Oregon Tax Measures Passing

PORTLAND, Ore.(AP) – Early results from Oregon's special election have come gushing in, and a large return from Multnomah County, a liberal bastion, has given two tax measures an early lead.

Polling suggested the final count could be closer. The heavy vote was a result of a new law that allows mailed-in ballots to be scanned days in advance of the close of voting.

With 58 percent of the expected vote counted, 57 percent had voted for Measure 66, which would impose higher taxes on the wealthy, and 43 percent had voted against.

On Measure 67, which would raise taxes on businesses, with 56 percent of the expected vote counted, 56 percent had voted for and 44 percent had voted against.

Opening Legal Briefs Filed Challenging FERC’s Approval of Bradwood LNG

Columbia Riverkeeper and conservation partners filed the opening legal brief in the United States 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on January 25 challenging the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) approval of Bradwood Landing LNG terminal and pipeline.

“FERC failed to consider the harm to salmon and the very real costs of this project to Oregon’s farms, forests, and energy prices.” stated Brett VandenHeuvel, CRK’s Executive Director. “In addition, we agree with FERC Chairman Wellinghoff’s conclusion that there is no proven need for LNG in the Pacific Northwest.”

CRK, along with partners Oregon Chapter of the Sierra Club, Landowners and Citizen for a Safe Community, Willapa Hills Audubon Society, and Wahkiakum Friends of the River, filed a 69-page brief describing a long list of FERC’s errors.

The States of Oregon and Washington and the Nez Perce Tribe also filed legal briefs on January 25, challenging FERC’s approval of Bradwood LNG.

“I’ve never seen a project gather this much opposition from across the spectrum. In addition to conservation and property rights’ groups, we’re thrilled that the Oregon, Washington, and the Nez Perce Tribe are aggressively challenging FERC’s decision. Bradwood Landing is once again being exposed as a bad idea,” stated Brett VandenHeuvel.

A victory in the 9th Circuit would revoke FERC’s approval of Bradwood Landing LNG terminal and pipeline.

Columbia Riverkeeper and partners argued that FERC’s legal errors include:
Failing to conduct a needs assessment to see if LNG is necessary and in the public interest; failing to respond to the State of Oregon’s needs assessment showing LNG is not needed and more expensive than domestic natural gas;
Failing to assess and disclose important project designs, such as fish screens to keep endangered salmon from being sucked in with up to 50 million gallons of ballast water per LNG tanker;
Failing to assess the Palomar Pipeline as a “connected action” even though the Palomar Pipeline would be physically connected to Bradwood and has a binding precedent agreement to carry 94% of Bradwood’s gas capacity;
Failing to take the required “hard look” at economic impacts to commercial and recreational fishing, as well as safety impacts to Estuary communities;
Failing to obtain the required state approvals under the Clean Water Act and Coastal Zone Management Act (Oregon and Washington have not approved any part of the project);
Failing to evaluate the impact on threatened and endangered salmon by completing consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service (the Service sued FERC for this failure as well).

FERC’s response brief is due on March 29, 2010.

CRK and partners are represented in this action by the Pacific Environmental Advocacy Center (PEAC) and Field Jerger LLP.

Tri-Cities Group Relieved Mercury Unlikely To Come To Hanford

RICHLAND, Wash. – There's disappointment and relief in the Tri-Cities, Washington now that a new Department of Energy plan says Texas is a better spot for storing the nation's unwanted mercury. D--O--E was looking at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation and several other sites across the nation to store up to 11-thousand tons of the nation's unused mercury. Gary Petersen is one of those who is relieved. He helps run the Tri-Cities Development Council – an agency that usually tries to bring in new jobs to the region. “We just couldn't see brining additional hazardous materials of any kind, I don't care if it's mercury, or strychnine, or DDT, to this site as a national repository, until we move toward complete cleanup of the site. And that's quite a few decades away.” The Energy Department's plan recommends against Hanford, because it would require a new building or a big remodel to safely hold the toxic chemical.
Public comments will be accepted on the mercury plan until March 30.

