Date:  06/25/19

By:  Lt. Bryan Husband, Search and Rescue Coordinator

Rescued:  Blake Ettestad, 31 year old male, Redmond, OR 

On 06/25/19, at approximately 9:57am, 9-1-1 Dispatch received a report of an injured hiker on the South Sister climbing trail.  The injured hiker, identified as Blake Ettestad, had reportedly fallen on a portion of the trail at about 8,100' where it was steep, icy and approximately 4.5 miles from the Devil's Lake Trailhead.  Ettestad had lost control on the ice, fallen and slid into a tree, sustaining a non-life threatening injury which kept him from being able to continue.  Ettestad had been hiking with a small group of friends who stabilized him as best as they could and called 9-1-1.

Two Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Deputies and 10 DCSO Search and Rescue Volunteers responded to assist.  Life Flight was contacted and assisted by flying four of the DCSO SAR Volunteers to the closest available landing area at approximately 7,550'.  The four SAR Volunteers then skinned up the trail to Ettestad's location, arriving at approximately 1:17pm.  Ettestad was further stabilized and packaged into a Cascade rescue sled for transport.  With thunderstorms passing through the area, five additional DCSO SAR Volunteers began hiking up the trail from Devil's Lake Trailhead in case Life Flight was not able to return.  Life Flight was able to return and meet the four DCSO SAR Volunteers, who had transported Ettestad back to the previously described landing area.  Life Flight then transported Ettestad to St. Charles Hospital in Bend.  

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office would like to thank Life Flight for their assistance with this rescue.  Without their assistance, the response time to Ettestad's location would have been considerably longer, potentially leading to further medical problems.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with four K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today lead by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves the nearly 190,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 230 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 187 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

MEDIA RELEASE  

Road Rage Menacing with a Firearm

Released by:          Sgt. K. Dizney

Release Date:        6/23/19

Location:                Highway 20 West near Cloverdale Road

Arrested:                 Lehr, Justin Allen    Age:  39

                                  Forest Grove, OR

NARRATIVE:

On Sunday, 6/23/19, at approximately 5:55 PM, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a road rage incident near the intersection of Highway 20 West and Cloverdale Road heading toward Sisters.  Deschutes County 911 received a report from one of the involved drivers who explained that a man later identified as Justin Lehr pointed a firearm at him from his vehicle in motion.  The victim driver described the suspect vehicle as a White Dodge Pickup and provided a description of the suspect driver who had pointed the gun.  The suspect vehicle followed the victim into Sisters where the victim turned and the suspect did not follow.  Deputies were assisted by the Black Butte Police and Oregon State Police with a search of the Sisters area looking for the suspect vehicle.  The vehicle was located in motion near Bi-Mart and deputies assisted by the Oregon State Police conducted a high risk (guns drawn) traffic stop and took Lehr into custody.  A search of his vehicle located a handgun that is alleged to be involved.  Lehr’s 7 year old son was also present in the vehicle during this incident and was returned to his mother following Lehr’s arrest.  Lehr was lodged at the Deschutes County Jail on charges including:

• Unlawful use of a Weapon
• Menacing
• Endangering the Welfare of a Minor

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with four K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today lead by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves the nearly 190,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 230 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 187 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

## End of Release ##

Updated Release

Date: June 23, 2019

Released by: Sgt. Nathan Garibay, Emergency Services Manager

Pilot: Kevin Padrick, 63 year old male, Sunriver resident (Deceased)

Passenger: Johannes Noordwijk, 69 year old male, Sunriver resident

Aircraft: 1996 Maule M-7 Single Engine with floats

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office identified the occupants of the aircraft as Kevin Padrick and Johannes Noordwijk, both of Sunriver, Oregon.  Noordwijk, the passenger was able to escape the aircraft after the crash.  He was later assisted to shore by Sunriver Fire and Rescue.  Padrick was later located deceased by Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Divers.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has video is asked to contact the Deschutes  County Sheriff's Office at non-emergency dispatch 541-693-6911.

This incident (including circumstances around the crash and cause of death) is still under investigation by multiple agencies.  No more information is available at this time.

Original Release

Date: June 22, 2019

Released By: Sgt. Nathan Garibay, Emergency Services Manager

On 06-22-19 at approximately 10:40 am, Deschutes County 911 recieved a call of a plane crash in the Deschutes River near Sunriver. The plane flipped onto its top and submerged.  Deschutes County Sheriff's Office (Patrol, Search and Rescue, and Marine Patrol), Sunriver Police Department, Oregon State Police and Sunriver Fire and Rescue responded.  

Sunriver Fire and Rescue arrived and was able to rescue 5 subjects from the aircraft as it floated upside down.  One of the subjects was rescued was a male occupant of the aircraft who was able to escape the aircraft.  The other subjects had swam to the plane to assist the occupants.  It was determined a male subject was still underwater and initial rescue efforts were unsuccessful. The remaining occupant in the airplane was believed to be deceased.

The surviving occupant was transported to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend with injuries that are believed to be non-life threatening. 

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue with swift water rescue technicians and rescue divers arrived.  While being supported by Marine Patrol Deputies, divers were able to locate the second occupant of the aircraft deceased underwater.  

Initial information indicates the plane had just taken off from Sunriver Airport.  The aircraft, an amphibious float plane, flipped upside down upon contact with the water.  The crash is still under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.  Any further information relating to the details of the crash investigation will be released by NTSB.  The release of names of the occupants is pending notification of next of kin.

The Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by Sunriver Police and Fire, Oregon State Police and the Deschutes County Medical Examiner's Office.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with four K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today lead by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves the nearly 190,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 230 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 187 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. This week: building a digital defense against utility fraud. 

The weather is heating up, and your utility bills will likely rise with the temperatures this summer. This is a good time for us to give you a reminder about what to expect – and not expect – from your regional power provider when it comes to those big bills. 

One very common scam is for a person or small business to receive a message from a fraudster claiming to be from a utility. He claims you are way behind on your bill, and you have a very short period of time – maybe an hour or less – to pay up. If you do not, he will shut off your power. 

He will often tell you that you can rectify the situation with a quick payment, preferably by gift card. He will demand that you get the card, call him back and read the card number and PIN to him quickly. Once done, he can empty that card out in minutes. The card is like cash – once it is gone, it is almost always gone for good. 

Here’s how to protect yourself: 

• If someone claims to be from a utility threatening to disconnect you, tell the person you are going to hang up and call customer service back. Look for the real number on a recent bill or on the company’s webpage. Do not use whatever number the person gives. 

• Know that no legitimate utility will give you a single notice before shut-off, particularly by phone or text. 

• No legitimate utility will demand gift cards as payment.  

• Most utilities will work with you for payments if you give them a call. 

If you have been victimized by this online scam or any other cyber fraud, be sure to report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at?www.ic3.gov?or call your local FBI office. 

###

The Office of State Fire Marshal, the Oregon Fire Service, natural resource agencies, Oregon licensed fireworks wholesalers, and safety experts all encourage Oregonians to “keep it legal and keep it safe” when using fireworks.

The 2019 Oregon fireworks retail sales season opens June 23 and runs through July 6. The OSFM and their partners want everyone to know which fireworks are legal to use in Oregon without a permit, where they are permitted to be used, and the important safety steps to take when using legal fireworks.  

“I want to remind all Oregonians that consumer legal fireworks can only be purchased from Oregon permitted fireworks retailers and stands,” says State Fire Marshal Jim Walker. “And, regulations limit where those fireworks may be used. Fire risk in Oregon is already high, and as the weeks go by that risk will only increase, so there is no room for error in fireworks safety.”

July 4 holiday public land visitors are advised to leave all fireworks at home. The use of fireworks is prohibited on all national forestland, Oregon state parks, and beaches. Residents statewide can still enjoy fireworks at officially sponsored community events.

For residents who purchase legal fireworks, the OSFM encourages everyone to practice the four Bs of safe fireworks use:

• Be prepared before lighting fireworks: keep water available by using a garden hose or bucket.
• Be safe when lighting fireworks: keep children and pets away from fireworks.
• Be responsible after lighting fireworks: never relight a dud. Wait 15 to 20 minutes then soak it in a bucket of water before disposal.
• Be aware: use only legal fireworks and use them only in legal places

Oregon law prohibits the possession, use, or sale of any firework that flies into the air, explodes, or travels more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground, without a permit issued by the OSFM. Fireworks commonly called bottle rockets, Roman candles, and firecrackers are illegal in Oregon, without a permit.

For the last reported five years through 2018, there were 1,264 reported fireworks-related fires in Oregon recorded by the state’s structural fire agencies, resulting in more than $3.5 million in property damage. During that same period, fires resulting from fireworks resulted in one death and 26 injuries. The data from structural fire agencies do not include incidents that occurred on federal and other state lands.

