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
Monday, December 16, 2024
Willamette Valley Weather
Trainsong Neighborhood Fuel Transfer Station Public Comments Opportunity Ends Tuesday 12/17
An energy company wants to transfer fuel from trains to trucks in Eugene’s Trainsong neighborhood, but many community members are concerned about the risk of another environmental disaster.
Courtesy of USD Clean Fuels
**This is the only official public comment opportunity for this issue!**
Eugene residents have only til Tuesday 12/14 at 5pm to submit their written concerns over a proposed fuels transfer station.
This project would bring increased pollution, hazardous materials, and heavy traffic to already overburdened neighborhoods in Trainsong, Bethel, and River Road.
Even if you’ve submitted comments regarding this issue before, please submit your comments again to get your opinions in the public records!
The City will accept written testimony regarding the Eugene Clean Fuels Zone Verification application during the 14-day period beginning December 3, 2024 until 5:00 p.m. on December 17, 2024.
Written testimony may be submitted within the time frame specified above via the following methods: an email to JGepper@eugene-or.gov; or by mail or hand delivery to City of Eugene Planning Division, Atrium Building*, 99 West 10th Avenue, Suite 290, Eugene, Oregon, 97401.
*Please note that the Atrium Building is only open to the public from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Find the sample letter to the City of Eugene in the link below: (Feel free to use this letter to craft your own message and adjust as you see fit. Please copy & paste this text into an email, or word document, to edit and send! Thank you.) The sample letter is on the Beyond Toxics website:https://www.beyondtoxics.org/…/justice-for-trainsong/
Lane County Youth Services hosting free community holiday meal on Wednesday, December 18
The free 15th Annual Community Holiday Meal with Lane County Youth Services is coming up on Wednesday, December 18. All community members are invited and welcome to join Lane County Youth Services in celebrating the holiday season with food prepared by students in the Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Education Center Culinary Arts Program. The meal includes turkey, baked ham, several traditional side dishes, and dessert.
“Our annual Holiday Meal is something our students look forward to all year,” said Senior Juvenile Justice Supervisor Shellye Reynoso. “It’s a chance for them to demonstrate their skills and to do something wonderful for their community. We’re all looking forward to inviting people back this year and feeding them really well while we celebrate the holiday season.”
The meal will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 18, in the Lane County Youth Services Carmichael Room (2727 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Eugene).
The meal is free and open to everyone. It also includes a free raffle for prizes and free food boxes to take home. No reservation is required.
About the MLK Education Center: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Education Center serves middle and high school students who have an active case with Lane County Youth Services. This program is a collaboration between Youth Services and the Lane Education Service District (Lane ESD). In addition to academics, the MLK Education Center provides vocational opportunities, including in the culinary arts. The Culinary Arts Program offers youth the opportunity to learn different jobs involved in food service and catering. Students gain skills and learn to safely use the equipment in an institutional and commercial kitchen that prepares meals for youth in detention, a residential treatment program, and more. Students may participate in all aspects of catering including preparing foods, serving, and customer service.
New Senior Leadership Closes Down White Bird Clinic’s Front Room
White Bird Clinic’s Front Rooms, permanently closed on Friday, December 13 — allegedly due to budget deficits. This critical resource for thousands of vulnerable people in Eugene is just another blow to care in the city.
This unexpected development, officially announced by White Bird’s Executive Director on November 18th, has left employees and clients uncertain about how essential services will be sustained.
The announcement of the closure of White Bird Clinic’s Front Rooms department by the new Senior Leadership Team is leaving staff and community members in shock, particularly during ongoing union negotiations.
Front Rooms is a key entry point for low-barrier services at the clinic and has been a staple in the Eugene community, serving some of the most vulnerable people for 50 years.
Some of the Front Rooms’ services will be absorbed by other White Bird departments, but the closure will leave gaps in accessibility for hundreds of vulnerable clients.
Nine employees were layed off. The organization says it’s committed to supporting those employees through severance packages, counseling services, and job placement assistance.
Gates and Front Rooms employees describe losing Front Rooms as heartbreaking, its closure leaving behind a legacy that has shaped Eugene’s social services landscape for decades.
White Bird released the following statement :
The decision to close our Front Rooms program was not made lightly. It reflects the difficult reality of a significant and unexpected reduction in funding. The PacificSource Per Member Per Month (PMPM) funding, which has been a cornerstone of our budget and accounts for over 20% of our revenue, will expire on December 31.
While this change is challenging, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing the support and care our community relies on. No services are ending and will continue through our programs like CAHOOTS, NEST and our Harm Reduction Treatment Center.
Key Services:
- Mail service will continue at our main location (341 E. 12th).
- Eyeglass voucher program will continue at our main location (341 E. 12th) and will soon be available at all physical White Bird locations.
- Food distribution will continue at our NEST location (323 E. 12th).
- Gear distribution will move to our Harm Reduction Treatment Center, where clients can access not only supplies but also additional resources and support.
Our priority during this transition is twofold: to support the incredible team members impacted by this change and to ensure the community experiences as little disruption as possible.
This decision, though painful, is part of a larger effort to use our resources in the most effective way to meet the greatest needs of the people we serve. White Bird Clinic remains unwavering in its mission to care for our community with compassion and respect.
White Bird Clinic’s employees are now grieving the loss of their jobs and the mission of the organization.
You can Follow @wbfrnestunion to stay up to date on the workers’ struggle. SOLIDARITY WITH WHITE BIRD WORKERS!SOLIDARITY WITH WHITE BIRD CLIENTS! https://www.instagram.com/p/DClWeGAxcWW/
You can find information on White Bird Clinic’s budget at Pro Publica Nonprofit Explorer. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/930585814
Eugene Police Using Drones as First Responders
A new program utilizing drones to act as first-responders which uses real-time situational awareness, allows the Eugene Police Department (EPD) to assess incidents before deploying officers. The program is funded by the Community Safety Payroll tax.
Have you listened to our Copy Up episode from a few months ago about EPD’s use of drones? Our episode with Sergeant Kyle Williams dives deep into how these high-tech tools are enhancing our operations and ensuring community safety.Tune in here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/01Nepy0YVmzPm3OMNDl7pL…
EPD say drones can evaluate situations faster than a ground response with the ability to reach a scene within minutes in addressing the community needs over the phone.
The drones are used for crimes in progress such as theft and property crime and provide crucial support during high-risk situations, like bank robberies and armed criminal incidents.
“It’s those mid-level, mid-level important calls that I think is where we really make a difference with the systems that we have,” Williams said. “We’re already quick, but it’s those other calls where we really can beat officers on the ground, where there is an in-progress, there is a potential for a suspect to be caught.”
EPD says privacy is also top of mind, and that resident’s private information will be protected.
“You picture this thing being up there and then you just have this 360 degree view of the world in detail,” says Sgt. Williams. “The better way to think about it is take your cell phone, look at something that’s 400 feet away from you, and see if you can actually tell any detail. The reality is that the technology is more limited in what we’re actually getting.”