Copyright 2010 Northwest News Network

See DOE's mercury EIS:
http://www.mercurystorageeis.com/library.htm#draft

See the executive summary:
http://www.mercurystorageeis.com/draft/EIS-0423_D-Summary.pdf

OREGON TAX MEASURES BALLOTS DUE TODAY

Ballots are due tonight night at 8pm for Tax Measure 66 and 67. Postmarks do not count, so if you have not yet turned in your ballot, you’ll have to take to your county elections office, or use one of the drop boxes. All drop box locations are open until 8 p.m.

In Clatsop County, ballots can be dropped off:
In Astoria, at the Clatsop County Clerk's Office, at the Public Services Building 820 Exchange St. Astoria
In Warrenton: at the Warrenton City Hall, 225 S. Main Ave., WarrentonIn Seaside, at the Seaside City Hall, 989 Broadway, SeasideIn Cannon Beach, at the Cannon Beach City Hall, 163 E. Gower, Cannon BeachIn Knappa, at Knappa High School, 41535 Old Highway 30, KnappaIn Clatskanie, at the Clatskanie Library, 11 Lillich St., Clatskanie
In Tillamook County:
At the Tillamook County Clerk’s office at the Courthouse at 201 Laurel Avenue
At the Tillamook Library, at 1716 3rd Street in Tillamook
At the Bay City Fire Hall, 5525 B Street, in Bay City
In Garibaldi, at the Garibaldi City Hall, 107 6th Street,
In Rockaway Beach, the drop box at 276 Highway 101 South
In Manzanita, at Manzanita City Hall, 543 Laneda Avenue.
At the Nestucca Fire Hall, at 34325 Highway 101 South in Cloverdale
At the Kiawanda Senior Community Center at 34600 Cape Kiwanda Drive
In Columbia County:
At the County Courthouse, at 230 Strand Street in Saint Helens.
At the Vernonia Library, 701 Weed Avenue,
At the Rainier City Hall, at 106 B Street West
At the Clatskanie Library, at 11 Lillich Street
At Scappose City Hall, 33568 East Columbia Avenue
At the Mist Birkenfeld Fire Department, 12525 Highway 292