Officials may seize illegal fireworks and charge offenders with a class B misdemeanor, which could result in a fine of up to $2,500 per violation and a civil penalty of up to $500. Those who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage are liable and may be required to pay fire suppression costs or other damage. Parents are also liable for fireworks damage caused by their children. 

“All Oregonians share the responsibility to use only consumer legal fireworks and use them carefully,” adds Walker. “We encourage you to be aware and considerate of neighbors and their pets before deciding on when and where you choose to light legal fireworks.”

The OSFM has published FAQs for commonly answered questions about the sale and legal use of consumer fireworks, permits for the retail sale of fireworks, and state rules for their use and enforcement activities. OSFM’s fireworks education materials for sharing on social media also can be found on its website.

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Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Saturday evening’s multi-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 22E near Gates. 

On Saturday, June 22, 2019 at about 7:10 p.m., OSP Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a multi-vehicle collision on Highway 22E near milepost 39.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a Toyota 4Runner, operated by Cody Schalk, age 33, from Salem, was traveling westbound, attempting to pass when it encountered eastbound traffic.  The Toyota 4Runner had minor contact with an eastbound Kia Optima, operated by Brian Douglas Smith, age 30, from Bend.  The Toyota 4Runner left the roadway before coming back on and having a major collision with an eastbound 2013 Ford Fiesta, operated by Raul Bello, age 34, from Bend.  There were three passengers in the Ford Fiesta, which ended up in the north ditch on its side.  The first passenger of the Ford Fiesta, a male juvenile, received life-threatening injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene after significant life-saving efforts.  The second passenger of the Ford Fiesta, a female juvenile, received serious injuries and was transported by air ambulance from the scene to OHSU.  The third passenger of the Ford Fiesta, Vanessa Bello, age 29, from Bend, was injured and transported by ground ambulance to the Salem Hospital, where she was admitted.  Raul Bello was also transported by ground to the Salem Hospital, where he was treated and released.  A Trooper assisted in giving him a ride to OHSU to be with his daughter.

Schalk and his passengers Elizabeth Thiel, age 32, Mitchell Waterworth, age 33, and two female juveniles, all from the Salem area, received minor injuries and were treated at the scene. 

Highway 22E was closed initially for about 2 hours due to first aid efforts and scene preservation.  OSP and ODOT then set up a detour to allow both directions of travel to continue while an OSP Reconstruction Team investigated the scene of the collision.  OSP was assisted at the scene by Gates Rural Fire, Mill City Fire, Lyons Fire and ODOT. 

This is an ongoing investigation and more information will be released when available. 

No photographs for release. 

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Twitter: @ORStatePolice
Facebook: @ospsocial

Oregon State Police and emergency personnel are on scene of a three vehicle crash which occurred at 3:10 P.M. on Hwy 22E near milepost 21.

There is one confirmed fatality and five people were transported to area hospitals.

Both eastbound and westbound lanes will be closed for several hours while Troopers are investigating.  Please avoid the area, consider using an alternate route, or expect long delays.

More information will be released when it is available and appropriate.

On Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at approximately 3:43 P.M. A Trooper from the Oregon State Police Central Point office contacted a vehicle for multiple traffic violations on Interstate 5 near milepost 20.  

An Oregon State Police narcotics K9 was deployed.  The K9 alerted on the vehicle and a search located 50.8lbs of methamphetamine and 4.8lbs of a heroin hidden inside the vehicle. 

Juan Enrique Lemus Del Cid (28) and Reynalda Larios-Cortes (57), both from Tacoma, WA. were arrested for possession of a controlled substance and distribution of a controlled substance for both methamphetamine and heroin and lodged at the Jackson County Jail.  

OSP was assisted by the Medford Homeland Security Investigations office.

State Senators left the Salem area before various bills made it through our legislative process to a final vote. A bill cannot move forward to a vote without a quorum. The departure of the Senators leaves the Senate without the minimum number of members required to constitute a quorum, so the legislative process has stalled.   

Consistent with the provisions in the Oregon Constitution, the Senate President requested the assistance of the Oregon State Police to bring Senators back to the capital to resume the legislative process. Consistent with her authority under Oregon law (ORS 181.050), the Governor has directed OSP to provide that assistance. 

OSP has assisted in resolving a similar situation in the past, and, with the help of diplomats from both sides of the aisle, the Department has done so in a peaceful, gentle, and process-supporting way which allowed members of our Legislature to return to work without forfeiting the good relationships essential to moving forward collaboratively and productively.

Oregon State Police serves the Governor in her elected role as leader of Oregon’s Executive Branch of government, and she has now given a lawful directive which OSP is fully committed to executing. OSP is utilizing established relationships to have polite communication with these Senators. While we obviously have many tools at our disposal, patience and communication is and always will be our first, and preferred, option.

OSP will work with the Governor’s office and members of the Legislature to find the most expeditious way to bring this matter to a peaceful and constructive conclusion.

No further information will be provided at this time.

Below is a news release from the Office of Governor Kate Brown

Governor Brown Authorizes State Police to Bring Back Senate Republicans

(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today released the following statement on the Oregon Senate's request for assistance of the Oregon State Police to bring back the Senate Republicans:

“After many hours of well-intentioned, respectful negotiations on Wednesday, the Senate has come to an impasse. The Senate Republicans have decided to abandon their duty to serve their constituents and walk out. The Senate Democrats have requested the assistance of the Oregon State Police to bring back their colleagues to finish the work they committed to push forward for Oregonians. As the executive of the agency, I am authorizing the State Police to fulfill the Senate Democrats’ request. It is absolutely unacceptable that the Senate Republicans would turn their back on their constituents who they are honor-bound to represent here in this building. They need to return and do the jobs they were elected to do.”

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Wednesday afternoon’s serious injury crash on Highway 99E near Oregon City. 

On Wednesday June 19, 2019 at about 3:53 PM, OSP received a driving complaint that was transferred from 911.  Immediately after receiving the complaint the vehicle reported was involved in a head-on crash on Highway 99E near milepost 16.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Toyota Tacoma, operated by Hosein RESLMN, age 36, from Milwaukie, was travelling northbound on Highway 99E near milepost 16 when his vehicle crossed the centerline hitting a southbound Jeep Commander operated by Lucia SMITH, age 28, from Hermiston.    Both RESLMN and SMITH suffered serious injuries.  RESLMN was transported by Lifeflight to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center and SMITH was transported to OHSU by ambulance. 

Highway 99E was closed for approximately 3.5 hours following the crash. 

OSP was assisted by Oregon City PD, Canby PD, Clackamas County S.O., Canby Fire and ODOT.

This is an on-going investigation and more information will be released when available.

Photograph provided by OSP. 

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Twitter: @ORStatePolice
Facebook: @ospsocial

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Wednesday evening’s two vehicle fatal crash on Highway 99W near Junction City. 

On Wednesday June 19, 2019 at about 6:30 PM, OSP troopers and emergency personnel responded to a report of a two vehicle fatal crash on Highway 99W and Lingo Lane. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Toyota Corolla operated by Carol SEDANO, age 65, from Waldport, was southbound on Highway 99W.  For unknown reasons the Corolla left its lane and crashed nearly head-on with a northbound Buick Rea, operated by Jeffrey TAYLOR, age 68, from Corvallis.  The Buick Rea subsequently crashed into a telephone pole after the initial crash. 

SEDANO was transported by Life Flight to a local hospital with critical injuries.  Jeffrey TAYLOR suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.  A passenger in the Buck Rea, Madeline TAYLOR, age 66, from Corvallis, was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. 

Highway 99W was closed for about three (3) hours during the investigation. 

OSP was assisted by ODOT, Junction City Police Department, Junction City Fire Department, Lane Fire Authority and Life Flight.   

Photograph provided by OSP. 

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Twitter: @ORStatePolice
Facebook: @ospsocial

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Wednesday afternoon’s single vehicle fatal crash on Highway 6 near Tillamook. 

On Wednesday June 19, 2019 at about 4:45 PM, OSP troopers and emergency personnel responded to a report of a single vehicle crash on Highway 6 near milepost 5. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Mazda 3, operated by Randy DARNELL, age 61, from Bay City, was traveling westbound on Highway 6 and for unknown reasons went off the road.  The Mazda 3 went down an embankment and struck a tree.  DARNELL suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Traffic was impacted for about two (2) hours during the investigation. 

OSP was assisted by ODOT, Tillamook Police Department and Tillamook Fire and Rescue. 

Photo courtesy of OSP.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Twitter: @ORStatePolice
Facebook: @ospsocial

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Wednesday morning’s single vehicle double fatal crash on Highway 78 near Crane. 

