Willamette Valley News, Wednesday 9/4 – Rental Application Screening Fees in Eugene Capped at $10, National GOP Group Begins Airing Anti-Hoyle Ads on Eugene TV Stations, Wildfire and Weather Updates & Other Local and Statewide News…

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

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Willamette Valley Weather

Excessive Heat Warning Issued: 2:51 AM Sep. 4, 2024 – National Weather Service

...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON THURSDAY TO 10 PM PDT FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with temperatures around 100 expected. Overnight lows in the upper 50s to near 70, warmest in urban areas, Columbia River Gorge, and Cascade foothills
and valleys.

* WHERE...Portions of northwest and west central Oregon and southwest Washington.

* WHEN...From noon Thursday to 10 PM PDT Friday.

* IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Conditions begin to warm on Wednesday with highs of 90 to 95.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sunshine, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.

Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

For sheltering information and other human services, dial 2 1 1 during business hours or visit 211info.org in Oregon or wa211.org in Washington.

Wildfires continue to produce smoke in the Pacific Northwest. Breathe a little easier by keeping up to date on air quality conditions and concerns at Fire.AirNow.gov.

Seasonal Climate Forecast September – November 2024 https://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/naturalresources/documents/weather/dlongrange.pdf

Willamette Valley temperatures could reach record levels Thursday and Friday while wildfire danger ramps up and air quality could degrade.

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning from noon Thursday to 10 p.m. on Friday as temperatures rise toward 100 both days in Portland, Salem and Eugene.

The hot and dry weather will bring increased fire danger and east winds will likely to cause wildfires to grow and bring smoke into western Oregon.

ODOT is advising travelers to keep hot cars off dry grass and keep trailer chains from dragging to prevent any new, disastrous fires from sparking. 

Please take precautions to avoid sparking a human-caused fire, be familiar with evacuation levels, and have a go-kit ready in case you need to leave your home.” — We’ve had an unprecedented fire season already. Don’t be that spark that could lead to a tragedy! Check Conditions

Rental Application Screening Fees in Eugene Capped at $10

In 2022, the City of Eugene passed a $10 cap on application fees. But in 2023, a Lane County court ruled that the cap ran counter to state law.

Last Wednesday, Aug. 28, an appeals court overruled, putting the cap back in place.

Kevin Cronin with the Eugene Tenant Alliance says the decision was a surprise, saying high fees can be a barrier for people seeking housing.

An attorney for the Jennings Group, one of the two property developers to sue the City of Eugene, says they may appeal to the state supreme court.

LCSO Case #24-4738 – Deputies investigating house fire on E. River Drive – Seeking Suspect

Tuesday morning at about 7:20 a.m., deputies responded to a residence in the 33800 block of E. River Drive, Creswell, after South Lane Fire & Rescue advised it was fully engulfed in flames. A car belonging to the resident, Nicholas Rex Snyder, 32, was seen leaving the area around the time the blaze started. The vehicle is a gray 2016 Toyota Carolla, Oregon plate 311MXY. 

Deputies had been at the residence last night for a disturbance and attempted to contact Snyder. They did not receive a response from the house, and it was unknown if he was still at the location. 

Deputies and detectives are investigating, with assistance from the State Fire Marshal. Anyone with information about Snyder’s whereabouts is asked to call Dispatch at 541-682-4141 and avoid approaching or contacting him.

National GOP Group Begins Airing Anti-Hoyle Ads on Eugene TV Stations

A national Republican group will start running ads attacking first-term Democratic U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle on Eugene TV stations on Wednesday, the latest signal that the GOP faithful view Hoyle as an easy target in their efforts to keep control of the U.S. House. 

The National Republican Congressional Committee spent $200,000 to reserve the ads in Eugene, after staying off the airwaves in the 4th Congressional District in 2022, when Hoyle handily defeated Republican Alek Skarlatos. This time around, Republicans are more optimistic about their chances of defeating Hoyle with a new candidate, Air Force veteran Monique DeSpain, and a rash of headlines related to Hoyle’s relationship with La Mota, a cannabis company under federal investigation. 

“Corrupt career politician Val Hoyle sold out Oregonians to her donors, attracting the attention of a federal criminal investigation,” NRCC Spokesperson Ben Petersen said in a statement. “Southwest Oregon voters are sick of Hoyle’s corruption and cover-ups and ready to deploy veteran Monique DeSpain to restore transparency and accountability in Congress.”

The 30-second ad, first shared with the Capital Chronicle, consists solely of clips from local TV news coverage of La Mota. In it, reporters from KDRV and KEZI note that Hoyle received more than $20,000 in campaign donations from La Mota’s owners and that federal investigators subpoenaed documents relating to a grant La Mota’s owners received from the Bureau of Labor and Industries during Hoyle’s tenure as labor commissioner. Hoyle has not been charged or publicly accused of wrongdoing by law enforcement.

Hoyle returned campaign donations La Mota’s cofounders made to her state political action committee when she decided to run for Congress in 2022 and didn’t receive donations during her congressional race. For months, she has been under scrutiny for her involvement with the labor bureau’s decision to give a nonprofit established by La Mota’s cofounder a $554,000 grant for an apprenticeship program. In January, federal prosecutors subpoenaed the bureau for records related to that program, which Hoyle’s critics describe as a federal investigation into Hoyle herself. 

Hoyle disputes that characterization, calling it a “bald-faced lie” in a recent interview with Eugene-based KVAL. In that same interview, she described her relationship with La Mota cofounder Rosa Cazares as the same kind she had with business owners throughout the state. 

That interview prompted DeSpain to send a letter to Oregon’s U.S. Attorney on Tuesday, asking the federal prosecutor to investigate all of Hoyle’s statements and actions. 

“Val Hoyle explained in her recent TV interview that the way she communicated with and assisted La Mota was the same as how she dealt with all other employers in Oregon,”  DeSpain said. “I am urging the US DOJ to review Hoyle’s statements and the BOLI communications they’ve subpoenaed for evidence of illicit pay-to-play activity with other employers, similar to Hoyle’s activity currently being investigated.” 