The program’s four drones can only fly for 30 minutes at a time. The thermal capabilities help enhance police efforts to locate suspects. EPD began tracking the program’s efficiency in May of 2024, and reports since then it has responded to:
- 445 calls for services
- 15 suspects have been captured
- 22 people have been arrested
The drones were first-on-scene responders 76% of the time and 28% of the calls were cleared without patrols responding in person per EPD.
LCSO Case #24-6557 – Phone Scammers Posing as Law Enforcement Steal $14,000 from Lane County Resident
On December 11th, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a Cottage Grove-area resident who was scammed out of $14,000 over the phone.
A relative of the victim received a phone call from a person claiming to be a sergeant with our office. The scammer informed the relative he failed to appear for court and was held in contempt.
To “avoid arrest,” the relative was instructed to pay $7,000 for two separate criminal charges, or go to jail. Having no way to pay, the relative reached out to the victim, who pulled cash from savings and followed the scammer’s instructions for payment: in Bitcoin, through a CoinFlip ATM machine.
Due to the use of Bitcoin and VPN phone numbers, this case is likely unsolvable. This type of scam is very common, and we receive reports of similar scam callers almost every day (thankfully with no money lost in most cases).
Scammers often have official-sounding voicemail inboxes, have victims’ personal information, and attempt to be intimidating over the phone. Their numbers on caller ID may even appear to be ours.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office will NEVER ask for money by phone, text, or email. We will NEVER call you about missed jury duty.
If you are contacted by someone claiming to be a Lane County Sheriff’s Office employee and you think you are being scammed, please hang up and contact our dispatch center at 541-682-4141. If you are a victim of a phone or internet scam, report the incident to the FBI at www.ic3.gov. — Please share with your friends and family!
5th Street Holiday Festivities:
🎄 5th Street Public Market: Snow shows every Friday & Saturday at 6pm
🎄 5th Street Market Ally: Light Shows to Music Tues-Sun at 6:45pm
🎄 5th Street Market Ally: Movies in the Market- Mondays at 6pm: December 9th – HOME ALONE December 16th – THE GRINCH December 23rd – ELF
Tips To Purchase a Permit to Cut Your Christmas Tree From an Oregon National Forest
The holiday season is upon us, which means the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree is on. For those looking to bring home a real tree, permits are available now for all Oregon national forests.
Christmas tree permits are available for purchase online at recreation.gov (with an added $2.50 processing fee charged by the website) and at local U.S. Forest Service offices or from local vendors.
Permits are $5 each, and each permit allows the cutting of one Christmas tree. Households can purchase a maximum of five permits.
For downloadable maps of tree-cutting areas and a list of local vendors selling tree permits, go to bit.ly/WNFtree .
Fourth-grade students can receive a free tree permit by getting their Every Kid Outdoors pass and entering the voucher or pass number when prompted on Recreation.gov or by visiting a Forest Service office.
𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗼𝗿𝘀: 𝗟𝗮𝘇𝘆 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗰. 𝟭𝟭
The Lazy Days Mobile Home and RV Park, rebuilt by Homes for Good after the Holiday Farm Fire, has 20 2-bedroom modular homes that are available to rent for Holiday Farm Fire survivors.
You may be eligible if: 
You were a renter who lost your primary residence in the Holiday Farm Fire. You lost the home you owned in the Holiday Farm Fire and you either did not own the property it was on or you owned the property but it is now unbuildable.
𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟭 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲, 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗶𝘀. Applicants should be at no more than 80% of the Area Median. For example, 80% AMI means:2 people = $57,050 annual income 4 people = $71,300 annual income Rent is $1000 per month and includes utilities (water, sewer, garbage). Two ADA-accessible units are available.
Funding to provide the modular homes to fire survivors is provided by Oregon Housing & Community Services. Homes for Good is property owner and has led construction on the site. Lane County is assisting with the application process. 
Learn more: http://www.homesforgood.org/…/lazy-days-rv-and-mobile…
Apply starting December 11: www.cognitoforms.com/LaneCounty1/LazyDaysApplication
12/16 – 
LRAPA BURN ADVISORY #lanecounty – Burning prohibited until Spring 2025 based on LRAPA info below.
BURNING OVERVIEWThe Lane Regional Air Protection Agency is responsible for overseeing burning programs in Lane County. LRAPA administers a Home Wood Heating advisory program and an Outdoor Burning advisory program.
Home Wood Heating is the burning of wood in fireplaces and wood stoves for heat. Wood burning creates particulate matter, which is Lane County’s most common form of pollution, and can dramatically degrade air quality during periods of air stagnation when many home wood heating devices are in use. LRAPA issues daily green, yellow, and red burn advisories from October 1 2024 through May 31, 2025 based on air quality conditions. These advisories permit, limit, or restrict the use of fireplaces and wood stoves.Home Wood Heating Advisory Line: (541) 746-4328
Outdoor burning is the disposal of woody yard material by burning it. Burning rules vary throughout Lane County depending on location, size of property, weather forecast, and fire danger conditions. LRAPA rules also limit the type and quantity of debris which can be burned. LRAPA issues daily burn advisories during burn season. Always check this page or call the advisory line before burning. Outdoor Burning Advisory Line: (541) 726-3976 Coastal Outdoor Burning Advisory Line: (541) 997-1757 https://www.lrapa.org/air-quality…/burning-overview/
Declutter and donate to reduce holiday waste: BRING now collecting reusable materials at Lane County’s Glenwood Transfer Station to reduce holiday season waste
With the holiday season here, BRING encourages residents to clear out their old, reusable items to make room for the new. This year, Lane County residents can donate directly at the Glenwood Transfer Station, where BRING recently opened a donation site in partnership with Lane County Waste Management and St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County. This site offers residents a convenient one-stop solution for donating, recycling, and disposing of household and building materials, promoting reuse while reducing landfill waste.
With increased holiday activities, waste generation can increase by as much as 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. BRING and Waste Wise Lane County—a part of Lane County Waste Management—encourage the community to consider sustainable practices like reuse, especially during high-waste times of the year. BRING’s new collection site allows residents to easily donate gently used building materials, garden supplies, furniture, tools, and more, helping these items find new life and reducing their environmental impact.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that construction and demolition (C&D) debris accounts for more than twice the amount of municipal solid waste, with 600 million tons of C&D debris generated annually in the United States. BRING’s efforts at the Glenwood site and its main location are part of a larger initiative to help Lane County achieve its goal of recovering 63 percent of its waste stream through reuse, recycling, and composting.
Since the Glenwood donation site opened in August, BRING has already diverted 32,579 pounds of reusable materials from the landfill. By donating at this auxiliary location, community members can contribute to BRING’s Planet Improvement Center, which provides affordable, environmentally-friendly options for local DIYers, contractors, and residents looking to repurpose quality materials.