On Wednesday June 19, 2019 at about 11:15 AM, OSP troopers and emergency personnel responded to a report of a single vehicle double fatal crash on Highway 78 near milepost 22.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a GMC Yukon, operated by Joyce ARENDS, age 66, from Wickenburg, Arizona, was eastbound when for unknown reasons went off the roadway onto the shoulder.  The GMC Yukon came back onto the roadway where it rolled multiple times.  The GMC Yukon came to rest on its top on the south side of the highway. 

ARENDS and her passenger, Arnold ARENDS, age 72, from Wickenburg, Arizona, both suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Traffic was only affected for a limited time during the investigation. 

OSP was assisted by ODOT, Harney County Sheriff’s Office and Burns Fire Department. 

Photograph courtesy of OSP. 

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Twitter: @ORStatePolice
Facebook: @ospsocial

Redmond, OR – In October 2018, the Redmond Police Department (RPD) was contacted by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to inquire about the wanted status of Ezekiel Sandoval, a 45-year-old male and former Redmond resident.  Sandoval had an arrest warrant issued in October 2017 after he cut off his GPS ankle monitor.  At the time, the RPD believed Sandoval had fled the country to avoid an upcoming criminal trial involving alleged sex abuse of a minor.  After his arrest by RPD Detectives in March 2015, Sandoval had been indicted on Sexual Abuse in the First Degree (2 counts) and Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree.  Since October 2017, RPD has been working with the United States Marshal’s Office to locate Sandoval in Mexico.

Information from CBSA indicated Sandoval flew from Mexico to Vancouver, BC, Canada, and entered the country using a fake name and passport.  Follow-up investigation by CBSA officials unveiled Sandoval’s true name and wanted status in Oregon.  Sandoval was arrested by CBSA officials and had been held in custody pending his contested extradition hearing, which was most recently scheduled to occur in May 2019.

For unknown reasons, Sandoval abandoned his contested extradition hearing in Canada and agreed to be extradited to Oregon.  On June 7, 2019, Sandoval was lodged in the Deschutes County Adult Jail. 

“We are pleased Mr. Sandoval is back in jail awaiting his day in court.  The charges against him are serious and have significantly impacted the minor involved," remarked Redmond Chief of Police Dave Tarbet.  "I wish to thank the US Marshal’s Office, the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, the US Attorney’s Office, and the Canadian Border Services Agency for their hard work making sure Sandoval was returned to Oregon."  

The RPD puts great effort into investigations and is proud of our ability to help bring criminals to justice.

Questions regarding Sandoval’s next court date and details of the extradition process should be directed to the Deschutes County District Attorney.

Pacific Power media hotline:                                   June 25, 2019

1-800-570-5838                                                        FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pacific Power helps customers ready for 2019 wildfire season

New information resources available as part of statewide wildfire safety and mitigation efforts

PORTLAND, Ore. — With wildfires becoming more frequent and intense in the West, Pacific Power is adding new safety measures and system enhancements throughout the state to help protect the communities it serves, and to provide safe, reliable power. Starting this week, Pacific Power is launching a wildfire safety and preparedness education effort with new resources to help customers stay safe this wildfire season.

“Our wildfire planning is multifaceted and covers many aspects from vegetation management to increasing our weather forecasting capabilities” said David Lucas, vice president of transmission and distribution operations. “But we’re not alone in this. The entire West is grappling with how to prepare for a time when we’re seeing the threat of catastrophic wildfires on the rise. Thankfully there are preventative measures we all can take to help reduce risks and stay safe this summer.

The following resources are available to help customers prepare and know what to do, should a wildfire become a threat in their area.

Awareness campaign

Beginning today, radio, print and social media ads will appear across Pacific Power service areas to help customers know what they can do to prepare for wildfire season and what Pacific Power is doing to be ready.

Wildfire information web page

Pacific Power’s updated, educational website (www.pacificpower.net/wildfiresafety) provides specific tips on how to prepare and stay safe this wildfire season, along with information about Public Safety Power Shutoffs that could take place in certain regions.

Community events

Pacific Power will be hosting a series of community open houses for customers to learn more about the energy provider’s comprehensive wildfire mitigation plans and Public Safety Power Shutoff measure. Experts will be on hand to answer questions.

• July 9, Grants Pass, Taprock Event Center, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• July 10, Roseburg, Douglas County Fairgrounds Cascade Hall, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• July 11, Medford, Ramada Hotel & Conference Center, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• July 17, Hood River, Best Western Plus Hood River Inn, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Special notice for customers in Public Safety Power Shutoff Regions

This season a Public Safety Power Shutoff may be used in areas of high wildfire risk that Pacific Power will deploy only when extreme weather and catastrophic wildfire conditions warrant. Public Safety Power Shutoffs are expected to be a rare occurrence, and conducted in a way that impacts as few customers as possible.
 
Pacific Power has more information about Public Safety Power Shutoffs on its website at www.pacificpower.net/wildfiresafety. Here, customers can find details on what would prompt a Public Safety Power Shutoff, maps identifying regions at higher risk of wildfire, and information for customers with medical equipment or life support systems to self-identify with Pacific Power for additional emergency notifications and outreach prior to a Public Safety Power Shutoff.
 
Wildfire preparation tips
      Additionally, Pacific Power offers these tips to prepare this season.

• Create a defensible space around your home by removing burnable debris such as dried leaves, dead tree branches and stacks of firewood. Pay special attention to clearing debris beneath decks and gutters.
• Help ensure your family's safety by installing and maintaining smoke alarms and fire extinguishers in your home. Identify adequate sources of water within 1,000 feet of your home, such as a well, hydrant or swimming pool.

• Be sure firefighters can easily access your home should they need to. Keep your driveway clear.
• Create an emergency kit that contains medicines, food, water, battery-powered flashlights and radio and other essentials.
   
  NOTE TO REPORTERS: A Media FAQ is available upon request with additional details. Please contact Pacific Power’s media hotline at 1-800-570-5838 to request a copy.
   
  ####
   
  About Pacific Power
  Pacific Power provides electric service to more than 740,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company works to meet growing energy demand while protecting and enhancing the environment. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with almost 1.9 million customers in six western states. Information about Pacific Power is available on the company's website, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages.

PR 08-19                                                                                                      BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION
                                                                                                  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, June 20, 2019
                                                                                             CONTACT: Kevin Wingert, 503-230-4140 or 503-230-5131

Letter to region makes BPA’s case for Western Energy Imbalance Market

Joining an EIM is one facet of BPA’s broader strategic plan to maintain competitiveness and continue its role as a driver of economic prosperity for the Northwest

Portland, Ore. – The Bonneville Power Administration is one step closer in its consideration of joining the Western Energy Imbalance Market (EIM).

BPA issued a letter to the region today that describes BPA’s business case and legal authority for joining the EIM, as well as important related policy proposals. The letter to the region also proposes BPA sign an EIM Implementation Agreement with the California Independent System Operator, the market operator for the Western EIM.

An energy imbalance market is a voluntary market in which participating entities can choose whether or not to bid in resources for the purpose of dispatching power to balance supply and demand across a broad geographic region every five minutes. In the case of the Western EIM, that region would likely include much of the West Coast and portions of Canada, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico by the time that BPA would potentially participate.

Selling surplus energy in western markets is essential to keeping BPA’s rates low and the exploration of joining the EIM is part of the BPA 2018-2023 Strategic Plan as a means to further strengthen financial health and maintain a competitive edge in the electric utility landscape.

“The new tools and capabilities that come with participation in an energy imbalance market will help BPA and the region to more fully realize the value of the flexible, carbon-free power of the Federal Columbia River Power System across an expanding footprint,” said Steve Kerns, the grid modernization director for BPA’s Business Transformation Office. “The technology and business processes behind the EIM are also foundational to participate in new energy and capacity markets like the Day-Ahead Market Enhancements currently being explored by CAISO and its stakeholders, including BPA.”

The signing of an Implementation Agreement would obligate BPA to spend funds specific to EIM participation and includes the development of a detailed project plan to ensure the necessary systems, processes and training are in place prior to market participation. This work by BPA will give regional customers greater access to emerging markets and may reduce long-term transmission costs by decreasing or delaying the need for transmission system expansion.

Other benefits to EIM participation are enhanced awareness tools that capture the state of the electric grid as well as improved modeling and coordination across BPA’s Power and Transmission services.

An independent, third-party analysis of BPA’s potential participation in the Western EIM forecasts a $29-$34 million annual net dispatch benefit for FCRPS participating resources.

The release of the letter to the region kicks off a public comment period that will help to inform a record of decision, anticipated in September 2019, on whether to sign the EIM Implementation Agreement. The public comment period closes on July 22.

While the Implementation Agreement is a significant step toward becoming a member of the Western EIM, there are several subsequent decisions that will need to be made before BPA potentially participates in the EIM. The full decision process is outlined in the letter to the region.

