doug Dougherty. Her fiancé surprised her with a bouquet of flowers and traditional lei ceremony during the event.

"Her students come to her with diverse needs and Kayla meets all of them where they are, supports and pushes them to be the best they can be," said one colleague in Davidson's nomination. "We can see from the data that her students feel welcomed, supported, and excited to come to school and learn."

Watch the video about her recognition.

SALEM, Ore. -- The Adaptive Management Program Committee will meet at noon on Monday, Feb. 3 in the Clatsop Room, Building C, at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, located at 2600 State St. in Salem. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee's agenda includes:

• Discuss amphibians research questions package (Substantial decision item)

• Discuss the IRST's scoping proposal on eastern Oregon steep slopes questions

• Discuss potential modifications to the AMPC charter (Substantial decision item)

The meeting is open to the public to attend in person and online via Zoom. Public comments will be accepted near the start of the meeting. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at ogram@odf.oregon.gov">adaptivemanagementprogram@odf.oregon.gov.

The 13-member committee The Adaptive Management Program Committee helps determine if forest practices are meeting their goals to protect natural resources through a science-based and transparent process. The committee sets the research agenda that the Independent Research and Science Team (IRST) implements. View more information on the AMPC webpage.

Salem, OR--Oregonians looking to file their taxes for free could find help as close as their local library.

Volunteers from the Oregon Department of Revenue will be traveling to libraries in 18 different communities across the state in February, March, and April to assist taxpayers in using the free combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon to complete their returns.

Upcoming stops include:

February 4

Crook County Library

175 NW Meadow Lakes Drive, Prineville, OR 97754

8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

February 5

Pendleton Public Library

502 SW Dorion Ave, Pendleton, OR 97801

8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

February 6

The Dalles Wasco County Library

722 Court Street, The Dalles, OR 97058

10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Taxpayers can find more information on the department's Free Direct File assistance at local libraries webpage.

The IRS estimates that 640,000 Oregon taxpayers will be able to e-file both their federal and state returns for free in 2025 using the combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon.

The department believes that offering free assistance will help maximize the number of Oregonians who choose to use the new free option and make it possible for many who don't have a filing requirement to file and claim significant federal and state tax credits for low-income families.

For example, the IRS estimates that one in five Oregon taxpayers eligible to claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit are not doing so. One Oregon organization estimates that the unclaimed credits have totaled nearly $100 million in recent years.

Taxpayers should use the IRS eligibility checker to see if they'll be able to use IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon. Eligible taxpayers should set up an IRS online account and an account with Oregon's Revenue Online before they come to an event. Taxpayers attending an event should bring the following information with them.

Identification documents

• Social security card or ITIN for everyone on your tax return
• Government picture ID for taxpayer and spouse if filing jointly (such as driver's license or passport)

Common income and tax documents

• Forms W2 (wages from a job)

• Forms 1099 (other kinds of income)
• Form SSA-1099 (Social Security Benefits)

Optional documents

• Canceled check or bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit
• Last year's tax return

Taxpayers can signup for the new "Oregon Tax Tips" direct email newsletter to keep up with information about tax return filing and how to claim helpful tax credits. 

At 0920 am on January 27, 2025, Bend Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a reported structure fire at 23220 Hwy 20 East.  Initial reports were of a building on fire, with possibly multiple outbuildings on fire.  First arriving crews found an approximately 1,000 square foot shop building fully engulfed, with attached lean-tos also engulfed.  Fire crews initiated a defensive attack due to heavy fire conditions and were able to quickly knock down the fire before it could spread to nearby structures or trailers.  The shop building was not occupied at the time of the fire, and the homeowner was not displaced by the fire.  No Red Cross assistance was needed.  Bend Fire & Rescue did receive mutual aid in the form of two water tenders from Alfalfa Fire and traffic control by Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).  Fire operations are prolonged due to a lack of water supply in the area, with the necessity to utilize water tenders and portable tanks.  

The fire is under investigation at this time, with losses estimated at $50,000 to the structure and $25,000 to the contents.  

Please drive with caution if you are in the area, as mop up operations are still ongoing as of 12:30 pm.  

SALEM, Ore. -- The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) welcomes back 70 firefighters who've been assigned to the fires in Los Angeles County, California for the past two weeks. While in California, the six strike teams were split between the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire.

"We're happy to help however we can when we receive the call from one of our partner states," said Chris Cline, ODF's Fire Protection Division Chief. "By strengthening our inter-state relationships and agreements, we can provide reciprocal support to one another by sending resources through faster channels."

The firefighters went to California under state-to-state mutual assistance agreements, which create a reciprocal cache of resources all parties can access when needed. This is especially vital when local and national ordering systems are overtaxed. Partnerships like these are critical to quick, nimble response in today's wildfire environment and can quickly bolster a requesting state's capabilities.

"We call this the complete and coordinated fire system," Cline explained. "The relationships built through deployments like these benefit Oregon when our fire season hits its peak."

When wildfire activity is low in Oregon, like during winter, firefighters can be spared to help in places experiencing high levels of wildfire. Oregon can and has called on those same states to send firefighters and equipment when wildfires here exceed local capacity. Most recently, Oregon gratefully welcomed 21 firefighters from California to help fill middle management gaps during the 2024 fire season. Overall, Oregon brought in more than 500 people through agreements ODF has with more than 20 states and Canadian provinces and territories.

Additionally, sending ODF firefighters on out-of-state deployments helps them grow as firefighters. In addition to expanding their professional networks outside of Oregon, firefighters learn new suppression tactics and gain experience fighting fire in different environments. The skills and lessons learned brought back from these off-season deployments are then applied to better protect Oregonians, communities and our state's natural resources.

Vancouver, Wash. -- Clark County Public Health's We Compost program is celebrating the residents and community partners who have united to reduce food waste in Clark County -- and media is invited to join the celebration! 

We Compost offers Clark County residents free and convenient access to composting service through established drop-off locations, or community hubs, across the county.  

Media are invited to attend the celebration event Tuesday, Jan. 28 in Vancouver and obtain video and/or photos of the following activities: 

• 12:30 pm: Presentation by Cark County Solid Waste Operations staff about the county's innovative strategies to divert food waste from the landfill, statistics on the program's success and plans for the future of the program. 

• 1 pm: Guided roundtable discussion with community hub site leaders. 

Clark County staff and community hub site leaders will be available for interviews after the scheduled activities conclude at 1:30 pm. Media will also be able to record video and/or take photos at the community hub site. 

Please confirm attendance with Marissa Armstrong at Public Health (issa.armstrong@clark.wa.gov">marissa.armstrong@clark.wa.gov) prior to the event to receive event location information. 

About the program 

We Compost Community Hubs connect the community by increasing access to composting for people who live in multifamily residences or outside of the curbside organics service areas. The program inspires residents to transform their food waste disposal practices to lessen climate impacts and support Washington's organics management goals. In 2024, over 50,000 pounds of food waste was diverted from the landfill through the We Compost program. Learn more about the program on the We Compost website.   

THIS UPDATES A PREVIOUS RELEASE FROM JANUARY 22

SEASIDE, Ore. -- January 27, 2025 -- Rocky Alan Guerrero, a 53-year-old Seaside resident, has been identified as the individual who succumbed to the fire at the Avenue S homeless encampment on Thursday, Jan. 22. A candle was determined to be the cause of the fire, which was contained to Guerrero's campsite. No other injuries or damages were reported.

end of updated release

Investigation Underway After Homeless Camp Fire

SEASIDE, Ore. -- January 22, 2025 -- At approximately 12:58 p.m. today, the Seaside Police Department and Seaside Fire & Rescue responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting a fire at the homeless camp located at 855 Avenue S in Seaside.

Upon arrival, first responders observed smoke coming from the encampment. A resident helped contain the fire to a single tent using a nearby hose before emergency personnel arrived at approximately 1:02 p.m.

Tragically, one individual was found deceased. However, no details regarding the identity are confirmed at this time. 

The investigation into the fire and death is ongoing. Detectives from the Seaside Police Department, assisted by area detectives and a medicolegal death investigator, are working to determine the cause of death. Seaside Fire & Rescue is conducting a thorough investigation to help determine the origin and cause of the fire.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

end of release

Council for the Homeless' Project Homeless Connect event is set for Jan. 30 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at New Life Recovery Services (formerly The Lord's Gym), 2410 Grand Blvd., Vancouver, Wash. Project Homeless Connect is a one-day event to help people living without homes easily access a variety of resources in one location. Offerings include housing information; eyeglasses; help signing up for social service benefits and healthcare; employment resources; winter clothing; hygiene items; foot care; a pet clinic; and lunch. Anyone throughout Clark County who is experiencing homelessness is encouraged to attend.

"Project Homeless Connect has served Clark County's unhoused community for 17 years," said Iden Campbell, Council for the Homeless' continuum of care manager. "Through this annual event, we provide community members access to services they may not otherwise receive. We look forward to our continued commitment to the unhoused community by providing opportunities and a gateway to much-needed services." 

Interpreters will be at the event to assist people who speak Chuukese, Spanish and Russian. Shuttle service will be available via three routes to and from the event. Pickup/dropoff locations will be posted on Council for the Homeless' Instagram and Facebook social media. 

New Life Recovery Services is donating the use of its facility for Project Homeless Connect. The event is sponsored by Molina Healthcare and Wellpoint. Northwest Natural Gas Co. is the catering sponsor. Couve Collective is providing logistical support to Council for the Homeless for the event. 

Point in Time count

On the same day, the annual countywide census of persons without homes, known as the Point in Time (PIT) count, will take place. Every year the PIT count provides a census of the number of individuals and households who are currently unsheltered, in an emergency shelter, or in transitional housing on the last Thursday in January. During the last 10 days of January, agencies and volunteers from across Washington State will collect data to comply with Washington State Department of Commerce requirements. Data and analysis from PIT will be released in spring 2025.

CFTH staff, partner agencies and trained community volunteers will divide the county into 13 outreach zones. These teams travel to the zones early Thursday morning and throughout the day to ask survey questions of people living outside, in a tent, in a trailer with no running water, in their car, or escaping domestic violence, and to encourage them to attend PHC. 

The PIT survey includes voluntary questions regarding the last permanent ZIP code, demographics, and the circumstances that contributed to homelessness. An important aspect of the count is to "de-duplicate" people who may be counted more than once that day in order to provide a more accurate count. 

###

Council for the Homeless is a nonprofit organization that provides community leadership, compelling advocacy and practical solutions to prevent and end homelessness in Clark County, Wash. www.councilforthehomeless.org

Press Release  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
January 27, 2025

GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER LAUNCHES THE SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON NONPROFIT COLLECTIVE: STRENGTHENING NONPROFITS ACROSS THE REGION

The Chamber has leveraged its extensive connections with nonprofits and business leaders to create a comprehensive support system for nonprofit success.

Vancouver, Wash. -- The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is proud to announce the rebranding of its nonprofit programming under a new identity: the Southwest Washington Nonprofit Collective. This evolution reflects the Chamber's expanded role in supporting nonprofits across Southwest Washington through robust programming, advocacy, and resources.

Since launching the Nonprofit POD in 2022, the Chamber has significantly broadened its services to nonprofit organizations. This growth has been further bolstered by GVC's integration of the Nonprofit Network of Southwest Washington, previously a volunteer-run organization. The Chamber has leveraged its extensive connections with nonprofits and business leaders to create a comprehensive support system for nonprofit success.

Key Programs Under the Southwest Washington Nonprofit Collective

• Technical Assistance Nonprofit POD: Providing tailored support to nonprofit organizations.

• Nonprofit Workshops: Delivering expertise on critical topics such as governance, compliance, and fundraising.

• Nonprofit Advocacy: Representing nonprofit interests at the local, state, and national levels. This year, GVC testified on a house bill affecting nonprofits just three days into the legislative session.

• Board Ready Certification Program: Preparing community members to serve effectively on nonprofit boards.

• Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership Training Program: Building strong leadership and succession capabilities within nonprofit organizations.

• Nonprofit Networking Events: Creating opportunities for nonprofits to collaborate and share resources.

• Volunteer Match-Up: Partner with local agencies to connect volunteers in Southwest Washington to nonprofits by matching their skills, availability, and interests with the nonprofits' specific needs.

• Give More 24!: Hosting the region's largest annual giving day, spotlighting nonprofit missions and engaging community members.

Supporting Nonprofit Success Through Advocacy and Collaboration

The Chamber's efforts extend beyond technical assistance. With strengthened relationships with local legislators and partnerships with economic development organizations statewide, GVC is poised to influence policies impacting nonprofits. By amplifying nonprofit voices, the Chamber ensures that critical issues facing the sector are addressed effectively.

Building Connections Between Nonprofits and Businesses

A unique feature of the Nonprofit Collective is its focus on connecting nonprofits with local businesses. From legal experts in nonprofit law to marketing agencies specializing in cause-driven campaigns, GVC brings together resources to strengthen nonprofits' operations and outreach.

Impact and Reach

Since 2022, the Chamber's nonprofit programming has actively served over 100 nonprofits spanning 20+ sectors and multiple counties, including Clark, Cowlitz, and Skamania. These organizations benefit from innovative programming and access to community leaders dedicated to fostering a thriving nonprofit ecosystem.

Vision for the Future

"At the Greater Vancouver Chamber, we are committed to building community, capacity, and leadership within the nonprofit sector. The Southwest Washington Nonprofit Collective reflects our dedication to empowering nonprofits to forward their missions, retain staff, and increase visibility in their communities," said Janet Kenefsky, Chief Operating Officer at GVC. "Through collaboration, advocacy, and resources, we're shaping a stronger, more connected nonprofit community."

For more information about the Southwest Washington Nonprofit Collective and its programs, please visit https://www.vancouverusa.com/swwa-nonprofit-collective/

About the Greater Vancouver Chamber

SW Washington's largest business organization, the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), with nearly 1000 members, has been Moving Business Forward in southwest Washington for over 130 years through business advocacy, community building, education, and creating visibility for our members. The Chamber is a supportive alliance of diverse member businesses, individuals, and organizations, working together toward long-term business prosperity. The GVC is the heart of Clark County's business community, advocating for sound, sensible and dynamic policies that ensure a vital economic climate and prosperity for all. For more information, please visit VancouverUSA.com. 

###

Seaside, OR -- To enhance service to the Clatsop County community, the Oregon Department of Human Services opened a new building that houses Child Welfare, Oregon Eligibility Partnership Self-Sufficiency Programs.  People who need these services can access them all in one place. Walk-in services and appointments are available at this ODHS office. The new building is located at 1111 Roosevelt Drive.

An Open House is planned for Friday, January 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for anyone who wants to come see the new office.

 "I'm very excited about this new location! We have a real opportunity that promotes equitable access for all and having a one stop location that encompasses a variety of well-being resources and services for the people we serve," Tim Cork, ODHS District Manager, said.

This new location, located near the Seaside Outlet Mall stores, will be a multi-service facility providing services and supports to children and families. People will be able to get support with their cash and food assistance as well as health care benefits all in one place.

Students from the Warrenton Middle and Grade schools have been invited to create art for the Child Welfare lobby. It is expected that students will be decorating a 12x14 inch wood hexagon. The hexagon shape represents the Interdependence Hexagon Project. The Hexagon project's mission is to spread the meaning of interdependence through school and community and to promote a sense of belonging to a broader community and common humanity. The themes typically are social justice, identity, peace and the environment expressed through art. The art is expected to be finished by April. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                     

Sydney Mead

Downtown Portland Clean & Safe

smead@portlandalliance.com

Janel Knight Trulear

EMC Communications

janel@emccommunications.com 

(617) 875-6581 

NEW DATA: Downtown Foot Traffic Shows Steady Growth Year-Over-Year, Worker Presence Increases 8% in 2024 

Major events return as city sees sustained recovery with five months of 2024 hitting 2.4M visitor milestone 

Jan. 27, 2025, Portland, OR -- Downtown Portland continues to show strong signs of recovery, with employee foot traffic increasing 8% in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to new data from Downtown Portland Clean & Safe. 

Foot traffic has been steadily rising, with a 3% overall increase in 2024 over 2023. Notably, foot traffic reached a post-pandemic high of more than 2.4 million visitors during five separate months in 2024, coinciding with the return of major events and concerts to the city center. Overall foot traffic has increased 54% from the district's pandemic low point in 2021.

"Downtown Portland continues to show encouraging signs of recovery, with five months reaching the significant milestone of 2.4 million visitors in 2024," said Mark Wells, Executive Director of Downtown Portland Clean & Safe. "The steady increase in overall foot traffic, and particularly the notable uptick in worker presence downtown, demonstrates that our recovery continues to move in the right direction."

The increased foot traffic coincides with improvements across several key areas and the return of signature events to the city center:

• Major events choosing downtown: The Rockstar Energy Open drew thousands to Tom McCall Waterfront Park, while Live Nation concerts at Providence Park, including the Foo Fighters, brought 30,000 attendees downtown.

• Employee presence: Downtown sees its strongest weekday activity Tuesday through Thursday.

• Tourism continues its strong recovery, especially in June and July when room demand increased by more than 10% and August when room demand increased by more than 17%. The trend continued through fall with increases greater than 5% in September and November and nearly 8% in October.

• 40 retail businesses opened in the Downtown Portland Clean & Safe District in 2023 and 36 retail businesses in 2024. 

"The return of iconic events like Project Pabst and new attractions like the Rockstar Energy Open and Coraline's Curious Cat Trail, combined with consistent growth in worker traffic and visitor numbers, shows that Portland is reclaiming its status as a premier destination for both culture and commerce," said Andrew Hoan, president and CEO of the Portland Business Alliance and the Portland Metro Chamber. "We're seeing a revitalized downtown that's attracting both local workers and tourists, creating an increasingly dynamic city center."

Downtown Portland Clean & Safe has been tracking foot traffic in its district since 2009. In 2022 we began using Placer.ai data to count visitors within the 213-block area that make up the Clean & Safe enhanced services district.

###

About Downtown Portland Clean & Safe District

The Downtown Portland Clean & Safe District was established in 1988 to support additional cleaning and security in a 213 block-area of Portland's Central City. In addition to these important services, the district supports market research, retail recruitment and retention for Downtown Portland. The district is managed by the Portland Business Alliance under the direction of the district's board of directors. Learn more at cleanandsafepdx.com.

Donald Jones, an adult in custody with the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC), walked away from a work crew at Pacific Pine Wood Mill, 17634 US Highway 395 in Lakeview, Oregon at approximately 7:36 a.m. Monday, January 27, 2025.  

Jones, 39, is a white male weighing 275 lbs., 6' tall, with blue eyes, and brown hair. He was last seen wearing blue jeans and institution issued clothing, that clothing was discovered after his departure. DOC will update details as they become available. 

Jones entered DOC custody on June 4, 2024, for Attempt to Elude a Police Vehicle and Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle out of Coos County. His earliest release date is July 22, 2025. He was housed at Warner Creek Correctional Facility.

The DOC Fugitive Apprehension Unit and the Oregon State Police are investigating. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts should contact the Oregon State Police at 1-800-452-7888, the non-emergency number of their local police department, or the DOC Fugitive Apprehension Unit at 503-569-0734. Do not approach Fugitive Jones.

Jones was housed at Warner Creek Correctional Facility, a minimum-security prison in Lakeview that houses approximately 486 adults in custody who are within four years of release. WCCF provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, transitional programs, religious services, and work crews. WCCF has a contact center on site through Oregon Corrections Enterprises. WCCF opened in September 2005 and is Oregon's newest operating prison. It received the State Energy Efficiency Design (SEED) award in May 2008 for its progress in design efficiency. The most energy-efficient element at WCCF is the use of geothermal energy, providing 100 percent of the hot water to the facility.

####

Salem, OR-- As the IRS and the state begin accepting tax year 2024 returns today, the Oregon Department of Revenue is offering taxpayers a list of suggestions to aid in efficiently processing their return and common errors to avoid that could slow things down and delay their refund.

File electronically, request direct deposit

On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund two weeks sooner than those who file paper returns and request paper refund checks.

E-filed returns will be processed in the order they are received. However, as in years past, the department won't be issuing personal income tax refunds until after February 15. A refund hold is part of the department's tax fraud prevention efforts and allows for confirmation that the amounts claimed on tax returns match what employers and payers report on Forms W-2 and 1099.

Sending a duplicate paper return through the mail after e-filing will a delay a refund. Taxpayers should file just once unless they need to make a change to their return.

Gather all tax records before filing

Having all necessary records is essential to filing a complete and accurate tax return and avoiding errors. Taxpayers should wait to file until they have all their tax records, including Form W-2s from their employers and Form 1099s reporting other income.

Getting in a hurry can cause taxpayers to file before they have all the information necessary to report all of their income. If income reported on a return doesn't match the income reported by employers, the return, and any corresponding refund, will be delayed.

If taxpayers receive more or corrected tax records after filing a return, they should file an amended return to report any changes.

Revenue Online

Before beginning the filing process, taxpayers should make sure their information is current in Revenue Online, the state's internet tax portal. They should check their username, password, and address; and verify any estimated tax payments they've made. Those who don't have a Revenue Online account can sign up on the agency's website.

Revenue Online is the best way to communicate with the department. Refunds for taxpayers that are new to filing returns may be delayed so the department can verify their identity. Taxpayers who receive a letter requesting identity verification are urged to respond promptly through Revenue Online to speed the processing of their return.

Refunds can also be delayed when errors are identified on returns. Taxpayers who receive a letter requesting additional information are urged to respond promptly through Revenue Online to speed the processing of their return.

Download Form 1099-G

The department reminds taxpayers that it no longer mails taxpayers Form 1099-G, which reports the amount of refunds, credits, or other offsets of personal income, statewide transit individual tax, TriMet transit self-employment tax, or Lane transit self-employment tax during the previous year.

Only those who itemized deductions on their tax year 2023 federal income tax return will need a Form 1099-G to file their tax year 2024 return. Those taxpayers can view and download their Form 1099-G through Revenue Online. 

Taxpayers who received unemployment insurance or Paid Leave Oregon benefits in 2024, will receive a separate 1099-G by January 31 from the Oregon Employment Department.

Free filing options

Free electronic filing through the combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon is available this year. Taxpayers are encouraged to use the IRS Eligibility Checker to see if they qualify to file directly with the IRS and the state. An instructional video on how to use the direct file option is now available on the Department of Revenue You Tube page.

In addition to IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon, other free filing options will also open today. Free guided tax preparation is available from several companies for taxpayers that meet income requirements. Free fillable forms are available for all income levels. Using links from the department's website ensures that both taxpayers' federal and state return will be filed for free.

Free and low-cost tax help

Free tax preparation services are available for low- to moderate-income taxpayers through AARP and CASH Oregon. United Way also offers free tax help through their MyFreeTaxes program. Visit the Department of Revenue website to take advantage of the software and free offers and get more information about free tax preparation services.

Taxpayers can sign up for the new "Oregon Tax Tips" direct email newsletter to keep up with information about tax return filing and how to claim helpful tax credits.  

On January 24^th, 2025, at around 1500 hours, the Newport Police Department and Lincoln County Sheriff's Office responded to the area of Sam Case Elementary School on the report of a male subject who had a firearm and was acting threatening. The subject, identified as TIMOTHY BOTTORFF, was located walking east bound on NE Eads, near NE 7^th street. BOTTORFF was immediately contacted and found to be in the possession of an airsoft pistol that looked identical to a real firearm. Investigation revealed that BOTTORFF was yelling angrily, making aggressive body movements, and had his replica handgun openly displayed as he approached the eastern doors of Sam Case Elementary. Parents who were in the area to pickup their children reported the incident, and the school was immediately locked down.

During the investigation, BOTTORFF attempted to flee police on foot. BOTTORFF was quickly taken to the ground and arrested. While fleeing, BOTTORFF attempted to throw a meth pipe and a bag of methamphetamine.

BOTTORFF was arrested and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail for the following charges:

TIMOTHY AARON BOTTORFF, 48

• Disorderly Conduct II
• Menacing
• Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine
• Tampering with Evidence
• Escape III
• Resisting Arrest

The Newport Police Department would like to thank the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office for their assistance during this incident.

The incident remains under investigation.  If you have any information regarding this case, contact Officer Cullivan of the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348. The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856 or tipline@newportpolice.net.

Information Released By: Sgt. Bales, 541-574-3348

The tactical incident in the Hosford-Abernethy Neighborhood has concluded and a suspect has been arrested.

On Monday, January 27, 2025, at approximately 5:00 a.m., PPB officers responded to reports of a burglary at a business in the 2400 block of Southeast 10^th Avenue. When officers arrived, they determined an individual, who was possibly armed, was inside the business. Officers worked for an hour to get the individual to exit the building, but he refused. After multiple attempts to contact the suspect went unanswered, PPB's Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) and Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT), teams specially trained to handle incidents like this one, responded to the scene to assist. At approximately 7:30 a.m., a small team of SERT officers entered the business and made contact with the suspect. At 7:42 a.m., the individual was taken into custody without incident.

The suspect's name and charges will be released when he is booked into jail.

Roads in the area have re-opened. PPB appreciates the patience of people who live and work in the neighborhood.

###PPB###

Original Message Below

The Portland Police Bureau's Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) and Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) are responding to reports of a burglary in the Hosford-Abernethy Neighborhood.

On Monday, January 27, 2025, at approximately 5:00 a.m., PPB officers responded to reports of a burglary at a business in the 2400 block of Southeast 10^th Avenue. When officers arrived, they determined an individual, who is possibly armed, was inside the business. SERT and CNT are responding to the scene.

People in the area are asked to remain indoors during this incident. Streets will be closed as police work to bring the suspect into custody safely.

A PIO is responding to the scene. More information will be released when appropriate.

###PPB###

Kelso High School's 6^th Annual Teal Out for Team Jules basketball games will be held Tuesday, January 28th.  The Kelso Hilanders take on the Mountain View Thunder with the Boys Varsity play at 5:30 PM and Girls Varsity playing at 7:00 PM.

This 6^th Annual Teal Out for Team Jules has grown from being a Teal Out, held each year in memory of 2016 Kelso High School graduate Julia Hiatt, who was deeply admired for her compassion and commitment to community, into the Kelso Kind Project.  This project aims to highlight our commitment to foster a culture of kindness, inclusion, and community here at Kelso High School and across the Kelso School District.