The 4th District includes the Democratic strongholds of Eugene and Corvallis, as well as more conservative rural areas in the southern Willamette Valley and along the coast. Nonaffiliated voters make up about 35% of the district; Democrats, 32% and Republicans, 25%.   (SOURCE)

Fatal crash — Hwy. 99 — Lane County

LANE COUNTY, Ore. 3 Sept. 2024 – On Friday, August 30, 2024, at 10:34 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on Hwy. 99 near milepost 10 in Lane County. 

The preliminary investigation indicated a pedestrian, David Paul Burns (39) of Creswell, was walking northbound on Hwy. 99 in the travel lane when he was struck by a black Toyota Tundra, operated by Gary Ralph Clark (62) of Creswell.

The pedestrian (Burns) was declared deceased at the scene. 

The Toyota operator (Clark) was not injured and is cooperating with the investigation. 

The highway was impacted for approximately three hours for the on-scene investigation. 

Oregon State Police was assisted by South Lane EMS, Lane County Sheriff’s Office, Lane County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. 

Road Closure: Row River Road

Road Name:	Row River Road
Location:	East of Cottage Grove
Closure:	Milepost 8.7
Dates and Times:	Now through 7:00 p.m. on September 30,2024
Reason for closure	Construction work to replacefailing culvert underthe road to mitigate future landslides.
Alternate routes:	ShoreviewDrivePark Access –West end of Row River RoadM.P. 6.10 Army Corps RoundaboutM.P. 6.40 Row PointM.P. 7.40 Harms Park Boat Ramp East End of Row River RoadM.P. 9.50 Bake Stewart Park

This notice is for the fourth and final road closure which is expected to be complete around September 30, 2024.

Lane County will be performing construction work to replace failing culverts under Row River Road to mitigate the risk of future landslides. The work will take place at four different locations between spring and fall of 2024. Each culvert replacement will require a full road closure of 4-6 weeks.

TripCheck will be updated regularly as dates may change as construction progresses.

Eugene Police Department – Updated: Royal/Ruskin Police Activity – Murder Investigation

UPDATE: SEPT. 2 The victim’s name is Haley Leann Mackin, age 23. UPDATE : SEPT. 9Brandon Daniel Smith, age 24, has been arrested and lodged at Lane County Jail on a charge of Murder in the Second Degree, Assault in the First Degree, Unlawful Use Weapon, and Tampering with Physical Evidence. Smith was taken into custody by EPD at 5:05 a.m. behind 4th Avenue and Pearl Street. Eugene Police thanks Springfield Police and Lane County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance during the apprehension.

The victim and Smith had previously been in a relationship. The victim’s name is being withheld to give the family time to notify their circle of family and friends.

PREVIOUSLY RELEASED INFORMATION: At 3 a.m. on September 1, Eugene Police received reports of a loud dispute with shots fired outside a home near Royal Avenue and Ruskin Street. Units arrived to find a woman in her 20s deceased with gunshot wounds. Eugene Police Violent Crimes Unit has taken over the investigation.

There is no apparent ongoing threat to the community. If anyone has relevant information in this case, they are asked to call 541.682.5111. Case 24-12907

Police Seek Witnesses in Recent Rapes in West Eugene

Around 7 p.m., on August 27, a woman in her 30s was on the Wild Iris Ridge trail when she encountered a man she did not know and who subsequently raped her. The woman was able to get to safety and report this after the attack. The suspect is a male on a bike, in his 30s, with brown hair, clean shaven face, wearing darker clothes, jogger pants, and a dark hoodie.

Wild Iris Ridge Trail is off Bailey Hill Road and Bertelsen. Detectives are seeking to have anyone who was in the area between 4:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. yesterday (August 27) and might have seen potential suspects to call Detective Anne McIntyre at 541. 953.9323. EPD’s Community Engagement Team will be out on the path to patrol and add to routine checks of the area.

Earlier this month a similar rape occurred on the Amazon bike trail also in West Eugene.

The previous reported rape was on the Amazon / Fern Ridge Bike Path at about 10:50 a.m. on Aug. 8. In that case, the female victim described the suspect as white, about age 40, with brown hair and last seen wearing a black/white sleeveless shirt with writing along the back, green shoes and a tattoo on one of his arms. The suspect was pushing a bicycle and later used it to flee.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Eugene Police non-emergency line: 541-682-5111

The following are the general personal safety tips provided by Eugene Police:

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Do not get into someone’s car even if they display a weapon. It is better to fight back in the street where help is closer at hand and other people may hear your calls for help.
• Walk confidently and don’t avoid eye contact.
• Don’t let strangers into your space. Keep plenty of distance between yourself and people you don’t wish to approach you.
• Don’t stop to talk with strangers asking for directions or other types of help as this can be a ploy to get close for an attack.
• If you feel you are in danger or being followed, call 9-1-1.
• If grabbed, fight back and make as much noise as possible.
• Use the buddy system when walking after dark. You should know the person you are walking with well enough to trust them.
• Walk in lighted areas as much as possible and don’t walk too close to bushes, alleyways or other places where attackers can conceal themselves.

Lt. Jeremy Williams with the Eugene Police investigations team told reporters Thursday they do not have reason to think the incidents are related, but they are not ruling it out. He said this type of violent crime is unusual for the community and he understands it’s frightening.

“We take these sorts of incidents seriously,” he said, “and appreciate the trauma that can come from these and the fear that it can generate in the public. And we’re confident that we’ll bring this offender to justice.”

Williams said until the perpetrator is arrested, people should be careful and avoid walking alone.

Eugene residents have one last chance to weigh in on a planned 5% increase to stormwater fees.

This summer the Eugene City Council voted to include parks as a stormwater expense. That helped the city close an anticipated budget gap.

Eugene Public Works spokesperson Marion Suitor Barnes said the city’s green spaces are an essential barrier between polluted runoff and the Willamette River.

“Parks include stormwater facilities, rain gardens, all kinds of natural filtering that we use,” she said. “They’re all a part of the stormwater system, but we just previously couldn’t use stormwater funds to maintain those.