For more information on BPA’s consideration of joining the EIM, including the letter to the region, visit www.bpa.gov/goto/EIM. To comment on the Letter to the Region, visit our public comments site at www.bpa.gov/comments.

About BPA

The Bonneville Power Administration, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is a nonprofit federal power marketer that sells wholesale electricity from 31 federal dams and one nuclear plant to 143 Northwest electric utilities, serving millions of consumers and businesses in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, western Montana and parts of California, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. BPA delivers power via more than 15,000 circuit miles of lines and 261 substations to 546 transmission customers. In all, BPA markets about a third of the electricity generated in the Northwest and operates three-quarters of the region’s high-voltage transmission grid. BPA also funds one of the largest fish and wildlife programs in the nation, and, with its partners, pursues cost-effective energy savings and operational solutions that help maintain affordable, reliable and clean electric power for the Northwest. www.bpa.gov

###

Boise, Idaho – Today, the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management released the Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Fuel Breaks in the Great Basin for a 45-day public comment period. This Draft Programmatic EIS analyzes a system of up to 11,000 miles of strategically placed fuel breaks to control wildfires within a 223 million-acre area that includes portions of Idaho, Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada and Utah.

“The Department of the Interior is dedicated to leveraging all of its assets to reduce wildfire risk and safeguard western communities,” said Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt. “We look forward to receiving feedback from the public on this effort which promises to make a real difference in reducing the wildfire threat.”

“Wildfires devastate forests, rangeland and communities across Idaho and throughout the West, and without strategic planning they’re likely to continue in the years ahead,” said Casey Hammond, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management. “With this initiative and others like it, we’re working proactively to curb wildfires’ destruction and make it safer and more effective for firefighters to protect people and property.”

Large, unbroken swaths of grasses, brush and other vegetation have provided a continuous supply of fuel for the recent catastrophic rangeland wildfires that have burned across the Great Basin states. The concept behind fuel breaks is to break up or fragment continuous fuels by reducing vegetation in key locations. When a wildfire burns into a fuel break, the flame lengths decrease and its progress slows, making it safer and easier for firefighters to control. The fuel breaks would be strategically placed along roads and rights-of-way on BLM-administered lands.

Tools used to create fuel breaks could include brown strips - areas where all vegetation has been removed; green strips - areas where vegetation that is more flammable has been replaced with less flammable vegetation; and mowing or targeted grazing depending on the locations and vegetation.  BLM developed four alternatives, including the No Action Alternative, based on comments received during the initial scoping period.

The proposed treatments are part of a larger national wildfire reduction strategy guided by President Trump’s Executive Order 13855 – Promoting Active Management of America’s Forests, Rangelands, and Other Federal Lands to Improve Conditions and Reduce Wildfire Risk, as well as Secretary’s Order 3372 – Reducing Wildfire Risks on Department of the Interior Land through Active Management. The two orders direct DOI and Department of Agriculture agencies to implement policies to improve forest and rangeland management practices by reducing hazardous fuel loads, mitigating fire risk and ensuring the safety and stability of local communities through active management on forests and rangelands.

The preferred alternative identified in the Draft Programmatic EIS would create up to 11,000 miles of new fuel breaks within a 223 million-acre area that includes portions of Idaho, Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada and Utah. Fuel breaks would be reseeded, using both native and non-native plant species throughout the project area.

“Fuel breaks have proven to be very effective in slowing rangeland wildfires, making them easier and safer for wildland firefighters to control,” said John Ruhs, State Director for BLM Idaho, which is hosting the Great Basin Fuel Breaks EIS Team. “We believe that creating a system of fuel breaks will help us enhance and improve our working landscapes.”

The BLM is seeking public input to ensure that all aspects of developing a system of fuel breaks are analyzed. The BLM will accept written comments on the Draft Programmatic EIS and will hold a series of public meetings to gather public comment.

Public meetings will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the following locations:

California

• July 10: BLM Eagle Lake Field Office, 2550 Riverside Dr., Susanville, CA 96130
• Idaho
• July 9: Red Lion Boise Hotel, 1800 W Fairview Ave., Boise, ID 83702
• July 16: BLM Twin Falls District Office, 2878 Addison Ave., Twin Falls, ID 83301
• July 17: Idaho Falls (location TBD; contact Idaho Falls District Office at 208-524-7500)

Nevada

• July 9: Reno (location TBD, contact BLM Nevada State Office at 775-861-6400)
• July 16: Red Lion Inn (High Desert Inn), 3015 Idaho St., Elko, NV 89801
• July 17: Bristlecone Convention Center, 150 Sixth Street Ely, NV 89301

Oregon

• July 8: Harney County Community Center, 478 N Broadway Ave., Burns, OR 97720
• July 11: BLM Lakeview District Office, 1301 South G Street, Lakeview, OR 97630

Utah

• July 18: Hampton Inn & Suites, 307 North Admiral Byrd Road, Salt Lake City, UT 84116
• July 18: Heritage Center Festival Hall, 105 N. 100 E. Cedar City, UT 84720

Washington

• July 10: Spokane (location TBD, contact Spokane District Office at 509-536-1200)

An electronic copy of the Draft Programmatic EIS and associated documents is available on the BLM Land Use Planning and NEPA register. For comments to be considered, they must be received by the BLM no later than midnight MST on August 5, 2019.

Prior to including your phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your written comment, you should be aware that your entire comment, including your personal identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time. While you can request we withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

Background on DOI’s Wildland Fire Prevention Efforts

In 2018, the Department of the Interior worked closely with partners on 2,500 treatment projects to remove excess burnable vegetation on more than 1.2 million acres of DOI- and tribally-managed lands.  Another 170,000 acres were managed for resource purposes. These efforts helped to reduce wildfire risk in some of the most fire-prone areas of the country.

The DOI continues to be the leader in the research, development, and practical deployment of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), or drones, on wildland fire management operations. With the largest drone program outside of the Department of Defense, the DOI uses drones to detect hotspots around fires, improve mapping, and monitor fire operations for improved safety.  In 2018, the DOI conducted 1,552 drone missions on 200 individual wildfires, doubling last year’s total.

In 2019, the DOI plans to deploy nearly 4,500 firefighting personnel, 500 tribal firefighters, 151 smokejumpers, 18 interagency hotshot crews and 4 Tribal hotshot crews. Firefighters will have over 600 pieces of specialized equipment available for use, including engines, water tenders, bulldozers, and other equipment. Aviation assets play a critical role in efforts to manage wildfires, and the DOI will have access to 23 single engine air tankers, 6 water scoopers, 41 Type 1, 2 and 3 helicopters, and a number of other aviation resources. 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has released a series of interactive online maps designed to promote climbing and other recreational opportunities on BLM-managed public lands. Developed in cooperation with Access Fund and Mountain Project, the maps allow individuals to easily plan exciting climbing experiences at sites around the western United States.

“The Trump Administration is committed to expanding and promoting the untold number of recreational opportunities for Americans to enjoy on public lands," said U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt. "We have some of the best rock climbing sites in the world, and I hope that this new map can help to further highlight these locations and encourage more outdoor enthusiasts to explore our great outdoors.”

“The BLM is proud to share these maps and promote access to some of the world’s best climbing areas,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior Casey Hammond, exercising the authority of the BLM Director. “We are committed to expanding recreational opportunities on public lands for all Americans, and these interactive maps provide a great tool for folks to further explore the great outdoors.”

Now climbers can pull information about specific BLM-managed climbing areas through a centralized online tool while on the go. The maps, available at https://arcg.is/1SP18f, include useful site information such as photos, season of use, area characteristics, and difficulty levels. Visitors can also find a number of nearby attractions for each climbing site.

“The BLM manages some of the most iconic climbing destinations in the United States,” said Katie Goodwin, Policy Analyst at Access Fund. “This project has been part of an exciting collaborative effort between Access Fund, Mountain Project, and the BLM, and we look forward to our continued work to manage and promote America's cherished climbing destinations.”

“BLM-managed climbing areas hold some of the country’s best opportunities for people to learn about climbing and expand their skills,” said Matt Wade, Advocacy and Policy Director at the American Mountain Guides Association. “The new interactive online maps just released by the BLM will help more Americans access these areas and visit responsibly.” 

BLM-managed public lands represent the largest acreage available for recreation in America. About 67 million visits are made annually to these public lands and waters, supporting more than 47,000 jobs nationwide and contributing almost $7 billion to the country’s economy.

The BLM invites the public to visit one or more of the featured climbing destinations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming. The climbing area maps can be found at https://arcg.is/1SP18f.