During these Teal Out games, we will recognize students at all grade levels across the district who stand out at their schools as being Kelso Kind.  Elementary students will be honored at half-time of the boys 5:30 PM game and the secondary students will be honored at half-time of the girls 7:00 PM game.

Kelso High School Pep Club students will also be raising money for the Julia Hiatt Memorial Scholarship through the Kelso Public Schools Foundation.  This scholarship will be award to a Kelso High School Senior, who like Julia, makes Kelso a better place for their peers; someone who believes in doing good for others just for the sake of being kind and who inspires others through their actions.

Wear your Be Kind and Gratitude gear or teal and come support your Kelso Hilanders as they take on the Mountain View Thunder, highlight the Kelso Kind Project, and honor our Kelso Kind honorees and Julia's legacy as we raise money for the scholarship in her name.

If you would like to purchase BE KIND gear, it can be purchased here: https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/bekind2025 in your Kelso School District colors.

If you are unable to attend these games and would like to donate, donations to the Julia Hiatt Memorial Scholarship will be graciously accepted at the Kelso High School ASB office through February 28^th and at all times at https://wa-kelso-lite.intouchreceipting.com/JuliaHiattMemorialScholarship or directly through the Kelso Public Schools Foundation.

On January 23^rd, 2025, at around 2053 hours, members of the Newport Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by NORMAN CASAS for an ongoing narcotics investigation. Officers had received information that CASAS was transporting a large quantity of narcotics inside of the vehicle. Officers had also received information that CASAS was selling narcotics out of a motel room at 754 SW Coast Hwy. Newport Police Department Narcotics Detection K9 Zoe alerted to the odor of narcotics coming from the vehicle. Officers executed a search warrant on CASAS' motel room and the vehicle.

Officers located a commercial quantity of methamphetamine (over one-half pound) inside of the vehicle. Officers additionally located drug use and sales paraphernalia, drug packaging materials, and digital scales.

Arrested at the scene and lodged in the Lincoln County Jail were the following persons for the following charges;

NORMAN FREDRICK CASAS, 51

• Unlawful Manufacture Methamphetamine
• Unlawful Delivery Methamphetamine
• Unlawful Possession Methamphetamine
• Unlawful Possession Schedule II Controlled Substance (Fentanyl)

The incident remains under investigation.  If you have any information regarding this case, contact Officer Mangum of the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348. The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856 or tipline@newportpolice.net.

Information Released By: Sgt. Bales, 541-574-3348

New exhibition examines Indigenous representation and identity during a period of regional transformation

BEND, OR -- In 1903, having immigrated from Japan, Frank Sakae Matsura (1873-1913) arrived in newly incorporated Okanogan County along the U.S.--Canadian border in Washington state. Matsura had been formally trained in photography and established a studio in the small town of Okanogan, a cultural and geographic "borderland" where he, as an outsider, witnessed a time of change in the region.

In his studio, Matsura created detailed portraits of the Indigenous people of the region. More than a century later, his work is now receiving attention as some of the most visually potent and nuanced images of Indigenous peoples from the era--conceptually sophisticated and collaborative portraits of individuals and families with whom he maintained trusting relationships. The detailed images share their lived experiences and converging customs during a time of transition.

Matsura's work will be shared in a new exhibition opening February 1, 2025, at the High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon. Frank S. Matsura: Portraits from the Borderland will feature 39 photographs recovered from Matsura's archive paired with period-specific cultural items from the Indigenous Plateau, a High Desert region that encompasses the Columbia River and its tributaries. Exploring Indigenous representation through detailed photography as well as objects, the exhibition spotlights some of Matsura's most culturally significant work against a backdrop of regional transformation in the early 20^th century.

The exhibition originated at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture in Spokane, Wash. Matsura's photographs are blown up to better share their impressive detail. They capture moments that reveal Syilx (Okanogan) communities adapting to a changing time. The exhibition includes cultural objects, such as gloves, beaded cornhusk bags and leggings, drawn from the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture's collection and from the Doris Swayze Bounds collection at the High Desert Museum. They will be next to Matsura's photographs to bring to life attire featured in Matsura's photographs.

"By sharing Frank Matsura's compelling photographs alongside objects and contemporary videography, this exhibition offers a rich exploration of Indigenous communities and stories in the Plateau region," said Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D.

Washington State University Associate Professor Michael Holloman (Colville Confederated Tribes), a curator of the original exhibition, is helping guide the High Desert Museum's exhibition. He will also soon publish a book about Matsura's life with PA Press/Chronicle Books. Holloman calls Matsura a fascinating figure who made choices that raise more questions than answers--including why he left Japan, briefly settled in Seattle, where there was a significant-size Japanese immigrant community, and then left again to make a home east of the Cascade mountains in the very rural Okanogan region of the Columbia River Plateau.

Immediately, Matsura became a popular member of the Okanogan community, and 10 years later when he died suddenly, his funeral became a community-wide event. During his lifetime, Matsura attracted many people from across the region for portraiture, including individuals and families from upper Indigenous Plateau tribal communities. Among Matsura's total body of work are visually potent, intimate and collaborative studio portraits telling nuanced stories of regional Indigenous identity.

"Frank clearly was personable and had a sense of humor, and he clearly developed relationships with the people he photographed," Holloman said. "As a Japanese immigrant he was also new to cultures in North America and in the region where he settled, which perhaps freed him to approach portraiture without enforcing the stereotypes that were common at that time."

The exhibition has four themes: The Myth of the Vanishing Indian, Beauty and Utility, Collapsing Hierarchy and Geijutsu Shashin (Photographic Art). Each theme considers various ways in which Matsura's artistic legacy challenges stereotypes, unsettles power dynamics in image-making, and fills important gaps in historical and regional narratives.

Unlike some of his contemporaries, whose work reinforced erroneous beliefs that Indigenous people would soon disappear, Matsura's portraits share Indigenous people choosing their own identities. Gingham and plaid, work wear and crocheted accessories blend fluidly with "trade blankets," glass beads and natural ancestral materials. Instead of nostalgia, Matsura's portraits point to an ongoing and complex cycle of reinvention.

The Plateau cultural belongings and regalia featured in Matsura's portraiture are at once functional, vibrant and symbolic. Some materials, like buckskin, evoke durability and continuity. Others, like glass beads introduced by the fur trade, represent invention and transition. Floral motifs embellishing many of these items are influenced by European embroidery patterns, translated into regionally specific iconography meaningful to Plateau communities.

Paired with cultural items in the gallery, Holloman said, "these objects bring Matsura's photographs into living color."

In addition, a video by filmmaker and storyteller LaRonn Katchia (Warm Springs, Wasco, Paiute) will greet visitors outside the exhibition gallery. Featured will be contemporary stories of three young, vibrant and accomplished women from The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs: Kahmussa Green, Miss Warm Springs and advocate for missing and murdered Indigenous women; Thyreicia Simtustus, an aspiring pilot breaking barriers in aviation; and Kiahna Allen, a passionate kayaker launching her own nonprofit. They will appear in both contemporary dress and traditional regalia, showcasing the continuum of culture and tradition from the past to the present day.

"These women are not only redefining leadership as Indigenous people today but are also bringing their traditional values with them, embodying the essence of who we are today," Katchia said.

Frank S. Matsura: Portraits from the Borderland is organized by the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture and was curated by Holloman and Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture Associate Curator of Special Projects Anne-Claire Mitchell. The exhibition will be on view through September 7, 2025.

Generous support for the exhibition is provided by Art Bridges. It's also made possible by Bigfoot Beverages, Brooks Resources Corporation, the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, the Old Mill District, the Oregon Arts Commission, the Oregon Cultural Trust, the Visit Bend Cultural Tourism Fund and the Visit Central Oregon Future Fund with support from Cascade A&E Magazine, OnPoint Community Credit Union and Travel Oregon.

About the High Desert Museum

The High Desert Museum opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America's High Desert region. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association's Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

About Art Bridges

Art Bridges is the vision of philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton. The mission of Art Bridges is to expand access to American art in all regions across the United States. Since 2017, Art Bridges has been creating and supporting programs that bring outstanding works of American art out of storage and into communities. Art Bridges partners with a growing network of over 220 museums of all sizes and locations to provide financial and strategic support for exhibition development, loans from the Art Bridges Collection, and programs designed to educate, inspire, and deepen engagement with local audiences. The Art Bridges Collection represents an expanding vision of American art from the 19th century to present day and encompasses multiple media and voices. For more information, visit www.artbridgesfoundation.org.

###

Vancouver, Wash. -- Artists, creative makers and performers are invited to participate in the Vancouver USA Arts & Music Festival, July 31 -- Aug. 3 in Vancouver, Washington. Applications are now open for community stage performers and vendor booths for visual artists and creative makers. Artists of all genres and backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA and the City of Vancouver present the festival.

Call for art vendors and creative makers

Vendor booth applications are open to artists and creative makers who wish to sell original artwork and handcrafted goods on the festival grounds Aug. 1-3. There is no fee to apply. If selected, booth fees vary by size.  

Call for performing artists

Musicians, dancers, storytellers and performing artists of all genres are encouraged to apply and be featured on the festival's outdoor community stage. Professional audio-visual support and stage management is provided. There is no fee to apply, selected performing artists will be compensated.

Located in historic Esther Short Park (605 Esther Street), the Vancouver Arts & Music Festival features award-winning musicians, visual artists and performers from Vancouver, the region and worldwide. The four-day event hosts multiple stages, pop-up galleries, dance performances, family activities and food vendors. Each festival day culminates in an outstanding symphonic performance from the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA.

The call for art vendors and performers is open through Feb. 12, selected applicants will be notified by March 31. Apply at www.vancouverartsandmusicfestival.com.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

 Red Cross Opens New Blood Donor Facility in Beaverton 

Join us for our Ribbon Cutting Event on Thursday, January 30, 2025

BEAVERTON, Ore., (January 27, 2025) -- The American Red Cross is pleased to announce the Cascades Region is adding a new fixed site donor center in the Portland/Vancouver metro area.  The Beaverton Donor Center is the newest of our six blood donation sites across the region and will make blood donation more convenient for the 600,000 people who live in Washington County and the surrounding area.   

Join us for our Ribbon Cutting event at our new facility

Take a tour and meet enthusiastic blood and platelet donors

Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 10am.

11200 SW Murray Scholls Pl St 101, Beaverton OR 97007

"Every two seconds, someone in this country needs blood.  The need is greater than ever with the cancellation of hundreds of blood drives due to the wildfires in Southern California and the winter storms across the country, leaving more than 15,000 blood units uncollected," says Red Cross Cascades CEO Priscilla Fuentes.

The generosity of blood donors in the Cascades Region is well known. With more than 182,000 units collected in Oregon and Washington each year, our donors are incredibly dedicated to our mission. It's because of this commitment to helping save lives that our region has the unique ability to support the blood needs of 65 hospitals locally and other hospitals across the country.    

"We want to extend our deepest thanks to the donors in this region who understand the importance of giving blood and the need for a new fixed site to help make that happen.  We also sincerely thank our partners at Tektronix for their financial support of this new donor center in Beaverton," says Red Cross Chief Development Officer Tiffany Carter.

We encourage all eligible donors to make an appointment to give. Donation appointments can be made for the coming days and weeks by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.   

About the American Red Cross: 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood and is the primary blood supplier to 65 hospitals throughout Washington and Oregon; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/Oregon or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on social media at @RedCrossCascades. 

Date: Wed, Feb 12, 2025

Time: 7 pm

Location: Kiggins Theatre Vancouver, Wa

Tickets: $15-$45

Event Website: https://www.scienceontaporwa.org/events/kiggins_feb_12_trees/
 

Have you ever noticed a tree not fall over?  A tree’s natural state is upright—it’s their default mode. Yet, myths pervade:

• “You should thin your tree”
• “You should top your tree”
• “Douglas-firs have shallow roots”
• “Lone trees are more likely to fall”
• “The roots will ruin my foundation”
• “That tree will fall and kill my whole family”

Despite the ubiquity of normal, upright trees around us, we often only notice those scattered few that stop being upright, most often in extreme weather.  And frankly, those few sully the good reputation of the thousands of others.

In the Pacific Northwest, our trees grow to be some of the tallest and largest organisms on the planet, and that can be understandably intimidating as you watch them bend and sway during winter weather from your home.  Luckily, our trees did not achieve their prominence by accident, and this talk will explain what the trees are doing, how they react to their environment, and what you can do to make sure your trees are safe.

How does a tree build itself?  How does it choose which direction to grow?  Is it a giant, static monolith waiting to crush everything beneath it? or a dynamic, self-optimizing living system that wants to keep itself upright arguably more than you? Join us on a journey through the lifecycle of a tree: how it grows, lives, and dies.  In other words: how do trees become trees and what makes them so good at it?

An arborist, a dendrologist, and educator, Casey Clapp is the principal consultant with Portland Arboriculture and co-host/co-creator of CompletelyArbortrary, a weekly podcast about trees and other related topics. 

Science on Tap is a science lecture series where you can sit back, drink a pint, and enjoy learning. Listen to experts talk about the science in your neighborhood and around the world. You don't have to be a science geek to have fun--all you need is a thirst for knowledge! For more information on this event or about Science on Tap, visit Science on Tap OR WA.

The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries is offering grants for qualified historic cemeteries. The annual grants fund projects that preserve historic cemeteries. Projects funded in the past include marker repair workshops, fencing, signs, interpretive panels and brochures, security lighting, access improvements, records management, and more.

Awards typically range between $1,000 and $8,000, but have been higher. Anyone may apply for a grant. Projects must be related to historic cemeteries listed with the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries. Recent projects include marker repair and workshops in several cemeteries, installations of signs and informational kiosks, a preservation plan, and a fence replacement.

"Our goal is to preserve Oregon's historic cemeteries and offer support throughout the application process," said historic cemeteries program coordinator Kuri Gill. Last year's awards included projects in in Clackamas, Jackson, Lane, Linn, Marion, Umatilla, Union, Wasco Counties.

The online grant application is simple to use and includes plenty of support.  A free, online workshop specific to this grant and how to use the online grant application system will be offered February 11, 2:30 p.m. -- 3:30 p.m. Registration is required. Recorded trainings and tips are also online.

State law established the seven-member historic cemeteries commission to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries and gravesites in Oregon; promote public education on the significance of historic cemeteries; and help obtain financial and technical assistance for restoring, improving and maintaining their appearances. These grants support the goals of the Oregon Historic Preservation Plan and the Oregon Heritage Plan. To learn more about the grants or workshops visit www.oregonheritage.org. For additional information, translation, and accessibility needs contact Kuri Gill at i.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov">Kuri.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.

On Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 6:43 p.m., officers from the Central Precinct responded to reports of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in the 4200 block of Southeast Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard. Officers arrived to find the pedestrian seriously injured. Paramedics arrived and transported the pedestrian to an area hospital, where she later died. The driver of the involved vehicle remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.

The Portland Police Bureau Major Crash Team has responded to the scene to investigate. During the investigation, Southeast Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard will be closed from Southeast Gladstone Street to Southeast Holgate Boulevard.

If anyone has information about the incident, please contact crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov, attention Traffic Investigations Unit, and reference case number 25-023076.

###PPB###

WHAT: Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor will join other Southern Oregon-based labor leaders at a union solidarity rally to show support for striking nurses at Providence Medford Medical Center. The rally will provide an opportunity for labor leaders to express their solidarity with the nurses, who have been on strike for the past 17 days. 

WHEN/WHERE: Monday, January 27 from noon - 1:00 p.m. 
On the strike line at Providence Medford Medical Center, 1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504 

WHO:  

• Graham Trainor, President, Oregon AFL-CIO 
• Princess Franks, Rogue Climate Management 
• Jason Houk, Regional Director, Jobs With Justice 
• Rebecca Pearson, Executive Director, Rogue Action Center 
• Amy Hensle, AFSCME 
• Daniel Elash, SEIU503 
• Caroline Allison, RN, Providence Medford Medical Center 
• Breanna Zabel, RN, Providence Medford Medical Center 

WHY: Union leaders are joining the strike line to proclaim, "Same struggle, same fight." Nurses at Providence Medford Medical Center are fighting for fair contracts that prioritize patient safety, protect healthcare benefits, adhere to the Safe Staffing law, and provide regionally competitive wages and benefits to recruit and retain staff. 

The nurses have been on strike since January 10, advocating critical issues such as safe staffing levels, balanced workloads, and improved working conditions. They remain steadfast in their demands and will continue their fight until Providence management addresses their concerns.

Additional information on the strike can be found at oregonrn.org/patientsbeforeprofits. 

Portland Fire & Rescue, through collaboration with the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM), announces the safe return of our 2 Strike Teams. The Portland Metro Area sent a total of 34 members on these 2 teams to assist in battling the historic fires in Southern California. Our hearts and thoughts remain with the residents of California and the city of Los Angeles as they continue to recover from the loss of homes, property, and lives.

Upon the safe return of Team 12 yesterday, Portland City Mayor Wilson thanked the Portland Fire & Rescue members on a phone call. Mayor Wilson stated that he is deeply grateful for the team's professionalism, hard work, and swift coordination. He continued that this truly reflects the dedication and excellence of Portland Fire & Rescue and the teams sent to California.

Key details of the deployment include:

• Team 12: 22 members from 3 departments, with 5 Type I Fire Engines and specialized crew members.
  • 2 Strike Team/Task Force Leaders
  • 5 Type I Fire Engines each staffed by 4 crew members with specialized certifications
  • Departments that make up this taskforce include: Gresham Fire Department; Port of Portland Fire Department; Portland Fire & Rescue
• Team 20: 12 members from 5 departments, equipped with 5 Water Tenders and additional support personnel.
  • 2 Strike Team/Task Force Leaders
  • 5 Water Tenders each staffed by a crew of 2 members with specialized certifications
  • Departments that make up this taskforce include: Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection District staff driving equipment from Mist-Birkenfeld Rural Fire Protection District; Corbett Fire District; Portland Fire & Rescue;  Sauvie Island Fire District; Scappoose Rural Fire Protection District.

This historic deployment marks a major milestone in Oregon's commitment to mutual aid and statewide coordination. The Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System (OFMAS), which unites over 300 local fire agencies, mobilized quickly and efficiently to assist CAL FIRE, the Los Angeles Fire Department, and other agencies in Southern California.

The teams were instrumental in protecting lives and property during one of California's most challenging wildfire seasons. They focused on critical operations such as structure protection, extinguishing hotspots, and securing containment lines. A total of 96 fire agencies from 23 Oregon counties contributed to the statewide response. Oregon was the first to send out-of-state resources to California's fire lines, providing crucial assistance during a time of crisis.

As we welcome our strike teams home, we acknoldge the tremendous loss of property, homes, and lives as a result of these devestating fires in Southern California. The fire service extends deep gratitude to all firefighters, their families, and home agencies for their unwavering dedication and sacrifices. The fire service continues to serve with resilience and commitment in Portland, Oregon, and beyond.

Additional photos available: https://www.911photog.com/Portland-Fire-Rescue/2025/Strike-Team-12- and https://www.dennisweisfire.photography/Portland-Fire-Rescue/2025-Photo-Galleries/01252025-OR-Strike-Team-12-Return-Sta-2

###

Milwaukie, OR -- Early this month, Milwaukie Detectives joined investigators from FBI Portland, Portland Police Bureau and West Linn Police for a joint mission targeting adults actively attempting to lure and exploit children using online or internet based applications. During that mission, the Portland Police Bureau issued a release that two males were arrested for online child luring charges.

Milwaukie Police child decoy Detectives engaged a male online during that sting and continued the luring investigation. The following week a male identified as Marcus Dean Gwilliam 53, of unincorporated Clackamas County, attempted to meet up in person with who he believed was a minor he had chatted with online.  Gwilliam and the child decoy Detective made a plan to engage in illegal acts, and he was taken into custody upon arriving at an agreed location in Milwaukie.

Gwilliam was lodged at the Clackamas County Jail on charges of; Luring a Minor and Online Sex Corruption of a Child.  

Milwaukie Detectives are concerned there may be additional victims who have been in contact with Marcus Gwilliam. If you have additional information regarding this suspect, we urge you to contact Officer Dohrman at 503-786-7488 or dohrmanc@milwaukieoregon.gov.

To learn more about protecting your child from online predators, visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at https://www.missingkids.org/home 

The Milwaukie Police Department routinely participates with interagency missions in retail theft, traffic safety, human trafficking and child exploitation in Milwaukie and throughout Clackamas County.

Milwaukie Police arrest child luring suspect | City of Milwaukie Oregon Official Website

CAMAS, WA-Just after 4:37 am on January 26, 2025, East County Fire and Rescue (ECFR) was dispatched to a residential fire on L-1000 Road. During response, the address was corrected to 30317 NE Livingston Mountain Circle. Initial response to this incident involved five fire engines, four water tenders, and three command officers from East County Fire and Rescue, Camas Washougal Fire Department, Vancouver Fire Department, and Clark County Fire District 3.

Approaching the incident location, the first arriving engine encountered a large, two-story, 12,000 square foot, single-family home that was under construction well involved in fire with extension to vegetation surrounding the home and multiple spot fires up to 1500 feet down wind of the involved structure. Wind was out of the east at approximately 10 miles per hour and had a significant influence on fire spread beyond the structure involved in fire. One nearby house was immediately threatened by the vegetation fire (see following photo), and multiple other homes were at risk due to the large amount of embers being carried downwind and resulting spot fires.

Due to the number of structures threatened and potential for a significant wildland interface fire, the incident commander requested two additional engines, two brush engines, and an additional chief officer along with response from the Washington Department of Natural Resources.

Initial firefighting operations focused on protection to the immediately threatened structure, containment of the vegetation fire and extinguishment of downwind spot fires. Water supply was a challenge with water tenders shuttling water from the closest fire hydrant which was 6.3 miles away. Several engines were assigned to protect structures downwind and patrolled the area throughout the fire. Occupants of nearby houses were advised to be prepared to evacuate, but the fire was controlled within approximately 30 minutes and no evacuation was necessary. There were no civilian or fire service injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Clark County Fire Marshal's Office.

East County Fire and Rescue

East County Fire and Rescue provides fire and life safety services to roughly 10,500 people over 60 square miles in southeast Clark County north and east of the Cities of Camas and Washougal. We are a combination full-time and volunteer-staffed fire district responding to an average of 1,100 calls a year on both sides of the Washougal River.

More information about East County Fire and Rescue can be found at www.ecfr.us. Chief Steven Black and Interim Deputy Chief Ed Hartin also welcomes your questions at lack@ecfr.us">sblack@ecfr.us or tin@ecfr.us">ehartin@ecfr.us or (360) 834-4908.

###

Lebanon OR,

Lebanon Firefighters battled a blaze in the 31000 block of Fritz Ln on Saturday January 25, 2025, in the early morning hours. Dispatch reports of a resident's house on fire, when the Battalion Chief arrived, he found the residence fully involved and a nearby shop as an exposure. The IC contacted the resident who narrowly escaped and was later evaluated by fire medics on the scene. When the first due engine arrived, they immediately went to work protecting the shop from the flames, while the second engine assisted in suppression and laying 800 feet of supply line to get the additional water, they needed to put out the blaze. Due to the rural location the IC called for an additional water tender from Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District, to aid in suppling enough water. Fire crews battled the blaze and were able to get it under control and out in approximately an hour. Crews remained on scene an additional 1-1/2 hour pulling tin and getting into buried hotspots throughout the building. Unfortunately, the residence was a total loss, but the homeowner and his dog did escape, and no other injuries were reported. The cause of the blaze is being investigated by the Lebanon Fire Investigation Team (LFIT).

Lebanon Fire District responded with 22 personnel, on 3 engines, 2 fire-medics, 2 water-tenders, one heavy rescue and one rehab unit for firefighters as well as two chief officers. Lebanon Fire was assisted at the scene with a water-tender from Sweet Home Fire, Consumer Power and Linn County Sheriff's Office. Linn County Road Department assisted with additional traffic control, as well as sanding the roadway after the incident due to the cold temperatures and ice forming from the water. Albany Fire Department assisted the citizens of Lebanon, by covering the districts additional 911 calls.

The Lebanon Fire District would like to remind residents to always follow safe home-heating instructions. Which includes, making sure there is ample space around wood stoves and fireplaces, burning dried, seasoned firewood and always keeping your chimney and flue cleaned regularly. The Lebanon Fire District has a free chimney brush program for residents to use and always remember the importance of working smoke alarms. For assistance with smoke alarms in your home or the chimney brush program, contact our Fire & Life Safety Division at (541) 451-1901. Be Safe.

On January 25^th 2025, the Lincoln City Police Dispatch Center began receiving multiple calls from concerned parties regarding a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed on the beach at D-River. The driver departed southbound at a high rate of speed prior to police arrival. At the time numerous families were enjoying bonfires in the area and witnesses reported it nearly missing people. The driver was also driving "cookies" along the beach. In addition to this area being closed to vehicle traffic, this was an obvious safety concern.

A short time later, members of the Lincoln City Police Department located the occupied vehicle parked just south of Canyon Drive Beach Access. When they approached the vehicle, the driver began driving erratically and a half-full handle of Vodka fell out of the open trunk onto the beach. The driver eventually stopped and police detained him.

The Driver, Artem A. Savenko, of Beaverton Oregon, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Reckless Driving, and Recklessly Endangering Another Person (the multiple beachgoers who had been put in danger). Savenko's vehicle was impounded and he was transported to the Lincoln County Jail to be lodged.

We would like to emphasize that Lincoln City's beaches are here for public enjoyment; however, when drivers put people in danger, our Officers will investigate and enforce the law. Luckily nobody was hurt during this incident, but it is a reminder of the danger that intoxicated drivers pose to the public. Alcohol impairs portions of the brain associated with decision-making and judgement. Be safe and drive sober.

(Portland, Ore.) -- Members of Oregon's Congressional Delegation have shown their support for striking Providence healthcare workers in many ways. On Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, they issued a letter stating they expect Providence to engage in good faith bargaining. The letter was signed by Congresswomen Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), and Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley.   