Before Eugene can begin collecting those higher fees, it must hold a public hearing. The public can weigh in on Sept. 16 at noon over the phone, or Zoom. Written comments are also being accepted until the 16th.

Signup information is available on the city’s website.

Eugene will begin collecting the fee on Nov. 1. (SOURCE)

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆

Join a fun-filled evening of connection and celebration at the Communities of Color and Allies Network (CCAN) First Friday! All are welcome at this all-ages event with free food, networking opportunities, lawn games, and a sensory booth. Hosted in collaboration with Willamalane and Lane Transit District, with special guests from the Eugene/Springfield NAACP, you’ll have a chance to learn about local parks and recreation, transportation options, and small businesses. Bring your family and loved ones to connect with others in a relaxed, safe space where you can make new friends and build meaningful relationships. Friday, Sept. 6, 4-7:30 p.m.

Willamalane Adult Activity Center (215 W C St, Springfield) Free, and no registration is required—just stop by!***𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘀Únase a una velada llena de diversión, conexión y celebración en el First Friday de la Red de Comunidades de Color y Aliados (CCAN). Le damos la bienvenida a todas las personas que quieran asistir a este evento lleno de diversión en el que podrá conectarse con otras personas y celebrar. Habrá comida gratuita, oportunidades para establecer contactos, juegos al aire libre, un stand sensorial ¡y más! Organizado en colaboración con Willamalane y Lane Transit District, y con invitados especiales de la NAACP de Eugene/Springfield, tendrá la oportunidad de aprender sobre parques y recreación locales, opciones de transporte y pequeñas empresas. Traiga a su familia y seres queridos para conectarse con otros en un espacio relajado y seguro, donde podrá hacer nuevos amigos y construir relaciones significativas. Viernes 6 de septiembre, 4-7:30 p.m. Willamalane centro de actividades para adultos (215 W C St, Springfield) Gratis, y no es necesario registrarse, ¡solo pasa por aquí!

Cottage Grove – Lane 1 Fires

Acreage: 25,305 acres – Containment: 93% — With the hot and dry weather, interior pockets of fuel continue to burn, but there is no perimeter growth. Timber hauling operations continue today and tonight. Salvageable timber from BLM lands is being moved to a landing along Sharps Creek Road. This road continues to be closed to the public. However, the transfer site is open during normal hours. Salvageable timber from the forest will be moved to landings off Brice Creek Road; one is located at Blodgett Creek (2232 NFSR) and the other is located on Layng Creek Road at the Layng Creek Work Center.

If traveling to the area, please be aware of the closures still in place. Sharps Creek Road remains closed. Brice Creek Road is open to the public, but it is also a main access route for fire traffic and heavy equipment. Please use caution and watch for trucks entering the road.

In the coming days, please expect to see logging trucks on Brice Creek Road during both day and night operations. Brice Creek Road is open to the public but use caution and watch for trucks entering the road. All roads south of Brice Creek Road are closed. Road maintenance operations will take place during nighttime hours on roads impacted by the Lane 1 Fire to not interfere with daytime suppression repair work.

Many of the roads, trails and general forest areas within the Umpqua National Forest are closed to provide for public and firefighter safety. For more information and a map of the closed areas go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices/…Portions of the Bureau of Land Management, Northwest Oregon District, managed public lands, roads, sites, and trails are closed to all forms of public access.

For more information and a map showing the closure go to: https://www.blm.gov/…/docs/2024-07/orwa-fpo-nwo-072024.pdfPhoto: Road closure signs at the start of Sharp Creek Road

For further information visit the Inciweb links for each Cottage Grove-Lane 1 fires below: Lane 1: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/…/or77s-Cottage-Grove-lane-1Clark 900: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/or770s-clark-900Quartz: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/orupf-quartzJack Saddle: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/orupf-jack-saddleAdam Mountain: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/orupf-adam-mountainMineral: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/orupf-mineralPuddin: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/orupf-puddinHours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM E-mail: 2024.lane1@firenet.gov Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CottageGroveLane1Fires2024

Summary: Firefighting crews have made progress strengthening containment lines on the Willamette Complex South fires. Recent favorable weather conditions have aided their efforts. https://www.facebook.com/WillametteComplexFires

Dan Oberg, Operations Section Chief for the Eastern Area Complex Incident Management Team, provides an operational update for today, Tuesday, September 3, 2024, on the Willamette Complex Fires – South. https://www.facebook.com/WillametteComplexFires/videos/824571786521808

For More Information Phone: (541) 208-1742, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Email: 2024.willamettecomplex@firenet.gov InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/…/orwif-willamette-complex… Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WillametteComplexFires YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WillametteComplexFiresSouth

U.S. Forest Service – Willamette National Forest –  · The Willamette National Forest has expanded an emergency closure order for the Pyramid Fire on the Sweet Home Ranger District to include the Slate Fire area. The closure order, which is for public and firefighter safety, is effective through Nov. 15, 2024, unless modified or rescinded sooner.

Lane County Sheriff’s Office Still Seeking Suspect in Homicide

In June, a deceased female was located in the Cottage Grove area who appeared to be the victim of homicide. Lane County Sheriff’s detectives identified the victim as a missing person, Rozaleena Faith Rasmussen, 29, from Cottage Grove. 

Detectives identified the suspect as Anthony Wesley Tyrrell, 31, of Cottage Grove.  A nationwide warrant has been issued for his arrest. Tyrrell is described as a white male adult with brown hair, brown eyes, weighing approximately 165 pounds and standing approximately 5’9” tall. He was last seen with his head shaved and wearing a white shirt, black trench coat, black pants, and black boots. 

Tyrrell is considered armed and dangerous.  Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call 911 and avoid approaching or contacting him. 

“When It Hits The Fan”: A New Podcast by Lane County Emergency Management

Lane County Emergency Management is excited to announce the launch of a new podcast, “When It Hits The Fan,” now available on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Listen at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/fan. 

About Lane County Emergency Management – Lane County Emergency Management is committed to preparing the community for emergencies and disasters through education, planning, and response coordination.