Background on Great Outdoors Month
President George W. Bush initially proclaimed Great Outdoors Week in 2001 and 2002. In 2004, he issued June as Great Outdoors Month, and it has been proclaimed every year since. In 2017 and 2018, President Trump proclaimed the need to improve upon the management of public lands through public-private partnerships and the importance of expanding hunting and fishing rights at national wildlife refuges across the country. In accordance with this directive, the Department of the Interior has expanded hunting and fishing access, most recently proposing a 1.4 million acre expansion nationwide. To view this year’s Great Outdoors Month proclamation from President Trump, click here.

For Immediate Release                                        

June 25, 2019

Contact:                Mona Riesterer  
                             503-378-2431

Notice of Meeting Cancelation

The Unarmed Subcommittee has canceled their meeting scheduled for July 10, 2019. The next meeting is scheduled for October 3, 2019 @ 1.00 pm.   

The Armed workgroup, a workgroup of individuals from the Armed Subcommittee of the Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee for the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a Webex meeting, June 25, 2019 from 11:45 a.m.to 1:45 p.m. For more information, contact Mona Riesterer at (503) 378-2431.

Committee Members:

William McKnight, Chair and Armed Representative PSIPC

Les Youngbar, Public Member PSIPC

Greg Glassock, Olympic Tactical & Investigators LLC

Kelly Sparlin, Rogue Protection

Marlin Otto, Advanced Security, Inc.

Shawn Jewell, R.E.A.C.T. Training Systems & Security

Webex Meeting Information:

Please visit the DPSST Private Security Committee page using the link below and follow instructions for participation in the Webex.

The link for the meeting is:

https://dpsstmeet.webex.com/dpsstmeet/j.php?MTID=m015831b14ddcb462de66c39d3e6736de

The password is ‘Armed’.

1.  Introductions         

    Introductions of voting members

2.  Power Point Presentation – Sharing Ideas on a Screening Process for Armed Applicants for Hire

    Presented by Marlin Otto

3.  Discussion to follow presentation – The What and the Why, Pros vs. Cons and Employer Responsibility

    Open discussion for workgroup

4.  Next Meeting

Criminal Justice Background Investigation Workgroup
Agenda
June 26, 2019

The Criminal Justice Background Investigation Workgroup will hold a meeting on June 26, 2019 at
11:00 a.m. in Conference Room A234 at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training
located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Linsay
Hale at (503) 378-2427.

Teleconference Information:
Dial-In: 888-273-3658
Participant Code: 4711910

Workgroup Members:
Dave Rash, OACP
Matt English, OSSA (CPC)
Chris Davis, PPB (PPC)
Gary Ninman, DOC (CPC)
Kelly Dutra, 9-1-1 Directors (Board/TPC)
Jamie Heppner, OACCD (CPC)
Keith Kimberlin, OPOA
Matt Kingsbury, Non-Management Police
Rebecca Carney, OSP (TPC)
Nadine Purington, FOPPO (Board/CPC)
Les Youngbar, Public
Matt Frohnert, OSJCC (CPC)

1. Introductions
2. Overview of Board/DPSST Background Investigation Requirements/Authorities
    Presented by Linsay Hale
3. Identification of Issues/Discussion Points
    Presented by Linsay Hale
    • DPSST’s Role in Pre-Employment Background Investigations:
          o Centralized Repository
          o Standardized Personal History Statement
          o Pre-Screening Public Safety Applicants
    • Fingerprint-Based Criminal History Checks
    • OAR 259-008-0015: Notarization of the Personal History Statement
    • Other?

4. Next Workgroup Meeting: TBD

(Salem) – Oregon OSHA has launched a free online course to help employers and workers across the state meet the agency’s requirements to eliminate fall hazards, prevent falls, and ensure that workers who do fall do not die.

The two-hour course, “Fundamentals of Fall Protection,” which includes six parts with 28 videos, is designed to supplement employers’ fall protection training programs. It provides an overview of the rules, features interviews with experts, and provides links to additional information. Moreover, the course defines what fall protection means; walks viewers through fall protection options; delves into equipment inspection and maintenance; and shows viewers how to begin using fall protection.

It also brings into sharp focus the broken lives that result from failing to address fall hazards. One of the videos features a husband and wife, Russ and Laurel Youngstrom, who share their story of Russ Youngstrom’s fall in 1995 from a scaffold. The accident severed his spinal cord, left him a paraplegic, and changed his family’s life forever.

The Youngstroms have dedicated their lives to speaking out and advocating for safety. “Think of your kids,” Russ Youngstrom said. “Put a picture of them on your hard hat, on your excavator, something to remind you why you’re at work.”

Fall hazards are present at nearly every workplace. The human and economic costs of ignoring them cannot be overstated:

• One in five workplace deaths are due to slips, trips, and falls, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• From 2013 to 2018, there were 7,195 accepted disabling claims in Oregon due to falls to a lower level.
• In 2018, fall protection was the most commonly cited violation for Oregon’s construction industry, with 443 total violations and initial penalties of $902,990.
• In one year, fall injuries cost the U.S. economy more than $13 billion, according to the National Safety Council.  

“We encourage employers and workers in Oregon to add this flexible, user-friendly online tool to their fall protection toolbox,” said Roy Kroker, consultation and public education manager for Oregon OSHA. “There’s more to come, too, as we roll out our entire online suite of fall protection courses.”

Indeed, “Fundamentals of Fall Protection” is the first of five online courses about fall protection that will be released during the summer and fall of 2019. The additional courses will address specific industries. When published, all five courses will offer more than 100 videos.

For now, the “Fundamentals” course – which includes the opportunity to receive a certificate of completion – is available online: https://osha.oregon.gov/edu/courses/Pages/fall-protection-online-course.aspx

Oregon OSHA encourages the use of online training. Learn more: https://osha.oregon.gov/edu/courses/Pages/default.aspx

Oregon OSHA’s technical staff can answer questions to help employers understand how to apply rules to their workplace:

Phone: 503-378-3272

Toll-free in Oregon: 800-922-2689

Email: tech.web@oregon.gov

Online contact form: https://osha.oregon.gov/Pages/Contact-Technical.aspx

Employers may also contact Oregon OSHA’s no-cost consultation services for help with safety and health programs:

Phone: 503-378-3272

Toll-free in Oregon: 800-922-2689

Field office locations and phone numbers: https://osha.oregon.gov/Pages/maps.aspx

Email: consult.web@oregon.gov

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

(Salem) – James Frackowiak was sentenced to 60 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution by Clackamas County Circuit Court Judge Todd L. Van Rysselberghe for defrauding at least four elderly investors out of approximately $284,000.

Frackowiak targeted former insurance clients and sold them interests in the Frack Income Fund, LLC, promising returns of up to 9 percent. He mislead victims by failing to disclose that the fund consisted of his personal debts and had no potential for generating the promised returns.

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation discovered the scheme after receiving a complaint from one of the victims about Frackowiak’s insurance practices. The investigation revealed Frackowiak was withholding and combining client insurance premium payments. The division revoked Frackowiak’s insurance producer license in 2017 and fined him $14,000.

The investigation into securities fraud began that same year. The division’s enforcement team worked with the Clackamas County Sherriff’s office and Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office on the case.

“Collaboration at all levels of government service is essential for cases like this,” said Andrew Stolfi, division administrator. “Before making any investment, we encourage Oregonians to do their homework, ask plenty of questions, and be suspicious of offers that appear too good to be true.”

Oregonians are encouraged to make sure financial service agents and investment products are legally registered with the state before signing any agreement. For more information and a list of steps to take before investing, visit our investments page.

For more resources to protect yourself from financial fraud visit dfr.oregon.gov/financial or contact our advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll free).

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About DCBS: The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, visit www.dcbs.oregon.gov. 

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit www.dcbs.oregon.gov and http://dfr.oregon.gov/Pages/index.aspx.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Michael Epperson, died June 22, 2019. Epperson was incarcerated at the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) in Salem and passed away at Salem Hospital. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified.

Epperson entered DOC custody on April 09, 2019, from Lincoln County with an earliest release date of May 22, 2149. Epperson was 60 years old. Next of kin has been notified. No other details are available at this time.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 14,700 individuals who are incarcerated in 14 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

OSP is a multi-custody prison located in Salem that houses over 2,000 adults in custody. OSP is surrounded by a 25-foot-high wall with 10 towers. The facility has multiple special housing units including death row, disciplinary segregation, behavioral health, intermediate care housing, and an infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care. OSP participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including the furniture factory, laundry, metal shop, and contact center. It provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, work-based education, work crews, and pre-release services. OSP was established in 1866 and, until 1959, was Oregon’s only prison.

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Salem, Ore - The Oregon Department of Forestry shared its web-based Oregon Wildfire Risk Explorer tool to the Public Utilities Commission this week in an effort to reduce the number of wildfires started by power lines. ODF was joined at the PUC workshop by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and Pacific Power to introduce measures utility companies are taking to prevent ignitions or provide quick response when fires occur.