Providence is not currently approaching negotiations seriously, offering contracts that do not meet the needs of frontline caregivers and patients throughout Oregon. As reports start to surface about the substandard healthcare offered at Providence hospitals during the strike, Providence must approach negotiations with the urgency this moment requires. 

The lawmakers acknowledged the situation's urgency and noted that finding and training replacement workers is costing Providence a significant amount of money. Striking workers have spoken with Oregon's congressional delegation on the line, at rallies and through letters and phone calls.  

Nurses, physicians, and advanced practice providers representing 11 Providence bargaining units in Oregon have been on strike since January 10. The strike will end when Providence starts listening to the nearly 5,000 frontline caregivers and acts upon the issues that matter to them most like patient safety, balanced workloads, and competitive wages and benefits.  

Community members can visit oregonrn.org/patientsbeforeprofits to learn more about ongoing negotiations, sign a community petition, and learn how they can support the strike.  

(PORTLAND, Ore.) -- The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) is deeply troubled by a report from The Oregonian/OregonLive yesterday that suggests Providence Health System attempted to waive a patient's hospital bills only after being contacted by the media about the patient's experience being cared for by strikebreaking nurses and providers. This development raises critical questions about whether Providence is applying a consistent approach to addressing patient concerns or selectively offering financial concessions in response to public scrutiny. 

ONA demands transparency from Providence and calls on the health system to disclose whether similar financial offers have been extended to other patients who have voiced concerns about the quality of care provided by temporary replacement staff. If Providence is selectively offering financial incentives to mitigate public scrutiny rather than addressing the root causes of these concerns, it represents a serious breach of public trust and accountability. 

Throughout the strike, Providence has repeatedly assured the public that they "have it under control" and that "things are running smoothly." However, the mounting reports from patients and staff alike paint a very different picture--one of delayed care, compromised patient safety, and a health system more focused on damage control than on providing the high-quality care that our communities deserve. 

ONA stands firm in its commitment to advocating for safe staffing, quality patient care, and holding Providence accountable to the communities they serve.  

We also want to remind Providence, and all Oregonians, that our members are ready to return to work as soon as Providence gives them a fair contract.  

ONA also launched an online survey for Providence patients who may have also experienced concerns about the care they were provided by replacement staff. 

Today Friday, January 24, 2025, at approximately 4:00 PM, Woodburn Police responded to the area of Stark Street and Ogle Street in Woodburn on a report of a pedestrian struck by a train.  Officers found a 15-year-old Woodburn resident deceased at the scene.  The preliminary investigation indicates that the victim was struck as they attempted to cross the tracks. The Woodburn Police Department asks anyone who may have witnessed the incident to call 503-982-2345 and reference case number 25-1042.

Kelso High School is hosting the regional SkillsUSA Welding competition on Wednesday, January 29, from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Thirty students from nine high schools in SW Washington will compete for a chance to move on to the state welding competition. Welding contestants will participate in a variety of timed activities designed to test their skills. Competition activities include a written test, measuring gauges, oxy-fuel and plasma arc cutting processes, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and shielded metal arc welding.
 

Industry experts will judge the competition and hand out medals for state-bound winners. Field reps will also be onsite to meet with student competitors during wait times. This is an opportunity for students to hear firsthand about future employment opportunities in the skilled and technical welding industry.
 

Last year's 1^st place winner, Carter Huff (Kelso High) graduated and is actively employed in the trades. Huff was recruited by JH Kelly after the competition and is currently in their welding apprenticeship program working in Vancouver, WA.
 

"Having the option to take welding or other CTE classes in high school gives students the ability to learn a skill and gain experience they can turn into a successful career," said Huff. "It's an amazing opportunity I am very thankful for. I hope other students take advantage of this program and all it can offer."
 

The 2024 2^nd place winner, Tucker Salisbury, is currently a senior at Kelso High and will return to compete this year. Steven Jacka (3^rd place, Cascadia Tech) is an aircraft maintainer with welding as part of his job at FlyIt Academy in Camas, WA.

Regional SkillsUSA Welding Competition
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Kelso High School Welding Area
Competition: 3:00 -- 5:30 pm, Awards 6:00 -- 6:30 pm

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS

• Battle Ground
• Centralia
• Evergreen
• Fort Vancouver
• Ilwaco
• Kelso
• Napavine
• Prairie
• Ridgefield
• Washougal

EVENT SPONSORS

• Air Gas
• Central Welding
• United Association Local 26

Photos and videos of the 2024 competition can be downloaded here.


About Kelso School District
Kelso School District has a long-standing tradition of excellence in education.  The CTE program offers approximately 80 on-site courses and 7 off-campus courses in partnership with industry leaders. Students can earn dual credit in 21 CTE courses. In the area of welding, the district offers the opportunity to earn five welding certifications. Kelso School District's mission is to prepare every student for living, learning, and achieving success as a citizen of our changing world.

DATE: Monday, January 27, 2025

TIME: 6:00 pm

LOCATION: Hockinson Community Center and via Zoom (link on HSD Website)

ADDRESS: 15916 NE 182nd Ave, Brush Prairie WA 98606

The Centennial School District Governing Board will meet in Executive Session on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. This meeting will take place pursuant to ORS 192.660 (2)(d) to conduct deliberations with persons designated by the governing body to carry on labor negotiations.

The Board and key staff will attend in-person at CSD's District Office - 18135 SE Brooklyn St., Portland, OR  97236. 

Only authorized parties may join the meeting virtually by clicking the link below:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82474477482?pwd=CA-9KCcDs5uxV7qDNyqSD5vBNAJxgw.92iy1H9U0Qiy2WZA
Passcode:882892

Or telephone:
1 346 248 7799 or 1 669 900 9128

Webinar ID: 824 7447 7482
Passcode: 882892

The board meeting agenda and/or packet is available for reference on the Centennial School District website at www.csd28j.org and can be found on the School Board page. Please note, the meeting agenda may be updated as needed and additional board meeting documents may be added as they become available. 

For information about the agenda email dan@csd28j.org" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">melissa_grindle@csd28j.org or oard@csd28j.org" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">board@csd28j.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wilsonville, Oregon (January 24, 2025) ?"? The Oregon Association of Nurseries applauds the ruling yesterday by the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals overturning Multnomah County's approval of a controversial water treatment facility in East Multnomah County at the request of the Portland Water Bureau.

"The hearings officer misconstrued the community use natural resources criterion and, based on that misinstruction, failed to adopt adequate findings supported by substantial evidence," LUBA said in a story reported by Capital Press.

"I welcome this decision by LUBA," OAN Executive Director Jeff Stone said. "To site a water treatment plant requires proper planning process, which the Portland Water Bureau did not do. We support alternative options. More than 250 nurseries were being harmed by building this costly project."

The project by the City of Portland involves some of the highest quality and most productive agricultural land in the state of Oregon.  It would remove and convert nearly 95-acres of rural, agricultural land to a facility that serves an urban metropolitan area.  The operational characteristics of the proposed facility would also adversely impact farming operations in the larger agricultural region that surrounds the subject property. 

SALEM, Ore. -- Due to the extended drying pattern we are experiencing and east winds forecasted for this weekend, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) encourages anyone who may have completed a debris or slash burn in the past few months to monitor and patrol the burn site.

Embers can smolder beneath the surface, even in winter, after a burn and reignite in dry conditions. The National Weather Service is forecasting east winds this weekend with gusts up to 30 mph, which could reignite residual embers and start a fire.

If you feel heat at your burn site, drown the site with water, stir, and repeat until it's cold to the touch.

"This dry, windy weather is what reminds us that fire can happen in any season, not just summer," Blake Ellis, ODF's Fire Operations Manager said.

ODF districts across the state are prepared to respond over the weekend to any new fire starts.

Looking forward, similar conditions (light easterly flow and below freezing temperatures overnight) will stick around through the end of the month and possibly into February. For more fire prevention information and tips, visit https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/Pages/fireprevention.aspx or https://keeporegongreen.org/.

January 24, 2025

Today, the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office announced that a jury found Eric Clayton Strietzel, 38, guilty on multiple charges in relation to a July 2023 incident in which he stole a tow truck and recklessly drove up to 84 miles per hour with the operator of the truck hanging onto the back, endangering the operator's life and the lives of others on the road.

Trial & Verdict

Deputy District Attorney Chris Shull represented the state at trial, which took place from January 21 through 24, 2025 in front of Judge Leslie Bottomly. This afternoon, the 12-person jury returned from its deliberations. Though acquitted by the jury on the charges of Robbery in the First Degree and Kidnapping in the Second Degree, Strietzel was found guilty on the following:

• One count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class B Felony),

• Two counts of Assault in the Third Degree (Class C Felony),

• Unlawful Use of a Vehicle (Class C Felony),

• Possession of a Stolen Vehicle (Class C Felony),

• Theft in the First Degree (Class C Felony),

• Four counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person (Class A Misdemeanor),

• Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree (Class A Misdemeanor), and

• Failure to Perform the Duties of a Driver (Class A Misdemeanor)

As a result of the jury's finding, Strietzel faces at least the statutorily imposed minimum sentence of 70 months in prison. Sentencing has been set for February 21, 2025. About the verdict, DDA Chris Shull said, "I think the jury took the evidence seriously and returned a verdict that reflected the seriousness of the defendant's conduct. They concluded this wasn't just reckless but that Mr. Stritzel knew he was going to cause physical injury to Mr. Christ. Mr. Christ could have easily been killed in the course of this driving."

The Multnomah County District Attorney's office would like to acknowledge the work of all who contributed to the resolution of this case. We would like to express our appreciation for PPB Sergeants DiMatteo and Kenney, as well as MCDA victim advocates Nang Dunn and Suzanne Rapagnani for their dedicated work on this case.

 #MCDA#

January 24, 2025

The Multnomah County District Attorney's office is announcing the arrest and indictment of two members of a burglary ring that investigators believe includes ten or more people and has preyed upon more than a hundred businesses in the greater Portland area. 

Portland police are continuing to investigate the ring with the goal of identifying everyone involved and holding them accountable.

According to the Probable Cause (PC) Affidavits for Lucero and Carlile, video surveillance shows the burglaries were committed by an organized crime ring that targeted restaurants, bars, lounges, and other commercial spaces in Multnomah County, Oregon. 

A Grand Jury indicted Courtney Savannah Carlile, 27 years old, on 35 charges including Burglary in the First Degree (Class A felony), Criminal Mischief in the First Degree (Class C felony)  and Theft in the Second Degree (Class A misdemeanor). 

The Grand Jury also indicted Joshua Patrick Lucero, 33 years old, on 50 charges including Burglary in the First Degree (Class A felony), Aggravated Theft in the First Degree (Class B felony), and Criminal Mischief in the first degree (Class C felony).

You can also view the indictment information for Lucero and Carlile.

Class A felonies are the most serious. Each can result in prison term of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $375,000 dollars or both.

THE FACTS:

The cases began back in July of 2024. 

Portland Police Bureau Officer Elliott Walker played a key role in linking the cases together and identifying the suspects. Numerous other Portland police officers also helped out during the course of the investigation, which included multiple search warrants.

The probable cause affidavit states that on July 27, 2024 video surveillance for Baby Dolla Pizza at 2835 SE Stark Street shows, according to Officer Walker, Lucero arriving in a white Acura TL. Officer Walker reports Lucero is initially unmasked, and that he used a crowbar to force entry to the business and a Sawzall to gain access to an interior office. The officer said the business owner confirmed damage was more than $1,000 dollars.

On September 18, 2024, according to Officer Walker,  video showed Lucero and Carlile used bolt cutters to break into Grassa at NW 23rd Ave and a Sawzall saw to cut into an interior business safe. The burglary was caught on video and the two defendants were not wearing masks.

That same night, September 18, 2024, video from Old Town Brewing Co, located at 52nd and MLK, according to Officer Walker,  showed the two defendants in the same clothing. This time they smashed a window to get into the building. They once again used a Sawzall saw to gain access to an interior office and business safe.

The pattern repeated numerous times through November and December of 2024 until the pair were arrested by Portland Police on December 28th, 2024. Both defendants remain in custody. 

Lucero and Carlile both have additional criminal cases pending in Washington and Clackamas counties.

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime. Defendants are innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

#MCDA#

Oregon City, ORE. -- The Oregon City Community Development Department is hosting an open house to share the next steps the City is taking to adhere to the Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities (CFEC) mandates set by the State of Oregon.

The open house is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 10 from 6 -- 7 p.m. in the lobby outside the Commission Chambers at the Libke Public Safety Building.

CFEC is a set of rules the State created and handed down to communities to meet its goal of reducing climate pollution by 75% by the year 2050. Many of these rules involve reforms to parking regulations in the state's most populated areas, which include Oregon City.

Oregon City must adopt code reforms that meet CFEC requirements by June 30 of this year. Municipal codes surrounding parking minimums and maximums, electric vehicle charging, parking design standards and bicycle parking must be enacted by this time.

An online open house will also be held for residents who are unable to attend the physical event on Feb. 10. That open house and more information regarding CFEC can be found at orcity.news/cfec.

Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports yesterday, January 23rd, at 4:38 p.m., the Linn County Sheriff's Office Dispatch Center received a call from a residence on South 9^th Street in Lebanon where the caretaker of the property reported a dog was killed inside the residence. The caretaker reported the dog was in the house for security measures as the homeowner recently passed away.

The caretaker suspected Michael Healy, 36, of Lebanon, and son of the deceased, was involved and reported Healy leaving the property moments before reporting the incident. Healy went to the Lebanon Police Department to report being attacked by the dog and then returned to the scene where Deputies contacted him. Deputies learned Healy, who did not live at the location, entered the house and struck the dog several times using a golf club causing its death. Healy reported being attacked by the dog but had no injuries and provided additional statements leading to his arrest.

Healy was transported to the Linn County Jail where he was lodged on charges of Aggravated Animal Abuse I.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 22, 2025

CONTACT:
Mindy Wilkins
The Historic Trust
750 Anderson Street, Vancouver, WA 98661 
mindy.wilkins@thehistorictrust.org | 360.992.1808

PUBLIC HUMANITIES TALK, THEY WANT OUR RHYTHM, BUT NOT OUR BLUES:  AFRICAN AMERICAN INNOVATION THROUGH POP CULTURE, ON FEBRUARY 6, 2025

THE HISTORIC TRUST AND HUMANITIES WASHINGTON PARTNER TO PRESENT PROFESSOR LATOYA BRACKETT

Vancouver, WA -- The Historic Trust and Humanities Washington invite the community to an engaging in-person conversation with Professor LaToya Brackettr, a member of the 2024-2025 Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau program, on Thursday, February 6, 2025. 

About They Want Our Rhythm, but Not Our Blues:  African American Innovation through Pop Culture

The freedom often denied to African Americans to move and express themselves has meant that they have had to be especially creative in building their culture. The innovations created under oppression are often appropriated by the oppressor--they want our rhythm. And such culture and creativity has been forged from their everyday struggles--but they do not want our blues.  

Reflecting on music, sports, language, food, and even hair, this talk calls audiences in beyond the rhythm to recognize the blues that made African American popular culture. It serves as a guide to appreciating the art of Black pop culture by understanding how and why African American culture was created, and when and where it appears across multiple platforms of popular culture--never without a unique artisan style. 

About Professor LaToya Brackett

LaToya Brackett (she/her) is an associate professor of African American studies at the University of Puget Sound, where she also serves as a member of the leadership team for the Race & Pedagogy Institute. A scholar with two degrees in Black studies, one from Cornell University and the other from Michigan State, she is an interdisciplinarian who centers the Black experience.

Brackett lives in Tacoma.

At a Glance

Who: Professor LaToya Brackett
What: They Want Our Rhythm, but Not Our Blues: African American Innovation through Pop Culture
When: Thursday, February 6, 2025, 6 pm -- 8 pm
Where: O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver, WA 98661

Registration

This program is offered free of charge but seating is limited. Event registration available HERE.

Questions?

Please contact Mindy Wilkins, Marketing and Events Manager | mindy.wilkins@thehistorictrust.org | 360.992.1808

About Humanities Washington
Humanities Washington is a nonprofit organization dedicated to opening minds and bridging divides by creating spaces to explore different perspectives. For more about Humanities Washington, visit www.humanities.org.

About the Speakers Bureau Program
In communities throughout Washington State, Speakers Bureau presenters give free public presentations on history, politics, music, philosophy, spiritual traditions, and everything in between.

Their roster of over 30 Speakers Bureau presenters is made up of professors, artists, activists, historians, performers, journalists, and others--all chosen not only for their expertise, but also for their ability to inspire discussion with people of all ages and backgrounds. Hundreds of Speakers Bureau events take place each year. Find a Speakers Bureau event near you.

To reach as many Washingtonians as possible, Humanities Washington partners with a wide range of organizations, including libraries, schools, museums, historical societies, community centers, and civic organizations. Qualifying nonprofit organizations are encouraged to host a speaker.

The Speakers Bureau program is made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the State of Washington via the Office of the Secretary of State, the Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service at Washington State University, and generous contributions from other businesses, foundations, and individuals.

About The Historic Trust

The Historic Trust seeks to inspire civic pride through education, preservation and celebration of our community's history. Visit us at www.thehistorictrust.org.

WHAT: ONA-represented members from OHSU, Legacy, Multnomah County and more, along with union-represented healthcare workers from OFNHP, AFSCME and SEIU will gather at Providence St. Vincent today in a show of support for striking nurses, physicians, midwives, and advanced practice providers at Providence hospitals and clinics throughout Oregon. 

WHEN/WHERE:   
Friday, January 24 at Noon  
Providence St. Vincent, 9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225

WHO: 
Union-represented healthcare workers from across the Portland-metro will picket next to union colleagues from Providence St. Vincent and other Providence facilities.

WHY:  
In a time of urgency, union workers help others achieve their goals. Facility and job category do not matter as people join together to proclaim, "Same struggle, same fight." Nurses, physicians, advanced practice providers, midwives, and other medical professionals, from Providence are firm in their demands for fair contracts that will invest more in patient safety, stop cuts to healthcare, follow the Safe Staffing law, and offer regionally competitive wages and benefits to be able to recruit and retain more staff. 

The 11 bargaining units at Providence Oregon have been on strike since January 10. The strike will end when Providence starts listening to the nearly 5,000 frontline caregivers and acts upon the issues that matter to them most like patient safety, balanced workloads, and competitive wages and benefits.  
 
Additional information on the strike can be found at oregonrn.org/patientsbeforeprofits.

The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries will meet via online meeting on February 7 at 1:00 p.m. The agenda includes discussion of Oregon Heritage Vitality Report and future workplan items. The meeting is open to the public and the agenda includes an opportunity for public comment. Follow this link to register for meeting access information.

State law established the seven-member Commission to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries and gravesites in Oregon; promote public education on the significance of historic cemeteries; and help obtain financial and technical assistance for restoring, improving and maintaining their appearances. For more information about commission activities or to attend in person, contact coordinator Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail at i.gill@oprd.oregon.gov">kuri.gill@oprd.oregon.gov.

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 more historic cemetery resources or more information about the commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org.

Salem, Ore. -- The ticket matching all six Powerball numbers in Saturday's $328.5 million Powerball jackpot was sold at the Fred Meyer store located at 15995 SW Walker Road in Beaverton. That store will receive a bonus of $100,000 for selling the jackpot winner. In celebration of this stroke of good luck, Fred Meyer is making a sizeable donation to a local food bank.

A ticket holder came forward on Wednesday to claim the prize. Because the Powerball game involves multiple states, it will take time before a winner can be announced and the prize money can be paid to the claimant. This jackpot win comes less than a year after a Portland man, his wife, and their friend won a Powerball jackpot worth $1.3 billion in April. 

"I'm thrilled to be celebrating another large Powerball jackpot win in Oregon," said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. "The impact of a win like this not only benefits our state as whole but has a ripple effect in our local communities." 

In honor of Fred Meyer's Zero Hunger | Zero Waste social impact strategy -- aimed at eliminating waste and ending hunger -- the store will donate $50,000 to the Oregon Food Bank.

"Our partnership with Fred Meyer is vital in ensuring families don't have to choose between essentials such as putting food on the table or a roof over their heads," said Andrea Williams, Oregon Food Bank President. "Their support helps provide nourishing food that feels like home to our communities. We know that now is a moment when Oregon can lead the way in making sure our communities are supported and connected, because no one should be hungry."

"Hunger and food insecurity are critical issues across the state," said Fred Meyer President Todd Kammeyer. "We hope these funds will help feed families across the community as we work to end hunger in Oregon."

Fred Meyer has sold other large Oregon Lottery prizes recently, including a $1 million Powerball in November 2023 and $7.9 million Megabucks win in November 2022. 

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $16.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.

MEDIA AVAILABILITY

Media members are invited to a briefing Friday with representatives of Oregon Lottery, Fred Meyer, and the Oregon Food Bank available to answer questions. 

WHEN: Friday, January 24, 12:30 p.m.  

WHERE: Fred Meyer customer service area, 15995 SW Walker Road, Beaverton

WHAT: External Communications Program Manager Melanie Mesaros and QFC and Fred Meyer Divisions of Kroger, Corporate Affairs Manager Tiffany Sanders will be available to answer questions and media can obtain video/b-roll of retailer. A check presentation is planned. 

In recent years, there has been an alarming increase in serious injury vehicle crashes across the nation, to include right here in Oregon.  In the next few weeks, members of the Keizer Police Department will be enhancing patrol teams with extra officers to enforce the leading causes of injury crashes: no seatbelts, distracted driving, and speeding.  These extra patrols are in conjunction with the nationwide "Click-It-or-Ticket" campaign, which begins January 27^th and runs through February 9^th, 2025.  These extra officers will be paid for utilizing state grant funds awarded to the Keizer Police Department.

As always, we hope everyone remains safe on the roadways.  For more information regarding seatbelt safety, please watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFC2K2AfdJM&feature=youtu.be

For questions concerning traffic safety, please contact Officer Martin Powell at 503-390-3713 ext. 3502 or email him at powellm@keizeror.gov.

In honor of Black History Month, the Clark County Historical Museum (CCHM) is proud to announce a special, temporary exhibit on display at the Clark College Bookstore, located at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way. The exhibit, titled "Foundations," is available throughout the month of February, and offers a sneak peek into the upcoming, larger celebration of the 80th anniversary of the NAACP Vancouver Branch 1139-B, which will open in April 2025.

The exhibit, created in partnership with the Vancouver NAACP and CCHM, highlights the pivotal role of the NAACP Vancouver Branch in advocating for racial justice, equality, and community empowerment since its founding in 1945. Through powerful images and personal narratives, visitors will gain insight into the early history of the local chapter, its impact during a time of racial tension and war, and the lasting legacy of this grassroots organization in the fight for civil rights.

This teaser exhibit offers a glimpse into the rich history of Vancouver's Black community and sets the stage for the full exhibit that will open in April, honoring 80 years of dedicated work towards racial justice.

The exhibit at the Clark College Bookstore will feature historic photos, documents, and a timeline of key moments, including the struggles faced by Black residents during World War II, the formation of the Vancouver NAACP branch, and its continued work toward social equity. The full exhibit in April will delve deeper into the ongoing work of the NAACP Vancouver Branch, with an emphasis on its role in overcoming housing discrimination, job inequalities, and fighting for equal rights for all.

Exhibit Details:

• Location: Clark College Bookstore, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA 98663

• Dates: February 3--28, 2025

• Open to the public: Free of charge

The Clark County Historical Museum invites all members of the community to visit the bookstore during February to explore this powerful preview of Vancouver's Black history and the significant role the NAACP Vancouver Branch has played in shaping the region.

For additional information, please contact:

Sammuel Hawkins
Public Programs and Outreach Manager
Clark County Historical Museum
outreach@cchmuseum.org
360-993-5679

UPDATE

Elizabeth was located. 

The Vancouver Police Department is requesting the help of the public in locating a missing / endangered teenage female.

The missing endangered teen is Elizabeth Munoz Santana, 14-years-old, 5'2", 140 lbs., with dyed red hair and brown eyes.  She was last observed wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black sweatpants, and brown Ugg boots. Elizabeth was last seen in the area of Washington Elementary on 1/21/2025 around 5:50pm.  

A photograph of Elizabeth has been attached.  

If located, please contact your local law enforcement agency.

RELEASE DATE:               Jan. 23, 2025
CONTACT PERSON:         On Duty PIO

CASE NUMBER:                 25-3314
 

Gresham, Ore.-- Detectives are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred this afternoon at Vance Park.

Officers with the Gresham Police Department responded to reports of a shooting in the 1400 block of SE 182 Ave., at Vance Park, shortly after 4 p.m.  They found one person who had been shot and killed. The suspect or suspects fled the scene prior to their arrival.

The East County Major Crimes Team, a multi-agency team comprised of detectives from Gresham Police Department, Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, Oregon State Police, and the Port of Portland Police Department, responded and are investigating the shooting. No further information is available at this time.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact Detective Huffman at ederick.huffman@greshamoregon.gov">frederick.huffman@greshamoregon.gov or Detective Snider at tim.snider@greshamoregon.gov and reference case number 25-3314.

###30###

Rekdal will present at Columbia Writers Series for winter term

VANCOUVER, Wash.-- The Clark College Columbia Writers Series 2024-2025 season continues with nonfiction writer and poet Paisley Rekdal. This event, which is free and open to the public, will start at 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 30 in Gaiser Hall 213 on Clark College's main campus, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver.  

Rekdal is the author of four books of nonfiction and seven books of poetry. Her most recent collection of poems, "West: A Translation," was a commissioned project to commemorate the 150^th anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad. It was longlisted for the National Book Award. The collection is both a book and an online multi-media project, West: A Translation, which she will share at the event.

Other accolades for her work include a Guggenheim Fellowship, the Amy Lowell Poetry Traveling Fellowship, an NEA Fellowship, and various state arts council awards. A former Utah poet laureate, Rekdal teaches at the University of Utah where she directs the American West Center. Learn more about Rekdal here.

Next for Columbia Writers Series: Chelsea Bieker
Thursday, May 29 at 10 a.m. in Penguin Union Building (PUB) 258 A-C

Bieker is the author of three books, most recently the nationally bestselling novel, Madwoman, a Book of the Month pick The New York Times calls "brilliant in its depiction of the long shadows cast by domestic violence." Learn more about Bieker here.