Residents planning renovations or holiday declutter projects are encouraged to gather reusable materials for donation and save a trip by combining it with their visit to the transfer station. For a full list of accepted items or to learn more about the waste reduction initiative, visit www.bringrecycling.org.
About BRING: BRING is a Eugene-based home and garden thrift store committed to recovering construction waste and building materials from the waste stream, providing environmental education to Lane County communities, and highlighting the importance of reuse. Today, we focus on the urgent issues of consumption, climate change, and community resiliency. Through these initiatives we fulfill our mission to provide vision, leadership and tools for living well on the planet we share. BRING has consistently been voted one of the “100 Best Green Workplaces in Oregon.”
About Waste Wise Lane County: Waste Wise Lane County— a part of the Lane County Waste Management Division—empowers residents, schools, and businesses with education, tools, and resources that can be used to reduce waste, conserve resources, and live more sustainably. For more information, visit lanecountyor.gov/wastewise.
The Annual Willamette Valley Ornament Hunt
It’s time once again for one of the Willamette Valley’s most beloved traditions: the seventh annual Willamette Valley Ornament Hunt, taking place across the Willamette National Forest and Umpqua National Forest.
Between November 15 and Dec. 25, 2024, two hundred locally-crafted wooden ornaments will be hidden along two-dozen trails in both forests—where eagle-eyed hikers can seek them out and register to win this year’s grand prize, which includes a two-night getaway in the Willamette Valley. Here’s more information: https://www.willamettevalley.org/ornament
Eugene Police Department – Embrace the season of giving by donating hoodies to high school-aged kids!
As temperatures drop, let’s wrap our community in warmth and kindness. Clean out those closets and drop off your gently used or new hoodies at our designated collection points.For those who prefer a convenient option, consider donating gift cards that will be used to purchase hoodies.
Send your gift cards to the Eugene Police Department:Community Engagement Supervisor, Cherie Nelson300 Country Club Rd. Eugene, OR 97401 Your contribution will ensure teenagers stay snug and stylish this winter. Let’s come together to make a difference—one hoodie at a time!
Lane County Government — Part of being prepared for an emergency is knowing how you will receive emergency alerts and life safety information. Lane County uses several tools to alert residents.
Watch the video below to learn more about those tools and decide which ones you will rely on in the event of an emergency or disaster. 
https://vimeo.com/565852770Sign up to receive Lane Alerts emergency alerts at www.LaneAlerts.org#NationalPreparednessMonth
“When It Hits The Fan”: Podcast by Lane County Emergency Management
This month on Lane County Emergency Management’s 𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝐼𝑡 𝐻𝑖𝑡𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐹𝑎𝑛, Emergency Manager Tiffany Brown shares essential tips on what to do when staying home isn’t an option.
Tiffany dives into how to prepare your Go Bag, with everything you need to sustain yourself for 72 hours: water, medications, warm layers, and more. She also breaks down the 𝟲 𝗣𝘀 – the must-haves when you need to evacuate:
People & Pets 
Prescriptions 
Personal Computer 
Papers 
Pictures 
Plastic (credit cards, important IDs)Get ready, stay informed, and make sure you’re prepared for anything! 
Listen now: www.LaneCountyOR.gov/fan or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube
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. Listen at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/fan.
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)
Starting in the new year, White Bird Dental Clinic will offer more walk-in clinic times. Currently, we offer walk-in clinics at 1415 Pearl St. every Monday and Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. In January, we will also add every other Friday at 7:30 a.m. Find more information at whitebirdclinic.org/dental
Operation Winter Survival Stockpile
Lane County Health & Human Services, in partnership with the First Christian Church today announced the launch of Operation Winter Survival Stockpile. The operation is an effort to create a stockpile through donations of clothing and other supplies that will help those in our community experiencing homelessness better brave the elements.
“Every winter those in our community who are without shelter are faced with life-threatening temperatures and weather,” said Maria Cortez, Lane County Human Services Program Coordinator. “These donations will be absolutely crucial to helping these community members stay warm and stay alive.”
To help kick off Operation Winter Survival Stockpile, First Christian Church is hosting a one-day donation drive event where community members can drop-off donations and enjoy refreshments Monday, November 25th from 1 pm to 5 pm. After the donation drive, items can continue to be dropped off Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 2 pm. Items can also be purchased on Amazon and sent to 1166 Oak St., Eugene OR 97401.
The Operation’s Amazon Wish List can be found at: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2XR33GS1ULV8Z?ref_=wl_share
Distribution of items will be prioritized to homeless outreach providers such as CAHOOTS that come into direct contact with individuals who are unhoused and unsheltered.
For more information on Operation Winter Survival Stockpile, please contact Maria Cortez at ia.Cortez@lanecountyor.gov“>Maria.Cortez@lanecountyor.gov
Youth Empowerment Programs, City of Eugene – We’re thrilled to announce that our Winter-Spring 2025 Youth Empowerment Programs will be launching soon! 
Registration opens on December 10th for our FREE programs.
Some programs are drop-in, so no registration is required—just show up and get involved!
For more information and links to register, visit our website: https://www.eugene-or.gov/4888/Youth-Empowerment-Program
Holiday Shipping Guide: Your Last-Minute Dates for USPS, FedEx, UPS and Amazon Shipping
Doing some last-minute shopping? Don’t wait. As of today, you still have time to ship your gifts so they’ll arrive before Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. You’re going to need to act quickly, though. The first deadlines that will guarantee on-time delivery are coming up this week, and you need to be prepared.
FedEx shipping deadlines to arrive by Dec. 25, 2024
With Christmas falling on a Wednesday this year, you’ll be able to take take advantage of overnight shipping from FedEx on Monday, Dec. 23. In a pinch, you can also ship FedEx SameDay on Tuesday, Dec. 24, to get your package delivered by Christmas. FedEx Express Saver, 2Day and 3Day deadlines are all the week before Christmas, and the FedEx Ground deadline is two weeks before, on Dec. 17.
Here are the dates FedEx recommends you ship by (PDF) to have your packages arrive on or before Dec. 25 in the US.
FedEx holiday shipping deadlines
| Domestic service | Ship date |
|---|---|
| Ground | Dec. 17 |
| Express Saver | Dec. 19 |
| 2Day and 2Day AM* | Dec. 20 |
| First Overnight and Priority Overnight* | Dec. 23 |
| SameDay | Dec. 24 |
*You can send FedEx 2Day and FedEx 2Day AM one day later on Saturday, Dec. 21, with an optional Saturday Delivery surcharge for $16 per package.
UPS shipping deadlines to arrive by Dec. 25, 2024
As with FedEx, UPS shipping deadlines are a little more reasonable this week, with the holiday landing on a Wednesday instead of a Monday, as it did in 2023. You’ll need to send your very last packages by Dec. 23 to make sure they arrive by Dec. 25. Here are UPS’ recommended shipping dates (PDF) for Christmas 2023.