With last year’s Camp Fire caused by a power line – taking 86 lives and devastating the town of Paradise, Calif. – this workshop served as a starting point for addressing this issue in Oregon. ODF reports an average of 47 fires are caused by power lines each year on lands protected by the agency. While most of these fires are caught at 10 acres or less, the remote location of power lines can sometimes lead to large fire growth due to lack of access. The 2018 Ramsey Canyon Fire, which started August 9 from a downed power line in Jackson County, burned nearly 2,000 acres and cost $6.6 million to put out.

ODF is encouraged that the PUC and utility companies are taking an active role in protecting lives, communities and natural resources from the dangers of wildfire.

“Preventing fires started by power lines is a tough nut to crack,” says ODF Fire Prevention Coordinator Tom Fields. “Correcting human behavior such as putting out a campfire is much different than preventing fires started by equipment or infrastructure. Monitoring thousands of miles of energized power lines is a monumental task, especially because many of these lines are in remote locations. We applaud these utilities for their efforts in mitigation and preventative procedures during times of elevated fire danger.”

Oregon Wildfire Risk Explorer is an online tool for homeowners, community leaders and professional planners to create natural hazard mitigation plans based on fire risk for a given area. The program takes into consideration fire history, vegetation, topography, weather, and even infrastructure. Utility companies will be able to match power line corridors with areas of fire risk to develop mitigation and response plans.

Both PG&E and Pacific Power are taking steps to reduce vegetation in and around power lines and poles, increase the number of facility inspections, and invest in improving equipment resiliency and fire proofing. The utilities are also establishing a new fire prevention measure called a Public Safety Power Shutoff.  Proactively shutting off power during extreme and dangerous weather conditions is a step toward keeping people and communities in high-risk areas safe. This measure is intnded as a last resort to help ensure customer and community safety.

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PORTLAND, Ore. - The Governing Board of the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) will meet on Tuesday, July 9 at 8:30 a.m. at DOGAMI's Portland office, 800 NE Oregon St., Suite 965.

The meeting agenda is available at https://www.oregongeology.org.

The DOGAMI Governing Board sets policy and oversees general operations, and adopts a strategic plan every six years. The Board meets at least quarterly. As active members of their communities, Board members provide an important connection between Oregonians and DOGAMI's mission of providing earth science information and regulation to make Oregon safe and prosperous.

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June 26, 2019

Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7179, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

Health advisory issued June 26 for water contact at Seal Rock State Park Beach

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a public health advisory today for higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in ocean waters at Seal Rock State Park Beach in Lincoln County.

Water samples indicate higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria, which can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses. People should avoid direct contact with the water in this area until the advisory is lifted. This applies especially to children and the elderly, who may be more vulnerable to waterborne bacteria.

Increased pathogen and fecal bacteria levels in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources such as stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, failing septic systems, and animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife.

While this advisory is in effect at Seal Rock State Park Beach, visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Even if there is no advisory in effect, officials recommend avoiding swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm.

Although state officials advise against water contact, they continue to encourage other recreational activities (flying kites, picnicking, playing on the beach, walking, etc.) on this beach because they pose no health risk even during an advisory. Neighboring beaches are not affected by this advisory.

The status of water contact advisories at beaches is subject to change. For the most recent information on advisories, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0482, or 877-290-6767 (toll-free).

Since 2003 state officials have used a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant to monitor popular Oregon beaches and make timely reports to the public about elevated levels of fecal bacteria. Oregon state organizations participating in this program are the OHA, Department of Environmental Quality, and Parks and Recreation Department.

# # #

June 25, 2019

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

Emergency Medical Services for Children Advisory Committee meets July 11 in Portland

What: The quarterly public meeting of the Emergency Medical Services for Children Advisory Committee.

Agenda: State EMS and Trauma Program; AmeriCorps VISTA member project; Sleep Safety Project; Safe and Secure; Pediatric Summit; EMSC Program; Pediatric Readiness Quality Collaborative; injury prevention outreach.

When: July 11, 9 a.m. to noon. A public comment period is offered at the end of the meeting.

Where: Portland State Office Building, Room 1B, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland. Attend by telephone conference call at 877-336-1831, access code 640551.

Background: This committee provides recommendations to the Oregon Emergency Medical Services for Children Program under ORS 431A.105(2)(d). For more information, see the Emergency Medical Services for Children Program website at http://www.oregonemsc.org/.

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Rachel Ford, 971-673-0564, 711 TTY, or achel.l.ford@dhsoha.state.or.us">rachel.l.ford@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

June 20, 2019

Influenza vaccination rates among health care workers still short of goals
Dialysis facility workers continue to have highest flu immunization rates, report says

PORTLAND, Ore. — A new state report shows that although health care worker influenza vaccination rates have increased over seven flu seasons, facilities overall continue to fall short of national goals.

Health care worker flu vaccination rates increased by 46 percent since the 2011-2012 flu season — from 52 percent for all health care facility types to 76 percent during the 2017-2018 season. That means the state beat the national Healthy People 2015 goal of a 75 percent health care worker flu vaccination rate, but remains well below the Healthy People 2020 goal of 90 percent, according to the Oregon Health Care Worker Influenza Vaccination Annual Report.

The report was published this week by the Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention Section at the Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division.

"When you need to be in the hospital for a medical or surgical problem, the last thing you want is to catch the flu from your doctor or nurse," said Dat Tran, M.D., public health physician in the Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention Section. "When health care workers are vaccinated against the flu, the people they’re caring for are protected."

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services developed the Healthy People program with 10-year objectives for improving the health of all Americans.

Dialysis facility workers in Oregon have the highest flu vaccination rates of health care facility types covered by the report, topping both the 2015 and 2020 Healthy People goals. Their rate of 90 percent during the 2017-2018 flu season represents a 5.8 percent increase from the 2016-2017 rate of 85 percent.

Hospitals overall also beat the national 2015 goal for health care worker immunizations against the flu, coming in at a rate of 82 percent during the 2017-2018 season, but still short of the 2020 goal. Since the 2011-2012 season, rates of flu immunizations among health care workers at hospitals have risen by 37 percent.

Ambulatory surgery centers and skilled nursing facilities had the lowest rates of flu vaccinations among health care workers, coming in below both the 2015 and 2020 national goals. Ambulatory surgery centers saw only a slight rise between the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 seasons, from 72 percent to 73 percent. The rate of increase at skilled nursing facilities was similarly sluggish: 57 percent to 59 percent.

Dr. Tran said publication of the report each year tracks progress toward the Healthy People 2020 goal and directs public health action, showing the need for additional support and education.

There are important steps health care facilities can take to achieve 90 percent vaccination coverage. Among the recommendations included in the Oregon Health Care Worker Influenza Vaccination Annual Report are encouraging health care workers, including those not employed by the facility — such as contractors and volunteers — to get vaccinated at the beginning of every influenza season. Facilities can host promotional activities, such as holding mass vaccination fairs, providing vaccines at no cost to employees, starting incentive programs, and documenting all employees’ vaccination status and requiring a declination form for staff members who forgo vaccination.

The report is available on the OHA Public Health Division website at: http://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DiseasesConditions/CommunicableDisease/HAI/Pages/Reports-and-Data.aspx.

# # #

At the quarterly Oregon State Marine Board meeting held on June 19, in Salem, the Marine Board approved opening rulemaking for the implementation of several bills passed during the 2019 legislative session; as well as a boating restriction near the Sportcraft Marina dock on the Willamette River in Clackamas County. The Marine Board also considered a petition to repeal the recently adopted rules for boat operations in the Newberg Pool on the Willamette River.

Rulemaking opened related to the 2019 legislative session includes whitewater helmet availability on guided trips (HB2652), registration of boat rental companies (HB2077), improving non-motorized boating access (SB47), boating safety improvements (HB2078 and HB2079) and helping reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species (HB2076). The Marine Board will consider the rules at the October 2019 and January 2020 meetings.

In March, the agency received a petition to repeal the recently-adopted boat operation rules for the Newberg Pool on the Willamette River.  After deliberation, the Marine Board unanimously denied the petition, citing the need to first evaluate the effectiveness of the current rules.  “The Marine Board agreed that they wanted to see if signage, buoys, and increased enforcement would help,” said Marine Board Member, Vince Castronovo.  “We need to give these rules a chance and boaters time to learn them.”  The Marine Board asked OSMB staff to consider the petitioners’ concerns and to work closely with a recently established Mid-Willamette Waterway Safety Committee to evaluate the effectiveness of the new rules on the stretch of the Willamette in question.  OSMB staff was instructed to monitor the boating season in the Newberg Pool and give a presentation to the Marine Board on the effectiveness of the current rules October meeting.  At that time, the Marine Board may consider opening rulemaking.  

