The latest news stories and stories of interest in the Willamette Valley from the digital home of Southern Oregon, from Wynne Broadcasting’s WillametteValleyMagazine.com
Friday, February 17, 2023
Willamette Valley Weather
Congresswoman Val Hoyle Visits Corvallis and Eugene With Focus on Housing and Homelessness
Val Hoyle, Oregon’s new representative for the Fourth Congressional District visited Corvallis, Ore., on Feb. 16 to meet with County and City leaders.
The focus of Hoyle’s visit included a coordinated response to homelessness by Benton County and the City of Corvallis with aim of providing more affordable housing options in the future.
The County and City leaders met with Hoyle to discuss legislative priorities and other topics including coordinated Homeless Response, affordable housing projects, behavioral health and Benton County’s new crisis center that is currently under construction, and interest in building a Navigation Center in Corvallis that can provide 24-7 shelter and crucial services to residents who are experiencing homelessness.
Benton County is seeking funding for critical one-time state investments that will position the County to grow its infrastructure and financial capacity to better prepare for and respond to local emergency situations and safety issues ensuring vulnerable populations in the community gain appropriate services that support basic needs for stability and self-sufficiency.
WEDNESDAY — Representative Val Hoyle Was in Eugene And Declares More Housing Needed To Solve the Homelessness Crisis
Representative Val Hoyle toured two different Safe Sleep Sites in Eugene on Wednesday morning to discuss the ongoing homelessness issue and the need for more housing.
“We currently have a 1.6-percent vacancy rate,” said Rep. Hoyle. “We need middle-income housing, we need low-income housing, we need help and supported assistance to help people who are chronically homeless.”
Hoyle toured the site on Garfield Street, which has nearly 100 people living there. Run by St. Vincent De Paul, the facility includes 84 tents, showers, laundry vouchers, a daily meal and access to case management.
“This is a really good program where the community came together and I’m really impressed with the work that we’re doing because the need is great,” said Rep. Hoyle. This location is one of five Safe Sleep Sites in Eugene, and it has a waitlist of nearly 300 people.
The fifth location at Chase Commons Park has yet to open and remains under construction delays. When it does get up and running, all the locations combined will be able to house roughly 300 people.
Funding for the Safe Sleep Sites is set to expire in summer of 2024. The City of Eugene is seeking additional funding to keep the program running.
“I’m working in a bipartisan way to make sure that we keep this funding happening and that we invest it in the right way at every single level, whether it’s HUD section 8 housing vouchers, investments in programs that can house people, supporting again, the private sector investment in middle income housing. All of it matters, and it’s gonna take you know, many hands to make life work, and we need many hands.”
Lane County’s Human Services division reported over more than 4,800 homeless people within the county as of January. The waiting list for Eugene’s Safe Sleep Sites is close to 1,000 names long. Rep. Hoyle says the area’s vacancy rate is a major factor in the growing number of homeless people.
LCSO Case #23-0300 — Deputies seek help identifying theft suspect
Lane County Sheriff’s deputies are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect in a theft investigation. The theft occurred on 01/10/2023 from the front porch of a residence in the 34000blk of Del Monte Ave. off of Seavey Loop. Rd.
23-0300 from Lane County Government on Vimeo.
The primary suspect appears to be a white male adult in his 20’s or 30’s. The involved vehicle appears to be a newer silver Mazda sedan.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 opt. 1. Reference LCSO Case #23-0300.
Eugene Police Seek Tips in Walgreens Armed Robbery Investigation
At 3:46 p.m. on February 9, a caller to 911 reported two males were robbing Walgreens, 1675 Coburg Road. Both males were reportedly armed with handguns and wearing surgical masks.
The case remains under active investigation. If anyone has tips in the case they are asked to call 541-682-5111.
The suspects entered the pharmacy area and robbed the pharmacy of controlled prescription medications. During the robbery, employees and customers in the area were forced to get on the ground.
Both suspects were males with darker skin complexions and reported wearing dark clothing – wearing dark colored jackets, dark grey pants, and masks.
Governor Kotek Visits Douglas County Today On ‘One Oregon Listening Tour’
Governor Tina Kotek will travel to Douglas County on Friday for the second stop of her ‘One Oregon Listening Tour’.
She previously visited Yamhill County on December 21.
Governor Kotek announced in December she would visit all 36 Oregon counties during her first year in office “in order to build strong, working partnerships across the state, with a focus on housing and homelessness, behavioral health and recovery, and education,” the Governor’s office said in a news release.