SALMONELLA OUTBREAK PROMPTS SALAMI RECALL

Oregon Public Health officials are tracking cases throughout the state
Oregon Public Health Division officials today are warning consumers about a nationwide recall of approximately 1,240,000 pounds of a variety of pepper-coated salami products manufactured by Daniele, Inc., a Rhode Island company.
"Daniele brand salami has been identified as the source of a large and ongoing outbreak of salmonellosis," said William Keene, Ph.D., M.P.H., a senior epidemiologist at the Oregon Public Health Division. Salmonellosis is an acute bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea, fever and vomiting. "Consumers and food service providers who have any of the recalled products should discard them immediately or return them for a refund."
As of today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report 184 potentially outbreak-associated cases have been identified in 38 states, including eight from Oregon and 14 from Washington. Nationally, more than 35 people have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported. The earliest recognized cases began in July 2009, and the CDC continues to report cases.
The recalled products are widely sold at groceries, warehouse stores and online. Vendors include Costco, Walmart, Sam's Club, Amazon and other locations. Most products are sold under the Daniele brand name, but several items with the Boar's Head, Black Bear, or Dietz & Watson labels are also included. All of the recalled products carry a small round USDA mark that says "EST. 54" or "EST. 9992." Daniele products with other USDA establishment numbers are not being recalled.
"Many states have been working together to identify a source for these cases, which have been trickling in for months. This has been a very long and often frustrating investigation. We had gone down a lot of dead ends until the puzzle pieces finally started to fit together about this outbreak," Keene said.
As soon as Daniele was notified of the presence of salmonella in some of its products, the company agreed to voluntarily recall its pepper-coated salami and variety packs that contain any pepper-coating. Daniele continues to cooperate fully with the investigation. State and federal public health agencies are working with the Rhode Island-based company to determine if pepper is the source of the contamination.
Salmonellosis symptoms usually develop within one to five days after eating contaminated food. Oregon Public Health Division officials say cases resolve without the need for medical attention, and do not recommend antibiotics for persons with uncomplicated diarrheal illness. The risk of severe illness is particularly high among the elderly, the immuno-compromised, and the very young. Some people with salmonella bacteria develop serious illness that can lead to hospitalization and even death.
Consumers who have questions about the recall can contact Daniele, Inc. at http://www.danielefoodscom/ or call 888-345-4160. People who have eaten these products and have developed severe symptoms should contact a health care provider. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has posted information about the multi-state outbreak on its Web site at www.cdc.gov/salmonella.
A complete list of products includes:
Daniele Deli Selection (20 oz)
Daniele Italian Brand Gourmet Pack (16 oz)
Daniele Italian Brand Gourmet Pack (8 oz)
Daniele Surtido Fino Italiano (454 g)
Dietz and Watson Artisan Collection Party Platter Pack (8 oz)
Daniele Gourmet Combo Pack (16 oz)
Daniele Surtido Fino Italiano (340 g)
Daniele Brand Gourmet Pack (Emballage Assorti Gourmet Italian) (500 g)
Boar's Head All Natural Salame Coated with Coarse Black Pepper (8 oz)
Daniele All Natural Salame Coated with Coarse Black Pepper" (10oz)
Daniele Pepper Salame
Black Bear Baby Genoa Pepper Salame (9 oz)
Dietz & Watson Artisan Collection Baby Genoa Pepper Salame
Daniele Gourmet Italian Deli Selection (600 g)
Daniele Salame Bites Pepper Salame (7 oz)
Daniele Natural Salame Coated with Coarse Black Pepper
Daniele Gourmet Deli Selection (Assortment De Fines Charcuterie Italienne) (400g)
Daniele deli Selection (32oz)

Marbled Murrelet Remains Threatened

Citing continued declines in the population of marbled murrelets in Washington, Oregon and California, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said today the small seabird continues to need the protection of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and will retain its status as a threatened species.
The decision to deny a petition to delist the Washington, Oregon and California population of marbled murrelets is based on strong science and recognition that the tri-state population is distinct from marbled murrelets in Canada and Alaska.
Overwhelming evidence shows marbled murrelets are in deep trouble in Washington, Oregon and California, and we cannot deny them the protection they need, said Tom Strickland, the Department of the Interior's Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. This decision strongly reflects the Obama administration's deep commitment to basing ESA decisions on the best available science.
The marbled murrelet spends much of its life at sea but nests mostly in old-growth forests along the northern Pacific Coast. A 2009 Fish and Wildlife Service review of the species showed the population from San Francisco Bay to the Canadian border declined as much as 34 percent between 2000 and 2008. South of San Francisco Bay, the population dropped 75 percent between 2003 and 2008. About 18,000 birds are estimated to remain in the three states.

OREGON'S TAX AMNESTY DEADLINE IS JANUARY 19

If the Oregon Department of Revenue approved your tax amnesty application, the deadline to file your amnesty tax returns is less than a week away. All amnesty tax returns must be postmarked by January 19, 2010.

"If you don't file your amnesty tax returns by January 19, you won't get the amnesty benefits," said Steve Purkeypile, amnesty project manager. "And the law won't allow you to file for an extension."

Taxpayers who file tax returns under the amnesty program are charged half the interest and no penalty on back taxes owed.

"Under Oregon law, if you don't file by the deadline, the state may add an additional 25-percent penalty to any other penalties owed," Purkeypile said.

The 2009 Legislature created the one-time amnesty period to give Oregonians who owe back taxes an incentive to get caught up. Applications for the program were due November 19, 2009.