White Bird Clinic – · Crisis intervention is a 24/7 need in our community, and CAHOOTS, as part of White Bird Crisis Intervention programs, responds.

White Bird CAHOOTS Springfield Coverage: 11 am – 11 pm, 7 days a week (541-726-3714) — Eugene Coverage: 24/7 (541-682-5111)

 School is Back in Session!  Please be extra cautious and mindful of the school zones.

Here’s what you need to know:

 School Zone Speed Limits:

20 mph on school days from 7 AM to 5 PM.

20 mph when children are present.

20 mph when lights are flashing.

 School Buses: Always stop for school buses with flashing red lights and extended stop signs—even if you’re in the opposite lane of traffic. These buses carry our most precious cargo!

 Safety First: Our schools are equipped with school crossing signs, pavement markings, and radar speed signs to remind you to slow down.

Governor Kotek issues a proclamation recognizing September as Preparedness Month in Oregon

– Governor Tina Kotek has officially proclaimed September Preparedness Month in Oregon.

“I want to call out the extraordinary work of local and state leaders who made sure our state was prepared for this year’s unprecedented wildfire season,” Governor Tina Kotek said. “As firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the fires burning across the state, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management effectively mobilized shelters, evacuation support, and identified the resources each community needed.”

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) will observe preparedness month by launching a new community-based initiative designed to help individuals and their communities prepare for emergencies and practice their skills as a group. The Be 2 Weeks Ready Toolkit is a step-by-step guide to individual and community resiliency.  

The digital version of the kit is available at Oregon.gov/OEM and is offered in English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Vietnamese, with American Sign Language videos coming soon.

“As director of OEM, it’s a top priority for me to help people living in Oregon be ready for disasters,” Erin McMahon, said. “The Be 2 Weeks Ready program helps foster a culture of preparedness within established community groups such as faith-based organizations, neighborhood associations, local 4-H clubs, schools, and workplaces.”

Preparing for emergencies can feel overwhelming. It’s important to remember that being two weeks ready doesn’t have to be expensive or happen all at once. There are a lot of effective and low-cost to no-cost actions your community can take today to be ready for tomorrow. You can find more details about these on FEMA’s preparedness site Ready.gov, but here are a few:

• Visit ORAlert.gov to sign up to receive local emergency alerts or update your contact information
• Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your mobile phone.  
• Understand Oregon’s evacuation levels and know the evacuation routes in your area.  
• Familiarize yourself with TripCheck.com.  
• Make go bags with survival essentials for every member of your family, including pets.
• Store copies of important information or documents in a password-protected online drive or on a flash drive in a waterproof container in your go bag.

Also, look to your local leaders for additional tips on how your community is preparing. Connect with your local emergency management office, sheriff’s office, or Tribal police and follow them on social media to stay up to date during quickly changing emergencies.  

When a disaster strikes, you are the help until help arrives. By working together, communities can enhance their collective resilience and ensure everyone is equipped to handle emergencies.  

In addition to the Be 2 Weeks Ready Toolkit, people interested in helping their communities and deepening their basic disaster response skills can join a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and learn from peers.

There are four types of CERT programs: Community, Workplace, Campus, Teen. Each program is supported by a sponsoring organization. A sponsoring organization can be any government agency, such as a fire department, emergency management agency or city council.

In the end, OEM wants to help people feel empowered, not frightened, when thinking about how they will respond in an emergency. The Be 2 Weeks Ready Toolkit and CERT programs can help individuals build meaningful connections with one another that will lead to better outcomes for everyone when disaster strikes. 

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More than 50 active CERT programs exist in Oregon. People can find contact information for teams in their area on the Oregon Department of Emergency Management website.

People who are interested in becoming a Be 2 Weeks Ready program coordinator or want to find a program near them can email eparedness@oem.oregon.gov“>community.preparedness@oem.oregon.gov.

Take action now during National Preparedness Month to get ready for emergencies – Prepare your household now for more extreme weather events and natural disasters. 

The American Red Cross Cascades Region is encouraging everyone to take critical action during National Preparedness Month this September to be ready for worsening disasters. Deadly storms, raging wildfires and extreme heat are becoming more frequent and intense and families are experiencing the effects.

“Disasters can happen at any time, often without warning, changing lives forever in just minutes,” says Red Cross Regional Disaster Officer Jonathan Seibert.“ As our climate changes, it’s critical to help protect your loved ones and National Preparedness Month is the ideal time to get your household ready for emergencies.”

HOW TO PREPARE Get ready for disasters by making a plan to stay safe, gathering important supplies and knowing how you’ll stay connected. Follow these steps to prepare for emergencies:

1. Depending on the emergency, you may need to stay where you are or go somewhere else to stay safe. If you may need to leave, think about where you will go, how you will get there, where you will stay and what you’ll take with you. Plan well in advance if you’ll need help leaving or use public transportation.
2. Next, gather and organize critical supplies — like food, water and medicine — into a go-kit and a stay-at-home kit. Your go-kit should include three days of supplies that you can take with you. Your stay-at-home kit should have two weeks of food and water, and a one-month supply of medications, if possible.
3. Customize your kit to meet your household’s specific needs. If you have young children, don’t forget formula and diapers. If you have pets, include leashes, carriers, food, bowls, litter and a litterbox.
4. Make a plan to reconnect with loved ones if you are separated or if the phone or internet is down. Write down important phone numbers on a contact card and carry it with you.
5. Finally, download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time weather alerts and expert advice in both English and Spanish. And don’t forget to sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government to get critical information during local emergencies. 

CLIMATE CRISIS EFFECTS.  This summer, a record-breaking 1.5 million acres have been burned by wildfires in Oregon. We’ve opened more than 20 shelters for level 3 “Go Now” evacuations since June.  

So far in 2024, nationwide, 2.7 million more acres of land have been burned by wildfires compared to all of 2023.  In July, Hurricane Beryl broke records as the earliest Category 5 storm ever recorded and in early August, Hurricane Debby brought widespread flooding to much of the East Coast. Plus, 2024 is on track to be the hottest year on record according to experts. Altogether in 2024, the U.S has experienced 19 climate disasters, each with losses of over a billion dollars — more than double the average from the last 40 years.