4^th Annual Spring Writers Workshop: Saturday, May 31. 

Learn more about the Annual Spring Writers Workshop here. 

Directions and maps are available online.

If you need an accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event, please contact Clark College's Human Resources office. Phone: 360-992-2105 Email: hr@clark.edu 

About Columbia Writers Series
The Columbia Writers Series was launched at Clark College in 1988, bringing local, national and international authors to the college and the region. Learn more about the Columbia Writers Series here.

About Clark College 

Founded in 1933, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. It is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor's and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately 45% of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.   

####

(Portland, Ore.) -- Today, Oregon Senators and Representatives weighed in on the ongoing strike action at Providence facilities across Oregon. In a letter to Providence President and CEO Erik Wexler and Providence Oregon Chief Executive Jennifer Burrows the lawmakers acknowledged the struggles frontline caregivers face and emphasized the need for fair wages, better staffing and improved working conditions. They encouraged Providence to work to reach a fair and just contract with the union-represented workers. Championed by Sen. Aaron Woods of Senate District 13, the letter was also signed by Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama, the Chairs of House and Senate committees related to healthcare and labor, and Rep. Travis Nelson, RN.

Nurses, physicians, and advanced practice providers representing 11 Providence bargaining units in Oregon have been on strike since January 10. The strike will end when Providence starts listening to the nearly 5,000 frontline caregivers and acts upon the issues that matter to them most like patient safety, balanced workloads, and competitive wages and benefits. 

Community members can visit oregonrn.org/patientsbeforeprofits to learn more about ongoing negotiations, sign a community petition, and learn how they can support the strike.

A teenage girl reported a concerning interaction with a man on the Fanno Creek Trail this morning, which led to the man being charged with a felony crime.

The 16-year-old girl told officers she missed the bus for school and was walking to campus along the Fanno Creek Trail behind her apartment (off SW Main Street near SW Maplewood Drive) around 9AM, when she was approached by a man. She said the man didn't speak English and they began communicating through Google translate.

The girl reported the man said he had "weed" and asked if she wanted to go back to his apartment to smoke and drink, but she said no. The man asked if she wanted to go deeper into the woods off the trail, and again the girl said no. Throughout this interaction, they walked together on the trail until they reached the back of the Tigard Public Library. At that point, the girl reported the man said he wanted to meet up with her after school. She went inside and reported the interaction to library staff, who called police. Officers spoke with the girl and her caregivers about the situation, and she was safely returned home.

Members of the Tigard Police Community Oriented Policing team, who serve as focused patrol officers in the downtown Tigard area, searched for the man and found him along the trail between City Hall and Universal Plaza. He was identified as Cristian Serrano-Martinez, age 32, from Tigard. He was charged with felony distribution of a controlled substance to a minor.

This serves as a reminder for parents to talk with their children about safety, and plan ahead for how they would respond if approached by a stranger. The Tigard Police Department would like to praise the actions of this teenager for how she handled the situation, in saying no and telling an adult as soon as possible. Her quick reporting allowed officers to find the suspect in this case.

###

VANCOUVER, Wash. -- Washington State University Vancouver seeks clothing donations for its Closet to Career -- Professional Clothing Drive. Help students look and feel their best as they prepare for interviewing and the workforce. Accessories, belts, dress shirts, pants, skirts, suits, ties, jeans, sweaters, dresses and shoes in clean and good condition will be accepted. All sizes and styles are welcome.

Donations will be accepted from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb 4, 12 and 20 at the Student Services Center. WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave. in Vancouver, east of the 134^th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205, or via C-TRAN bus service. Find a campus map at vancouver.wsu.edu/map.

WSU Vancouver students will have the opportunity to select clothing during the Closet to Career -- Professional Clothing Pop-Up Feb. 25.

If you have questions, email van.career@wsu.edu, or call 360-546-9803.

About WSU Vancouver

As one of six campuses of the WSU system, WSU Vancouver offers big-school resources in a small-school environment. The university provides affordable, high-quality baccalaureate- and graduate-level education to benefit the people and communities it serves. As the only four-year research university in Southwest Washington, WSU Vancouver helps drive economic growth through relationships with local businesses and industries, schools and nonprofit organizations. 

WSU Vancouver is located on the homelands of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and Peoples of the Lower Columbia Valley. We acknowledge their presence here. WSU Vancouver expresses its respect towards these original and current caretakers of the region. We pledge that these relationships will be built on mutual trust and respect.

# # #

The Parkrose Board of Education of School District No. 3, Multnomah County, Oregon, will convene in an Executive & Board Business Meeting on Monday, January 27, 2025 at the Parkrose School District Office located at 10636 NE Prescott Street, Portland, Oregon at the hour of 6:30pm.

Guests and members of the public may attend in-person or virtually.  

Virtual Link - Please click this URL to join: https://zoom.us/j/94961285856 or join by phone: 1-253-215-8782 Webinar ID: 949-6128-5856

We encourage and welcome all members of our community to engage with our board. Please email questions@parkrose.k12.or.us or call 503.408.2100 to arrange for translation services at least 72 hours before this meeting. Closed captioning provided on zoom. Other appropriate auxiliary aids and services may be provided upon request and appropriate advance notice.

The agenda is posted on our website at: LINK.

Agenda items include but are not limited to: Black History Month, a goals presentation by Russell Elementary, consent agenda, board reports, mid-term goals, legislative advocacy, cell phones, artificial intelligence, ICE protocol, 25-26 academic calendar & May election. 

Policy for adoption on consent: Sexual Conduct, Artificial Intelligence, Attendance, Graduation, Instructional/Library materials, Staff leaves, Medications and Safety Committee 

Electronic/Virtual Public Comment Protocol - If you wish to submit a public comment before, or during this Board Meeting please fill out this electronic public comment form before "Public Comments" on the agenda: https://forms.gle/5sUjRZjxJikqmqVg9. If you don't submit your comment in time we will read it at the next board meeting.

In-Person Public Comment Protocol - Upon arrival at the meeting, please fill out an Intent-to-Speak card and hand it to the Board Assistant prior to "In-person Public Comment" on the agenda. You will have a 3 minute time limit.

Board Meeting Video Recordings - For those of you who cannot attend we will post a recording of the meeting on our website at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXajhxrPxMclOQ6J00JUszQ.

Questions welcomed, please email: questions@parkrose.k12.or.us or leave a voice message at 503-408-2114.

On behalf of the Metro Explosives Disposal Unit, the Port of Portland Police Department and the Portland Police Bureau are introducing a new advanced robot that will be deployed this month. 

The Agile Mobile Robot, model name "Spot," is a 4-legged robot manufactured by Boston Dynamics. The robot is assigned to the Metro Explosives Disposal Unit (MEDU), which is a team of law enforcement officers who respond to explosives-related incidents in the Portland metropolitan area. MEDU members are trained to deal with chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive threats.

The Spot robot, as a quadruped, has the ability to navigate difficult terrain with little input. It can climb stairs, pick up items, open doors, and navigate obstacles with single commands. It is operated by remote control by a police officer. It is not operated by artificial intelligence, but has some limited collision avoidance technology.

Climbing a flight of stairs can be difficult for a traditional tracked robot, but Spot is able to traverse most stairs with very little delay. It does not replace any K9 units or robots that we have, but it gives emergency responders additional options. 

This robot was purchased after conducting some scenario testing in the new Portland International Airport terminal prior to it being opened. The MEDU recognized we needed something that could navigate the complex airport environment both in terrain and communications, as well as other dangerous areas through the metro area where a potential explosive, hazardous material, or armed suspect is believed to be.
 
It will be useful in any situation where a tracked robot can have difficulty with access, such as stairs, uneven terrain, airplanes, mass transit, and areas that have been damaged by natural or man-made disasters. It can carry tools to investigate suspicious items, monitor air quality, etc.  It can also be used to assist in critical incidents where it is unsafe for police officers to go (i.e. armed suspect, terrorism). It has cameras and microphones so it can scout locations and be a conduit for communications from a distance. It will not be used for patrol use and it is unarmed. 

The Spot robot was purchased in November of 2024 for approximately $150,000 using grant funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency Urban Areas Security Initiative. It weighs about 75lbs, is about 2 1/2 feet tall and 4 feet long. It has an arm accessory that can be used to move objects or open doors.

It will be kept in a MEDU response vehicle for quick deployment as needed. 

4: The robot resembling a dog with four turquoise and black hinged legs, black torso, and a dual-hinged accessory arm with yellow grips standing in front of a building with a US flag and Oregon flag behind it

7: A closeup of the robot

###PPB###

A ribbon cutting for the new Free Little Library is planned for Thursday, January 30, 4 p.m. at the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) office at 500 N. Columbia Highway.  

Author Vera Ahiyya of the book series "KINDergarten" and "Getting Ready" will be doing a reading. The student winner of the Columbia County Art Contest for the Early Literacy Toolkit will also be honored for their work.

There will also be Little Libraries coming soon to ODHS offices in Astoria, Clatskanie, Seaside and Tillamook in the next several months.

The Little Free Libraries are a collaboration between Northwest Early Learning Hub of Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook counties and ODHS. Northwest Early Learning Hub is housed at Northwest Regional Education Service District. It is one of 16 Early learning Hubs of the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC)

A survey was conducted with community partners asking if they thought little libraries would be good investment. There was also community input on the themes and what books should be included so that the books would be inclusive of different cultures.

"We had three aims. We wanted to improve children's access to high quality books; we wanted to support parents and their kids; and to support teachers and care providers with information about the science of reading," Abbey Lutskovsky, the Hub Early Learning Coordinator, said. 

Tim Cork, the ODHS District Manager for Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook counties is a member of the Hub's Governance Council and was more than willing to host the libraries inside or outside ODHS offices in the area. The St. Helens office includes: Aging and People with Disabilities, Child Welfare, Oregon Eligibility Partnership, Self-Sufficiency and Vocational Rehabilitation programs.

"It was a good way to work with the community -- we're here to help,
 Cork said.

The double-decker libraries are stocked with books for children aged from birth to five years old. There will also be parenting books for adults. People can take a book or leave a book. There are Little Libraries inside other ODHS offices in Oregon, but these are the first in this area's offices.

The Woodburn Police Department (WPD) is asking the public for help locating Damaris Escalante Lopez. She was reported missing from her home in Woodburn after making statements of wanting to return to Guatemala. Damaris may be in Laramie, Wyoming. 

Damaris Escalante Lopez is 16 years old, Hispanic female, 5 feet tall, 100 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes

was last seen leaving school in Woodburn on 01/08/2025 at about 3:30 p.m. She was last seen wearing a purple blouse, black sweater, blue jeans, white shoes, and a black backpack.

If you have any information about Damaris Escalante Lopez's current whereabouts, contact your local police or the WPD at 503-982-2345, reference Case #25-369.  

Woodburn Police Department (WPD) is investigating an armed robbery that occurred at Crossroads Market (303 N Pacific Hwy.) on January 19, 2025, just before 4:00 p.m. During the incident, the suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.

WPD is seeking the public's assistance in identifying the individual pictured.  The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, 40-60 years old, approximately 5'8" to 5'10" tall, with a beard, and weighing about 180 pounds.

If you see this person, please don't try to reach out or contact him. Instead, call WPD at 503-982-2345 or your local police department immediately.

If you have any information about this suspect, please contact Detective Ellis at 503-982-2345.  Case reference number: 25-854

 Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) is inviting public input into the design of the next community grant cycle, which will launch later this year and award up to $67 million to community-based nonprofit organizations for climate work that advances racial and social justice.

The comment period is open now through Feb. 6. The public is invited to weigh in via a survey or email. 

"The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund is a homegrown program unlike any other," said Sam Baraso, PCEF Program Manager. "With the proposals that this next Community Grants program cycle will fund, we are again showing what it means to work in partnership with the community to make our city more resilient, regenerative, and just." 

Public input will be used to shape and refine the grant application, scoring criteria, eligibility requirements, and how funds will be allocated among five categories. Those include energy efficiency and renewable energy, regenerative agriculture and green infrastructure, climate jobs, workforce and contractor development, and transportation decarbonization. There also is a fifth catch-all category for projects that take other approaches to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"Community Grants are at the heart of the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund, which was created by the community, voted in by the community, and works for our community's future" said Angela Previdelli, PCEF's Community Grants and Capacity Building Program Manager. "By sharing your insights, you help us understand how our requirements and structures impact organizations' ability to carry out meaningful work and apply for grants successfully. Together, we can refine our approach to better support community-led climate justice efforts."

The upcoming funding cycle will be the fourth since the community-led, voter-approved fund first issued grants in 2020. Community Grants are a core funding strategy of PCEF's Climate Investment Plan, a five-year roadmap that guides grant-making through 2029.

PCEF is a voter-approved fund that collects approximately $200 million annually from a 1% revenue surcharge on large retailers doing business in Portland. The fund invests those dollars in climate action initiatives that support social, economic and environmental benefits for all Portlanders, particularly communities of color and people with low incomes. It is housed in the City of Portland's Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS).

Since its inception, PCEF has conducted public comment periods for every grant cycle. Staff have reviewed hundreds of comments and held numerous conversations with community members, leading to improved processes and grant awards. The 2025 Community Grants public comment period continues this tradition. 

To date, the Community Grants program has allocated $202 millionfor 342 projects across 207 organizations for work that reduces carbon emissions, creates economic opportunity, and helps make our city more resilient as we face a changing climate. 

About the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability 

The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) oversees a world-renowned waste and recycling system and leads the country in its commitment to digital equity, open data, and protecting communities in the application of technologies. Staff collaborate with partners on neighborhood, economic, historic, and environmental planning and provide research, policy, and technical services to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy, as well as policies and actions to address climate change. The bureau also oversees the innovative Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF).

About the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund

The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) initiative was passed by 65% of Portland voters in November 2018. It provides a consistent, long-term funding source and oversight structure to ensure that our community's climate action efforts are implemented to support social, economic and environmental benefits for all Portlanders, particularly communities of color and low-income residents. The initiative was supported by a broad coalition of groups and individuals and represents the first environmental initiative in Oregon led by communities of color.

MARION COUNTY, Ore. 23 Jan. 2025 -- The Oregon State Police is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Jan. 22, 2025, in Marion County.
 

At approximately 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 22, 2025, Salem Police officers were pursuing a wanted suspect near River Road and Gardenia Drive in Salem. The suspect, Shawn Lee Baker (42), fled into an apartment complex near the 3200 block of River Road North and toward a residential unit and was armed with a firearm.
 

Two officers confronted Baker and shots were fired striking Baker. Additional officers from the Salem Police Department and Keizer Police Department were immediately on scene. Despite lifesaving measures by responding police and medics, Baker died at the scene.
 

The involved officers have been identified as Salem Police Officers Chad Galusha and John Diaz. Galusha has been with the department for 16 years and Diaz for 23 years. As per standard protocol, both officers have been placed on administrative leave. 
 

 No police officers were injured in the incident.    

The https://co.marion.or.us/SO/Pages/SB111.aspx. Click or tap if you trust this link.">Marion County Law Enforcement Officer Deadly Use of Force Plan under https://co.marion.or.us/SO/Documents/DeadlyPhysicalForcePlan.MC%207-2016.pdf. Click or tap if you trust this link.">Senate Bill 111 has been initiated for this incident, and the Oregon State Police is conducting the primary investigation in coordination with the Marion County District Attorney's Office. The Keizer Police Department and Marion County Sheriff's Office are assisting in the investigation. Any further information will be released by the Marion County District Attorney's Office at the conclusion of the investigation. 

# # #

 

About the Oregon State Police

Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that protects Oregon's people, wildlife, and natural resources. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state's roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members -- including troopers, investigators, and professional staff -- who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon. 

LSTA Advisory Council Meeting

Online

January 30, 2025

AGENDA

3:00pm            Introductions and General Business

• Welcome new members
• Approve agenda
• Approve minutes from previous meeting

3:20pm            Public Comment (Any person may address the Council on any topic for up to 3 minutes. The Council does not generally engage in dialog with those making comments but may refer any question or issue raised to the State Librarian.)

3:30pm            Committee Updates

• Proposal to change Answerland Advisory Council (AAC) to a User Group
• Statewide Database Licensing Program (SDLP) scope and goals statement

4:00pm            Reports

• Members: Updates from your representative area
• Budget and spending
• Annual report
• School Library Consulting

4:45pm            Wrap up

• Action item review
• About upcoming grant evaluations

5:00pm            Adjourn

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Jan. 23, 2025
 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Sam Tenney, Communications Coordinator
sam.tenney@dpsst.oregon.gov
503-931-4069

DPSST ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT OF DEPUTY DIRECTOR BILL STEELE

SALEM, Ore. -- The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) announced today that Deputy Director Bill Steele will retire effective Feb. 7, 2025, after three years of dedicated service to the agency.

As the agency's deputy director, Steele most recently oversaw its Training Division and the Fire Program. He joined DPSST in 2022 as a part-time instructor before transitioning to a full-time role as the Training Resources Manager. He was named DPSST's deputy director in September 2024. 

Steele began his nearly 30-year career in public safety in 1996 as a deputy with the Washington County Sheriff's Office. When he departed that agency in 2016, he was the chief deputy overseeing operations in patrol, investigations and the jail. Steele went on to serve for six years as Chief of Police in Tualatin from 2016 to 2022, and also served briefly as the interim chief of the Aumsville and Forest Grove police departments.

"Bill has been integral to DPSST's success during his time with our agency, and Oregon's public safety community has benefitted immeasurably from his thoughtful leadership and professionalism," said DPSST Director Phil Castle. "We will miss him greatly, and we wish him the absolute best in retirement."

During the leadership transition, Director Castle will assume oversight of the areas managed by Deputy Director Steele. DPSST is committed to maintaining continuity of operations and ensuring it continues delivering high-quality service to its constituents.

###

About DPSST

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

Two juveniles have been arrested for the murder of Jonathan Trent and numerous robberies.

On Thursday, January 23, 2025, a 15-year-old male was arrested. He was transported to the Donald E Long Juvenile Detention Center and lodged on murder and robbery charges related to the incident on January 13, 2025.

On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, a 16-year-old male was arrested. He was transported to the Donald E Long Juvenile Detention Center and lodged on murder and robbery charges related to the incident on January 13, 2025. In addition, the 16-year-old is believed to be involved in four additional robberies in the first two weeks of January.

A third teenager, a 15-year-old male and known to the other two suspects, was arrested for one robbery on January 1, 2025.  

The victim's family has been notified of the arrests.

The Portland Police Bureau would like to thank its partners at the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office, U.S. Marshals Service and Clackamas County Sheriff's Office for assistance.

Photo description: Jonathan Trent

###PPB###

Original Messages Below

The suspicious death investigation in the Hazelwood Neighborhood on Monday, January 13, 2025, is now a homicide investigation.

The victim is identified as Jonathan Trent, 47, of Portland. Trent's family has been notified of his death. They are requesting privacy at this time, but they did provide the attached photo for public release.

The Medical Examiner determined Trent died of homicide by gunshot wound.

The initial investigation suggests that Trent was shot after witnessing a robbery and attempting to stop the suspect.  

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Brian Sims at rian.Sims@police.portlandoregon.gov">Brian.Sims@police.portlandoregon.gov 503-823-2079 or Detective Meghan Burkeen at urkeen@police.portlandoregon.gov">Meghan.Burkeen@police.portlandoregon.gov 503-823-2092 and reference case number 25-11087.

Photo description: Jonathan Trent

###PPB###

Original Message Below

A suspicious death investigation is underway in the Hazelwood Neighborhood.

On Monday, January 13, 2025, at approximately 3:50 p.m., East Precinct officers responded to reports of a robbery and shots fired outside of a business in the 1100 block of Northeast 102^nd Avenue. When they arrived, officers found an adult male down in the parking lot. The individual was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.

Due to the circumstances surrounding the man's death, detectives with PPB's Homicide Unit responded to the scene to investigate.

Anyone with information about this case, or information on the whereabouts of the suspect(s) who fled, is urged to contact Detective Brian Sims at Brian.Sims@police.portlandoregon.gov 503-823-2079 or Detective Meghan Burkeen at urkeen@police.portlandoregon.gov">Meghan.Burkeen@police.portlandoregon.gov 503-823-2092 and reference case number 25-11087.

Additional information will be released when appropriate.

###PPB###

HILLSBORO, Ore- On January 22, 2025, a Washington County jury found Steven Neil Milner guilty of murder in the second degree, stalking, and violating a court's stalking protective order (seven counts). Senior Deputy District Attorney John Gerhard and Deputy District Attorney Mahalee Streblow prosecuted this case before Judge Erik Buchér.
 

The defendant was a licensed veterinarian with a practice in Oregon City. He developed an intimate relationship with one of his longtime employees who was married to the victim in this case, Kenneth Fandrich. The victim learned of this affair which led to conflict with the defendant. When the woman ended her relationship with Mr. Milner, he became obsessed with her and began stalking her and the victim.
 

In March of 2022, the victim was granted a stalking protective order (SPO) after years of harassment from Mr. Milner, including the discovery of numerous GPS tracking devices that Mr. Milner attached to the victim's and his wife's vehicles. Home surveillance video also captured the defendant sneaking onto their property. Despite the SPO, the defendant continued to engage in stalking behavior. He installed another GPS tracking device on the Fandrich's vehicles and followed the victim to his home in Oregon City and his workplace at Intel Ronler Acres in Hillsboro more than a dozen times. The defendant was criminally charged in Clackamas County (court case number 22CR41120) but continued the stalking behavior while on conditional release.
 

In October 2022, the defendant purchased an additional vehicle on Craigslist to begin stalking the victim at his workplace in Hillsboro more covertly. On December 13, 2022, the defendant was captured on Intel's surveillance cameras as he arrived at a parking structure in the afternoon. While wearing a disguise, Mr. Milner used spray paint to tamper with several security cameras, including those covering the area where the victim usually parked, all to test Intel's security response. The defendant then repeatedly showed up in the Intel parking structure to observe the victim's patterns as he came and went from work. In early January 2023, the defendant purchased another vehicle using a false identity. The defendant used this vehicle to continue his covert surveillance of the victim at the Intel parking structure.
 

On January 27, 2023, the defendant used both of his "burner" vehicles to execute his plan of murdering the victim. The defendant entered the parking structure while in disguise, waited for the victim to park his car and walk into the Intel campus, and again spray-painted the security cameras surrounding the victim's vehicle. He left the scene and returned in a second vehicle, a minivan, which he parked next to the victim's car. He waited in the van until the victim got off work and returned to his car. After the victim reached his car, the defendant ambushed him from behind and executed a chokehold on him. After killing the victim, the defendant staged the victim's body and belongings back in his car in an attempt to make it appear that the victim died of natural causes. Mr. Fandrich was later found dead in his vehicle, but an autopsy revealed injury to his neck and spine.
 

At trial, the defendant testified in his own defense. The defendant claimed that he acted in self-defense after he was attacked by the victim. The jury rejected this claim.
 

The Washington County District Attorney's Office commends the work of the Hillsboro Police Department and partner agencies on this case.
 

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 18^th, 2025.

From late December to mid-January, Deputies with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office used decoy social media accounts for online child luring investigations.  During these investigations, Deputies posed as an underage child on various online social media platforms and were contacted by adults wanting to meet for sexual encounters. 
 

On January 15, 2025, 28-year-old Ruben Martinez Jimenez, of Newport, Oregon, was arrested and charged with the crimes of: Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a child in the first degree. At the time of his arrest, Ruben was communicating with the decoy account, and arrived at a predetermined location to meet with the underage child for a sexual encounter. Ruben was arrested and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail without further incident. 
 

On January 16th, 32-year-old James Tybierius Kirk, of Siletz, Oregon, was arrested and charged with the crimes of Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the second degree. At the time of his arrest, James was communicating with the decoy account, and made a plan with the underage child to meet for a sexual encounter. James was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail without further incident.
 

On January 21st, 43-year-old Adan Chavez-Pena, of Newport, Oregon, was arrested and charged with the crimes of: Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a child in the first degree. At the time of his arrest, Adan was in communication with the decoy account, and arrived near the predetermined location to meet with the underage child for a sexual encounter. Adan provided Deputies with fictitious identification at the time of arrest. Adan's true identity was determined by further investigation and fingerprints. Adan had multiple warrants out of Lincoln County issued from 2007 and 2008. Adan was charged with the additional crimes of: Giving False information, ID Theft, as well as two probation violation warrants charging possession of a controlled substance Methamphetamine, Give False info; Assault IV, Give False Info, and an indictment warrant charging ID Theft, Criminal Possession of Forged instrument. Adan was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail.
 

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office continues to encourage parents to monitor their children's social media activity and to discuss the possible dangers of communicating with strangers online. These investigations are conducted in an effort to reduce criminal activity and to further enhance the safety of our community.

The Oregon Heritage Commission is offering grants to qualified museums for collections, heritage tourism, and education and interpretation projects. Awards typically range between $2,000 and $10,000.

Museums may apply for a variety of projects. Collections projects may include cataloging, archival storage, disaster preparedness, and conservation. Heritage tourism projects may include museum marketing and promotions, enhancing visitor experience, and training for museum staff. Education and interpretation projects may include exhibits, online education, school classes, workshops, and camps. Museums may also partner with other organizations for projects that might be outside of the museum, but still meet the museum's mission.

"This program is quite broad and can be used to collect the full spectrum of Oregon's history, preserve it and raise awareness of it. We hope to see both creative and practical proposals," said Oregon Heritage Coordinator, Katie Henry. Past projects include:

• Interpretation and education projects at the Cannon Beach History Center and Wallowa History Center;
• Collections projects by City of Sumpter, City of Willamina, Five Oaks Museum (Washington County), Gresham Historical Society, Hellenic-American Cultural Center and Museum (Portland), Jackknife-Zion-Horsehaven Historical Society (Clackamas County), Keizer Heritage Foundation, Oregon Fire Service Museum, Memorial and Learning Center (Marion County), Shelton McMurphey Johnson Associates (Eugene), Southern Oregon Historical Society (Medford); and
• Tourism projects by the Benton County Historical Society (Philomath) and Gold Hill Historical Society. 