State taxes help fund education, public safety, health care, and other public services.
For more information on tax amnesty, visit www.oregontaxamnesty.com.

OREGON HUMAN SERVICES PREDICTED TO STAY AT RECORD LEVELS INTO 2011

State forecasters for the Oregon Department of Human Services today released data showing that demand for food and cash assistance will stay at record levels through 2010 and will not peak until January 2011. Need for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program food benefits (formerly known as food stamps) is predicted to surpass 750,000 Oregonians, more than 19 percent of the population. Demand for the Oregon Health Plan, long-term care for seniors, and other services is also predicted to increase. Increases in need for assistance are being driven largely by the economy. With Oregon's unemployment rate at double digits for 11 months in a row, an increasing number of families are finding themselves in the ranks of the long-term unemployed. "When people lose their jobs, they often lose not only their income, but also their own health insurance and their ability to help support their aging or vulnerable relatives," says Dr. Bruce Goldberg, director of the Oregon Department of Human Services and the Oregon Health Authority. Here is a summary of some of the most notable caseload predictions: Due to economic forces, high demand for services will last into 2011There are currently 675,838 Oregonians counting on the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) for food support, an increase of 30 percent over last year, and it is predicted to continue growing to a peak of 756,000 people in June 2011 before demand begins to decline. Demand for the Oregon Health Plan, long-term care, and cash assistance will also continue to increase. A record number of very low income families are receiving cash assistance for rent and other basic needs through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Currently there are 25,669 families on TANF, and that total should continue to grow to 26,000 families by January 2011. However, the level of increase in the numbers of families relying on TANF began to slow in 2009 due to budget cuts to the program.The economy is beginning to affect seniors After four years of steady decline, demand for long-term care is growing in response to the economic downturn and is predicted to increase 2 percent over this forecast period to 27,658 people in June 2011. Not only does this demand reflect the growing demographic of seniors in Oregon, but also, according to survey respondents, the financial crisis is propelling baby boomers sooner to long-term care. Economic problems increase the demand for publicly funded long-term care because of seniors' depleted resources, loss of pensions, loss of health care coverage, and other changes in conditions. Health care demand continues to be unmetThere are currently 510,590 people enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan, and that number is predicted to rise to 645,200 people, an increase of 26 percent. Some of the new growth will be attributed to Healthy Kids, which provides expanded coverage for children, but much of it is driven by economic factors. Additionally, more than 600,000 Oregonians are currently uninsured and there is unmet need for substance abuse and mental health treatments. Lack of treatment is a major factor influencing other DHS caseloads. Field surveys tell the story of the recession in OregonThe DHS caseload forecast includes surveys of public and private providers of services. Respondents say more people need more services for a longer period of time than ever before, and clients of nearly every economic and demographic group are increasing their demand for services. The most frequently mentioned new clients included two-parent and two-income households, those experiencing the end of unemployment benefits, and seasonal workers. Local providers told of families struggling to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and health care. They expect clients' anticipated end of unemployment benefits and related uninsured status to increase demand in 2010. BackgroundThrough the Oregon Department of Human Services, the Oregon Health Authority, and local providers, low-income Oregonians receive basic economic assistance and health care coverage. Seniors and people with disabilities also receive important care and assistance care to help them stay safe and independent. DHS and OHA bundle state, federal and other dollars to pay for the services, most of which are delivered through private partners in the communities. "As we enter another year of record demand, we will continue to work with our local partners to ensure that we maximize every dollar to get services to the greatest number of people possible," says Dr. Goldberg.