In May, the agency was contacted by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) regarding wildlife management objectives to trap and remove problematic sea lions predating on salmon near Sportcraft Marina dock.  Because boaters in close proximity to the traps can hinder capture efforts, the Director approved a temporary rule creating a 150-foot buffer around the sea lion traps at the Sportcraft Marina dock from May 8 to May 31, 2019, and from September 1 through October 31, 2019.  Following adoption of the temporary rule, ODFW indicated that trapping efforts at this location will continue for the foreseeable future and requested a permanent rule to restrict watercraft from the area adjacent to the traps during the season when sea lions are present (September through May).  The Marine Board approved opening rulemaking. OSMB staff will return to the Marine Board in October with a rule recommendation.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—On June 24, 2019, Bob Ibenne Ugwa, 50, of Portland, pleaded guilty to cyberstalking and anonymous telecommunications harassment after making repeated threatening and harassing telephone calls to seven individuals over an eight-year period.

According to court documents, between 2011 and 2018, Ugwa made thousands of anonymous, interstate telephone calls from Oregon to seven victims in Pennsylvania. In these calls, Ugwa threatened or harassed each victim by breathing heavily, moaning, and saying sexually explicit things. Telephone records were used to confirm Ugwa’s threatening calls. Each of the victims made multiple unsuccessful attempts to stop Ugwa from calling, citing substantial emotional distress.

Ugwa faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on September 10, 2019 before U.S. District Court Judge Michael W. Mosman.

This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Hannah Horsley, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.—Mary Holden Ayala, 59, of Portland, was sentenced today to 33 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for stealing over $1 million from an Oregon foster care agency, money laundering and filing false personal income tax returns.

On February 7, 2019, after eight days of trial, Ayala was convicted by a federal jury in Portland on five counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, two counts of engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property and seven counts of filing a false federal tax return.

From at least 2008 to 2015, Ayala, a longtime Portland resident, served as the President, Executive Director and primary agent of Give Us This Day (GUTD), a private foster care agency and residential program for youth.

“Mary Holden Ayala was responsible for protecting and caring for children in Oregon’s foster care system. Instead she callously stole from them,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Stealing from vulnerable children she was entrusted to serve with taxpayer money is a despicable act and warrants severe consequences.”

“Foster children have already lost almost everything—their parents, their homes, their sense of security. Mary Holden Ayala took from them the last thing they had—faith in a foster care system that is supposed to give them a chance at a better life. To steal from society’s most vulnerable children to enrich yourself is simply unconscionable,” said Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon.

“Mary Ayala’s crimes include stealing funds intended to provide support for juvenile foster kids entrusted in her care, spending the funds selfishly on a luxurious lifestyle, and then hiding her personal use of the funds by filing false tax returns,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Justin Campbell. “Today’s sentence holds Ayala accountable. IRS Criminal Investigation is proud to work with our partners and investigate those who steal from the most vulnerable in our society.”

“Stealing money meant to pay for foster care expenses is reprehensible,” said Special Agent in Charge Steven Ryan of the HHS Office of Inspector General. “Such greed-fueled fraud can impact those in need and cheats taxpayers; however, today’s sentence shows that our hardworking investigators and law enforcement partners are committed to making sure criminals are held accountable for their actions.”

According to court documents, since its inception in 1979, GUTD was primarily funded by the Oregon state and federal government for foster care services including hiring and screening foster parents for community placements, compensating foster parents for services and placing foster children in residential or group homes. GUTD federal funding originated from the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and was administrated by ODHS.

From 2009 through 2015, Ayala exercised sole and complete control over GUTD finances. No other GUTD employee or board member had access to the organization’s bank accounts or statements during this time. With no internal controls in place, Ayala wrote checks, used the GUTD debit card and withdrew cash at will, using the organization’s bank accounts as her own.

Ayala used the money stolen from GUTD to pay her mortgage, remodel her home and fund other retail, travel and transportation expenses. Additionally, she used the money to fund other, non-GUTD business ventures including a media company, Big Mary’s fish and ribs restaurant in Portland, and to purchase and flip a commercial property.

In total, Ayala stole over $1 million from GUTD. As a result, her employees, foster parents and foster children in GUTD’s care suffered. GUTD residential house managers complained about a lack of basic necessities, including but not limited to food, toiletries and cleaning supplies.

In 2015, the day after Ayala resigned her position at GUTD, she filed five false federal income tax returns for tax years 2009 through 2013. Shortly thereafter, she filed a sixth false return for tax year 2014. Ayala failed to file a tax return in 2015.

During sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Marco A. Hernandez ordered Ayala to pay $239,192 in restitution to the IRS and $1,025,235 to satisfy a forfeiture money judgement. The court also forfeited to the U.S. more than $451,000 in net proceeds from the sale of a commercial property on NE Martin Luther King Boulevard in Portland that Ayala purchased with stolen GUTD funds.

In a superseding indictment returned on May 3, 2017, a federal grand jury in Portland charged Ayala with five counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, one count of concealment of money laundering, one count of failure to file a personal federal tax return and two counts each of engaging in monetary transactions with criminally derived property and filing a false personal federal tax return. The government dropped the concealment of money laundering charge prior to trial.    

This case was investigated by the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and IRS-Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Donna Maddux, Clemon Ashley and Julia Jarrett, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—Eric L. Scully, of Cottage Grove, Oregon, was sentenced today to 78 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release for endangering human life and illegally possessing and manufacturing marijuana during a November 2017 butane honey oil (BHO) explosion in Cottage Grove.

Scully was also sentenced to six months in prison for violating the supervised release conditions of a previous federal money laundering conviction. The two prison sentences will run consecutively, for a total of 84 months in prison.

According to court documents, on November 16, 2017, the Cottage Grove Police and Fire Departments responded to an explosion at a storage facility in Cottage Grove. Officers found Scully at a local hospital where he was being treated for serious burn injuries. Investigators later learned that, at the time of the explosion, at least three other individuals were inside the facility.

Two days later, Cottage Grove Police and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents executed a search warrant at the storage facility. Inside, they found a large, sophisticated, and unlicensed BHO extraction lab. BHO is a concentrated form of marijuana extracted using highly flammable or combustible solvents. During the search, agents found 1,200 pounds of processed marijuana, 728 marijuana plants and over 80 pounds of marijuana extract.

The investigation determined that while manufacturing BHO, one of Scully’s machines, located in a room containing highly combustible materials and equipment, caught fire. The machine and combustibles exploded, injuring Scully and placing the other individuals present at substantial risk of harm.     

At the time of the explosion, Scully was on federal supervision stemming from a money laundering conviction from 2016. In that case, Scully owned and operated a large, illegal marijuana grow in Eugene from 2012 through 2014. That investigation found that Scully collected over $1,000,000 in proceeds from his illegal business, which fed a luxury lifestyle of high-end cars, watches, jewelry, clothing, real estate and firearms. At the time of the search Scully’s properties in 2015, investigators uncovered over 230 pounds of marijuana, 219 marijuana plants, $179,860 in cash and numerous high-value items and vehicles.

Scully pleaded guilty to money laundering and served a 90-day prison sentence at the beginning of 2017. While in prison, Scully continued to actively develop his illegal BHO business in Cottage Grove, and expanded the operation while on federal supervision up to the date of the explosion.  

During sentencing, Scully was ordered to forfeit the personal property used to facilitate his crimes, which includes a truck, trailer, and over $25,000 in cash

On November 15, 2018, Scully pleaded guilty to one count each of endangering human life and illegally possessing and manufacturing marijuana.

This case was investigated by DEA and the Cottage Grove Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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Portland, OR - BBB Northwest + Pacific warns of a growing scam targeting would-be homebuyers.

Here’s how the scam works: First, scammers gain access to a real estate agents’ email and monitor communications. Next, they use a phishing scheme confirming or suggesting last minute wiring changes to divert closing costs and down payments to a fraudulent account.

Mortgage phishing scams such as this are on the rise. In fact, they rose a staggering 1,100% between 2015 and 2017, according to Consumer Protection Bureau (CPB).

So far this year, BBB NWP has received more than 100 real estate transaction complaints. A quarter of these in Oregon alone. And, last year, northwest consumers reported losing over $30,000 to phishing scams.

“When closing on a home, it’s always a good idea to confirm final financial transactions by calling advisors directly and not just trusting an email, especially, if there’s last minute changes,” advises Danielle Kane, BBB Northwest + Pacific marketplace manager.

“If the money has already been sent, act quickly by calling your bank or the wire transfer company and asking that the payment be recalled,” adds Charles Harwood, Federal Trade Commission Dir., Northwest Region.