Suggest a Stop: https://www.oregon.gov/gov/Pages/one-oregon-listening-tour.aspx
Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission Board Chairman Paul Rosenbaum resigned Thursday under pressure from Governor Tina Kotek.
The Oregon Alcohol Control Board chairman resigned under pressure Thursday, a day after delivering an impassioned speech in which he admitted he had known about a government scandal for months.
Paul Rosenbaum announced in an evening statement that he had submitted his resignation at the request of Governor Kotek.
“As the governor requested this morning, I tendered my resignation as chairman of the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission today,” Rosenbaum said in a brief statement, which included a list of his accomplishments during six years at the head of the honorary board that governs the agency supervised.
The statement did not specify why Kotek asked Rosenbaum to step down as chair of the OLCC Commission Council. A spokeswoman for the governor, Elisabeth Shepard, only confirmed that Kotek asked to him resign but did not explain what led to the move.
What is clear is that Kotek did not ask Rosenbaumfor his resignation before a 15-minute speech at the start of an OLCC board meeting on Wednesday morning. In that speech, Rosenbaum addressed press inquiries he received after it was revealed that senior OLCC executives reserved bottles of rare bourbons for their own purchase.
The speech seemed aimed in part at shielding the seven-member OLCC board from suspicion that they had covered up an internal investigation into the matter.
“What did we know? Nothing,” Rosenbaum said. “There isn’t a single person up here who would have known anything about the process, the procedure, what we’re all discussing today. not one. … So stop asking questions about that.”
But then Rosenbaum appeared to contradict himself, revealing that as chief executive he had been briefed on the matter last September and said nothing because he believed the investigation was confidential.
“As I stated yesterday at a public commission meeting, on September 8, 2022, I was briefed on the Bourbon diversion investigation and its disciplinary conclusions,” Rosenbaum said in his statement Thursday. “Neither I nor any of my colleagues were involved in the investigation. Furthermore, neither I nor any of my colleagues have been asked to endorse or otherwise evaluate the investigation.”
The Bourbon scandal has prompted a criminal investigation by the Oregon Department of Justice, which Kotek’s spokeswoman cited as the reason she couldn’t say why the governor had asked Rosenbaum to resign. “He’s still under investigation,” Shepard said.
With Rosenbaum’s resignation, the rare Bourbon Inquiry has now called on two of the OLCC’s top officials — longtime director Steve Marks resigned Wednesday.
More departures seem certain to follow. Five other agency executives who have admitted to reserving bottles of rare spirits are likely to be fired by Craig Prins, the agency’s new interim director, handpicked by Kotek.
An attorney, former Michigan state legislator, and current CEO of a chemical company, Rosenbaum was hired by former Gov. Kate Brown to head the OLCC in 2016. In that role, he helped lead the agency from being completely alcohol-centric to its new rule on monitoring and regulating recreational cannabis within the state.
Multnomah County Study Shows Record Number Of Homeless Deaths
Troubling new data released by Multnomah County Health Department released Wednesday found in 2021, the number of deaths from people experiencing homelessness in Multnomah County was the highest it’s ever been, with the leading cause being drug overdoses. After drug overdoses, homicides were the second leading cause.
According to the data, in Multnomah County in 2021, 193 people died while experiencing homelessness, which equates to nearly four deaths every single week. In 2020 that number was 126, and in 2019, 113 people. About 60 percent of all the 2021 deaths were from drug overdoses, with meth and opioids leading the way. Officials are also alarmed about what they say is a dramatic rise in fentanyl overdoses.
Program manager Jon Seibert at Blanchet House, says it’s not surprising to see deaths on the streets dramatically increasing because of meth and opioids.
“Anyone who has been following the point in time counts and has seen the number of homeless individuals and unsheltered homeless individuals has gone up the way it has, it’s not surprising deaths have gone up.”
A breakdown of the report can be found here.
State to Reopen Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund Program Portal to New Applications
Homeowners urged to seek free guidance from housing counselors
SALEM, ORE. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) will resume accepting new applications for the Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program on March 8, 2023. The agency estimates there are enough funds to support about 700 additional eligible homeowners. The program offers federal temporary COVID-19 emergency mortgage relief intended to support homeowners who have experienced severe financial hardships due to the pandemic. It provides funding for past-due mortgages and other housing expenses, as well as ongoing payment assistance, to a limited number of homeowners with low to moderate incomes.