UPS holiday shipping deadlines
| Domestic service | Ship date |
|---|---|
| Ground | Check the UPS website for deadlines |
| 3-Day Select | Dec. 19 |
| 2nd Day Air | Dec. 20 |
| Next Day Air | Dec. 23 |
USPS shipping deadlines for Dec. 25, 2024
The US Postal Service deadlines for shipping Christmas packages also a bit more favorable for last-minute shopping this year. Here are the dates the US Postal Service recommends you circle on your calendar if you want packages to arrive before Dec. 25, including for Alaska and Hawaii.
USPS holiday shipping deadlines
| Domestic service | Date (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) | Date for Alaska | Date for Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS Retail Ground | Dec. 18 | Dec. 16 | Dec. 16 |
| First-Class Mail | Dec. 18 | Dec. 18 | Dec. 18 |
| Priority Mail | Dec. 19 | Dec. 19 | Dec. 19 |
| Priority Mail Express | Dec. 21 | Dec. 20 | Dec. 20 |
Amazon estimated shipping deadlines for Dec. 25, 2024
You may be able to streamline the shopping and mailing process by ordering straight from Amazon and shipping the package directly to your giftee. But heads up: Amazon has a habit of waiting until much closer to Christmas before it lists its holiday shipping deadlines. We can extrapolate the deadline this year from shipping dates for preceding holiday seasons.
Note that these are estimated delivery dates. If it were us, and Christmas was close, we might not risk everything on those one-day and same-day delivery dates and instead send an electronic gift certificate. All shipping dates except for e-gift cards and free shipping in five to eight days are exclusively for Prime members.
One thing to look for: Amazon said Same-Day Delivery is available in more than 90 metro areas, so check whether your area has Same-Day Delivery. You can also look for “free delivery today” next to the product name. And each Amazon product listing page will also provide an estimated shipping date.
Amazon holiday shipping deadlines
| Shipping type | Deadline to buy | Date delivered |
|---|---|---|
| Free shipping | Dec. 14 | Dec. 24 |
| 2-day shipping (Prime) | Dec. 22 | Dec. 24 |
| 1-day shipping (Prime) | Dec. 23 | Dec. 24 |
| Same day delivery (Prime) | Dec. 24 | Dec. 24 |
| e-Gift card delivery | Dec. 25 | Dec. 25 |
How to ship packages to arrive in time for Hanukkah and Kwanzaa this year
Shipping companies don’t generally list specific deadlines for Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. However, since both holidays mostly align with Christmas this year, you can use the same deadlines.
Hanukkah starts on the evening of Dec. 25 this year, and Kwanzaa begins the next day on Dec. 26. If you want any Hanukkah or Kwanzaa packages to arrive before the holiday begins, use the shipping deadlines for Christmas.
Nothing is guaranteed, and storms and package supply shortages may result in shipping delays, as happened a few years ago.
To make sure your packages are safely delivered, here’s how to guard against porch pirates. (SOURCE)
Oregon lawmakers approve $218M in emergency wildfire funding
The Legislature spent $218 million to cover the costs of the most expensive fire season on record.
Oregon lawmakers approved $218 million in emergency wildfire funds during a Thursday special session that was convened to address unpaid bills stemming from the state’s 2024 record wildfire season.
As wildfires still rage in California, Oregon is among several states grappling with steep costs related to fighting wildfires this year. New Mexico lawmakers in a July special session approved millions of dollars in emergency aid for wildfire victims, and states including North Dakota and Wyoming have requested federal disaster declarations to help with recovery costs.
Oregon lawmakers unleashed a flood of emergency funding Thursday, as the state grapples with its most expensive, expansive wildfire season in modern times.
In a quick special session, the Legislature passed a single bill, allocating $218 million in taxpayer money to cover the costs of a fire year that saw more than 1.9 million acres burn.
The emergency spending will free up the Oregon Department of Forestry and Office of State Fire Marshal — the two state agencies that predominantly tackle wildfires — to pay contractors who sent machinery and manpower to battle this year’s blazes and support firefighting teams, but have sat unpaid for months.
As of late November, the forestry department said it was facing nearly $100 million in unpaid bills for the fire season, with more invoices on the way.
The special session was among the more unremarkable in recent memory. With broad agreement that the state must pay bills that have grown as the state experiences more severe fire years, both Democrats and Republicans were happy to approve the money. The lone bill up for consideration, Senate Bill 5801, sailed through a legislative committee and both chambers on nearly unanimous votes in just a few hours.
That didn’t mean everyone agreed on why the state finds itself in a financial bind.
State Sen. Lynn Findley, R-Vale, accused the forestry department of failing to keep lawmakers informed about the extent of its mounting costs. In a committee hearing, he called on the agency’s head, State Forester Cal Mukumoto, to resign.
“We have vendors in the state of Oregon that we, the State of Oregon, hired months and months ago, and we have not paid that bill,” said Findley, who said he only became aware of the fiscal crunch in mid-November. “If the tables were turned and it was the other way around, the attorney general would be throwing somebody in jail.”
Oregon wildfire funding comes in two main flavors. There is “base” fire funding, split between the state and property owners whose land is under state protection. Oregon agencies tapped $74.5 million in base funding this year, but that money only goes toward spotting and putting out small fires.
When fires spread rapidly, or threaten lives and property, funding comes from a fund for “large” fires. The first $20 million from this bucket is split between the state and landowners. The rest is backfilled, eventually, from the state’s general fund.
And this year, large fire costs hit $352 million — $212 million more than the state’s next most expensive fire year in 2020. The vast majority of that cost was incurred by the forestry department, which received $191.5 million in Thursday’s lone legislation.
While the federal government will ultimately pay nearly 60% of the tab, state officials say that process can take years. In the meantime, they have been scrambling to find money and pay outstanding bills.
“We just don’t have enough cash on hand to pay the folks who came out this year and worked thousands of hours protecting their neighbors and community members,” Joy Krawczyk, a forestry department spokesperson, said earlier this month. “Even if we liquidated everything we could possibly get, we still probably couldn’t get to that number.”
The 2024 fire season began with optimism. Above-average snowpack and low levels of drought kept fires largely in check through June. Then a heatwave quickly dried out the Oregon landscape, and a series of lightning storms set hundreds of fires.
By July, Oregon had become the nation’s top firefighting priority. In total, the state saw more than 1,000 fires — including six “megafires” larger than 100,000 acres each.
DOJ Survey Finds Most Oregonians Care About Privacy, Curious About New Law
Historically, most Americans have little control over their private data, but the new Oregon Consumer Privacy Act has changed that by giving power back to the people.
Keep Personal Information LOCKED
In terms of the new Privacy Act, Oregonians can now protect their personal information by keeping it L.O.C.K.E.D:
- List – ask businesses for a list of third parties that bought their private data.
- Opt-out by disallowing business enterprises to sell, profile, and use advertising targeted to personal information.