The online grant application is simple to use and includes plenty of support.  A free online workshop specific to this grant and how to use the online grant application will be offered February 11, 1:00 p.m. -- 2:00 p.m. Advance registration is required. Recorded trainings and tips are also online.

The Heritage Commission is comprised of nine people representing Oregon's heritage and geographical diversity who have been appointed by the Governor. There are also nine advisory representatives from state agencies and statewide organizations. The commission's mission 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. The commission supports Oregon Heritage Plan goals that include: including more voices of Oregon's history, access to Oregon's historic resources, attaining best practices and promoting the value of heritage.

To learn more about museum grants, visit www.oregonheritage.org. For additional questions, translation and accessibility needs contact Kuri Gill at i.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov">Kuri.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.

SALEM, Ore. -- Following a two-week mobilization to Southern California to assist with the wildfire response, 17 of Oregon's 21 strike teams will soon be heading home. The teams began the demobilization process Thursday morning. Two of the strike teams will start their drive back to Oregon on Thursday, while the remaining 15 will begin their journey to their home agencies on Friday.
 

These strike teams were assigned to the Palisades and Eaton fires near Los Angeles and have spent the last two weeks working the fire lines and supporting the communities impacted by these disasters. In total, the Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilized 21 strike teams, 370 firefighters, and 105 fire engines and water tenders, marking the largest out-of-state deployment in the agency's history.
 

"I am immensely proud of the work firefighters from the Oregon fire service and the Oregon Department of Forestry have done over the last two weeks in California," Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. "Their dedication and professionalism have made a meaningful difference for the communities affected by these devastating fires. The willingness of our firefighters to step up and provide critical aid, often in challenging and dangerous conditions, is a testament to the strength and resilience of Oregon's fire service."

The Oregon State Fire Marshal has four remaining strike teams in California, two assigned to the Eaton Fire and two assigned to support initial attack efforts if any new fires start. There is no timeline yet for when the remaining strike teams will return to Oregon.

The strike teams sent to California by the State Fire Marshal were requested through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. This compact provides help during governor-declared emergencies or disasters by allowing states to send personnel, equipment, and supplies to support response and recovery efforts in other states. The strike teams' expenses will be reimbursed directly by California.

January 23, 2025

Media contact: Tim Heider, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Oregon artist wins second place nationally in radon awareness poster contest

PORTLAND, Ore. -- January is national Radon Action Month. Students across the Northwest are encouraged to get creative to help raise awareness about the dangers of radon gas by participating in the annual Northwest Radon Poster Contest.

Oregon's first place winning poster (below) was created by 13-year-old Alexia Vallo from Medford, Ore. Alexia's poster also took second place nationwide.

Alexia will receive a $300 prize from The American Lung Association.

The poster contest serves to raise awareness of harmful effects of elevated indoor radon levels and promote testing and mitigation of radon gas.

Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that can build up in homes. Both old and new housing can have radon problems. Testing is the only way to know if a home has radon because it is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Long-term radon exposure to radon is the No. 1 cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers and the second-leading cause of lung cancer in smokers. 

Youths ages 9 to 14 who live in Oregon, Idaho and Washington are eligible to participate in the radon poster contest. They must either be enrolled in a public, private, territorial, tribal, Department of Defense or home school, or be a member of a sponsoring club, such as a scouting, art, computer, science or 4-H club. Only one entry per student is allowed. Find contest submission forms and rules at the Northwest Radon Poster Contest page.

The Northwest Radon Poster Contest is sponsored by Oregon Health Authority's Radon Awareness Program, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Nez Perce Tribe, Spokane Tribe of Indians and Washington Department of Health's Radon Program, in collaboration with the Northwest Radon Coalition and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10.

The American Lung Association announced the national radon poster winners this week.

For more information, contact the Radon Awareness Program at adon.program@state.or.us" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;">radon.program@state.or.us or visit www.healthoregon.org/radon.

###

Portland, OR -- Oregon Historical Society (OHS) Boyle Family Executive Director Kerry Tymchuk has announced the appointment of Nicole Yasuhara as its newest Museum Director. 

"Nicole's experience, intelligence, enthusiasm, and dedication to OHS make her exactly the right person for this important job," said Tymchuk. 

Yasuhara succeeds Helen B Louise, who retired after ten years in that position. Yasuhara has nearly two decades of tenure at OHS, most recently serving as Deputy Museum Director. 

"I am so thankful and excited to transition my role at OHS to Museum Director," said Yasuhara. "Each year I spend at OHS, I become more inspired by our mission, the amazing staff, the people we serve, and the stories we share through our exhibitions, educational materials, and scholarship. I am inspired by the ways that understanding history can shape who we are and how we make sense of the world around us. I want to share this sense of discovery with our greater community and help cultivate a museum where everyone in our community can see their own history represented."

Yasuhara graduated from the University of Hawaii with a B.A. in anthropology and earned an M.A. in museum studies from George Washington University. Before moving to Oregon, she interned at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian Cultural Resources Center and the National Museum of American History's Archives Center. These experiences sparked her interest in collections stewardship, specifically cultural care of Indigenous belongings in museum collections. As Deputy Museum Director, Yasuhara was chiefly responsible for overseeing the museum's vast collections, which include over 75,000 objects and belongings pertaining to Oregon's rich and nuanced history.

Yasuhara's passion for collections preservation led her to spearhead OHS's Museum Collections Access Project, a multi-year endeavor to develop streamlined processes for collections management and record keeping. Thanks to this work by Yasuhara and the museum collections team, OHS launched its online Museum Collection Portal (museumcollection.ohs.org) in 2022, a public database highlighting the incredible objects in the museum's care. To date, the Portal has over 15,000 object records documenting the history of the region, which includes clothing and textiles, Native American belongings, artworks, vehicles, equipment, and everyday items.

Previous publications include nearly a dozen articles for OHS's Dear Oregon blog and multiple essays for regional scholarly publications. Among her writings include "Native Belongings and Institutional Values at the Oregon Historical Society, Then and Now," published in the Summer 2020 issue of the Oregon Historical Quarterly. In the essay, Yasuhara shares how most of the 5,200 Native belongings in OHS's museum collection, "were stripped of their history," no doubt due to "power structures between pioneer collectors and their Native sources." Yasuhara also discusses current institutional practices and goals that confront this history and "begin to address the inherently colonial practices of early collecting institutions, including OHS." That change, she urges, "must grow from deeply personal ideological shifts in which practitioners recognize our own privilege and utilize an inclusion and equity lens in our everyday lives."

Yasuhara is also deeply involved in her local community, previously serving on the boards of the Oregon Museums Association and Whole Child Montessori Center. She is currently on the board of the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon and is a member of Governor Kotek's Task Force on Oregon Tribal Cultural Items. Away from OHS, Yasuhara enjoys vacations at the beach with her husband and son.

About the Oregon Historical Society

For 125 years, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state's collective memory, preserving a vast collection of objects, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms, educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon's history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and complex as Oregon's cannot be contained within a single story or point of view.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 23, 2025

CONTACT INFORMATION:
umenauer@employ.oregon.gov">Gail Krumenauer, State Employment Economist

(971) 301-3771

Video and Audio available at 10 a.m. PT

David Cooke, Economist (971) 375-5288

Oregon's Nonfarm Payroll Employment Drops by 3,700 in December

In December, Oregon's seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment declined by 3,700 jobs, following a revised increase of 3,700 jobs in November. December's gains were largest in health care and social assistance (+1,900 jobs) and government (+700). Declines were largest in leisure and hospitality (-1,900 jobs); manufacturing (-1,800); financial activities (-1,000); and retail trade (-900).

Health care and social assistance continued its rapid, consistent pace of hiring, adding 18,100 jobs, or 6.2%, in the past 12 months. Within this industry, social assistance added the most jobs, gaining 9,200 jobs, or 12.2%, since December 2023. The three health care industries each added between 3,300 and 4,400 jobs during that time.

December's growth in government also capped off a year of strong performance. Its 7,000-job gain (+2.3%) was the second fastest growth over the year.

Leisure and hospitality cut 3,200 jobs in the past two months. It employed 204,000 in December, which was 3,000 below its average during January 2023 through October 2024.

Cutbacks of 1,500 jobs within semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing contributed most of the December employment reductions in manufacturing. Over the year, manufacturing dropped 2,500 jobs (-1.3%). Several durable goods manufacturing industries have shed jobs in the past 12 months: wood product manufacturing (-500 jobs, or -2.2%); machinery manufacturing (-300 jobs, or -2.2%); and transportation equipment manufacturing (-600 jobs, or -5.3%).

Oregon's unemployment rate was 4.1% in December and 4.0%, as revised, in November. The rate has consistently remained between 4.0% and 4.2% since October 2023. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.1% in December and 4.2% in November.

Next Press Releases

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the December county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, Jan. 28, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for January on Monday, March 10.

###

NORTH PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Cascade Festival of African Films, the longest-running African film festival in the U.S., is set to celebrate its 35th anniversary at Portland Community College with a lineup of more than 20 films from 14 countries. 

The free and volunteer-run film festival raises its curtain at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 31, at the Hollywood Theatre and runs through March 1 at PCC's Cascade Campus in celebration of Black History Month.

"As always, our popular programming remains free and open to the public, ensuring accessibility for all," said Festival Director Eugénie Jolivett Fontana. "This festival is so loved by the community because it shows Africa through African lenses. It's the stories from African people and its diaspora that make this festival so unique." 

She and Assistant Festival Director Brook Ramirez, along with the many volunteers who work behind the scenes, are ready to welcome attendees to this year's celebration. The grand opening will feature a live musical performance followed by the screening of "Everybody Loves Touda" by Moroccan director Nabil Ayouch. This film explores themes of determination and dignity amidst societal barriers and will conclude with an engaging Q&A session. Doors open at 6 p.m., and seating is first come, first served.

This year's theme, "Legacy," emphasizes the enduring cultural contributions and adversities of Africa through its art, photography and storytelling, according to Jolivett Fontana. One highlight on Friday, Feb. 14, at the Hollywood Theatre is the showcase of "Xalé (The Childhood Wounds)," a film by acclaimed Senegalese director Moussa Sène Absa, who will be in-person for an intimate Q&A. The festival will honor Absa's artistry with a retrospective featuring two additional films from this guest director's repertoire.

The festival offers something for everyone:

• Documentaries on Thursdays: Highlights include "Far from the Nile," a celebration of unity as 12 musicians travel through seven countries along the Nile River, using music to bridge borders.

• Family Film Fest & Activities: On Saturday, Feb. 22, families can enjoy a special lineup of a friendly coming-of-age film, alongside kid-friendly activities.

• Women Filmmaker Week: A spotlight on African women directors and their powerful storytelling.

• View Online Collection: A collaboration with the Multnomah County Library offers a special CFAF-curated list of African films available through Kanopy.

• Marketplace Day: From 2--6 p.m., Saturday, March 1, attendees can explore African and Black-owned vendor booths featuring crafts, art, and more at the Moriarty Auditorium on the Cascade Campus.

The festival also features an advance screening of "On Becoming a Guinea Fowl" by Zambian director Rungano Nyoni on Thursday, Feb. 6, at the Tomorrow Theater. The closing night on March 1 will feature "Under the Fig Trees" by Tunisian filmmaker Erige Sehiri. 

During the festival, PCC is honoring the legacies of founding member Linda Elegant and long-time supporter Bob Holmström. "Their vision and dedication laid the foundation for CFAF's mission of education, inclusion and community that continues into its 35th year," Jolivett Fontana added. 

For more information, visit africanfilmfestival.org.

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 50,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

TIE IT DOWN

Thinking of making that annual or semi-annual trip to the dump? Ridding your home of trash and items to be recycled is a great way to keep it a healthy, safe, and clutter-free place.

Remember that we also want to keep our environment and fellow motorists healthy and safe. Before making that dump run or hauling other loads, take a moment to inspect your cargo. Are there any light, loose items that can scatter and become debris or pollution along the roadway? Or are there any items that may fall out and cause another drive to swerve or crash?

The National Sheriffs' Association Traffic Safety Committee is working to raise awareness of the problem with unsecured loads.  Research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that road debris played a role in more than 50,000 crashes each year in a four-year period. These resulted in over 9,800 injuries and approximately 125 deaths.

To be secured, loads should be:

• Tied down with rope, netting or straps
• Tied directly to the vehicle or trailer
• Covered entirely with a sturdy tarp or netting
• NOT overloaded
• Packed with lighter weight items at the bottom and evenly distributed to prevent them from sliding.

For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

###

Vancouver, WA -- The Vancouver Police Department is currently accepting applications for our next Neighbors On Watch (NOW) academy which runs April 17-May 22. Department NOW volunteers are an integral part of VPD's mission of making Vancouver the safest urban city in Washington. During the 6-week academy, participants will meet once per week and will learn a variety of skills including how to be a good witness, observation skills, CPR and more. Volunteers gain insight and knowledge of crime trends, police priorities, learn from subject matter experts and get to know and work with Vancouver Police Officers. Volunteers must be over 21 years old, live in Vancouver city limits and pass a thorough background investigation.
 

NOW volunteers participate in highly visible and non-confrontational patrols throughout the city. Volunteers have assisted with assignments including recovery of stolen vehicles, implementation of the Out of State License Plate Program and responding to callouts to help locate missing people and evidence. Volunteers also assist with a variety of administrative projects that support the Backgrounds, Logistics, Training and Traffic Units and there are a variety of both short-term and long-term projects that suit all skills and physical abilities.

Applications for NOW Academy #25 are due by March 7, 2025.

Spots for the NOW academy fill up fast. Interested applicants should visit the Vancouver Police Department Volunteer Program page and complete the volunteer interest form. 

###

A homicide investigation is underway after a shooting in the Hazelwood Neighborhood left a man deceased. 

On Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 12:44 a.m., Portland Police officers from East Precinct responded to a report of shots fired in the area of Southeast 97th Avenue and Southeast Oak Street. When they arrived they located a man deceased on the street. 

The suspect or suspects left before police were called and no immediate arrests were made. 

The Portland Police Homicide Unit responded to the scene and is investigating. During the investigation, Southeast 97th Avenue is closed between Southeast Stark Street and Southeast Pine Street. 

If anyone has information about this case, please contact Detective Carlos Ibarra at Carlos.Ibarra@police.portlandoregon.gov 503-823-0950 or Detective William Winters at William.Winters@police.portlandoregon.gov 503-823-0466 and reference case number 25-19639. 

The PIO is not responding to the scene. Additional information will be released when appropriate. This is the second homicide of 2025. 

###PPB###

At 5:05 p.m. today, multiple callers to 911 reported seeing heavy black smoke and flames coming from a home in the 3600 block of NW 163^rd Terrace in the Bethany-area of unincorporated Washington County. Based on the descriptions and number of callers, the call was upgraded to bring additional personnel and units to the scene. At least one nearby resident evacuated their home due to proximity and size of the fire. While driving to the scene, the incident commander also confirmed seeing a visible black column of smoke coming from the location.

The first crew arrived within five minutes and began to search the home to confirm whether any occupants remained inside. The large number of personal belongings inside the residence made access to the interior of the home and search operations challenging. While firefighters worked to confirm all occupants were out of the home, fire crews began to attack the fire. The incident commander called for a second alarm to bring additional resources, to further aid initial fire crews facing challenging fire conditions.

With assistance from Hillsboro Fire, firefighters brought the fire under control, and completed their search confirming that no occupants were in the home. A fire investigator is at the scene and the cause remains under investigation.

TVF&R was also assisted on scene by American Medical Response and Portland General Electric.

TVF&R approves the use of all images included with this release for the purpose of news dissemination.

On 1/22/25 at approximately 1813 hrs a report was made to 911 that a pedestrian had just been hit by a vehicle in the roadway near the 5200 block of NE Minnehaha St, Vancouver, WA.  First responders with Vancouver Fire Department, AMR, and the Clark County Sheriff's Office arrived to find a person in the roadway with significant injuries.   The victim was transported to the hospital with life threatening injuries.  The driver remained at the scene, was cooperative with investigators and there were no signs of impairment on the part of the driver.   The Clark County Sheriff's Office Traffic Homicide Unit was called out to conduct an investigation.  This case is active pending further investigation.  The roadway will be closed for a few hours for the investigation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE: January 22, 2025

Pedestrian struck, killed by bus in downtown Salem

Salem, Ore. -- Just after 1:00 p.m. today, Salem Police and other emergency personnel responded to the intersection of Union and High STS NE on the report of a pedestrian struck by a Cherriots bus.

The preliminary investigation by the Salem Police Traffic Team indicates the driver of the transit bus was traveling westbound on Union ST and initiated a right-hand turn onto northbound High ST, striking a pedestrian in the crosswalk on the northeast corner of the intersection.

The bus driver brought the bus to a stop a short distance away from the intersection. The driver and occupants of the bus attempted to render aid to the pedestrian; however, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The pedestrian is identified as Joseph Eugene Chandler, age 68, of Salem.

The Cherriots bus driver, John Paul Valdez, age 63, of Albany, remained on scene and cooperated with the investigation.

The Traffic Team investigation continues, and as such, no citations have been issued or arrest made.

Through traffic in the area was closed for approximately two hours for the investigation.

# # #

Joint news release with the Linn County Sheriff's Office

LINN COUNTY, Ore. 22 Jan. 2025 -  Today, at 9:15 a.m., an Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Trooper encountered a vehicle on the shoulder of Hwy. 20 near milepost 68 and quickly determined the person associated with the vehicle was lost and in distress. The 30-year-old female had left her vehicle for unknown reasons and walked up a nearby U.S. Forest Service road.
 

Linn County Search and Rescue and an OSP Fish and Wildlife K-9 team responded to assist in the search. K-9 Scout tracked the individual and finally located her about a mile from the vehicle. Troopers remained with her, built a fire, and provided food and emergency blankets until search and rescue members arrived with a snowcat to transport her back to the highway.

Medics from the Sweet Home Fire Department then transported the individual to an area hospital for medical evaluation.
 

While the rescue was underway, the Linn County Sheriff's Office received two additional calls from motorists stranded on forest roads in the snow. Sheriff Michelle Duncan said, "This is a good reminder for motorists to always have a plan and adequate equipment if traveling or recreating in the snow." She continued, "Always let a friend or family member know your destination and carry a cell phone or rescue beacon. It's always a good idea to keep your car winter ready with safety items such as extra blankets or warm clothing, extra food and water, a first aid kit, and other survival items."

Oregon State Police Captain Kyle Kennedy said, "Winter weather can be unpredictable and conditions can change quickly. This rescue was a great team effort and we are grateful this individual was quickly located and transported to safety." 

MEDFORD, Ore.-- Nicole Randall, 37, of Cedar Park, Texas pleaded guilty and was sentenced today to one year of probation for introducing an adulterated drug into interstate commerce.

According to court documents, between February 2020 and May 2022, Randall used fake names to smuggle GS-441524, a drug that had not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human or animal consumption, into the United States disguised as facial masks, pet shampoo, beauty products, and cosmetics.

Despite having no veterinary or prescriber licenses, Randall and others used the Facebook group "FIP Warriors 5.0" to defraud and mislead customers by diagnosing their cats and kittens with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a viral disease affecting cats, and prescribing GS-441524 for the animals' consumption.

In August 2021, an agent joined FIP Warriors 5.0 and submitted photographs of a cat. The healthy cat, recently examined by a licensed veterinarian, was misdiagnosed with FIP and prescribed GS-441524. Randall then instructed payment for the unapproved drugs using Paypal, Zelle, or CashApp without mentioning cat medicine, vials, pills, or brand names in the payment note.

In July 2022, agents executed a federal search warrant at Randall's residence in Cedar Park, Texas and seized approximately 30 boxes of glass vials containing the adulterated drug. Investigators discovered that between July 2020 and June 2022, Randall distributed 58,460 liquid vials and 236,836 pills of GS-441524.

On June 4, 2024, Randall was charged by criminal information with introducing an adulterated drug into interstate commerce.

Randall's scheme was highly profitable. As part of the plea agreement, Randall agreed to forfeit four real properties, ten financial accounts, and a Tesla, worth roughly $4 million combined and traceable to her proceeds from smuggling and distributing the unapproved drugs.

This case was investigated by the FDA. It was prosecuted by John C. Brassell and Katherine C. de Villiers, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

# # #

Salem, Ore. -- More Spanish speakers are joining the gym at Center 50+, and now there's a new SilverSneakers Classic class just for them. This class is held every Wednesday from 10:15 to 11:15. It costs $6 for each class, but the first class is free.

SilverSneakers Classic is the main class for full-body workouts at Center 50+. Elena Fink, a fitness instructor and personal trainer, will lead the class. Participants will do exercises at their own pace using resistance tools.

Soon, there will also be a monthly meeting for caregivers who speak Spanish.

For more information about Center 50+ programs, call 503-588-6303.

Center 50+ ofrece la primera clase de ejercicios en español

Salem, Ore. -- Más hispanohablantes se están uniendo al gimnasio en Center 50+ (centro para personas mayores de 50 años), y ahora hay una nueva clase SilverSneakers Classic solo para ellos. Esta clase se lleva a cabo todos los miércoles de 10:15 a 11:15. Cuesta $6 por cada clase, pero la primera clase es gratis.

SilverSneakers Classic es la clase principal para entrenamientos de cuerpo completo en Center 50+. Elena Fink, instructora de fitness y entrenadora personal, dirigirá la clase. Los participantes harán ejercicios a su propio ritmo utilizando herramientas de resistencia.

Pronto, también habrá una reunión mensual para cuidadores que hablen español.

Para obtener más información sobre los programas del Center 50+, llame al 503-588-6303, se habla español.

# # #

EUGENE, Ore.-- The companies responsible for the J.H. Baxter wood treatment facility in Eugene, Oregon, and their president pleaded guilty today in federal court to hazardous waste and Clean Air Act violations and agreed to pay a total of $1.5 million in criminal fines.

The corporations -- J.H. Baxter & Co. Inc. and J.H. Baxter & Co., A California Limited Partnership (collectively J.H. Baxter) -- both pleaded guilty to charges of illegally treating hazardous waste and knowingly violating the Clean Air Act's pollution control regulations. The companies' president, Georgia Baxter-Krause, 61, of Deschutes, Oregon, pleaded guilty to two counts of making false statements in violation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the federal statute governing hazardous waste management.

According to court documents, J.H. Baxter used hazardous chemicals to treat and preserve wood at its Eugene facility. The wastewater from the wood preserving processes was hazardous waste.

To properly treat wastewater from its wood treatment process, J.H. Baxter operated a legal wastewater treatment unit to treat and evaporate the waste. For years, however, when J.H. Baxter had too much water on site, including process wastewater and precipitation, J.H. Baxter's employees at the facility would transfer hazardous process wastewater to an available wood treatment retort to "boil it off," greatly reducing its volume. J.H. Baxter would then remove the remaining waste from the retort, label it as hazardous waste and ship it offsite for disposal.

State and local regulators were not made aware of this process and J.H. Baxter did not have a permit to treat its hazardous waste in this manner, as required by RCRA. Additionally, J.H. Baxter's facility was subject to certain Clean Air Act emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants, which required it to minimize air pollution emissions. However, employees were directed to open all vents on the retorts, allowing discharge to the surrounding air.

Oregon inspectors requested information about J.H. Baxter's practice of boiling off hazardous wastewater. On two separate occasions, Baxter-Krause gave false information in response, which included information about the dates the practice took place and which retorts were used. The investigation determined that Baxter-Krause knew J.H. Baxter maintained detailed daily production logs for each retort. From approximately January to October 2019, J.H. Baxter boiled off hazardous process wastewater in its wood treatment retorts on 136 known days. Baxter-Krause was also aware that during this time J.H. Baxter used four of its five retorts to boil off wastewater.

On November 22, 2024, J.H. Baxter was charged by criminal information with illegal treatment of hazardous waste and knowingly violating the Clean Air Act's pollution control regulations, and Baxter-Krause was charged with two counts of making false statements in violation of the RCRA.

As part of their plea agreements, the companies and Baxter-Krause have agreed to pay a total of $1.5 million in criminal fines. Baxter-Krause also faces up to two years in federal prison and three years of supervised release. They are scheduled to be sentenced on April 22, 2025, before U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. McShane.

This case was investigated by the EPA Criminal Investigation Division with assistance from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Lane Regional Air Protection Agency, EPA Region 10, and the Oregon State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. McLaren for the District of Oregon, Trial Attorneys Rachel Roberts and Stephen J. Foster of the Environment and Natural Resources Division's Environmental Crimes Section, and EPA Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel Karla G. Perrin.

This case was an Environmental Crimes Task Force (ECTF) investigation. ECTF is an initiative in the District of Oregon that identifies, investigates, and prosecutes significant environmental, public lands, and wildlife crimes. ECTF leverages the resources and effort of federal, state, and local regulatory agencies and law enforcement to protect human health, safeguard natural resources and wildlife, and hold violators accountable. If you witness an event that may lead to an immediate threat to human health or the environment, please call 9-1-1. After alerting local emergency authorities, please also report incidents to the EPA's Report a Violation website (https://echo.epa.gov/report-environmental-violations) or by calling the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.

# # #

The Board of Directors for Clackamas Fire will hold a regular board meeting on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Agenda items for the regular board meeting will include the regular monthly division reports, new hire introductions, 2024 Operation Santa presentation and request for board approval of the Clackamas Emergency Services Foundation 2025 budget. An Executive Session will be held under ORS192.660(2)(d) to discuss labor contract negotiations.

If you would like to provide public comment during the meeting, you must sign up no later than Monday, January 27, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Please sign up by filling out the Public Meeting Comments form on our website: https://clackamasfire.com/public-meeting-comments/.

The public can attend either by remote video conferencing or in person at Station 5 (9339 SE Causey Ave., Happy Valley, OR 97086). If you would like to attend online or by phone, please access Clackamas Fire's website for the Zoom meeting link and passcode at: https://clackamasfire.com/public-notices/.

###

SEASIDE, Ore. -- January 22, 2025 -- At approximately 12:58 p.m. today, the Seaside Police Department and Seaside Fire & Rescue responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting a fire at the homeless camp located at 855 Avenue S in Seaside.

Upon arrival, first responders observed smoke coming from the encampment. A resident helped contain the fire to a single tent using a nearby hose before emergency personnel arrived at approximately 1:02 p.m.