The pause that began on Nov. 30, 2022, allowed OHCS to assess current applications in its queue, complete minor system maintenance and upgrades, and better project the amount of HAF funds remaining for homeowners. As an exception during the pause, the program has continued serving the most at-risk homeowners. OHCS is accepting new applications submitted by housing counselors on behalf of homeowners who are in a judicial action or have a verified foreclosure sale date.
“Keeping families in their homes has been a collaborative effort with Oregon’s housing counseling agencies, which provide advice and advocacy for struggling homeowners across the state,” said Ryan Vanden Brink, assistant director of Homeowner Assistance Programs. “If you are a homeowner falling behind, don’t delay, reach out to a state approved homeownership center right away.”
HAF will reopen with a focus on homeowners in active foreclosure and those traditionally underserved by mortgage markets. Homeowners can learn more about eligibility requirements and, if eligible, apply online starting March 8, 2023, at oregonhomeownerassistance.org.
HAF funding is limited. The state is prioritizing Oregon households that are at the highest risk of foreclosure. Once the $72 million of funding available for homeowners is gone, the program will close. Even if homeowners are eligible, there is no guarantee their application will be funded. Other loss mitigation options depend on a homeowner’s mortgage and their servicer. Homeowners should evaluate all their options.
Free help is available – Homeowners can get free help from certified housing counselors around the state to learn about budgeting tools and evaluation of options to keep their homes, such as modifications, adding deferred payments to the end of a mortgage, or HAF. Housing counselors are knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated professionals who can help homeowners communicate with their mortgage servicers.
Search the full list of free certified housing counselors by county. Homeowners should be aware that some housing counseling agencies take longer to respond due to remote working policies.
In addition to connecting with a certified housing counselor, Oregon homeowners should directly contact their mortgage servicers and lenders to see what types of mortgage assistance and foreclosure prevention programs are available. Homeowners who communicate with their lenders and servicers have some additional protections and usually have more time to figure out their options.
Avoiding fraud – The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services recommends being extremely cautious with offers to help from unauthorized companies or people. Homeowners are urged not to provide financial or personal information unless they verify the company or person’s licensing status. It does not cost anything to apply for the HAF program or meet with an Oregon housing counselor.
There are a number of common warning signsEditSign homeowners should watch out for that may indicate a scam. If a homeowner suspects they’re being contacted by a scammer, they can file a report with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Oregon Department of Justice, or the U.S. Treasury’s Office of the Inspector General.
To verify a lender’s license, visit the Division of Financial Regulation’s license page and compare it with the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) license number. This number must be included on all advertising materials and should be easy to find. To verify a housing counseling agency’s status with the state, make sure they are listed on the OHCS website.
Oregon State Fire Marshal is accepting nominations for the 2023 Sparky Awards
SALEM, Ore. – Do you know someone who has done an exceptional job improving fire prevention and safety within their community? Let’s recognize them for their outstanding work!
The Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal is accepting nominations for the 2023 Golden and Silver Sparky Awards.
These awards honor and recognize people for their outstanding achievements in fire prevention and safety education. The Golden Sparky acknowledges a member of the Oregon fire service, and the Silver Sparky recognizes a member of the public.
“We know Oregonians are doing great work around fire prevention and safety in their communities. This is a great opportunity to honor their achievements,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “Past recipients were instrumental in creating fire adapted communities, leading smoke alarm installations at the neighborhood level, and advocating for fire safety through creative campaigns.”
The nomination deadline is April 3. Include an explanation and examples of your nominee’s contributions to preventing fires and fire losses in Oregon. Anyone can submit a nomination; you do not have to be a fire service member to nominate someone. Nomination formsEditSign can be found on the OSFM’s website.
Please email nominations to licAffairs@osp.oregon.gov“>OSFM.PublicAffairs@osp.oregon.gov or mail them to OSFM Public Affairs, 3565 Trelstad Ave. SE, Salem, OR, 97317.
State warns of risks for buy now, pay later
SALEM – Across the country, including Oregon, more retailers are offering options to purchase items now and pay later. This may sound like using a credit card, but it is different and the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) wants people to understand the benefits and risks that come with it.
How it works – Buy now, pay later is basically an installment loan that is set up over several weeks or months with a set payment amount – think of it like a car loan or other personal loan. If a payment is missed or late, there is often a fee associated.
Things to consider before using buy now, pay later
- Buy now, pay later loans often lack consumer protections
While lenders that provide an open line of credit must obtain a license from DFR, companies that only make installment loans do not need to be licensed in Oregon as long as the loan is for the purchase of a specific product. Also, these loans do not offer the same protections as credit cards if there is a problem with what you purchased. There may be difficulties with returning products, and, unlike credit cards, there are not typically investigations conducted should fraud occur regarding your purchases.