- Copy – obtain a copy of personal and sensitive data held by businesses.
- Know the scope of personal information collected.
- Edit any inaccuracies shown by the data.
- Delete personal and sensitive information.
A survey of 344 consumers about attitudes on privacy and perceptions of the new Oregon Consumer Privacy Act that became effective at the beginning of July 2024, was undertaken by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The survey found that 80% of the respondents were concerned about privacy, particularly regarding information about children. Few respondents were aware of the new Consumer Privacy Act to help them keep private information hidden from prying eyes.
The survey also found that more than one-third of the respondents had experienced a data breach of their private information in the last year, while more than a quarter experienced acts of fraud on their bank accounts.
But that should all change with the Oregon Consumer Privacy Act which imposes new restrictions on the collection of personal data by businesses.
The Oregon Attorney General, Ellen Rosenblum urges businesses to become acquainted with the new Consumer Act on how the law expects those that qualify to treat customer data,
Special protections to protect the privacy of children and teens are also addressed in the new Consumer Act.
Rosenblum says parents and caregivers should pay special attention to protections for children under 13. The Attorney General focused her initiative as president of the National Association of Attorneys General this year on the online protection of America’s youth. (SOURCE)
10 staff now on leave in connection with St. Helens School District sex abuse scandal
The district said each case is “in connection with ongoing investigations related to allegations of sexual misconduct or for failing to report sexual misconduct.”
A total of 10 employees of the St. Helens School District have now been placed on paid administrative leave stemming from a teacher sex abuse scandal that began with the arrest of two teachers a month ago. More cases have come to light since then, but it appears that at least four of the 10 cases were not previously known.
Each case is either “in connection with ongoing investigations related to allegations of sexual misconduct or for failing to report sexual misconduct,” according to a Friday news release from the district. The news release did not identify any of the 10 staff on leave, and the district declined to name any of them when asked.
“We’re going to need to affirm what information is legally releasable and we will do that and get back to you with that information,” said J. Marie, a newly hired crisis communications expert.
During a Friday media briefing, the district introduced Marie, with J. Marie and Associates, and said she will help guide the district’s public response following the sex abuse scandal that has rocked the small Oregon town. Marie said her contract is open-ended with a rate of $180 an hour and said, “I work as efficiently as I possibly can.”
“For the last 20 or so years, I have had a small business supporting school districts in crisis communications and have worked closely with the Washington Association of School Administrators to support districts in a variety of critical issues,” Marie said.
Current St. Helens High School teacher Eric Stearns and retired teacher Mark Collins were both arrested on Nov. 12 after a two-month investigation into what police described as allegations of “historic sexual abuse” at the school. The arrests triggered a wave of outrage from students and parents, many of whom accused district officials of covering up the allegations.
“That trust is not going to be, you know, rebuilt based on words,” Marie said. “It’s going to be rebuilt based on actions.”
St. Helens High School Principal Katy Wagner and district Superintendent Scot Stockwell were both placed on leave a few days after the arrests, and Wagner was indicted on Nov. 26 on criminal charges of mistreatment and official misconduct for allegedly withholding care from students and failing to comply with mandatory child abuse reporting requirements.
Days before Wagner’s indictment, the Oregon Department of Human Services confirmed that it had opened investigations into six staff members at St. Helens High School: Stearns, Collins, Stockwell, Wagner and two others whom KGW has not named because to date they have not been charged with crimes (Stockwell has not been charged either, but was publicly identified by the district when he was placed on leave).
Around the same time, St. Helens police announced an investigation into a St. Helens Middle School teacher for alleged criminal conduct “involving a student,” and that unnamed teacher was also placed on leave.
“It’s critical, ultimately, for the community to have confidence in what is learned. the investigations need to be impartial. they need to be thorough, and they need to be allowed to run their course without interference or undue speculation.” Marie said.
At least some of those seven previously reported cases appear to be among the 10 paid leave cases confirmed by the district Friday, although it’s unclear if they all are, especially since Collins is retired.
The district news release states that two of the staff members were placed on leave at some point before Nov. 13, three were placed on leave on Nov. 13 due to arrests, two were placed on leave at some point after Nov. 13 due to DHS reports or tip line reports, and three were placed on leave at some point after Nov. 13 due to an internal report.
The district announced last week that it was launching an internal investigation into the sex abuse scandal, but it’s unclear if the “internal report” referenced in Friday’s news release is connected to that investigation, which was expected to take 45 to 60 days to produce a final report.
In the past few weeks, the district has appointed an interim principal to step in for Wagner and an interim superintendent to step in for Stockwell. The district school board director also resigned after the scandal broke, and the district said Friday that has posted an application for the position, with an appointee to be named Jan. 8. (SOURCE)
Lawmakers Preview Housing Bills as Many Oregonians Face Unaffordable Rent or Mortgage Payments
Oregon lawmakers this week previewed some of their ideas to build more homes and lower rents and home prices for Oregonians struggling with the high cost of housing.
During committee hearings at the state Capitol on Tuesday and Wednesday, lawmakers discussed proposals to limit rent increases for mobile home parks, build more condos and crack down on landlords pocketing deposits. All are aimed at easing pressures that result in more than half of all renters and a third of homeowners spending more than 30% of their income on housing costs, according to a recent report from the Oregon Housing and Community Services.
Here’s a look at some of the housing bills lawmakers plan to introduce next year:
Rent control for mobile home parks
Current state law limits annual rent increases for buildings older than 15 years to no more than 10% or 7% plus inflation, whichever is less. Rep. Pam Marsh, D-Ashland and chair of the House Housing and Homelessness Committee, plans to introduce a bill to further limit rent increases in manufactured home parks and marinas.
Oregon has 1,328 manufactured home parks with more than 72,000 spaces, according to Lane County legal aid attorney and Oregon State Tenants Association vice president John VanLandingham. Most people living in those parks own their homes but rent the land. The roughly 25 marinas in the state that have floating homes operate similarly — people rent boat slips, like parking spaces on the water and live in houseboats.
“Our focus is entirely on rent increases, because that is the issue that is scaring the pants off of all manufactured home park tenants across the state,” VanLandingham said.
Marsh’s proposal would limit rent increases on manufactured home parks and marinas to no more than the rate of inflation. That, VanLandingham said, would bring potential rent increases more in line with the cost of living increases manufactured homeowners on fixed incomes see from Social Security. Many manufactured homeowners are seniors or farmworkers.
Easier path to building condos
Unlike traditional single-family homes, condominiums let people buy an individual unit in a building. They’re typically cheaper than other types of homes: The median cost of a condo in Oregon was $341,000 in 2023 compared to the median price of $552,460 for a single-family home.
But condo construction has plummeted from a peak of about 4,200 new units in 2006 to just 309 last year — a 92% drop.
“We aren’t building condos in Oregon anymore, and we haven’t for years,” said Sen. Mark Meek, a Gladstone Democrat and real estate agent.