Tragically, one individual was found deceased. However, no details regarding the identity are confirmed at this time.
 

The investigation into the fire and death is ongoing. Detectives from the Seaside Police Department, assisted by area detectives and a medicolegal death investigator, are working to determine the cause of death. Seaside Fire & Rescue is conducting a thorough investigation to help determine the origin and cause of the fire.
 

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
 

end of release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE: January 22, 2025

Wanted suspect shot during arrest attempt

Salem, Ore. -- Late this morning, two Salem Police officers were involved in a use of force incident resulting in the death of a suspect.

At approximately 11:30 a.m. officers were in a foot pursuit of a wanted adult male suspect. The suspect fled into an apartment complex near the 3200 block of River Road North and toward a residential unit while armed with a handgun. The officers confronted the suspect and shots were fired. The suspect was struck. Despite life-saving measures employed by responding officers, the suspect died at the scene.

No officers were injured in the incident.  

The names of the suspect and the officers involved will not be released at this time.

The Marion County Law Enforcement Officer Deadly Use of Force Plan under Senate Bill 111 has been initiated for this incident, and the Oregon State Police will be conducting the primary investigation.

Additionally, per the use of force plan protocol, all future case updates will be provided by the Oregon State Police.

# # #

Vancouver, Wash. -- Clark County Public Works is beginning construction to upgrade pedestrian facilities on county roads. This work is part of the road preservation program and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements project. Improvements will include upgraded sidewalk curb ramps, added detectable warning surfaces and upgrades to associated pedestrian signals and/or pushbuttons.

Construction will begin in late January and completed by the first week of June. Construction activities will occur on between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays.

For the safety of workers and the public, traffic lanes and/or sidewalks may be closed near work sites. Travelers will be directed around the closures.

Residents can view interactive maps of project locations on our website at clark.wa.gov/public-works/ada-compliance.

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor.

Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says "Change language" next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language.

Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.

Ч?,?3/4б?< пр?3/4?и?,а?,?OE э?,?NLG и?1/2?"?3/4р?1/4а?ию ?1/2а р?NLGсск?3/4?1/4 яз?<ке, зайди?,е ?1/2а сай?, clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Наж?1/4и?,е ?1/2а к?1/2?3/4пк?NLG Change language ("?~з?1/4е?1/2и?,?OE яз?<к") в прав?3/4?1/4 вер?...?1/2е?1/4 ?NLGгл?NLG с?,ра?1/2и??< ряд?3/4?1/4 с си?1/4в?3/4л?3/4?1/4 зе?1/4?1/2?3/4г?3/4 ?^ара и в?<бери?,е св?3/4й яз?<к.

?Yерейд?-–?,?OE ?1/2а с?,?3/4р?-–?1/2к?NLG clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, ?o/oo?3/4б пр?3/4?и?,а?,и ?ю ?-–?1/2?"?3/4р?1/4а??-–ю ?NLGкра?--?1/2с?OEк?3/4ю. На?,ис?1/2?-–?,?OE к?1/2?3/4пк?NLG Change language (?--?1/4?-–?1/2и?,и ?1/4?3/4в?NLG) з?-– з?1/2а?к?3/4?1/4 гл?3/4б?NLGса ?NLG вер?...?1/2?OE?3/4?1/4?NLG прав?3/4?1/4?NLG к?NLG?,?-– с?,?3/4р?-–?1/2ки ?,а вибер?-–?,?OE п?3/4?,р?-–б?1/2?NLG ?1/4?3/4в?NLG.

###

Vancouver, Wash. -- The county manager is seeking applicants to fill the position of a low-income representative from the county's second district on the volunteer Community Action Advisory Board.

Term periods begin immediate and are three years, ending Dec. 31, 2027. Incumbents have the opportunity for re-appointment to two additional three-year terms.

The fifteen-member board makes recommendations about local government funding for basic needs, self-sufficiency, and housing programs. Members also advocate for services supporting low-income communities, families and persons at local, state and federal levels.

Clark County is looking to diversify the board composition and encourages people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to apply, especially people of color and from historically oppressed or under-resourced communities.

Interested residents must submit an application and résumé to Abby Molloy, Clark County Community Services, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 or by.molloy@clark.wa.gov">abby.molloy@clark.wa.gov.

Application information can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/community-services/caab-community-action-advisory-board or by calling Abby Molloy at 564.397.7832.

Deadline is Friday, Feb. 21.

Vancouver, Wash. -- All comments are welcomed and encouraged regarding a Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds to the U.S. Department of Housing and Development for the Housing Preservation Program (HPP).

Clark County Community Services is proposing to use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program funds to assist approximately 10 low-income homeowners each year for the next 5 years to make repairs to their homes to ensure they are safe and livable. An annual allocation of $250,000 of CDBG funding will be used to administer the program and complete the repairs.

All federal funding must comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). The HPP is evaluated using a tiered review. Tier 1 is a broad level review and assessed impacts of the following laws and authorities: Coastal Barrier Resources Act, Air Quality, Coastal Zone Management Act, Endangered Species Act, Explosives and Flammable Hazards, Farmlands Protection, Noise Abatement and Control, Sole Source Aquifers, Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and Environmental Justice. No impacts to the human environment were identified through the Tier 1 review.

Tier 2 reviews assess properties through a site-specific review once the needs of each individual house and homeowner are evaluated to determine the scope of work needed. The laws and authorities to be evaluated through the site-specific review include Airport Hazards, Flood Insurance, Contamination and Toxic Substances, Floodplain Management, Historic Preservation, and Wetlands Protection. Projects will not be completed if there is an impact to the human environment that cannot be mitigated.

Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at Clark County Community Services, 1601 E Fourth Plain Blvd, Ste C214, Vancouver, WA, and may be examined or copied weekdays 9 am  to 4 pm with advance notice, or online at https://cpd.hud.gov/cpd-public/environmental-reviews.

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Michael Torres, Community Action, Housing and Development Manager at Clark County Community Services, address above, by email at res@clark.wa.gov">michael.torres@clark.wa.gov, or by phone at 564.397.7801. All comments received by Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, will be considered by Clark County prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify, "Housing Preservation Program ERR."

The complete Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds can be found on the CDBG website at https://clark.wa.gov/community-services/community-development-block-grant.

PACIFIC CITY -- Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will host a townhall meeting 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7 at Kiawanda Community Center to discuss a proposed setback dike at  Sitka Sedge State Natural Area.

OPRD and its partner, Tillamook Estuaries Partnership, are designing a proposed setback dike to replace the tide control function of the existing dike, which has been failing.

The informational meeting will be held in person at 34600 Cape Kiawanda Drive in Pacific City and include a presentation and time for questions.

For those who cannot attend the meeting in person, it will be livestreamed via webinar and recorded. Join the webinar at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87005693462 or find a recording online afterward at OPRD's YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkqL6iVPBrfCTO27cNmCTwg.

Internet speed issues in the area have made past audio and video streams of meeting content choppy. OPRD will continue to try to find ways of improving webinar audio and video quality.

Visit the website to learn more about the project, including a fact page on the right-hand side.

GERVAIS SCHOOL DISTRICT SEEKING BUDGET COMMITTEE MEMBERS

The Gervais School District Board of Directors is seeking budget committee members.  There are two Budget Committee positions needed to each serve a three-year term.  All interested individuals are encouraged to apply. To be eligible, you must be a qualified voter of the district and not be an officer, agent, or employee of the district.  Applications are available on the website www.gervais.k12.or.us or by calling 503-792-38003 x5030. Applications are due by February 18, 2025. 

Following some criminal activity that resulted in arrests made on the evening of January 21, 2025, Portland Police Chief Bob Day and Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez spoke to the local news media at the Battleship Oregon Memorial in Tom McCall Waterfront Park, January 22, 2025 at 11:15 a.m. View the full video here. 

###PPB###

Original Messages Below

Multiple criminal suspects were arrested after acts of vandalism took place during a downtown rally and march. 

On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, the Portland Police Bureau's Demonstration Liaison Officers, dialogue personnel who focus on collaborating with event participants, spoke face to face with people gathered in Tom McCall Waterfront Park near the Battleship Oregon Memorial. At 6:50 p.m., the group began to march. Officers monitoring the march witnessed some suspects engaged in applying graffiti. Law enforcement from the Portland Police Bureau and Oregon State Police made targeted arrests on specifically those suspects. One vehicle was stopped because police had probable cause to arrest two people in the vehicle. In all, five people were arrested. Criminal activity stopped and the marchers continued on for a time before disbanding. 

Portland Police officers arrested and booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center (MCDC):

Julia Jacobson, 22, Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree (Class A Misdemeanor), Unlawfully Applying Graffiti (Class A Violation), and Attempted Aggravated Harassment (Class A Misdemeanor)

Andrew S. Bolen, 29, Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree (Class A Misdemeanor), Possession of a Graffiti Implement (Class A Violation)

Oregon State Police Mobile Response Team (MRT) arrested and booked into MCDC: 

Allstair M. Sidener, 19, Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree (Class A Misdemeanor), Resisting Arrest (Class A Misdemeanor)

Harmony Adcox, 31, Interfering with a Peace Officer (Class A Misdemeanor), Resisting Arrest (Class A Misdemeanor)

William J. Leahy, 21, Interfering with a Peace Officer (Class A Misdemeanor), Resisting Arrest (Class A Misdemeanor), and Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree (Class B Misdemeanor)

Evidence of criminal mischief, including paint cans, were seized (photos). 

The City of Portland is deploying cleaning crews to remove or cover the graffiti. 

For more information about PPB's response to public order events, see our website: https://www.portland.gov/police/community/public-order 

Our Goals During Public Events:

 Protect First Amendment Rights: We ensure everyone can peacefully assemble and express their free speech.
 Maintain Peace and Safety: We work to prevent violence and damage to public and private property.
 De-escalation First: We discourage confrontations between opposing groups to avoid violence and ensure community safety.
 Follow-Up Investigations: Even if immediate arrests aren't made, we investigate criminal behavior that occurs during public events.

A recent episode of the Talking Beat Podcast, produced by the Portland Police Bureau, delves into the complexities of maintaining public order at large-scale events that require a police presence. PPB public order experts discuss the planning, coordination, and science behind public order management. They also explain the Incident Command System, the role of Event Liaisons, as well as their own experiences with crowd dynamics and strategies used to keep events safe while upholding First Amendment rights.

This podcast also discusses PPB's layered approach when it comes to managing public order. This strategy involves several progressive steps to handle issues as they arise, focusing on de-escalation and maintaining safety while ensuring individuals can exercise their rights.

Event Liaisons serve as the first line of communication with organizers, helping to facilitate lawful and peaceful demonstrations.
Bicycle Officers are deployed next to address specific tension points without impacting the broader crowd.
If tensions grow, a larger police presence is introduced to manage disorder and remove problematic individuals.
The Rapid Response Team (RRT) is deployed as a final measure when serious criminal behavior occurs, with the goal to restore order and safety.

Listen Now: https://youtu.be/JUT6oBdixz8

Photo descriptions:
Spray paint can, black in color, purple round firework, two paint pens
Various items of property, including can of black spray paint, first aid items, and cans of bear spray
Various items of property, including can of red spray paint 

###PPB###

Evergreen Virtual Academy - 01/23/25
 

EVERGREEN VIRTUAL ACADEMY NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS January 23, 2025, 6:30PMEvergreen Virtual Academy Board Members are Hereby notified that a Session of the Board Will be held via Zoom Webinar athttps://evergreenvirtual-org.zoom.us/j/86346138790
Or Telephone:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592

VANCOUVER, Wash. -- Interested in college, but undecided about a major? You're not alone. Many if not most college students begin their studies undecided about their major. Washington State University Vancouver is hosting two Classroom to Career events that invite prospective students to explore majors and careers. Meet faculty, students and alumni from a variety of degree programs and learn how your talents, interests, experiences and values align.

Classroom to Career events will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5 and April 2 on campus in the Dengerink Administration Building, Room 110. To register, visit vancouver.wsu.edu/events and click on the date you would like to attend. Classroom to Career events are free and open to the public. Parking is complimentary for these events.

For more information about Classroom to Career events, email van.admissions@wsu.edu or call 360-546-9779. WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave. in Vancouver, east of the 134^th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205, or via C-TRAN bus service. Find a campus map at vancouver.wsu.edu/map. For event accessibility, contact the Access Center at 360-546-9739 or van.access.center@wsu.edu.

About WSU Vancouver

As one of six campuses of the WSU system, WSU Vancouver offers big-school resources in a small-school environment. The university provides affordable, high-quality baccalaureate- and graduate-level education to benefit the people and communities it serves. As the only four-year research university in Southwest Washington, WSU Vancouver helps drive economic growth through relationships with local businesses and industries, schools and nonprofit organizations. 

WSU Vancouver is located on the homelands of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and Peoples of the Lower Columbia Valley. We acknowledge their presence here. WSU Vancouver expresses its respect towards these original and current caretakers of the region. We pledge that these relationships will be built on mutual trust and respect.

# # #

Kelso, WA -- Firefighters from Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue and Cowlitz County Fire District 6 (Castle Rock) responded to a house fire Tuesday morning just after midnight in the 200 block of Mcgeary Rd.  Fire crews arrived and reported active fire in the 1 story home with surrounding add-on attachments to the home and vehicles at risk.  Firefighters confirmed all residents were out of the home and had the fire knocked down shortly after arriving.  Multiple pets were also able to flee the home safely. 

The home remained tenable after the fire was extinguished at 1:38 a.m. and turned back over to the residents. The cause of the fire is under investigation. No injuries were reported.  

Vancouver, Wash. -- Last night at around 9:15 p.m., Vancouver Police responded to the 7800 block of NE Vancouver Mall Drive for a collision involving a pedestrian that had been struck by a vehicle. The driver was heading eastbound on NE Vancouver Mall Drive, following another vehicle. The car in front swerved to the left, and the driver did not have enough time to react to avoid a man who was walking in the roadway. The pedestrian was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The driver remained on scene, was cooperative with police, and there were no signs of impairment on the part of the driver. Impairment on the part of the pedestrian is a possible factor in the crash.

The Vancouver Police Department Traffic Unit is continuing the investigation.

                                                                                                                                                                                ###

January 22, 2025

Media contact: Franny White, anny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov" rel="noopener" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">Franny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov, 971-349-3539 

OHA determines most Oregon health care entities limiting cost, but 3 had unreasonably high spending 2021-22 

Please be advised that the Bulletin does not include all calls for service to which officers respond.  Many calls do not require that a report be written; such as:

Traffic Stops

Advising/Referring a Person to the Proper Agency to handle their request

Restoring the Peace

Premise Checks

Welfare Checks

Flagged Down by Citizen

There is a significant emergency response presence on River Rd NE at the Salem-Keizer city limits due to an officer involved shooting involving one individual. The Keizer Police Department is assisting in traffic control, and at this time, is not further involved in the incident. Please avoid the area as River Rd NE is closed in both directions at the intersection of Shangri la Ave NE. No further information is being disseminated at this time.

Kaiser Permanente names Wendy Watson president for Northwest Region

Watson previously served as chief operating officer

Kaiser Permanente has announced that Wendy Watson has been named president of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals of the Northwest effective February 16, 2025, as Jeff Collins retires from the organization. As regional president, Watson will lead the organization's focus on providing integrated, high-quality health care and coverage for more than 612,000 members in Oregon and southwest Washington as well as dental care and coverage for more than 285,000 members.

Watson is a 32-year veteran of Kaiser Permanente of the Northwest, serving the region most recently as chief operating officer. She joined Kaiser Permanente in 1993 and has held a variety of leadership roles across the spectrum of operations, care delivery, and hospital administration, including vice president, Ambulatory Care and Clinical Services; senior director, Primary Care and Behavioral Health; senior director, Resource Stewardship; and Hospital Planning director.

"Throughout her distinguished career with Kaiser Permanente of the Northwest, Wendy has exemplified an unwavering commitment to our mission, driving operational and clinical improvements that enhance care and service for our members at every touchpoint," said Janet Liang, executive vice president, group president, and chief operating officer of care delivery for Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. and Hospitals. "Her dedication to exceeding member expectations and ensuring high-quality care for total health is truly remarkable."

Watson holds a bachelor's degree in molecular biology and a master's degree in public health from Portland State University. She also completed an advanced fellowship with the Health Care Advisory Board in Washington, D.C., and an executive fellowship with the Baldrige Foundation. 

She is a member of the board of directors for the Hospital Association of Oregon. Watson was named Executive of the Year by the Portland Business Journal in 2022 and has been honored with the Patriot Award by the U.S. Army for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. 

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.6 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health.

Salem, Ore. -- At a work session last night, the Salem City Council talked about a plan to fund important community services including park operations, more library hours, recreation activities and Center 50+ programs.

The main topic was whether to ask voters to support a property tax levy in May 2025, and if so, what services the levy would cover. The City Council discussed community benefits of each service, and what services could be restored at tax rates between $0.98 and $1.10 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, or about $229 to $257 a year for the average Salem household. 

The City Council confirmed its interest in pursuing a livability levy for the May 2025 ballot. They asked staff to come back with more specifics about the rate and services that would be restored. The Council plans to consider the new draft at its February 10, 2025 meeting.

In November 2024, Salem City Council asked staff to think about a local option property tax levy. It was one of the ideas suggested by the 2024 Revenue Task Force. 

City staff have worked to reduce the General Fund budget gap:

• A supplemental budget was approved in mid-2024 to cut costs by $4.7 million, followed by more than $2 million in cuts from daily operations in Parks and Recreation, Library, Center 50+ and Youth Development.

• Third-party audits have been done to make sure the city's funds are used wisely and efficiently.

• The city re-examined the forecasting assumptions, which helped reduce the estimated General Fund shortfall in next year's budget (Fiscal Year 2026).

• They are also looking into other ways to find money, especially to cover public safety costs. This includes finding payments from state-owned buildings and a possible solid waste fee to help handle encampments in public spaces.

Even with these changes, a funding gap of about $13.8 million remains in the General Fund, and options to fund community services are limited. City Council referral of a five-year levy to fund Salem Parks and Recreation, Library and Center 50+ for the May 2025 ballot must occur before the ballot deadline of February 28, 2025.

A local option levy is a temporary, up to five-year, voter-approved property tax increase used to fund specific services like parks and libraries. Other communities use similar levies to fund schools, public transportation and other local services.

# # #

About Workforce Southwest Washington -- Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the Local Workforce Development Board for Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties. WSW leads regional workforce development efforts, collaborating with partners to invest in workforce programs and services that equip individuals for employment, career growth, and self-sufficiency. WSW also supports business growth by funding and working with companies on recruitment, training, and employee retention.

About the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington -- Established in 1984, the Community Foundation helps residents create a flourishing and just southwest Washington by fostering impactful giving, trusted partnerships and civic engagement. Its team of experts has partnered with local donors and professional advisors to establish more than 380 charitable funds. Collectively, these funds expand opportunities every year by providing grants for nonprofits and scholarships for students. Find out how you can become a part of its giving community at cfsww.org.

Tigard Police officers responded to a deadly crash early this morning, involving a driver that crashed into a house.

At 12:40AM today (1/22/25), officers responded to the crash in the 12500 block of SW Gaarde Street, where a Subaru crashed into the front of a home. Sadly, officers and paramedics with Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue found the driver of the car already deceased when they arrived at the scene. The driver was the only person in the car.

Fortunately, the residents of the home were not there at the time and no one else was hurt in the crash. The Washington County Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team (CART) also responded to the scene, and SW Gaarde was closed temporarily until around 4:45AM for their investigation. It's believed that speed was a factor in the crash.

The driver, an adult man, is not being identified at this time pending family notifications.

###

CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore. 22 Jan. 2025 -- On Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, at about 8:30 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Highway 224 near milepost 12 in Clackamas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a red Dodge pickup, operated by Mark Loren McVicker (64) of Sandy, was driving westbound on Hwy. 224 near milepost 12 when it left the roadway, struck a tree, and rolled down a steep embankment on the south side of the highway. The vehicle came to rest about 40 feet down the embankment.

The driver (McVicker) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation by OSP's Collision Reconstruction Unit.  

OSP was assisted by the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, the Clackamas County Medical Examiner's Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon's highways. The team provides expertise in the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

UMATILLA COUNTY, Ore. 22 Jan. 2025 -- On Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at about 5:10 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle rollover on Interstate 82 in Umatilla County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a black Chevrolet Tahoe, operated by Madyson Braelyn Curtis (20) of Redmond, was traveling westbound on I-82 near milepost 8 when it left the roadway for an unknown reason. The vehicle rolled several times and eventually came to a rest in the medium.

The operator (Curtis) was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene.

The highway was impacted for approximately 30 minutes during the on-scene investigation by OSP's Collision Reconstruction Unit.  

OSP was assisted by the Hermiston Fire Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon's highways. The team provides expertise in the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

LINN COUNTY, Ore. 22 Jan. 2025 -- On Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at about 11:34 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 22 near milepost 64 in Linn County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a red Cadillac, operated by Theodore Kleinman (79) of Redmond, was traveling eastbound on Hwy. 22 near Minto Road when it left the roadway and struck a blue Ford F15, operated by Delores Ann Carroll (76) of Redmond, head-on. Both drivers were seriously injured and transported to an area hospital. A passenger, Glenn L Carroll (51) of Redmond, in the Ford was transported with non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the Cadillac (Kleinman) later died at the hospital.

The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation by OSP's Collision Reconstruction Unit.  

OSP was assisted by the Turner Fire Department, Gates Fire Department, Idanha Fire Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon's highways. The team provides expertise in the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

Clark dental hygiene students offer free dental care day to children
New this year: Afternoon session for children with special needs or accommodations

VANCOUVER, Wash. — The Clark College dental hygiene department is holding its annual free children’s dental health clinic on Saturday, February 1, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Firstenburg Dental Hygiene Education and Care Center in the Health Sciences Building on Clark’s main campus at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, Washington.

The college’s dental hygiene students will provide free care under the direct supervision of licensed dental hygienists and dentists. Free services will include cleanings, sealants, x-rays, doctor’s exams, fluoride, and select emergency treatments for children ages 4 to 17, regardless of insurance. 

Kristi Taylor, program director of Clark’s dental hygiene department, said, “This year, we are offering afternoon appointments to children with special needs or accommodations.” 

The clinic is wheelchair accessible. Taylor explained that pediatric dentists who specialize in treating children who need accommodation will be present.

Make an appointment: Call the dental hygiene business office at (360) 992-2158.

• 8 a.m. to noon: appointments for children ages 4 to 17 years old
• 1 to 3 p.m.: appointments for children with special needs or accommodations

Clark’s Dental Hygiene program offers a free children’s dental health day annually. In addition, the college’s Dental Hygiene students provide low-cost dental hygiene care to the community as part of their clinic practice, serving more than 2,000 patients annually. 

Taylor said, “We are excited to offer our annual free children’s dental health day for children in our community between the ages of 4 to 17. If you have or know any children who would benefit from a free cleaning and exam, this would be a great opportunity for them. Call and schedule an appointment before the slots fill up.” 

Driving directions and parking maps: www.clark.edu/maps.
Address to navigate to Health Sciences building: 2232 E. Reserve Street, Vancouver, Wash. 98663. The closest parking lot is Brown Lot 1.

Accommodation: Anyone needing accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event should contact Clark College's Human Resources office prior to the event via phone: 360-992-2105 or emailhr@clark.edu

About Clark College’s Dental Hygiene program and clinic 

The Clark College dental hygiene program is nationally recognized for excellence and highly regarded by dental professionals in the region. The Firstenburg Dental Hygiene Education and Care Center, located on the college’s main campus, offers affordable dental care for more than 2,000 patients annually. The center features modern technology and equipment to ensure quality care for patients. Patients in the Vancouver/Portland area receive high-quality, low-cost care from Clark College dental hygiene students under the direct supervision of licensed dental hygienists and dentists. Available time for patient treatment varies from term to term. Clinic days are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Learn more here.

About Clark College

Founded in 1933, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. It is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor's and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately 45% of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.

####

HILLSBORO, Ore- On January 15, 2025, Ryan James Darby pleaded guilty to bias crime in the first degree, felony assault in the fourth degree, and unlawful use of a weapon. Judge Erik Buchér sentenced the defendant to 60 months in prison. Senior Deputy District Attorney Jeff MacLean and Deputy District Attorney Harpreet Dhaliwal prosecuted these cases.
 

These charges stem from two separate incidents. On June 2, 2024, the defendant approached his neighbor, a Black man, and began talking to him. The victim asked the defendant to leave him alone. Mr. Darby responded by calling the victim a racial slur before he attacked him. He struck the victim in the face which caused injury.
 

The victim called police and officers with the Beaverton Police Department responded to the scene. They spoke with the defendant who denied any wrongdoing. He also provided an alibi and said he was with a friend at the time of the attack. Officers spoke with that woman. She denied the defendant’s claims and said she wasn’t with him then. Officers also found a tattoo on the defendant’s body connected to a well-known white supremacist gang.
 

On November 9, 2024, the defendant got into an argument with his girlfriend and a friend of hers. He assaulted the friend and threatened to stab them both. The victim’s three children were also present and witnessed this incident. Neighbors heard the children screaming and called police. Officers with the Tigard Police Department responded. Those at the scene downplayed the events and said they had only gotten into a verbal argument. Several days later, officers received a video recording of the incident in which they learned the defendant had threatened the victims with a knife. They also confirmed he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest and detained him.
 

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office commends the work of the Beaverton and Tigard Police Departments on these cases. 
 

In addition to his prison sentence, the court also ordered the defendant to serve two years of post-prison supervision, have no contact with his victims upon release, and undergo mental health and anger management treatment. The defendant will be transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections to serve his sentence. 

On January 19^th, 2025, at 2337 hours, Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies responded to the report of a commercial burglary at the Shell Station at 4409 NE 78^th Street. A witness reported they heard glass breaking and saw three or four subjects in masks with backpacks enter the Shell Station. The witness reported that the suspects were associated with a smaller dark-colored SUV that had pulled into the nearby industrial park. A few minutes later, the alarm company called in alarms at this location. The area was checked but no suspect or vehicle was located. Video later showed four suspects entering the store after breaking the glass.