Here are a few additional steps homebuyers can take to help avoid mortgage phishing scams:

• Do NOT email financial information
• Do NOT use free WiFi networks while conducting financial business
• Never click on links or use unfamiliar phone numbers in emails
• If you are the victim of wire fraud, contact the authorities immediately and report it to BBB.org/Scamtracker

About BBB: For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has helped people find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. In 2017, people turned to BBB more than 160 million times for BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.2 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at www.bbb.org. There are local, independent BBBs across the United States, Canada and Mexico, including BBB Northwest + Pacific, which serves more than 15 million consumers across Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Hawaii and Western Wyoming.  

Portland Ore. – On May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy set the national goal of performing a crewed lunar landing and subsequent return to Earth by the end of the decade. On July 20, 1969, that goal became a reality when the Apollo 11 mission successfully took humans to the moon and back. 

During the month of July, The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission to commemorate one of the greatest engineering feats in history. Museum guests can learn about the science that took humans to the moon, share where they were when Neil Armstrong first set foot on the lunar surface and attend events celebrating the mission. 

There’s something for everyone at OMSI in July: movies, events, science demos, laser shows, stomp rockets and much more. 

Daily: Apollo 11: First Steps Edition 
Crafted from a newly-discovered trove of never-before-seen 70mm archive footage and more than 11,000 hours of uncatalogued audio recordings and made exclusively for science centers and museum theaters, Apollo 11: First Steps Edition, puts audiences at the center of NASA’s historic lunar landing. 

Daily: Planetarium shows 
Learn about the interesting stories of the constellations and others the Kendall Planetarium. It is not just stars everyone can see in the night sky—planets, constellations, zodiac, shooting stars and satellites are all there if you know when and where to look. Navigate by the stars and discover how you can become a backyard astronomer. 

July 10: Reel Science: The Right Stuff
Watch and learn at The Empirical Theater as OMSI brings the science of your favorite movies to life on the big screen. This month’s lecture is by Karel Schrijver, solar and stellar physicist, and former astrophysicist at Lockheed Martin, and Principal Investigator for NASA's TRACE and SDO/AIA Sun-viewing Missions. She’ll unravel the interesting story about sun-earth connections and how important the sun is for astronomy because of its proximity to our little blue planet.

July 13: Meet a Scientist – Space edition!
Meet a Scientist features local scientists who share their research and knowledge through hands-on activities and conversation. This month we’re meeting with scientists, who are working on projects and research related to space:
•    Compare light from a telescope to a transient database to see from which cosmic object it originated.
•    Explore what satellites can tell us about the ocean and its tides.
•    Viruses can live in extreme places –can they live in outer space?
•    Learn how scientist use satellites in space to learn about our oceans.
•    Explore the oceans from space, and learn about the microscopic creatures that help regulate our climate.
•    Using clues from incomplete data from satellites, become a sea ice scientist and map the Arctic Ocean.

July 16: Rocket Day - The Apollo 11 mission launched its way into history on this day at 6:32 PDT. Come join us for a day full of fun space-themed activities. You can also watch the Apollo 11 mission live as it is re-broadcast via NASA TV. See below for a list of fun events:
•    Rocket Launches: With generous support from Boeing, guests can celebrate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11's launch with a historic launch of their own. Make sure to wear stompin' shoes! 
•    Hide and Seek Moon: How far away is the moon? What tools do scientists use to study dark and far away objects? Take a look yourself with this early childhood activity!
•    Observe the Sun: What is the sun? How do scientists safely look at our star? See the tools NASA scientists use to study the center of our solar system.
•    Pocket Solar System: How big is solar system? What types of objects can we find there? Create your own pocket solar system and discover the scale of the solar system!
•    Space Guess Quest: Humans explore a wide variety of objects in space. Use visual clues to identify the different types of objects (including human-made spacecraft)!

July 18: Reel Eats: Spaceballs
Reel Eats taps into the senses using both cinema and cuisine. Each curated bite is tucked away in different numbered boxes matching key moments in the film, enhancing the narrative in electrifying ways. Come join us for this quarterly film series and experience the silver screen like never before.

July 20: Space Day - This is the day Apollo 11 made history when humans first set foot on the Moon. Join OMSI for a day packed full of space science including: constellation alignment, NASA space technology, moon maps, planetarium shows and more.

July 20: Star Party - Lunar Viewing: Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Celebration
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 Moon Landing with a Lunar Viewing Party! On Saturday, July 20, join OMSI, Rose City Astronomers and Vancouver Sidewalk Astronomers at Rooster Rock State Park and Stub Stewart State Park for a special edition Star Party starting at 9 p.m.

July 24: Space Trivia Night
Take a giant leap and compete for out-of-this-world prizes in a cosmic competition of history, pop culture, and space science knowledge.

July 31: OMSI After Dark: Astronomy
A night at the museum for the 21-and-over crowd filled with food, drink, and science fun!
Shoot off water rockets, concoct chemical creations, discover the mind-boggling hugeness of the cosmos and our place in it at the intergalactic OMSI After Dark.

About OMSI
Founded in 1944, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the nation’s leading science museums, a world-class tourist attraction, and an award-winning educational resource for the kid in each of us. OMSI operates the largest museum-based outdoor science education program in the country and provides traveling and community outreach programs that bring science learning opportunities to schools and community organizations in nearly every county in Oregon. OMSI is located at 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214. For general information, call 503.797.4000 or visit omsi.edu. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Dave Northfield

Director of Communications

(503) 479-6032 (o), (503) 329-1989 (c)

thfield@oahhs.org">dnorthfield@oahhs.org

HOSPITALS APPLAUD OREGON HOUSE FOR PASSING TOBACCO TAX REFERRAL

Lake Oswego, Ore. – June 24, 2019 – Oregon moved closer to reducing the harm done by smoking and e-cigarettes after the House of Representatives passed HB 2270, the tobacco tax referral.

The bill seeks to raise the cost of cigarettes by $2 per pack, bringing Oregon in line with taxes in California and Washington. House members passed the amended version in a bipartisan vote. HB 2270 also subjects e-cigarettes and other vaping products to the 65% non-wholesale tax now levied on non-cigarette tobacco products.

“We are grateful to House members for their support of HB 2270. We feel strongly that passing this bill is the right thing to do,” said Andy Van Pelt, OAHHS Executive Vice President. “Voters should have the chance to decide. We think they’ll choose to raise funds for existing programs to help adults quit and keep kids from starting to use these products, which we know are linked to the leading cause of preventable death in Oregon.” 

A large body of research shows that raising the price of tobacco products leads to reduced use.

The bill will also provide dedicated funding for Oregon’s Medicaid budget, raising about $350 million every two years. Supporters say the money will help ensure that nearly one million Oregonians will continue to have access to health care.

HB 2270 has moved to the Senate.

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About OAHHS: Founded in 1934, OAHHS is a statewide, nonprofit trade association that works closely with local and national government leaders, business and citizen coalitions, and other professional health care organizations to enhance and promote community health and to continue improving Oregon’s innovative health care delivery system.

A ruling today by a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit allows the Trump administration’s dangerous and unethical Title X gag rule to take effect in every state but Maryland. The gag rule makes it illegal for healthcare providers in the Title X program to refer patients for abortion, and it blocks access to care at Planned Parenthood by imposing cost-prohibitive and unnecessary “physical separation” requirements.

The news comes after Planned Parenthood and the American Medical Association filed a case in U.S. District Court in Eugene to block the gag rule. Judge Michael McShane issued a preliminary injunction April 29th against the gag rule.

Planned Parenthood has limited emergency funds that will allow affiliates to continue care for patients in the short term, while also seeking further emergency relief from the Ninth Circuit.

“Just yesterday, the House of Representatives passed a spending package that would block the gag rule from being implemented because it’s dangerous, unethical and illegal –– and now the Senate must act,” says Emily McLain, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon. “The administration is putting health care at risk for patients across the country.”

Title X is the nation’s only program for affordable birth control and reproductive health care, and serves more than 4 million people each year. Planned Parenthood health centers serve 41 percent of the people who rely on Title X for care in Oregon, meaning the new restrictions would have a devastating impact on thousands of people struggling to make ends meet –– the majority of whom are people of color, Hispanic or Latino.

More background and information on the gag rule and the litigation can be found here.

“Planned Parenthood will not stand for this attack on millions of people across the country,” says Dr. Leana Wen, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “Planned Parenthood will not let the government censor our doctors and nurses from informing patients where and how they can access health care. We will continue to fight the Trump administration in the courts and alongside champions in Congress to protect everyone’s fundamental right to health care.”

The medical community, public health experts and the general public are against this rule. In addition to the American Medical Association, the gag rule has been opposed by major medical associations, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Physicians, 110 public health organizations, public health experts such as former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy and many others. A group of 19 different medical organizations, mayors, state lawmakers more than 200 members of Congress, newly elected Democratic governors and several other governors have opposed this legislation as well.