When these disasters happen, the Red Cross is there providing food, shelter and comfort to ensure no one faces this difficult time alone. To help families better cope with this worsening climate crisis, the Red Cross is also enhancing our support for those who need it most and increasing our capacity to respond to non-stop disasters. 

“The best defense during an emergency is to be prepared, and that’s true for both our individual families and our entire community,” said Red Cross Cascades Region CEO Priscilla Fuentes. “During National Preparedness Month, consider donating to help people affected by disasters big and small, or making an appointment to give blood. If you have the time, take a first aid class or put on a red vest and join us as a volunteer.”

Visit redcross.org or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to learn more today.

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; 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 or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

Fire Season In Oregon Above Average

This year so far, 1.5 million acres have already burned across Oregon compared with the 10-year average burned in an entire fire season of 640,000 acres. The western side of Oregon got more of a break this summer as most of the aggressive activity has been in eastern Oregon.

With around 5,000 firefighters currently dispatched across the state, they have worked for almost two months straight and are experiencing fatigue.

Kotek said that the state has been able to protect a lot of communities but the team has been pushed to the brink this season. She also predicts that fire seasons are not going to get easier and Orgeon must figure out how to have consistent funding to do the necessary work.

Kotek confirmed that Oregon received approval for seven FEMA grants that will provide help in the form of significant levels of reimbursement. Other states and even other countries like Australia and New Zealand have sent help to Oregon.

WILDFIRE OUTLOOK FOR SEPT 2024 – DEC 2024 – Looks like Oregon will hopefully end NEW active fires in September based on this prediction. FIRES in red.

Wildfires have burned more than 1 million acres across the state, making Oregon by far the worst off out of all the states in terms of acres burned this summer.

Governor Kotek issued an emergency declaration on July 12, which allows the Oregon fire agencies to get out-of-state support. She has also issued emergency conflagration declarations for several fires, allowing for more resources to be mobilized.

The details of all major wildfires currently burning in Oregon are listed below, and the details will be continually updated. No fire that is more than 90% contained will be listed unless evacuation orders are in effect. Information about fire acreage and containment percentages is approximate.

Emergency Conflagration Act invoked for the Copperfield Fire, OSFM mobilizes resources

On Sunday night, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Copperfield Fire east of Chiloquin off Sprague River Road in Klamath County. As of 8:00 Saturday night, the fire was estimated between 1,500 to 2,000 acres. Gusty winds near 40 miles per hour pushed the fire to rapidly grow.

The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office has levels 2 and 3 evacuation notices in place. Those near the fire should follow the sheriff’s office for any changes to evacuation levels.

Southern Oregon is under a Red Flag Warning through tomorrow evening.

“The weather drove this fire, and Oregon will continue to face challenging weather conditions over the next three weeks. Fire season isn’t over yet and I encourage everyone to stay vigilant,” Chief Deputy Travis Medema said. “I cannot thank our incident management teams and task forces headed to this fire enough. They have had a busy season and responded no matter the time, no matter the situation.”

The OSFM Red Incident Management Team and eight task forces are being mobilized to the fire. Two task forces from Lane County and Central Oregon are part of the response and were sent through Immediate Response earlier Sunday evening.

The OSFM Red Incident Management Team will be briefed Monday at 10 a.m. and will be in unified command with the Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 3.

Level 3 evacuations in place as high winds fuel rapid growth of Copperfield Fire near Chiloquin. For the latest on the fire, please follow the South-Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership.

From Klamath County School District: Because of uncertain fire conditions and air quality issues related to the Copperfield Fire, Chiloquin Schools will be closed today, Sept. 3, 2024. All after-school activities are canceled. The Klamath County School District will update families later today. Read more about the fire on BasinLife.com

Copperfield Fire

• Location: About 20 miles north of Klamath Falls near Chiloquin
• Acreage: 3500 + acres
• Cause: Unknown
• Began: Sept. 1
• Containment: Unknown
• Closures: Sprague River Road is closed east of Chiloquin.
• Evacuations: Level 3 evacuations for areas north and south of Sprague River Road east of Chiloquin. Evacuation points set up at the Klamath County fairgrounds.
• More info: Visit the Klamath County Emergency Management webpage for more evacuation information.

Residents and visitors in the area are advised to stay safe and stay informed. Visit https://www.klamathcounty.org/300/Emergency-Management for up-to-date information on evacuations and evacuee resources. Per the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, evacuation levels will be reassessed the morning of September 3rd. Any changes will be published first to Genasys Protect, then by Mass Notification, then to the Klamath County Common Operating Picture (COP). A road closure remains in effect on the Sprague River Highway between mile markers 5 and 15.

•  

PLEASE Help Prevent Human-Caused Wildfires

• Immediately call 911 to report fires.
• Drones and other unmanned aircrafts are illegal to fly near fires.
• Fireworks, incendiary/tracer ammunition and exploding targets, are prohibited during fire season (May-October).
• Use caution when target shooting. Clear a 20-foot radius around the target by removing all vegetation and rocks.
• Ensure vehicles and trailers are properly maintained
• Make sure chains and other metal parts are not dragging.
• Keep exhaust systems clean and use spark arrestors.
• Do not park on dry grass.
• Carry extra water, shovel, and/or a fire extinguisher with you.
• Ensure your campfire is completely extinguished before leaving your campsite by making sure it is cool to the touch.
• Please don’t smoke and if you do, don’t throw out cigarette butts.
• Please be mindful and think about your actions

To ensure all Oregonians remain safe during the 2024 wildfire season, we urge everyone to stay tuned into these communications channels and follow all official safety guidelines related to air quality and recreation:

Watch Duty app: Download this app on your smartphone to understand where wildfires are in real time as well as monitor air quality and other metrics. https://app.watchduty.org

Northwest Interagency Coordination Center: During fire season, this web-based interactive map is updated daily with current fire perimeters and locations. This website acts as the wildfire resource coordination center for the Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, Oregon Dept of Forestry, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Washington Dept. of Natural Resources and the National Park Service. https://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/index.aspx