About 22 minutes later, another alarm came into dispatch from the Wayside Market at 1309 NE 134th Street. Responding deputies found a broken window and again found that suspects had entered the store. At the time of arrival at the market no suspects were located. The store video showed a dark grey Subaru station wagon associated with the suspects outside the store.

Several hours later, police radio traffic stated that a grey Subaru was involved in at least one burglary in Skamania County and was reported to be last seen headed back into Clark County on SR-14.

A Camas Police Department officer located the vehicle near NE 192nd Avenue. A traffic stop was attempted, but the vehicle eluded. CCSO initiated a pursuit of the vehicle. The pursuit went north through Vancouver out into Clark County, and the vehicle was last seen heading north on SR-503 before briefly losing pursuing units. A CCSO deputy located the vehicle southbound on NE 152^nd Avenue from NE 99^th Street and continued the pursuit into a neighborhood when the vehicle stopped near NE 90^th Street and NE 152^nd Avenue. Five male suspects exited the vehicle and fled on foot.  One suspect was detained after a short foot pursuit while the four other suspects ran inside a nearby residence.

Additional deputies arrived and containment was set up around the residence. Deputies were able to contact an adult female inside the residence. Eventually, all four remaining suspects were taken into custody without incident.

All five suspects are juvenile males. They are ages 17, 16, 15, 14, and 14. They were booked into the Juvenile Detention Hall.

CCSO Tactical Detective Unit is investigating if these incidents are related to other burglary incidents that have occurred in Clark County.

This release will be updated if more information becomes available.

PORTLAND, Ore., January 21, 2025 - Burn risks exist in every living space, from homes to apartments to temporary shelters. During National Burn Awareness Week, February 2–8, 2025, the Legacy Oregon Burn Center (OBC) hosts an inaugural burn prevention fair to raise awareness about preventing burn injuries and fires in the home. The public is invited to join the OBC and local fire prevention agencies at this free event.

Legacy Oregon Burn Center Safety Fair & Chili Cook-Off

Date: Sunday, February 2, 2025

Location: Portland Expo Center 2060 N. Marine Drive Portland OR 97217

Time: Noon – 4 pm   Free and all age-friendly

Most burns are preventable. "Scald injuries are the top burns we treat at the Oregon Burn Center,” says Erin Horrax, nurse educator for the OBC. “Of these, over 80% are children." Horrax says spilling a hot cup of tea or coffee on the skin or too hot tap water can result in burns that require months of treatment, extensive surgeries, and hospital stays. Afterward, patients can have years of healing, therapies, and repeat surgeries.

 Additional key prevention tips include:

• Kitchen Safety: Store flammable items away from heat, turn pot handles inward, and never leave cooking food unattended.
• Bathroom Precautions: Set your water heater below 120°F and supervise children in the bath.
• Sleeping Areas: Extinguish candles before sleeping and keep heat sources away from fabrics.
• General Home Safety: Test smoke alarms regularly, charge devices safely, and store chemicals out of reach.

Burn injuries continue to be a significant public health issue, with more than 398,000 people seeking medical care for burns in the United States in 2021, according to the CDC. Children under the age of five are twice as likely to be treated for burn injuries in hospital emergency departments compared to the general population. A significant number of these injuries take place within the home and can be prevented through increased awareness and education.

About Legacy Health

Legacy Health is a locally owned, nonprofit health system driven by our mission to improve the health of those around us. We offer a unique blend of health services—from wellness and urgent care to dedicated children's care and advanced medical centers. We care for patients of all ages when and where they need us across the Portland/Vancouver metro area and mid-Willamette Valley. With an eye toward a healthier community, our partnerships tackle vital issues such as housing and mental health. Legacy strives to help everyone live healthier and better lives, with the vision of being essential to the health of the region. For more information, visit www.legacyhealth.org.

LAKE OSWEGO, Ore. (Jan. 21, 2025) – The Hospital Association of Oregon is holding a press conference Wednesday to provide an overview of the challenges facing hospitals and the policy solutions they are advocating for in the 2025 legislative session. 

The combination of rising costs and insufficient reimbursement from insurers, including the Oregon Health Plan—which provides coverage for one in three Oregonians—is jeopardizing access to health care services across the state. 

With more than half of Oregon’s hospitals consistently operating in the red, action is needed so hospitals can continue to deliver important services such as maternity care to their communities. 

The hospital association is advocating for a number of legislative solutions to protect access to care. To explain these priorities and provide context for the shared challenges facing the health care system, President and CEO Becky Hultberg will be joined by: 

• Cheryl Nester Wolfe, RN, president and CEO of Salem Health 

• Dan Grigg, CEO of Wallowa Memorial Hospital 

• Daniel Davis, MS Nursing, Senior Director of Patient Flow, St. Charles Health System 

• Sean Kolmer, executive vice president of external affairs at the hospital association 

We hope you can join us.  

WHEN: Jan. 22, 11a.m. to 12 p.m.  

VENUE: Virtual meeting through Teams. The briefing is for members of the news media only. Please RSVP to Becca Thomsen at thomsen@oregonhospitals.org">bthomsen@oregonhospitals.org. She will send you the meeting invitation.

About the Hospital Association of Oregon: Founded in 1934, the Hospital Association of Oregon is a mission-driven, nonprofit trade association representing Oregon’s 61 hospitals. Together, hospitals are the sixth largest private employer statewide, employing 70,000 employees. Committed to fostering a stronger, safer, more equitable Oregon where all people have access to the high-quality care they need, the hospital association supports Oregon’s hospitals so they can support their communities; educates government officials and the public on the state’s health landscape and works collaboratively with policymakers, community based organizations and the health care community to build consensus on and advance health care policy benefiting the state’s four million residents. Led by President and CEO Becky Hultberg, the hospital association is governed by a Board of Trustees elected by its member organizations and steered by a staff of health care policy experts.  

### 

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Works is working to increase the tree canopy in the Minnehaha neighborhood via a collaborative effort of Clark Conservation District, several Public Works divisions, local partners and state agencies. The Minnehaha neighborhood was identified as a high priority for tree planting due to its low Tree Equity score, which identified Minnehaha as having a lower percentage of tree canopy compared to other neighborhoods in Clark County, combined with the greatest socio-economic need. Additionally, a recent tree canopy assessment found that the neighborhood lost approximately 25 acres of trees between 2011 and 2023, a total tree canopy loss of nine percent.

Trees will be planted in county road right of way, parks property and in the right of way in front of homes. At least 250 Minnehaha residents will be recruited for a free tree giveaway program in addition to 650 trees planted in parks, county right of way, and throughout the neighborhood. The goal of the program is to plant up to 1,000 trees in Minnehaha by June 30.

To support tree planting efforts, the Clean Water, Roads Maintenance and Operations, and Parks and Nature divisions of Public Works are collaborating with the Clark Conservation District. Funds for this project were provided by the State of Washington Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry Program.

Three volunteer tree planting events are being held in January.

• Noon to 4 pm on Thursday, Jan. 23 at Road’s End Neighborhood Park
• 9 am to noon and noon to 3 pm on Saturday, Jan. 25 at Bosco Farm Neighborhood Park (volunteers can sign up for one or both shifts)
• Noon to 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31 at Douglas Carter Fisher Neighborhood Park

Urban areas benefit from increased tree canopy in multiple ways. Trees can reduce a community’s temperature 11-19 degrees Fahrenheit. Relief from extreme summer temperatures is increasingly important, and low-income urban areas are more likely to suffer from urban heat island effects (where buildings, pavement and lack of shade trees increases the temperature in an urban area). Additionally, each 100 trees removes 430 pounds of air pollutants and catches about 139,000 gallons of stormwater annually. Studies show that urban tree canopy also provides economic, health and social benefits such as increased property values, increased visitation to businesses, mental health improvements, and increased social connection among residents.

This project is part of a long-term goal to replicate and implement urban tree canopy programs in other neighborhoods throughout the Clark County Urban Growth Area.

More information about the volunteer events, including links to register, can be found at clark.wa.gov/public-works/volunteer#calendar.

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor.

Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language.

Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.

Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.

Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.

###

Salem, OR — The State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council will meet at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. The meeting will take place remotely via the internet on Microsoft Teams and is open to the public. The agenda and handouts will be posted on the council’s website.

• What: Meeting of the State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council   

• When: Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. 

• Where: Join a Microsoft Teams Meeting by ID | Microsoft Teams  

• Meeting ID: 276 303 362 428 Passcode: uG3LD3rn 

• Phone: +1 503-446-4951 Phone conference ID: 133 297 867# 

• Who: State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council

The State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council was established by Governor Kotek’s Executive Order 23-26, Establishing a State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council.

The purpose of the council is to recommend an action plan to guide awareness, education and usage of artificial intelligence in state government that aligns with the state’s policies, goals and values and supports public servants to deliver customer service more efficiently and effectively. The recommended action plan shall include concrete executive actions, policies, and investments needed to leverage artificial intelligence while honoring transparency, privacy, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Council meetings are open to the public.

Public comment may be made during the meeting. Sign-up for public comment is required as spots are limited. Sign-up closes Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 5 p.m. Written comment will also be accepted. Written comment can be submitted by mail to the Council Support Office, 550 Airport Rd SE Suite C, Salem, OR 97301 or online via the office form. 

Accommodations can be arranged for persons with disabilities, and alternate formats of printed material are available upon request. Please contact Enterprise Information Services at 503-378-3175 at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting to request accommodations. Closed captioning is included on the Microsoft Teams meeting.

Links: 

• State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council webpage: https://www.oregon.gov/eis/Pages/ai-advisory-council.aspx

• Executive Order 23-26: https://www.oregon.gov/gov/eo/eo-23-26.pdf

• Join a Microsoft Teams Meeting: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting Meeting ID: 276 303 362 428 Passcode: uG3LD3rn 

• Sign-up for public comment: https://forms.office.com/g/8NPeQbXRrA 

• Online comments submission: https://forms.office.com/g/5ecMVUWbbi

Vancouver, Wash. – On Monday, Jan. 27, the City will open its online application for up to $9.5 million in Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) dollars to support developers, nonprofits and other housing providers whose projects create permanently affordable homes and address homelessness for households with low-income in Vancouver. Funding applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed quarterly to provide increased flexibility and timely support for housing projects. 

The City’s AHF is used to support projects or programs that:

• Build and preserve affordable housing

• Offer temporary shelter for people experiencing homelessness

• Provide rental assistance and services to help prevent eviction or access rental units

• Help homeowners or homebuyers with low-income

Funding will support projects benefiting households earning below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for rental housing and households earning below 80% of the AMI for homeownership opportunities; 50% of AMI for a family of four is $59,000 and 80% of AMI is $94,400.

An optional information session for prospective grant applicants will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22 on Microsoft Teams. RSVP to ridge@cityofvancouver.us">hayley.woodbridge@cityofvancouver.us.  This session will be recorded and available online after the event.

About Vancouver’s Affordable Housing Fund

Since 2016, the City’s AHF has supported Vancouver's people with very low incomes through affordable housing development, rental assistance, home ownership assistance, and homelessness services. In 2023, Vancouver voters approved Proposition 3, a replacement property tax levy that increased the AHF’s funding from $6 to $10 million annually through 2033.

Since 2016, AHF investments have resulted in the construction or preservation of 1,132 rental housing units (1,025 restricted to people with low incomes) and 399 rental housing units for people previously experiencing homelessness. In 2024, the first year since Proposition 3’s passage, AHF investments resulted in:

• 121 households receiving rental assistance

• 38 shelter beds for the unhoused through ongoing operational funding

• Two projects are currently under construction, anticipated to provide 47 affordable units       

• A $1 million award to support homeownership opportunities for people with low to moderate incomes kicked off, supporting its first homebuyer

Learn more about all AHF projects on the Affordable Housing Fund investments dashboard.

### 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Additional photos available for download here

Portland, Ore., January 21, 2025—Yesterday, SOLVE volunteers across Oregon and Southwest Washington came together to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy through meaningful community action. This annual event encourages community members to contribute to positive change and strengthen connections within their neighborhoods.

At the heart of this year's efforts was a major cleanup event at Irving Park in Portland, proudly presented by Kaiser Permanente. Close to 350 volunteers gathered to support the Historic Albina Neighborhood and surrounding areas, working together to remove litter and beautify the community. The event exemplified the spirit of service and unity that Dr. King championed.

"Kaiser Permanente is proud to partner with SOLVE for this year's Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service," said Ron Shoals, Community Health Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northwest. "We know that cleaner communities are healthier. 80 percent of people's health is determined outside of the clinical environment, and most significantly by the socioeconomic conditions in the neighborhoods where people live, work and play. Our partnership with SOLVE reflects our shared commitment to fostering healthier environments for everyone."

In addition to the Irving Park event, dedicated volunteers participated in impactful projects across the region. These included a forest restoration effort at Mary S. Young Park, a restoration day at Westlake HOA Oak Woodlands, planting and propagation Day of Service organized by the Water Resources Education Center Vancouver, WA, a Multnomah Village trash and graffiti cleanup organized by the Multnomah Neighborhood Association, a community cleanup led by the Hockinson High School Band in Bush Prairie, WA, the ongoing Tidy Up Downtown Hillsboro initiative, and a land tending event at Powell Butte organized by the Johnson Creek Watershed Council.

Overall, SOLVE's Irving Park event engaged nearly 350 volunteers who collectively worked along Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and the surrounding neighborhood to remove 2,100 pounds of litter making a lasting impact on the community.

"SOLVE is proud to be part of a powerful movement, caring for our city and communities beyond Oregon in memory of Dr. King. This Day of Service is more than just picking up trash; it's about fostering community connections and empowering individuals to actively better their neighborhoods," said Kris Carico, CEO at SOLVE. "The collective effort showcased during this event is a manifestation of the power of individuals coming together to create positive change."

SOLVE provided free cleanup supplies, event planning support, and access to a volunteer registration platform to empower individuals and groups to lead their own service projects. This commitment reflects SOLVE's mission to inspire collective action for a cleaner, healthier environment. For more information about SOLVE and upcoming volunteer opportunities, please visit www.solveoregon.org.

About SOLVE 

SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots initiative to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon, and SW Washington, to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, while empowering a community of environmental stewards for our state. You can follow SOLVE on Instagram at @SOLVEinOregon, Facebook at @SOLVEOregon, or at www.solveoregon.org.

ABOUT KAISER PERMANENTE

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve nearly 12.5 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org

Colegio César Chávez: The Legacy Lives On / El legado sigue vivo is on view at the Oregon Historical Society now through April 27, 2025

Portland, OR — Located in Mt. Angel, Oregon, Colegio César Chávez was the first independent, four-year accredited Chicano/a college in the United States. In operation for ten years from 1973 to 1983, the college represented the needs and activism of the Chicano/a community in Oregon at a time when many Latino and Latina immigrants were fighting for rights across the nation. Its unique and innovative educational philosophy incorporated a holistic, integrated, community-based approach for students whose needs were not met by traditional educational institutions.

Now on view at the Oregon Historical Society through April 27, 2025, Colegio César Chávez: The Legacy Lives On / El legado sigue vivo is a bilingual exhibition that highlights the institution’s significance and legacy by exploring the national and local context for its establishment, its educational philosophy and structure, as well as the challenges it faced and how it overcame them.

“This exhibition honors and shares a significant part of the history of education reform activism led by Oregon’s Chicano/a community and its allies,” says exhibition curator Natalia Fernández. “All who supported and participated in the Colegio César Chávez created an incredible foundation of social justice advocacy for us to learn from and an inspiring legacy for us to continue.”

For a more in-depth history, all are welcome to attend a free screening of OPB’s new Oregon Experience documentary The Living Legacy of Colegio César Chávez at the Oregon Historical Society on January 22 at 6:30pm. The event will include a panel discussion led by documentary producer Alicia Avila, Colegio César Chávez co-founders Sonny Montes and José Romero, and PODER: Oregon’s Latino Leadership Network President Anthony Veliz. Colegio César Chávez: The Legacy Lives On / El legado sigue vivo exhibition curator, Natalia Fernández, will give an introduction. They will share their thoughts on the history and legacy of Colegio César Chávez and their ideas for the future of a Colegio 2.0. Prior to the film screening, attendees can enjoy live music from the Forest Grove High School Mariachi band and view the exhibition. Doors open at 6pm and no advance reservation is required.

Colegio César Chávez: The Legacy Lives On / El legado sigue vivo was curated by Natalia Fernández, Associate Professor and Curator of the Oregon Multicultural Archives and OSU Queer Archives within the Oregon State University Special Collections and Archives Research Center. Digital copies of the exhibition panels are available via Oregon State University’s digital asset management system Oregon Digital.

About the Oregon Historical Society

For 125 years, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of objects, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms, educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and complex as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view.

Since 2017, the Portland Water Bureau has detected low levels of Cryptosporidium from routine monitoring of source water. The Portland Water Bureau received results from ongoing monitoring from the Bull Run Watershed intake for Cryptosporidium, a potentially disease-causing microorganism. In the 50 liters sampled each day from January 12 to January 15, 2025, one Cryptosporidium oocyst was detected in the sample collected on January 12 and two oocysts were detected in the sample collected on January 14. Cryptosporidium was not detected in the samples collected on January 13 or January 15. Prior to these detections, Cryptosporidium was last detected from the Bull Run Watershed intake on January 7, 2025.

The Bull Run Watershed is Portland’s primary source of drinking water. The Portland Water Bureau does not currently treat for Cryptosporidium, but is required to do so under drinking water regulations. Portland is working to install filtration by September 30, 2027 under a compliance schedule with the Oregon Health Authority. In the meantime, Portland Water Bureau is implementing interim measures such as watershed protection and additional monitoring to protect public health. Consultation with public health officials has concluded that at this time, customers do not need to take any additional precautions.

Exposure to Cryptosporidium can cause cryptosporidiosis, a serious illness. Symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting, fever and stomach pain. People with healthy immune systems recover without medical treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with severely weakened immune systems are at risk for more serious disease. Symptoms may be more severe and could lead to serious or life-threatening illness. Examples of people with weakened immune systems include those with AIDS, those with inherited diseases that affect the immune system, and cancer and transplant patients who are taking certain immunosuppressive drugs.

The Environmental Protection Agency advises that customers who are immunocompromised and receive their drinking water from the Bull Run Watershed consult with their healthcare professional about the safety of drinking the tap water. The Portland Water Bureau and Burlington, City of Gresham, City of Sandy, City of Tualatin, Green Valley, GNR, Hideaway Hills, Lake Grove, Lorna Domestic Water, Lusted, Palatine Hill, Pleasant Home, Raleigh, Rockwood, Skyview Acres, Tualatin Valley, Two Rivers, Valley View and West Slope Water Districts receive all or part of their drinking water supply from Bull Run. To learn if your drinking water comes from Bull Run, please contact your local drinking water provider.

The public and the media are encouraged to view all sampling results posted to the City’s website at portland.gov/water/cryptoresults. The bureau will notify the media and public immediately should further test results indicate a risk to public health and precautions are necessary.

Customers with questions regarding water quality can call the Water Quality Line at 503-823-7525.

About the Portland Water Bureau

The Portland Water Bureau serves water to almost a million people in the Portland area. Portland’s water system includes two great water sources, 53 tanks and reservoirs, and 2,200 miles of pipes. With 600 employees working on everything from water treatment to customer service, the Water Bureau is committed to serving excellent water every minute of every day.

On Monday, Jan. 20 Bend Fire & Rescue placed a new advanced life support ambulance into service. This ambulance is one of four that serve a 1,450 square mile service area in Bend and the surrounding rural community.

In 2024, Bend Fire & Rescue saw nearly 14,000 calls for service – a record year for the department. Of those calls, 75% were medical.

“Last year we responded to the most calls we ever have as a department. That higher call volume means we need more resources on the road to respond to emergencies,” said Fire Chief Todd Riley. “Our goal as a department is to decrease the time it takes for crews to respond to an emergency, and when crews are tied up on other calls, we can’t meet that goal.”

“Today marks an important milestone for our community as we welcome a new ambulance into service,” said Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler. “This resource will ensure that our responders have the tools they need to provide critical care and save lives.”

The new ambulance was brought into service because of funding received from a voter-approved operating levy passed in May 2023. Funding from the levy is also being used by the department to fund additional responder positions, equipment and training.  

In addition to adding this ambulance to the Bend Fire fleet, the department recently graduated six new firefighter/paramedics from training academy who have been integrated into stations around Bend.

“Placing this crucial resource in service fully staffed will make a tangible difference in lowering response times and meeting a growing demand for service, which will hopefully lead to more positive patient outcomes for our community,” said Riley.

Salem, Oregon – Fifty-two organizations will receive $5,000 Arts Build Communities grants in fiscal year 2025, totaling $260,000 for projects that address community issues or needs through the arts. The Oregon Arts Commission’s Arts Build Communities program is committed to promoting arts access for underserved audiences and targets broad geographic impact throughout the state.

One example of the funded projects is Gather:Make:Shelter’s Monograph Project, touring exhibitions that feature the work of Oregon-based artists with current or former experiences with houselessness.

"This program demonstrates the power of the arts in transforming lives and communities,” said Arts Commission Chair Subashini Ganesan-Forbes, who led one of three review panels. “The funding supports creative thinking and a collective response to strengthen and enrich communities.”

The grants also spark and leverage many other investments and resources, serving as a catalyst for greater economic and civic impact, Ganesan-Forbes said.

In recent years, the Arts Build Communities program has generated more than $600,000 in additional community investment, much of it representing salaries paid, as well as products and services purchased in the funded communities. These grants are made possible through a funding partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.

The FY2025 recipients include:

Albany Regional Museum, Albany

To support Oregon’s Trail of Tears Photography Exhibition, in partnership with photographer Nolan Streitberger, to create a photographic display of approximate encampment locations based on the journal entries of U.S. Indian Agent George H. Ambrose, who force-marched several hundred Indigenous men, women and children. Requested funds will be used for printing and framing the photographs.

All Ages Music Portland dba Friends of Noise, Portland   

To support the annual Spring Break Fest, an all ages, multi-genre concert. Requested funds will be used for artist, sound engineer and vendor stipends, as well as event promotion.

Artists Repertory Theatre, Portland

To support Enhanced Accessibility during rehearsals and performances of the play “Sapience” by Diana Burbano. Requested funds will be used to expand rehearsal and performance practices to be inclusive of access needs for those who are neurodiverse, and to provide adjacent ability accommodations, such as American Sign Language and captioning, and the opportunity for PHAME students to work on a professional production.

Ashland High Arts Advocates, Ashland

To support the SAM Project, which partners with local performing and fine artists, teachers and the Ashland School District to match students with arts mentors. While the SAM Project is open to all K-12 students, it specifically reaches out to and prioritizes students who are low-income, have specific needs or are members of underserved populations. Funds will be used to cover expenses such as mentor stipends, equipment and materials, marketing and operational support.

Ashland New Plays Festival, Ashland

To support the 2025 playwriting competition and festival, which fosters new work by diverse emerging and established playwrights, directly engaging the Ashland community. Each year, 70 volunteers help to blind-review 350 scripts to identify finalists. The Artistic Director and team (100% BIPOC) select four to five winners, with at least 50% by BIPOC authors. The plays are presented in staged readings by professional directors and actors, drawing more than 3,000 attendees over one week.

Bag & Baggage Productions, Hillsboro

To support the world-premiere production of the “Ballad of Iron Jo,” a family-oriented musical about environmental stewardship, community responsibility and growing up. The production offers a strategic refresh of the organization’s commitment to the youth and families in the community by integrating HYPE, a professional training program for local youth, with special performances for area middle schools and with PASSPORT, a free student access program.

Caldera, Portland

To support a partnership with nonprofit WHOOP DEE DOO to create a collaborative production with Caldera’s youth summer learners and high school apprentices, culminating in a live production. The requested funds will support Caldera staff, Teaching Artists, and program supplies and materials.

Cave Junction Farmers Market, Cave Junction

To support a theater class (March-September 2025) and performance of “The Great Melt” at the farmers market site. Participating youth will explore how to mitigate climate issues, such as increasingly frequent high temperatures and poor AQI quality days. Youth will create a visual story around the real-life impact of climate change. Requested funds will pay for Art Educators and purchase supplies.

Centro Cultural Del Condado De Washington, Cornelius

To support its Cultural Events Initiative, which fosters the celebration of Latino cultural heritage through community-based arts and cultural events. This initiative provides vital opportunities for youth, elders and people from diverse backgrounds to engage with the arts, showcase their talents and connect through Latino cultural traditions.

Corrib Theatre, Portland

To support the production of “Pass Over” by Antoinette Nwandu. Requested funds will be used to help pay artists for their work.

Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts, Pendleton

To support and rebuild the youth education programming disrupted by COVID-19 at Nixya’awii Community School. Grant funds will be used to support staff who provide instruction to teachers and expand services offered. Costs include instruction, materials (paper, inks, plates), exhibition and advertising materials, and overhead.

Ellipse Theatre Community, Bend

To support the Voiceless: A Musical Collaborative Development Project, an innovative partnership supporting development of a world premiere of a new musical and immersive events highlighting the key issues addressed. The project kicked off in 2024, targeting performance readiness in June/July 2025. The objective is to raise awareness about the power of voice and its impact on mental health. Funds will ensure adequate venue space to support production and event requirements.

enTaiko, Portland

To support the Adaptive Dance Project, an initiative connecting the disabled dance community with taiko drumming through two branches of engagement. The funds will be used for artist fees, transportation and the purchase of specialized drum instruments for artists with disabilities. Inclusivity will be fostered by merging taiko with dance and offering performances and workshops that empower both disabled and non-disabled artists.

Eugene Springfield Youth Orchestras, Eugene

To support the String Academy program, which provides beginning instruction in violin, viola, cello and string bass to 3rd-5th graders at 13 local elementary schools. Requested funds will be used to support the continuation of this program at 13 schools, with a bulk of the funds going to support rent and scholarships.

Gather:Make:Shelter, Portland

To support a two-city Oregon tour of the Monograph Project, a series of exhibitions with artist talks and publications featuring the work of Oregon-based artists with current or former experiences of houselessness. Requested funds will be used to support publication printing costs, transportation and speaking artists.