He attributed that decrease in large part to restrictive state laws that give property owners more time to file complaints or lawsuits against construction companies than they have in other states. A 2018 report from ECONorthwest found that Oregon’s 10-year time limit for property owners to file claims over construction defects was higher than other West Coast states. Between the risk of lawsuits and apartment rents increasing, developers and lenders have seen regular apartment buildings as a safer and more profitable option compared to condos.
Meek’s proposed bill would decrease that limit from 10 years to six years and require more robust inspections of condo exteriors, which he said would reduce the risk of defects. He said the proposal, backed by developers and Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson, the Republican vice chair of the House Housing and Homelessness Committee, was the kind of bold but practical solution demanded by the state’s housing crisis.
Cracking down on ‘hold deposits’
Many landlords charge “holding” deposits, typically at least several hundred dollars and sometimes as high as a month’s rent, to future tenants to secure an apartment while working out lease details and a move-in date. If a tenant moves in, that deposit is usually credited toward their first month’s rent, security deposit or other move-in costs — but if a tenant can’t move in, they often lose that money.
Rep. Annessa Hartman, D-Gladstone, plans to introduce a bill to limit landlords’ ability to keep those deposits. Hartman’s measure would require landlords to immediately refund the deposit and pay a penalty equal to the amount when they fail to provide a lease, such as by overbooking a rental unit or trying to rent a unit that doesn’t meet state standards for habitability.
Air conditioning apartments
After changing state law two years ago to require landlords to allow tenants to use air conditioning units, lawmakers are looking at requiring indoor cooling in all apartments with 10 or more units.
The Senate Housing and Development Committee will introduce a bill to require landlords to provide central air, portable air conditioning devices or other passive cooling to keep each bedroom at a temperature 15 degrees below the outdoor temperature and not higher than 80 degrees. Otherwise, landlords would have to provide tenants with access to a community cooling space on or near the apartment premises that maintains a temperature below 80 degrees.
Oregon and other states have long required that landlords provide heat in rental properties so tenants can have a minimum indoors temperature of 68 degrees. Debates over landlords’ responsibilities for cooling units have taken off in recent years as Oregon experiences more extreme heat tied to climate change. About 100 Oregonians died during a 2021 heat dome event, and Salem, Eugene and Hillsboro broke record high temperatures in a heat wave this July. (SOURCE)
Pilots Report Mysterious Lights ‘Moving at Extreme Speeds’ Across Oregon Skies
At least four commercial pilots encountered mysterious lights over the weekend. Researchers theorize they could be flares from numerous Starlink satellites.
At least four commercial pilots encountered mysterious lights zipping through the skies above Oregon this past weekend.
One pilot flying an air ambulance reported a bright light streaking toward his Life Flight plane, with it suddenly reversing back toward the Pacific Ocean.
“Red in color — moving at extreme speeds. I don’t even know how to describe how fast it was moving,” the pilot told air traffic control.
On Sunday night, Dec. 8, the pilot of a United Airlines flight described unexpected lights in the sky above the Eugene area.
“We’re seeing three or four targets. They’re all altitudes. Up and down. It’s pretty crazy,” the pilot told air traffic controllers, who confirmed there was no military activity in the area.
The Life Flight pilot reported one of the lights was going in circles in a “corkscrew pattern” and showed up on his aircraft’s collision avoidance system.
“You are cleared to maneuver as necessary — a left or right to avoid the UFO out there,” an air traffic controller responded in the audio clip posted online.
Several brief video clips taken by pilots and their crew showed lights in the night sky, although objects are difficult to see because of the dark conditions.
“It’s weird. It’s red, circular shape, and it keeps zipping out towards the ocean and then coming back about 20 miles or closer to us — then it zips back to the ocean,” the Life Flight pilot told air traffic controllers on Sunday night.
Two Horizon Airlines pilots also reported seeing mysterious lights, according to an air traffic controller.
The flights each continued without further incident. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) acknowledged that a pilot saw unidentified lights but did not provide further comment.
So, what could it be?
“That appears to be Starlink satellites, most likely,” explained scientist and researcher Douglas Buettner, who led a study examining a case of five pilots who saw several bright moving objects over the Pacific Ocean in 2022.
The pilots, flying in two commercial aircraft, took photos and video of unrecognizable objects reported as unidentified aerial phenomena. Buettner and his colleagues determined the bright lights were flare from numerous Starlink satellites, launched by SpaceX to provide broadband internet.
“Literally all it is — it’s the sun hits the satellite just right, and it is being reflected back into your eye,” explained Buettner, deputy chief scientist of the Acquisition Innovation Research Center, led by the Stevens Institute of Technology.
He believes the eye-catching lights spotted by pilots over Oregon were most likely satellite flares — although without better data and clear video, he hasn’t ruled out other possibilities.
“I’ve had two other people look at it, and they say it is consistent with Starlink,” Buettner explained.
In August 2022, people in Oregon witnessed a string of Starlink satellites moving dramatically across the night sky.
Last month, the Pentagon director overseeing unidentified anomalous phenomena told lawmakers the Defense Department has seen an increase in reported UAP sightings, especially since satellite constellations such as Starlink were launched.
“We do have one example that I’m aware of where we were able to correlate a number of observations of interesting lights in the sky, and eventually, we concluded that it was multiple people observing Starlink flares,” Jon Kosloski testified at a Senate hearing. (SOURCE)
Data Center Energy Demands Could Trigger Blackouts
A panel of authorities on the data center industry told Northwest energy planners Wednesday that the tech sector will take all the electricity it can get its hands on, warning of severe consequences.
A panel of authorities on the data center industry told Northwest energy planners Wednesday that the tech sector will take all the electricity it can get its hands on, warning of severe consequences if the region doesn’t respond in time.
“We’re going to need to build more transmission faster than any time we have in the last 70 years as a region,” said Robert Cromwell, who consults with Northwest power utilities. He said the region is already flirting with rolling blackouts because peak energy demand is already near the region’s capacity to provide electricity.
Data center demand is soaring because of artificial intelligence, which uses massive amounts of electricity for advanced computation. These powerful machines already consume more than 10% of all of Oregon’s power and forecasters say data center power use will be at least double that by 2030 — and perhaps some multiple higher.
If the Northwest fails to add enough generation and transmission to meet the growing energy needs, Cromwell said periodic blackouts are inevitable at times power demand is at its greatest. He used an industry term, “rotating load shedding,” to describe rolling blackouts, which briefly cut off power to homes, businesses and even hospitals that need electricity to provide life-saving care.
“Nothing will change policy faster than elected officials going to constituent funerals, and it won’t be for the better because it’ll be reactionary and less than fully thought through,” Cromwell told Wednesday’s meeting of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council.