InciWeb the Incident Information System: The federal interagency all-risk incident information management system provides an interactive map with real-time location information on wildfires. https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/

Oregon Department of Forestry Wildfire News: The official wildfire news blog for the Oregon Department of Forestry. Look here for all wildfire news related to state forest lands. https://odffire.com/

Keep Oregon Green: A partnership comprised of statewide and interagency groups working together to promote awareness of the risk and causes of wildfires and how to be prepared in case of a wildfire emergency. https://keeporegongreen.org/

OregonLive Wildfire Map: A project managed by OregonLive that incorporates data from InciWeb, National Interagency Fire Center, Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, Oregon Office of Emergency Management, NOAA into an easy-to-use map tool. https://projects.oregonlive.com/wildfires/map

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality – Air Quality Monitoring Data: A real-time map and cell phone application you can use to track air quality, including wildfire smoke impacts, across the state. Check your app store for OregonAir. https://oraqi.deq.state.or.us/home/map

Purple Air – Air Quality Map System: Real-time air quality information using crowdsourced data and data from EPA air sensors. https://map.purpleair.com/1/mAQI/a10/p604800/cC0…

NOAA High Resolution Rapid Refresh Data Visualization: The High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency(NOAA) is an experimental data visualization tool for wildfire smoke. Be sure to turn on the “Vertically Integrated Smoke” layer to see smoke paths. https://hwp-viz.gsd.esrl.noaa.gov/smoke/index.html

Preventing wildfires requires a collective effort from everyone—help mitigate the risk of human-caused wildfires and protect our forests and communities.

Monitor Fires in Oregon – Updated Daily

Large Fires in Oregon Past 2 Weeks 9/4/24 9:00am per INCIWEB

Incident	Type	State	Incident Size	UpdatedSort ascending
Whisky Creek Fire – ORMHF	Wildfire	Oregon	2097 Acres	4 minutes 14 seconds ago
Sandstone Fire – ORMHF	Wildfire	Oregon	702 Acres	4 minutes 14 seconds ago
North Willamette Complex – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	4588 Acres	7 minutes 5 seconds ago
Middle Fork Fire – ORCLP	Wildfire	Oregon	5286 Acres	20 minutes 34 seconds ago
Diamond Complex – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	11141 Acres	24 minutes 3 seconds ago
Rail Ridge – OROCF	Wildfire	Oregon	61433 Acres	39 minutes 55 seconds ago
Willamette Complex Fires – South – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	13644 Acres	2 hours 34 minutes ago
Copperfield Fire – OR98S	Wildfire	Oregon	3656 Acres	2 hours 48 minutes ago
Red Fire – ORDEF	Wildfire	Oregon	851 Acres	3 hours 5 minutes ago
Cottage Grove – Lane 1 – OR77S	Wildfire	Oregon	25305 Acres	11 hours 48 minutes ago
Homestead Complex – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	5918 Acres	12 hours 22 minutes ago
Shoe Fly Fire – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	20247 Acres	15 hours 15 minutes ago
Crazy Creek – OROCF	Wildfire	Oregon	86968 Acres	1 day 22 hours ago
Microwave Tower Fire – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	1313 Acres	2 days 16 hours ago
Lone Rock Fire – ORPRD	Wildfire	Oregon	137222 Acres	1 week 1 day ago
Dixon Fire – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	1970 Acres	1 week 4 days ago
Falls Fire – ORMAF	Wildfire	Oregon	151689 Acres	1 week 5 days ago
Telephone Fire – ORMAF	Wildfire	Oregon	54005 Acres	1 week 5 days ago
Battle Mountain Complex – OR97S	Wildfire	Oregon	183026 Acres	2 weeks 1 day ago
Warner Peak Fire – ORSHR	Wildfire	Oregon	65866 Acres	2 weeks 1 day ago

Please Help Prevent Wildfires!

In these dry conditions, a single spark can cause a lot of damage. Learn how you can prevent wildfires by visiting the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s wildfire prevention page. 

U.S. Forest Service Hiring in Oregon

The U.S. Forest Service is looking to shore up its wildland firefighting force in the Pacific Northwest.  Recruitment events will take place across Oregon next month, with stops in Bend, Sandy and La Grande on September 12th, in an effort to hire a couple hundred permanent seasonal positions.

“That’s our goal, is to hire up to 200, maybe even a little more if we can, into these what we call entry level, perm-fire-hire positions, which are typically your six to nine-month timeframe employment within the agency,” said Jason Heinz who works in regional workforce development for the Forest Service.  He added those jobs are spread around Oregon, Washington and Alaska, and in most cases fill a currently vacant position.  Heinz says several factors make it more difficult to recruit wildland crews.

“We are increasing the number of individuals that work for the agency, our fire seasons are getting longer, burnout is a real thing. And so, we’re trying to work on adding more capacity to our crews so that we can have a better work-life balance.”  — Applications can be submitted now through September 24th. Visit USAJobs.gov to apply.

Oregon Farm Bureau — Thanks to the generous support of our agricultural community, we are now receiving both monetary and feed donations through our Wildfire Relief Fund. If you are a farmer or rancher affected by the wildfires, please take a moment to complete our short application for relief. https://www.oregonfb.org/

Medford’s Asante hospital hit with $303M lawsuit after nurse accused of replacing fentanyl with tap water

3 Dead After Small Plane Crashes Into Townhomes in Fairview Near Troutdale Airport

The crash sparked a fire that spread to four of the townhome units, according to fire officials. About 9,000 people lost power for hours due to downed power lines.

Three people are confirmed dead after a small plane with two occupants crashed into a residential area near the Troutdale Airport Saturday morning, striking a set of power transmission lines and then hitting a row of townhomes, setting multiple units ablaze. The twin-engine Cessna 421C crashed at around 10:30 a.m. in Fairview, about 11 miles east of Portland.

Gresham fire officials confirmed Saturday evening that there were at least three fatalities in the incident, but said they could not confirm any other details about who died. The Federal Aviation Administration previously confirmed that there had been two people onboard the plane, and Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis said that one townhome resident was unaccounted for.