Hand 2 Mouth, Portland

To support BANNED, a community school and library-focused theater project incorporating community interviews to explore the banned book epidemic in the U.S. with a focus on the lives and stories of Oregonians, specifically on those most affected by recent attempts at book bans in the Wilsonville/West Linn and Canby school districts. Requested funds will be used for artist fees, material costs, workshop expenses and community celebration events.

Heidi Duckler Dance Theatre Northwest, Portland

To support a series of all-abilities movement classes for 50 children (grades K-5) during the Community Transitional School’s summer program, which runs for seven weeks from June to July 2025. Classes culminate in a free community performance for parents and staff in July. The requested funds will be used for project-related administrative expenses and fees for three company dancers.

Huitzilopochtli, Woodburn

To support Huitzilopochtli’s vision to promote indigenous Mexican cultural traditions and inspire underserved youth and their families to engage in creative expression. Two main programs are hosted for Mexican and Indigenous families: an after-school dance program at Washington Elementary and a community class (ADC) that meets weekly during three seasons. Both groups participate in public performances and cultural exchanges with more than 15 opportunities per year to showcase cultural learning.

Immigrant Story, Hillsboro

To support “The Immigrant Story Live,” four high-quality live events in 2025 that seamlessly blend nuanced storytelling with subtle performance art, accompanied by distinctive global music specially created for the occasion. Funding will support the staging of four new, free events in Portland, Beaverton, Corvallis and Salem.

Jazz Society of Oregon, Portland

To support the 2025 Cathedral Park Jazz Festival, a three-day, outdoor, free-to-all jazz festival in the heart of North Portland, featuring Latin, Indigenous and Afro-jazz, and blues, all rooted in the history of our diverse community, presented to an average 9,000 to 12,000 audience members each year. The requested funds will be used for artist fees.

Keizer Creative Art Association, Salem

To support the 2025 Keizer Riverwalk Art Fair, a vibrant celebration dedicated exclusively to Oregon artists. This year’s event focuses on inclusivity featuring low entry fees, no art jury process and no commission fees, allowing artists to showcase and sell their work without barriers. Experience a diverse array of art, live music and community engagement along the scenic Willamette Riverwalk. Requested funds will be used for security and advertising.

Lane Arts Council, Eugene

To support expanded cultural programming for First Friday ArtWalks in 2025. This free community event is held the first Friday of every month. LAC will partner with Cultural Producers each month July through December 2025 (for up to six unique events) to develop, curate and present cultural programming with a focus on multicultural experiences created by, and serving, Latine, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Lan Su Chinese Garden, Portland

To support Kids & Culture: Impact of Community Leadership and inspire youth to welcome cultural differences while offering an experience of belonging and representation for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander youth. In Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May) 2025, the garden will hold Cultural Immersion and Family Engagement Days, art exhibits and the Oregon Rises Above Hate event. Requested funds will be used for stipends and Title I student tour entries.

Latino Network, Portland

To support Ballet Folkórico, a traditional Mexican dance class and cultural enrichment and education program for youth ages 3-18. Requested funds will be used for instructor wages, keeping Ballet participation free for youth, costumes for performances, and food and transportation for the program.

Literary Arts, Inc., Portland

To support a partnership with Woodburn High School to participate in youth programs. Requested funds will be used to support WHS students participating in Students to the Schnitz, which includes free tickets, ground transportation and books for students to attend Portland Arts & Lectures author talks, and to have two semester-long Writers in the Schools residencies at the high school.

Newberg Downtown Coalition, Newberg

To support expanding the Camellia Trail in 2025 with new paint-by-number mini murals in downtown Newberg. This community-led project will feature designs from LatinX artists and engage the public in painting sessions, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Hispanic community. The project aims to foster inclusion and celebrate diversity in Newberg. Funds will be used for artist fees, outreach and art supplies.

New Room Studios, Portland

To support an access-forward full production of “A Kitty Can Prevent Suicide,” an original multidisciplinary theatrical show. This project will engage local people who have been impacted by mental illness with trauma-informed programming, community activities and in dialogues around issues from the show. Requested funds will be used to help pay artists.

North Pole Studio, Portland

To support FIELD OF VIEW, a two-year touring exhibition featuring 50 artworks created by artists with autism and I/DD. The artwork will be created across diverse mediums and will explore the themes of identity, history and place. Requested funds will be used for expenses including curating, framing, marketing and travel costs to showcase the exhibit in four reputable regional galleries across Portland, Salem and Lake Oswego throughout 2025.

Northwest Alliance for Alternative Media and Education, Portland

To support bringing Keys, Beats, Bars (KBB) to state youth correctional facilities in Oregon. KBB is a supportive community to develop and amplify the creative voices of youth. Artist mentors teach youth to make beats electronically, play instruments, use vocals and gain hands-on technical skills in audio recording, digital music composition, camera and lighting techniques, and video editing. Culminates in the creation of artistic works.

Open Hearts Open Minds, Portland

To support Up A Creek Theatre, which cultivates creative expression with incarcerated women through weekly dialogue circles and performances based on their lived experiences. Requested funds will be used for facilitator fees, costumes, books and scripts, videographer and photographer. Founded in 2014, this ongoing arts program provides an opportunity for connection and creative expression, allowing healing and growth in an otherwise hostile environment to rehabilitation.

Open Signal, Portland

To produce a pilot episode of the Portland Music Industry Showcase, a new live music series planned to launch in January 2025. The Showcase, which is designed to raise the profile of less commonly known local artists from communities of color, will be produced at Open Signal’s studios.

Oregon Arts Watch, Portland

To support the highly successful Cultural Hubs series. These stories cover essential cultural centers, how they uniquely serve and reflect their communities, and prioritize rural and underserved populations. At least 25 stories, to be published in 2025, will reach 25,000 people, providing the hubs with greater visibility, wider audiences and increased economic revenue. Requested funds will be used for professional fees and travel expenses.

Oregon Children’s Theatre Company, Portland

To support the “SPIDER” School & Community Tour. “SPIDER” is a new play written by Madeleine Adriance, a queer youth alumni of the Theatre’s Young Professional Company. “SPIDER” will tour to three high schools and multiple community sites and will reach more than 1,000 high-school aged youth and their family members. Requested funds will be used for artist fees, materials and supplies, and marketing costs.

Oregon Coast Aquarium, Newport

To support Washed Ashore, an exhibition of marine life sculptures made from plastics found on beaches. Requested funds will be used to support the creation of a new sculpture that will debut at this exhibition, as well as for shipping and installation expenses, staff salaries, bilingual signage, an evaluation consultant, and materials to teach the public about plastics accumulation on beaches, encouraging them to engage in climate advocacy.

p:ear, Portland

To support the launch of a new black and white film photography program, in partnership with Franklin FOTO Community Darkroom, that provides youth with cameras to document their lives and fascinations, as well as darkroom printing skills and opportunities to share their work with the broader community at Blue Sky Gallery. Requested funds will be used for photographic materials, darkroom rental and photographer mentorship fees.

PDX Pop Now!, Portland

To support the 2025 PDX Pop Now! Festival, which is Portland's only free, all-ages festival featuring local Portland musicians. Requested funds will be used for artist fees, including payments for performers and graphic artists, and sound engineers and equipment rentals provided by Friends of Noise. Additionally, the funds will cover essential logistical supplies to ensure the festival operates seamlessly, creating an enriching experience for the entire community.

Peruvian Cultural Festival and Events, Beaverton

To support a Peruvian Dance Ensemble open to all ages and backgrounds in efforts to foster community by increasing arts access and engagement through a lens of cultural enrichment and preservation. Requested funds will be used for instructor fees, rehearsal space, bilingual marketing and transportation expenses.

Portland Area Theatre Alliance, Portland

To support the Festival Partner Venue program, a new initiative wherein Portland Area Theatre Alliance covers the rental and staffing cost of several local performance venues for the 2025 Fertile Ground Festival of New Work, running April 4-19. The grant funds will be used to cover the cost of rental, front of house staffing and technical support.

Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, Portland

To support the program, Supporting Partners, Artists, and Community Events (SPACE). Requested funds will be used to support the cost of artist fees and supplies and materials.

Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble, Portland

To support “Rise in Love,” a free concert in celebration of Black History Month. This concert aims to honor the rich cultural heritage, artistic contributions and historical narratives of Black communities, in America and beyond. The event will be part of the 2025 Portland Jazz Festival in partnership with PDX Jazz, Portland State University and the Portland Musician’s Union. New jazz music will be the highlight of the concert performed by a 12-piece ensemble of Portland jazz musicians.

Portland Revels, Portland

To support the 2025 “Spring Revels” production – a collaboration with PHAME Academy, serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities – which will be produced at a traditional theater, then toured to culturally-specific community venues. Requested funds will support the expense of personnel. Portland Revels is committed to providing a living wage to artists, particularly for this program which centers on artists from marginalized communities.

Portland Youth Philharmonic Association, Portland

To support “The Spirit of the Columbia: 2025 Children’s Concerts.” Funds will cover staffing, artist and facility fees, bus subsidies for low-income schools, and other expenses for two free concerts for more than 5,000 Portland Metro students, grades 3-8. The concerts will introduce orchestral instruments and feature Nancy Ives’ “Spirit of the Columbia,” which tells the story of the damming of Celilo Falls. The Four Directions drum group will join PYCO for drumming, singing and dancing

Resonance Vocal Ensemble, Portland

To support “We Are Still Here,” a site-specific memorial through new music, readings and dance. In collaboration with composer Kenji Bunch, conductor Shohei Kobayashi, artist Chisao Hata, Vanport Mosaic and survivors, this performance and community art event will acknowledge the little-known history of the Portland Expo Center as the Assembly Center that incarcerated Japanese-American families during World War II. Requested funds will be used to pay the artists.

Scalehouse, Bend

To support Melanie Stevens’ exhibition, artist talk and workshop. Requested funds will be used to purchase supplies and logistics to hang at the exhibition, to support the artist’s expenses to engage audiences, and to organize and host the exhibit’s educational programming.

SCRAP Creative Reuse, Portland

To support “SCRAP at School: Mend to Extend,” a year-long project teaching mending and reuse as creative, sustainable self-expression to grades 6-12 at Title I schools. Funds will be used for staffing, educator training, guest artists fees, transportation, materials and scholarships for workshops at SCRAP. This project includes in-school sessions, after-school clubs and take-home mending kits to inspire repair and creative reuse among Portland youth.

Sitka Center for Art and Ecology, Otis

To support K-8 “Create: Place-based Photography” with Mike Vos. Through this project, Sitka staff and professional fine art photographer and teaching artist Mike Vos will lead workshops in rural Title 1 schools across Clatsop, Tillamook and Lincoln counties. The project will also identify best practices for bringing teaching artists to rural schools through Sitka’s K-8 Create program. Funds will be used to cover Vos’ $5,000 Rural Youth Arts Fellowship honorarium.

STAGES Performing Arts Youth Academy, Hillsboro

To support “Esperanza Rising,” a theater production for young audiences based on the modern children’s classic book by Pam Muñoz Ryan. The production, helmed by a Latine creative team, features a cast of predominantly Latine youth and provides a critical arts participation experience for underserved youth.

Theatre Diaspora, Portland

To support the 2025 Staged Reading Series to showcase new theatrical works from local Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander artists. Requested funds will be used for artist fees, royalty fees and venue rental.

The High Desert Museum, Bend

To support the Indigenous Identity Film Project, which will use the power of visual storytelling to raise awareness of the complexity of cultural identities and promote a sense of belonging in the Central Oregon community. In partnership with filmmaker LaRonn Katchia (Warm Springs), a short film will feature the stories and voices of three young women from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Requested funds will be used for the production of the film.

Third Angle New Music Ensemble, Portland

To support the concert “People Into Trees.” Requested funds will be used for haptic vests and access services provided by CymaSpace, and tickets and outreach for Deaf/Hard of Hearing audience members.

Unlock the Arts, Portland

To support Expressive Writing Kinship, specifically at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn, and writing circles. Requested funds will be used for instructor stipends, guest instructor stipends/travel/gas, writing supplies – notebooks, pens, folders and culmination ceremony certificates. Outcomes will provide a safe space and a therapeutic/healing platform.

Young Audiences of Oregon Inc., Portland

To support SH/FT and LiveSET projects. SH/FT pairs non-binary, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students with local drag queens to design unique looks from recycled materials, culminating in an annual live fashion show. LiveSET offers middle and high schoolers from underrepresented communities hands-on training in sound engineering, leading to a public concert or recording. Funds will cover artist fees and project supplies.

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 artscommission.oregon.gov.

SALEM, Ore. – Two Oregon strike teams were assigned overnight to a new fire in Southern California. Strike Team 17 (Linn County) and Strike Team 18 (Clackamas County), both made up of water tenders, are working alongside California resources on the Lilac Fire near Bonsall. The fire has prompted evacuations for those living nearby.
 

The two teams are part of six water tender strike teams mobilized to California on January 11. They are assigned to a two-week deployment.

“These two strike teams were mobilized at 3 a.m. and quickly engaged with the fire to support the initial attack,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Ruiz-Temple said. “They are working seamlessly with our CAL FIRE partners as we carry out our shared mission of protecting lives and property.”
 

Over the weekend, Ruiz-Temple was in Southern California, where she met with CAL FIRE officials, toured the fire-affected areas, and spoke with Oregon firefighters to learn about their experiences and work.

“Firefighters from across the country are working around the clock to support these communities," Ruiz-Temple said. “I thank them, their communities, and their families who support their efforts during this deployment. The ability to share resources across state lines ensures states have the extra capacity needed during critical times."

In total, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has sent 21 strike teams, 370 firefighters, and 105 apparatus to support California’s response to historic wildfires in the southern part of the state. This is the largest out-of-state deployment for the agency.

The sharing of resources is made possible through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. The requesting state pays the local fire agencies directly for all costs.

BEND, OR — It’s that time of year again! Visit the High Desert Museum during Mid Oregon Credit Union Free Family Saturdays, occurring January 25 and February 22. Everyone can experience the latest exhibits, dynamic wildlife encounters and more for free.

“We are once again excited to welcome our community to Free Family Saturdays,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “They’ve always been a very popular event and an amazing way to witness and explore the educational mission of the Museum.”

Along with free admission, Museum visitors can look forward to a special Daily Schedule. Guests will have the opportunity to meet a nonreleasable raptor in the Museum’s care during the Bird of Prey Encounters happening every hour between 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.

“Mid Oregon is proud to have partnered with the High Desert Museum for over 21 years, providing free access to tens of thousands of Central Oregonians,” said Kyle Frick, VP of Marketing for Mid Oregon Credit Union. “The Museum is a cultural treasure for Central Oregon, and we appreciate the opportunity to continue support for this great organization.”

The Museum’s exhibition Rick Bartow: Animal Kinship, from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation, will be open during the first Free Family Saturday on January 22. The exhibit, which closes February 9, features one of Oregon’s most celebrated artists. Rick Bartow (Mad River Band of the Wiyot Tribe, d. 2016) was born in Newport, Oregon, and grew up with close ties to the Siletz community. Nearly two dozen artworks, including two-dimensional and sculptural pieces, were selected for the exhibition, which is the third part in a yearlong collaborative series with the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation. The work spans the final three decades of Bartow’s career. 

Other ongoing exhibitions include Neighbors: Wildlife Paintings by Hilary Baker. The exhibit shares imagery of wildlife native to the High Desert — gray fox, black bear, pronghorn antelope and others. They stand in the foreground with urban encroachment in the background such as a fox on railroad tracks or a black bear in front of a 7-Eleven. Hilary Baker, born in 1948, spent her childhood exploring the hills and canyons near her home in Los Angeles, searching for animal bones and other evidence of creatures amid the backdrop of the bustling city. This desire to collect natural elements from a vanishing world became the inspiration for her art series Predators. The works in the exhibition at the Museum are from this series.

Blood, Sweat & Flannel, an original Museum exhibition, explores what flannel represents—its history, cultural connections and production—with imagery, tactile elements and interactive displays that bring to life the experiences of those who wore flannel. From timber to ranching, herding and sportswear, and alternative rock, each era espouses that flannel is more than just a fabric. “It’s a symbol of resilience and identity,” said Museum Bonnie Lee and Oliver P. Steele III Curator of Education and Engagement Molly Wilmoth. Visitors can witness how flannel has shifted over time, culminating in its association with the grunge movement of the 1990s.

Those who attend the second Mid Oregon Free Family Saturday on February 22 can look forward to visiting two of the Museum’s newest exhibitions. Frank S. Matsura: Portraits from the Borderland opens February 1. Featuring large-scale photographs taken by Japanese photographer Frank Matsura of Native people in the early 1900s, the exhibition features photos that represent some of the most accurate images of Indigenous culture during this period. The raw and sometimes playful characters in the photos challenge the stereotypes about life during that time. Clothing, beaded bags and cornhusk bags from the collections at the Northwest Museum of Art and Culture in Spokane, Wash., which originated the exhibition, and the High Desert Museum add color to the exhibition. The exhibition is possible with generous support from Art Bridges.

A new exhibit opening February 22 invites you to explore the wonders of patterns in nature. Patterns at Play: Fractals in Nature, an original exhibition, showcases how repetition and patterns intertwine in the natural world. The exhibit allows visitors to build their own patterns while an animation creates new fractals right before their eyes.

Winter hours are daily from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Learn more about all the Museum’s permanent and changing exhibitions at highdesertmuseum.org/exhibitions.

Free Family Saturdays are made possible by Mid Oregon Credit Union.

ABOUT THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM:

The High Desert Museum opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT MID OREGON CREDIT UNION:

Mid Oregon Credit Union is a full-service, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in and serving Central Oregonians since 1957. With almost 49,000 members in Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Wheeler, Lake, and North Klamath Counties and almost $759 million in assets, Mid Oregon partners with members to meet their financial needs and to help them achieve their dreams. Mid Oregon was named a Top Workplace in Oregon and Southwest Washington for 2022, 2023, and 2024. It was also ranked the #1 credit union in Oregon by Forbes for 2023 and 2024 and received the Bend Bulletin’s Best of the Best of Bend Community Choice Award in the credit union category for 2023 and 2024. For more information about its services and branch locations in Bend, La Pine, Madras, Prineville, Redmond, and Sisters, please visit midoregon.com.

###

REDMOND, OR-January 21, 2025- Redmond Fire & Rescue is excited to announce that it has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Oregon Department of the State Fire Marshal. This funding will be utilized to assist property owners in helping them to start the work of creating defensible space around their property.

Last year Oregon had a record-breaking wildfire season and now is the time to start preparing your property for the upcoming season.

Defensible space is the area around your home and buildings to keep embers from having a place to land and catch fire. Creating and maintaining defensible space is one of the most effective ways to protect a home during a wildfire.

A defensible space is a crucial step toward building more fire-adapted communities in the face of increasing wildfire risks. By empowering residents to take proactive measures, we will reduce the impact of wildfires on lives, property, and the environment.

Owners of residential properties can request a defensible space assessment, through Redmond Fire & Rescue’s website at www.rdmfire.org. Once the request is received, members of Redmond Fire & Rescues Fire & Life Safety Division will visit the property and make recommendations for the type of work to be completed. 

Redmond Fire & Rescue appreciates this grant and the impact it will have on residents of Redmond Fire & Rescue Fire District.

Vancouver, WA – The Clark County Historical Museum is excited to announce a special book sale on Saturday, February 8, 2025 from 11 AM to 3 PM. The sale will take place in the museum’s research library, located on the lower level of the museum at 1511 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98660.

This one-day event will feature a diverse selection of vintage books, journals, and texts, including works on Pacific Northwest history, novels, magazines, academic non-fiction, and much more. Whether you're a history buff, an avid reader, or simply in search of a unique find, there’s something for everyone.

All items will be available on a “pay what you will” donation basis, with a suggested donation of $2 per book and 25 cents per journal. Proceeds from the sale will directly benefit the museum’s Collections Department, helping fund the purchase of essential preservation materials such as boxes, folders, and other supplies critical to safeguarding our local history.

In addition to the book sale, the museum will be open to the public for free throughout the day, allowing visitors to explore the museum's exhibits and learn more about the rich history of Clark County.

Join us on February 8th to support a great cause, discover unique treasures, and take home a piece of history. For more information, please contact Sammuel Hawkins, Public Programs & Outreach Manager, at outreach@cchmuseum.org or call 360-993-5679.

About Clark County Historical Museum
The Clark County Historical Museum is dedicated to preserving, sharing, and interpreting the history of Clark County, Washington. Through its exhibits, collections, and educational programs, the museum fosters a deeper understanding of the region's rich heritage and cultural legacy.

Media Contact:
Sammuel Hawkins
Public Programs & Outreach Manager
Clark County Historical Museum
Email: outreach@cchmuseum.org
Phone: 360-993-5679

Vancouver, WA — The Clark County Historical Museum is proud to announce a special
presentation by Lydia Fowler Newcomb (Soaring Owl), as part of its ongoing Speaker Series.
On Thursday, February 6, 2025, Lydia will share her insights into the rich history and culture of
the Wampanoag Nation, with a focus on both the ancient traditions of the people and her
personal experiences as an enrolled member of the Wampanoag Nation, Herring Pond Clan.

This engaging talk will begin at 7:00 PM, with doors opening at 6:30 PM, and will be held at the
Clark County Historical Museum, located at 1511 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98660. The
event is free for museum members, with a $5 admission fee for non-members.

The Wampanoag people, whose traditional lands are in the Cape Cod, Massachusetts, area,
hold a significant place in American history as the first Indigenous group to encounter the
Mayflower and early European settlers. Lydia will explore these early interactions, as well as the
traditions, challenges, and cultural richness that define the Wampanoag Nation.

Born in Portland, Oregon, during the WWII era, Lydia has spent much of her life visiting and
learning from her Wampanoag family in Massachusetts. She is a graduate of Jefferson High
School in Portland and studied history and political science from Reed College and Portland State University.
Lydia’s deep connection to her heritage will provide a unique and personal perspective on the
enduring legacy of the Wampanoag people.

Event Details:
● Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025
● Time: 7:00 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM)
● Location: Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98660
● Cost: Free for Clark County Historical Museum members; $5 for non-members

This event is an excellent opportunity for the community to learn about the Wampanoag Nation's
history and hear directly from an esteemed member of the tribe. Attendees will gain a deeper
understanding of indigenous history, culture, and the continued importance of these traditions in
today’s world.

Press Contact:
Sammuel Hawkins
Outreach and Public Programs Manager
Clark County Historical Museum
Phone: 360-993-5679
Email: Outreach@cchmuseum.org

For more information, please visit www.cchmuseum.org.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) – Bargaining between Providence and 5,000 union represented frontline caregivers is currently underway. Unfortunately, Providence is not taking negotiations seriously, offering proposals that are worse than the proposals it sent before the strike started. Providence is openly acknowledging that its “regressive” proposals are because caregivers went on strike. This is not negotiation; this is punishment for frontline caregivers for exercising their legal right to strike. It is also a violation of federal law and an unfair labor practice. 

On Sunday, Senator Ron Wyden joined striking caregivers on the line at Providence Portland Medical Center and had a clear, direct message for Providence, “I’ve been looking at the bargaining process, and I’m here to tell you, that’s not my definition of good faith.” He went on to say; “This isn’t complicated. It’s about working conditions, fair pay, staffing, and it’s about getting a fair shake in the negotiating process.” 

In response to ONA’s proposals to pay frontline caregivers competitive wages and benefits, Providence said that it’s “financially unsustainable” which stands in stark contrast to the lavish salaries Providence has paid to top executives.  According to public filings, in 2023, more than $177 million was paid to just 164 executives. Among these executives were former CEO, Rod Hochman, who retired at the end of 2024 and made $14.8 million in 2023, and Erik Wexler, who became CEO in 2025, who was previously making $5.2 million a year. 

Senator Wyden also had a few things to say about Providence’s hypocrisy: "They certainly spend a lot of money on very high salaries of executives. Given that they do that, they can make sure that workers like these get a fair shake." 

In addition to the exorbitant salaries of their executives, Providence is paying its replacement nurses more than $25 million a week with some job postings offering replacement nurses $7,000 per week, far more than it pays its regular nurses. 

The nearly 5,000 frontline caregivers across Oregon remain committed to negotiating a fair contract, and we are doing so with the urgency that this situation demands. We call on Providence to engage in meaningful negotiations with the same urgency and seriousness. 

 
This strike will continue to grow until Providence is willing to make the necessary compromises to address the key priorities on safe staffing, patient care, and competitive benefits and wages. It’s time to end this strike, not by punishing frontline caregivers with backwards proposals or rewarding executives with lavish bonuses and salaries, but by coming to the table in good faith and settling a fair contract. 

 
Strike lines will be maintained at the following locations every day from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213)
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225)
• Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504)
• Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital (810 12th St, Hood River, OR 97031)
• Providence Milwaukie Hospital (10150 SE 32nd Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222)
• Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center (1500 Division St, Oregon City, OR 97045)
• Providence Newberg Medical Center (1001 Providence Drive, Newberg, OR 97132) 
• Providence Seaside Medical Center (725 S. Wahana Rd, Seaside, OR 97138)

A reminder to patients from doctors, nurses and caregivers:
If you are sick, please do not delay getting medical care. Patients who need hospital or clinical care immediately should go to receive care. We would prefer to provide your care ourselves, but Providence executives’ refusal to continue meeting with caregivers has forced us onto the picket line to advocate for you, our communities, and our colleagues. Going into a hospital or clinic to get the care you need is NOT crossing our strike line. We invite you to come join us on the strike line after you've received the care you need.

Community members can visit www.OregonRN.org/PatientsBeforeProfits to sign a petition to support frontline healthcare workers, get updates and find out how else they can help.   

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 21,000 nurses, and health care professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses, and health care professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all health care professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org. 
###
 
FOR MEDIA PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY:
Schedules are subject to change. Please reach out to the identified ONA press contact for information about specific locations and events and to schedule interviews. 

MEDIA AVAILABILITIES 

TUESDAY - FRIDAY, JAN. 21-24: 11 AM – 1 PM
• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213)
Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225)
Kevin Mealy, 765-760-2203, mealy@oregonrn.org

For interviews with nurses at other picket locations, contact Peter Starzynski, Starzynski@OregonRN.org, 503-960-7989

Additional dates and events will be shared with media as it becomes available.