Oregon has one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing data center industries, owing in large part to some of the most generous tax breaks anywhere in the world. Data centers don’t employ many people, but the wealthy tech companies that run them enjoy Oregon tax giveaways worth more than $225 million annually. (READ MORE)
Financially troubled Coos Bay hospital begins talk with private equity firm to operate facility
Mired in deep financial woes, executives at Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay are courting a private equity-owned health company to “assume operations” of the facility.
The 172-bed public, nonprofit hospital — the largest on Oregon’s coast — said this week it has signed a non-binding letter of intent to negotiate a deal with Quorum Health, which owns McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center in Springfield.
Kimberly Winker, a spokesperson for Bay Area Hospital, said the Coos Bay facility “is working toward an agreement where Quorum would enter into a lease transaction and assume operations of the hospital.” Hospital officials declined to say more about the financial terms of the deal, saying the arrangement has yet to be finalized.
Winker said Bay Area Hospital would keep its name. She said Quorum has so far agreed to maintain essential services for at least 10 years and keep employees in good standing with their existing pay, titles and seniority. Quorum would also ensure local representation on the hospital’s governing board and uphold existing charity care policies, Winker added.
“Quorum has also agreed to capital commitments and is expected to contribute sales and property taxes, which stand to benefit the community,” Winker said. “They are experienced in supporting rural health care … and can provide support in a timeline consistent with our financial needs.”
The two parties hope to complete the deal by the middle of 2025, pending further negotiations and approval from the state’s regulatory body that reviews business deals in health care.
The talks come as local hospitals across the country are struggling with rising costs, staff shortages and lower payments from insurance companies. The combination has made it harder for hospitals to stay financially viable on their own and helped drive a new wave of health care industry consolidation.
Bay Area Hospital is an independent hospital district that is officially a local government entity. While it can levy property taxes with voters’ approval, the hospital hasn’t done so since 1989. According to its website, “Bay Area Hospital District is the only health district in Oregon that currently does not receive any county property tax funds.”
With more than 1,000 staffers, Bay Area Hospital is also the largest employer in Oregon’s south coast, with most of its employees represented by unions.
Bay Area Hospital leaders said the deal is aimed to stabilize the hospital’s finance and maintain health services in Coos Bay. The coastal hospital has been cash-strapped for years and was in such bad financial shape last year that independent auditors raised “substantial doubt about the Hospital’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.”
The hospital’s chief financial officer told The Lund Report last year that the hospital technically defaulted on a $47 million bank loan and would have to close down if the bank called in the loan because it didn’t have the cash to pay off the debt.
While Bay Area Hospital has made some strides in improving its financial situation over the last two years — reducing losses by $54 million during the period and increasing revenues by more than 27.6% to break even following COVID-19 setbacks — industry challenges remain too large for local efforts alone, hospital officials said.
The hospital said it used to have a “healthy commercial insurance payer mix” but now nearly 87% of its patients are on Medicaid or Medicare, whose payments often don’t cover expenses. Hospital leaders said that while costs to provide care and pay employees’ wages have climbed over the last 15 years, reimbursements have not kept up.
“We’ve worked hard to turn things around and position Bay Area Hospital for a strong future, and we believe partnering with Quorum Health is the right next step,” Brian Moore, president and CEO of Bay Area Hospital, said in a statement.
Bay Area Hospital leaders said its arrangement with Quorum Health could provide resources that the hospital can’t access on its own. They said the partnership would help the hospital grow its services, keep doctors and nurses on staff and invest in updated technology and facilities.
Quorum Health Corporation, a hospital system owned by private equity firms, has 12 hospitals across nine states. It started as a publicly traded company overseeing 38 hospitals in 2016. By 2020, after closing three and selling 11 of them, it had slimmed down to 22 hospitals across 13 states before entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy. At the time of that filing, the private equity firm KKR was the largest holder of the company’s debt and owned approximately 9% of its public shares.
Following the bankruptcy, private equity firms Davidson Kempner Capital Management and Goldentree Asset Management gained control of the company. Goldentree now owns the majority stake in Quorum Health.
Since emerging from bankruptcy, Quorum Health has continued to face financial challenges and has closed or sold off hospitals in recent years. Last year, it closed a rural hospital in eastern North Carolina that left a county with a population of 22,000 without a hospital. Patients have to drive more than 20 miles to reach the nearest hospital.
As of August 2024, Quorum Health operated only 10 hospitals — down from 22 at the time of its 2020 bankruptcy filing. But the health system recently acquired two Steward Health Care hospitals in Texas through a bankruptcy court-approved sale. (SOURCE)
Winter Whale Watch Week returns to the Oregon Coast Dec. 27-31
OREGON COAST, Oregon— Oregon State Parks will host Winter Whale Watch Week on the Oregon Coast Friday, Dec. 27 through Tuesday, Dec. 31.
Trained Oregon State Park volunteers will be stationed at 15 sites along the Oregon Coast from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help visitors spot gray whales on their southward migration to the calving lagoons in Mexico.
The sites are some of the best places to watch for whales on the Oregon Coast. A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online at the official event webpage: https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_whaleWatching
“Now is a perfect time to see the whales as their population rebounds on the Oregon Coast,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced an end to an Unusual Mortality Event impacting gray whales. Since then, the estimated population has increased by roughly 30% from 14,530 last year to 19,260 this year, according to NOAA. The numbers are on the rise overall, but the calf count is still low as the population continues to rebound.
“While there are more gray whales to see now on the Oregon Coast, the calves remain a rare and important sight,” said Michael Milstein, public affairs officer with NOAA Fisheries.
Winter Whale Watch Week provides an opportunity to see not only the gray whales but other coastal wildlife including birds and other marine mammals with help from trained volunteers and rangers.
The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 27-31. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about the whales.
All Whale Watch Week visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, to bring binoculars and to follow beach safety guidelines such as remaining out of fenced areas, knowing the tide schedule and always keeping an eye on the surf. Go to https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beach-safety/ for a list of safety tips.
For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visit oregonstateparks.org.
Visitors are encouraged to share their photos and videos from Winter Whale Watch Week on social media using #OregonStateParks and #ORWhaleWatch24.
Oregon State Parks Offering Discounted Parking Passes – Give the gift of the outdoors and save this season with the Oregon State Parks 12-month parking permit sale during December.
Shoppers can buy the annual parking permits for only $25 (regularly $30) from Dec. 1 through Dec. 31. The permit is good for 12 months starting in the month of purchase at the 25 parks that currently charge for parking.
The annual permit is an even better option for frequent park visitors in 2025 when day-use parking fees will increase from $5 to $10 on Jan. 2, 2025.
Purchasing permits is easy. Visitors can buy them online at Oregon State Parks store. They’re also available at select park stores operated by friends’ groups, park visitor centers and local businesses throughout the state. For a complete list, visit stateparks.oregon.gov.
The daily parking fee is required at the 25 parks that charge for day-use parking unless visitors have a 12-month or 24-month parking permit or a same-day camping receipt. The parking fee does not apply to those who hike, bike or use public transportation.