There were also multiple injuries in the incident, according to Lewis and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Deputy John Plock, but the extent of the injuries and the number of injured people were not known.

Video shot by people at the scene late Saturday morning showed at multiple units on fire in the row of townhomes, with debris strewn in front and visible flames in the upper story of one house and smoke billowing from a window of the other, with a large number of fire personnel responding.

There was a “somewhat large” debris field, Plock said, and there were two main crash areas because some pieces apparently began to break off after the plane hit the power equipment.

The crash side is located near a power transmission line, and video from the scene on Saturday showed multiple wires apparently knocked off of one of the transmission towers. Some of the lines landed in a nearby field and sparked a brush fire, Plock said, although the fire didn’t spread far.

The damage to the lines also caused a power outage; Portland General Electric confirmed that around 9,000 customers in the Fairview area had been impacted. PGE later said service had been restored to all impacted customers as of 3 p.m.

PGE told KGW on Saturday evening that its crews were onsite and working with National Transportation Safety Board officials to safely access the power equipment and assess the damage before beginning repairs. The transmission tower itself was still in place, PGE said; most of the damage appeared to be to the lines.

Lewis said fire crews were first notified of the incident by staff at the Troutdale Airport control tower, who reported a column of smoke west of the airport. Arriving crews found heavy fire in the row of townhomes, initially involving two units but later spreading to impact four in total. 

The incident became a five-alarm fire, Lewis said, in part because the high temperatures on Saturday meant that fire personnel needed to frequently take breaks to avoid overheating. Portland Fire & Rescue and Vancouver Fire Department crews responded in addition to Gresham Fire Department crews.

The crash impact caused structural damage to the building, he added, so fire crews couldn’t safely work inside the building as much as they’d normally be able to in a residential fire, and had to focus more on exterior operations with overhead water from a ladder truck. He said it wasn’t clear if fuel from the plane helped feed the fire, but that the size of the smoke column in the initial reports suggested that it was possible.

A total of five families have been displaced, Lewis said, with the possibility of a sixth displaced family depending on the condition of their unit once fire crews assess it. 

Plock added that volunteers from the Trauma Intervention Program had responded to the site to help the people who were displaced, and the Red Cross later told KGW that the agency had sent team members to scene and that all the affected families had safe places to stay lined up for Saturday night.

The FAA said the NTSB will lead the investigation into the crash, with the FAA also involved. An NTSB spokesperson told KGW that the agency has dispatched two investigators to the site who will document the plane wreckage and then move it to a secure facility for further evaluation.

Anyone who witnessed the accident or has surveillance video or other relevant information is asked to contact witness@ntsb.gov. The NTSB spokesperson said the agency would not discuss the cause of the accident during the on-the-ground investigation phase, and that it will be up to local authorities to release any information about victims or injuries. (SOURCE)

Recreational Trails Program accepting grant applications for trail projects
SALEM, Oregon— The Recreational Trails Program is accepting grant applications through Nov. 15 for the approximately $1.6 million in grant funds available for the 2024 grant cycle. 

Oregon’s Ban on ‘Ghost Guns’ Takes Effect

“Ghost guns,” which are 3D-printed firearms without serial numbers, will be prohibited across Oregon starting Sunday September 1st.

The unserialized guns are assembled at home and can be easily purchased online, but can’t be picked up in a metal detector. The ban comes after a federal judge denied a legal challenge that tried to block the prohibition.

In 2023, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 2005 banning ghost guns. Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, a Democrat, pushed for years to get legislation banning ghost guns.

“Unserialized guns are bad for everyone except criminals who don’t want to get caught,” she said at the time.

Starting on Sept. 1, 2024, all firearms built after Oct. 22, 1968, must have a serial number. Violating the law could result in a fine of $1,000 for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders could face higher fines and potentially incarceration.

Starting in July of 2023, Oregon law also prohibited the sale, transfer and import of unserialized firearms and the possession, sale and manufacturing of firearms that could not be detected by metal detectors or X-ray machines.

“Responsible gun ownership means respecting the gun laws of our state, and that now includes a ban on unserialized and undetectable ‘ghost guns.’” Rosenblum, who is not running for reelection, said in a statement. “For the safety of your families and communities, please make sure you understand our new law and that you are in compliance.”

The Oregon Department of Justice has issued a fact sheet to explain key parts of the new law and a list of federally licensed gun dealers in the state that can serialize firearms. (SOURCE)

The next chapter in Oregon’s fight against fentanyl starts this week

The new programs to treat drug users will look different across Oregon counties as law enforcement officials and outreach providers map out local strategies with limited resources

Oregon is about to embark on a new experiment as it seeks to stem the tide of fentanyl overdoses across the state. 

Starting Sunday, 14 counties in Oregon will start deflection programs that are intended to help people enter recovery and avoid criminal charges and jail. The timing of the programs coincides with the start of a new misdemeanor penalty for low-level drug possession. 

Both are the product of House Bill 4002, which state lawmakers passed this year after fentanyl overdoses killed about 1,400 Oregonians in 2023, up from 280 in 2019. The bill recriminalizes possession of small amounts of drugs, while prioritizing recovery instead of jail time. 

The bill allows – but does not require – counties to set up programs to help people avoid criminal charges and get help, whether through treatment or other recovery services. The programs require law enforcement, community mental health providers and prosecutors to work together for the best response. Under the law, people who don’t have access to the programs or decline them will be offered treatment and the expungement of their charges if the case goes to court. 

So far, officials in 28 of Oregon’s 36 counties intend to start new programs. Of those, 14 will start by Sept. 1, while the others will launch later this year or early next year, grant applications filed with the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission show. 

The new law unwinds part of Measure 110, which voters passed in 2020. That measure decriminalized low-level drug possession and put a system of $100 citations in place to encourage people to seek help. But law enforcement said the citation system lacked teeth and failed to motivate people to enter treatment. 

The new law didn’t entirely undo Measure 110. It preserves the provision to put a share of cannabis revenue toward addiction programs and services, including peer mentors, harm reduction and housing services. 