- The debit or credit card used will be set up for auto pay
Generally, buy now, pay later loans have auto pay set up after you make the first payment with a debit or credit card. Also, if you use a credit card when you signed up, you may end up paying interest if you don’t pay the full amount on your credit card statement. Also, some businesses may have other payment alternatives such as payment through their own online portal or by phone. However, consumers may not get to make this choice.
- Buy now, pay later loans carry late fees
Most of the companies that offer these loans charge late fees if you miss a payment. This could block you from future purchases until you make the past payments. Also, the company could send your debt to a collection company if you fail to repay.
These fee structures are different with each company, so it is important you review the terms and conditions before agreeing to make a purchase.
- Buy now, pay later loans can affect your credit score
Buy now, pay later companies generally do not report your payment history to credit bureaus, so if you are hoping to do this to build your credit, that will not happen. However, it could hurt your credit if the company performs a credit check because these inquiries typically reduce your credit score for a short period. In addition, if you are late or missed a payment, the company will likely report the poor payment history to the credit bureaus, harming your credit history.
How you can protect yourself
- It is important to do your research if you are going to use a buy now, pay later option. Know what the payment schedule is and make sure you can afford it. Buying now and paying later can be a tempting option because it seems easy to get an item today without having to pay full price.
“As with anything regarding financial decisions, we encourage people to do their homework,” said DFR Administrator TK Keen. “Know what your payments will be, what you can afford, and make sure you are able to make those payments if you’re going to use a buy now, pay later opportunity.”
- Let us know if you have been misled
If you believe you have been misled or treated unfairly, the division has advocates ready to help at 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free). The DFR website also has references available for you to file a complaint, check for licenses, and much more.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau also has information on its website regarding buy now, pay later loans.
### About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and www.dcbs.oregon.gov.
Free Fishing Weekend This Weekend In Oregon
Make fishing part of your three-day weekend plans. Everyone can fish, clam and crab for free in Oregon on Saturday and Sunday of President’s Day Weekend, Feb. 18-19, 2023.
No fishing/shellfish licenses or tags (including a Combined Angling Tag or Columbia River Basin Endorsement or Two-Rod Validation) are required those two days. Both Oregon residents and nonresidents can fish for free.
All other fishing regulations apply including closures, bag limits and size restrictions. See the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for rules and remember to check for any in season regulation changes at the Recreation Report especially for salmon and steelhead fishing. Click on the zone where you want to fish and then click the “Regulation Updates” tab to see the in-season changes.
The Recreation Report is updated weekly and features the best bests for fishing for the upcoming week. For beginners, Easy Angling Oregon is a great guide to getting started fishing in Oregon, and if you live near Portland, Bend, Medford, Roseburg or in Lane County, there are lots of nearby options.
Prefer to crab or clam instead? MyODFW has all the information you need to get started clamming or crabbing. Remember to check ocean conditions and take safety precautions—always clam with a friend and never turn your back on the ocean.
As of Feb. 14, crabbing is open coastside but razor clamming is closed along the entire Oregon coast due to biotoxin levels.
Remember to call the ODA Shellfish safety hotline at 1-800-448-2474 or check their Shellfish page before you go clamming or crabbing. The Oregon Department of Agriculture regularly tests shellfish and closes areas when naturally occurring biotoxins get to levels that make crabs and clams unsafe to eat. MORE INFO: https://myodfw.com/articles/2023-free-fishing-days-and-events
BLM Waives Day Use Fees For Washington’s Birthday
In honor of George Washington’s birthday and to increase recreational access to public land, the Bureau of Land Management is waiving recreation standard amenity and day-use fees for visitors on February 20th.
A release said the BLM is inviting the public to visit unique and diverse natural landscapes and visitor facilities on BLM-managed lands to celebrate the life of the first U.S. President George Washington.
This marks the second of the BLM’s fee-free days of 2023. Fee-free days refer to the waiver of standard amenity fees and day-use fees, such as visitor centers, picnic/day use areas, and National Conservation Land units where fees are charged. Expanded amenity fees and other fees, like group day use, overnight camping, cabin rentals and individual special recreation permits, will remain in effect unless the authorized officer determines it is appropriate to waive them.
MORE INFO: Winter adventure in the Pacific Northwest – Our top locations for recreation in the snow, rain, or ice https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/766c58075f574db2b52f3d2e13b75bb8