The 24-month permit is $50 and is also available at OregonStateParkStore. The cost for the 12-month and 24-month permits is not currently increasing. The permits are transferable from vehicle to vehicle.
Ways to get and give help this holiday season
‘Tis the season for connection and caring for one another. But we also know this time of year can be challenging for many families. So whether you need a little extra support, or are looking for ways to give back to your community, we’ve got some suggestions to make the holiday season special.
Ways to get holiday help:
1. Visit the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) holiday resources webpage
Our 2024 holiday resources webpage has a list of local organizations that can provide hot meals, toys, winter clothes and more for families and individuals this holiday season. The page is available in English and Spanish, and you can sort the list by county to find resources in your area.
2. Connect with 211info
Not seeing anything near you on our list? Dial 2-1-1 to connect with someone who can guide you to the support you need. You can also visit 211info.org, enter your zip code, and search for “Holiday Gifts/Toys,” “Christmas Baskets,” or “Christmas Meals.”
3. Reach out to your local ODHS office
We’re here to help! Our local office staff often know about upcoming events and resources in your community. We can also help you learn more about services that be accessed year-round, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Oregon Health Plan (OHP), and more.
Ways to give holiday help:
1. Donate to ODHS or a community organization
ODHS partners with many community organizations that collect donations, like food, clothes, and toys, that support children in foster care, older adults, families in need, and more. For 2024, we’ve compiled a list with some of the ways you can donate to help the families ODHS serves. Don’t see anything on the list in your area? Contact your local ODHS office for more suggestions. You can also make a financial contribution to ODHS and specify how you want it to be used by emailing dhs.volunteerservices@odhs.oregon.gov.
2. Volunteer
Your time is one of the most valuable gifts you can give. At ODHS, we have several temporary volunteer opportunities this holiday season for things like wrapping donations, delivering gifts, and helping at holiday parties for children in ODHS care. Email dhs.volunteerservices@odhs.oregon.gov to learn about holiday openings or to get involved longer-term. If that’s not for you, we also recommend reaching out to local nonprofits or community centers with missions you believe in to see how you can help.
3. Build community connections
Sometimes, the best way to give back is by simply showing up. Attend local events, check in on your neighbors, and spread the word about the ways to get help that we listed above. A little kindness and connection can go a long way!
Holiday Express Steams Up – Rides run every Friday – Sunday through Jan. 4.
The countdown is on! The first day of the highly anticipated Holiday Express is almost here, and it’s your chance to ride a train pulled by a historic steam locomotive—an unforgettable experience like no other.
Santa’s nearly ready—list checked, elves prepped, lights sparkling, and candy canes in hand. The only thing missing is YOU!
Get your tickets now for this beloved annual tradition. Create lasting memories with friends and family aboard the Holiday Express. Rides begin Nov. 29 and run every Friday – Sunday through Jan. 4.
Special Offer: Get 10% off select rides from Nov. 29 to Dec. 8! But don’t wait, tickets are selling fast.
Be part of the magic this holiday season. Reserve your seat today! Oregon Rail Heritage Center
Media contest invites Oregon high school students to promote young worker safety; entries due Feb. 21, 2025
Salem – High school students across Oregon are encouraged to put their video or graphic design skills on display by competing for cash prizes as part of a larger cause: increasing awareness about workplace safety and health for young workers.
The 2025 media contest, organized by the Oregon Young Employee Safety (O[yes]) Coalition, calls on participants to create an ad – through a compelling graphic design or video – that grabs their peers’ attention and convinces them to take the Young Employee Safety Awareness online training.
Participants get to choose the key message, theme, or tagline they believe will go furthest in capturing their audience and moving it to act. The target audience? Teen workers or teens who are preparing to work for the first time. The contest is now open for submissions. To compete, participants may submit either a graphic design or a video that is no more than 90 seconds in length.
Participants are expected to choose their key message, theme, or tagline in a wise and positive manner, including constructive and effective messages and language.
The top three entries in each of the two media categories will take home cash prizes ranging from $300 to $500. In each category, the first-place winner’s school, club, or organization will receive a matching award. Moreover, O[yes] will use the best of the submissions as ads in its ongoing efforts to improve on-the-job safety and health protections for teens.
While they carry out their projects, participants must ensure the health and safety of their team. No one should be endangered while creating their video or graphic design project.
The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.
Participants are encouraged to submit entries online. Submissions may also be mailed on a USB thumb drive or delivered in person.
For more information about the entry form and rules, contest expectations, and resources – including previous contest winners – visit the O[yes] online contest page.
The contest sponsors are local Oregon chapters of the American Society of Safety Professionals, Construction Safety Summit, Central Oregon Safety & Health Association, Hoffman Construction Company, Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Oregon OSHA, SafeBuild Alliance, SAIF Corporation, and the Oregon Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) Alliance.
### About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.
About the Oregon Young Employee Safety Coalition (O[yes]): (O[yes]) is a nonprofit dedicated to preventing young worker injuries and fatalities. O[yes] members include safety and health professionals, educators, employers, labor and trade associations, and regulators. Visit youngemployeesafety.org.
Lend Your Voice to Shape the Future of Emergency Management in Oregon!
SALEM, OR – November 19, 2024 – The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) invites all Oregonians to participate in shaping the future of emergency management across the state. On February 11, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., OEM is hosting its second annual town hall where community members and partners from all backgrounds can provide input and feedback on the agency’s 2023–2025 Strategic Plan and the OEM Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) plan.
The Strategic Plan serves as a blueprint for OEM’s commitment to delivering excellent customer service and building resilience within Oregon’s communities. The IDEA plan guides emergency management practices that address the needs of all communities, fostering equitable outcomes and inclusive resilience statewide. Feedback from this town hall will help guide OEM’s efforts to improve emergency preparedness, response and recovery in ways that serve every community across the state—before, during and after a disaster.
The town hall is open to everyone, and no prior emergency management experience is required. Closed captioning will be available, and a video and audio transcript of the event will be accessible upon request after the event.
Event Details:
Event: Oregon Department of Emergency Management’s second annual strategic planning and IDEA town hall
Date: February 11, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Meeting will be virtual; link will be sent as event nears.
Your feedback is critical in helping OEM serve Oregon’s diverse communities better and to foster an inclusive approach to emergency preparedness and resilience. We look forward to hearing from you at this important event.
For more information or questions, please contact Bobbi McAllister at obbi.mcallister@oem.oregon.gov“>bobbi.mcallister@oem.oregon.gov.
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
Oregon State Police are reminding parents and students of the SafeOregon hotline.
It takes reports of potential threats against students and schools. The tips can be made anonymously. They can include safety threats, fights, drugs, weapons on campus, cyberbullying and students considering self-harm or suicide. A technician reviews the reports and assigns them either to police or school administrators. Tips can be made by phone, text, email or on the website https://www.safeoregon.com