In the upcoming months, lawmakers, prosecutors and treatment providers will closely watch the impact of the approach each county takes. READ MORE: https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/08/28/the-next-chapter-in-oregons-fight-against-fentanyl-starts-next-week/

UPCOMING EVENTS – Virtual presentation Sept. 6  |  noon to 1 p.m. AIA Oregon will present “Earth: Update on the Oregon Resilience Plan,” the first session in a five-part virtual program on resilience. The other four sessions will take place Sept. 13, Sept. 20, Sept. 27 and Oct. 4. The Oregon Resilience Plan was adopted in 2013 and proposed a 50-year plan to protect lives and keep commerce flowing following a sizable earthquake and tsunami. It looked at impacts on critical lifeline infrastructure and buildings, businesses and the workforce, and on coastal communities overall. In this program, architect Jay Raskin will review the plan, discuss its concepts and recommendations, review the state of its implementation, its impact and the challenges ahead. Cost: $10 per session or $45 for the series for AIA members, or $25 per session or $112.50 for the series for nonmembers, or free for students. REGISTER NOW »

Press Release: Make Waves — Registration for the 2024 Beach & Riverside Cleanup is Now Open

Portland, Ore., August 29, 2024 – SOLVE invites volunteers to make a global impact this September by joining the annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup. From September 20 through September 28, families, community members, student groups, and nature enthusiasts from all stages of life will gather across Oregon and Southwest Washington for a 10-day event series with a variety of projects to choose from. Registration is now open for this vital community effort to protect and restore our coastlines, rivers, and public lands.

Connecting Local Actions to Global Movements – September 21 is International Coastal Cleanup Day, uniting millions of volunteers worldwide to protect our coasts and waterways from harmful trash and debris. This global movement amplifies the impact of local efforts, uniting communities for cleaner environments. The Beach & Riverside Cleanup wraps up on September 28 with National Public Lands Day, the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event, focusing on trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and native tree planting.

Join the Effort – “After a season of heavy use, our rivers and beaches need care,” says Kris Carico, SOLVE’s Chief Executive Officer. “This event is a cherished tradition and a powerful force for change. We encourage everyone to get involved and make a lasting impact on our environment.”

SOLVE will host over 50 project sites across Oregon and SW Washington, from the Oregon Coast to the Willamette Valley and beyond. Last year, more than 1,500 volunteers removed 20,000 pounds of trash. Since 1986, the event has cleared over 2.5 million pounds of litter from Oregon’s natural areas. Volunteer registration is open for posted events and SOLVE is still seeking additional projects. Interested event leaders should register their events as soon as possible to fully maximize SOLVE’s support, resources, and everything needed to host a successful event. 

New Supply Hubs for Event Leaders – This year, SOLVE is making it easier for event leaders by launching five supply hubs at South Beach, Fort Stevens, Cape Lookout, Cape Blanco, and Sunset Bay. These hubs are equipped with reusable supplies like litter grabbers, vests, and buckets sponsored by Knife River. This partnership with Oregon Parks and Recreation strengthens SOLVE’s mission to provide even more volunteers with reusable supplies and host cleanup events with sustainability in mind.

Be Part of the Change – Join thousands of volunteers to protect our waterways, restore natural areas this September, and contribute to a cleaner, healthier Oregon. As the event dates approach, more details on project sites and opportunities will be released. For more information and to register, visit https://www.solveoregon.org/beach-riverside.

2024 Sponsors – SOLVE’s Beach & Riverside Cleanup 2024 is proudly supported by Chevron, Clean Water Services, Daimler Truck North America, Fred Meyer, Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc., Here is Oregon, Keen Footwear, Knife River, KOIN, Metro, NEEF, Oregon Parks and Recreation, and Owens Corning.

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 group to a national model for volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains tens of thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon and Southwest Washington to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas and to build a legacy of stewardship for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information. 

Oregon is poised to undergo a significant policy shift on September 1, as House Bill 4002 comes into effect, reinstating criminal penalties for the possession of hard drugs.

This new legislation marks a substantial reversal from Measure 110, which was passed in 2020 and decriminalized the possession of small amounts of various drugs while emphasizing treatment over criminalization.  House Bill 4002 seeks to undo many of the changes enacted by Measure 110, particularly regarding hard drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine.

Under the new law, possession of these substances will again be subject to criminal charges, a move supporters believe will address concerns about public safety and drug misuse.  Proponents of House Bill 4002 argue that reinstating criminal penalties is crucial for creating a clear deterrent against public drug use. They assert that this approach will ensure that individuals are aware of the serious consequences associated with drug possession, potentially leading to reduced drug use and improved public safety.

Local police officials have also voiced their support for the bill, stating that it will provide them with necessary tools to address drug-related issues more effectively.

Previously, under Measure 110, law enforcement had limited options beyond referring individuals to treatment programs, a situation they believe left gaps in their ability to intervene. However, the shift back to criminalization has faced significant criticism.

Opponents argue that reinstating criminal penalties could undermine the progress made in treating drug addiction as a public health issue rather than a criminal one. They worry that this approach may lead to increased incarceration rates among individuals struggling with substance abuse, potentially worsen social and economic challenges.

Oregon’s Missing Persons

Many times you’ll see postings without case numbers or police contact. There is rarely a nefarious reason why (the nefarious ones are pretty obvious). Usually the loved one tried to call to report their missing person and they are either refused or told to wait a day or two by people who are unaware of SB 351 and the laws that they are bound to when answering the phone. Many people don’t bother calling LE if their loved one is homeless or in transition because they believe LE won’t care. The biggest myth is the 24 hour rule.

In Oregon we don’t have those rules and an officer or person answering the phone is not allowed to decide. The law decides. We have Senate Bill 351 and it states that the police CANNOT refuse a request for any reason and they must begin working on it within 12 hours. The person making the report does not have to be related to missing person either.

Here is SB 351 written by families of the missing here in Oregon in conjunction with Oregon law enforcement officers. This should be common knowledge, please make it this way. https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/…/SB351/Introduced