Oregon public health raises awareness of the "choking game"

Many Oregon eighth graders know about, even participate in this potentially fatal activity
Oregon Public Health officials want parents and healthcare providers to be aware of a dangerous and potentially fatal activity in which many young teens are engaging.
According to the Oregon Healthy Teens Survey, conducted every other year by Oregon Public Health, as many as 2,600 eighth graders in the state have participated in the "choking game," also sometimes called Pass-Out, Space Monkey, Flat Liner and Blackout. The survey also found that one in three eighth graders had heard of someone participating in this activity and that 6 percent reported participating themselves.
Oregon is the first state in the US to systematically assess this behavior. "The Oregon Healthy Teens Survey is a key tool for monitoring health behaviors among our youth, and without public health conducting this kind of surveillance study most people would be unaware of this threat to the health of our children," said Kohn. Kohn also noted that injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults.
The "choking game" is an activity in which people strangle themselves using a belt, tie, scarf or similar item, or teens strangle each other using their hands to achieve euphoria. After a short time people can pass out, which can cause injury, long-term disability or death.
"Many people will be surprised at how widespread this dangerous behavior is," says Mel Kohn, MD, MPH, acting director at Oregon Public Health, "so parents, healthcare providers and others who work with teens should be alert for signs of participation in strangulation activities, particularly in young teens."
Sarah Ramowski at Oregon Public Health, the lead author of a report on these data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in this week's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, says that warning signs that a child may be participating in this activity include: • Unexplained marks on the neck • Bloodshot eyes • Ropes, scarves, belts tied to bedroom furniture or doorknobs • Unexplained presence of leashes or bungee cords • Pinpoint bleeding spots under the skin on the face, especially the eyelids • Discussion or mention of this activity • Disorientation especially after spending time alone.
According to the CDC report there have been 82 deaths occurring in 31 states from this activity from 1995 to 2007. In Oregon, an Eagle Point sixth-grader died in 2006 due to this activity.
To read the full report please visit: www.cdc.gov/mmwr.

Clatsop County Board of Commissioners Jan 13th Highlights.

Budget policies discussed
The board of commissioners discussed proposed budget policies for the upcoming 2010-2011 fiscal year. The policies, which are reviewed and updated each year, guide the board and county staff in crafting each year’s budget. The board is set to adopt the new policies at its Jan. 27 meeting.

Assistant County Manager Nicole Williams explained that this year’s policies contain only a few revisions from last year’s. They are: completing the shift for funding of the Juvenile Detention Center ? $300,000 in the 2010-11 year ? out of the he county’s Special Projects Fund and into the General Fund, and a similar shift for the $200,000 annual payment for rental of beds in the Tillamook County Jail.
Key provisions of the policies that department directors are to follow when preparing their proposed budgets include: adding no new positions unless specifically approved by the board of commissioners; holding materials and services expenses to current year’s levels; pursuing revenue sources to the fullest extent possible; and county will not “back-fill” shortfalls in state or federal funding with county revenue.
Finance Director Mike Robison told the board that the county has realized a number of cost savings and new revenue sources and should be able to maintain all services and reserve funds for the next two fiscal years. After that, however, the projected budget outlook grows worse, thanks in large part to the drop in state forest revenue from more than $3 million in the 2008-09 year to a projected $1.3 million next year. Since most timber revenue goes into the Special Projects fund for capital expenses, that will limit the money available for equipment purchases and improvement projects, Robison said.

Land use rules updated
The board approved a series of minor wording changes to the county’s Land and Water Development and Use Ordinance, the zoning document governing most development in the unincorporated county.
The language revisions, aimed at correcting typos, updating obsolete references to other codes and other changes, are being done in preparation for a more comprehensive revision of ordinance to be tackled by the county planning office.
The board approved the revisions with the exception of two involving variance provisions that had raised concerns among some property owners in Arch Cape, and directed planning staff to address those items separately.

Other Business
In other business the board:
· Approved contracts with three agencies providing mental health, developmental disability and substance abuse services to the county for the period July 2009 to June 2011. The agreements are with Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare, Columbia Community Mental Health and LifeWorks NW. The services are funded with state revenue.
· Approved a supplemental budget for the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office to fund a new vehicle for the county’s Drug Task Force and support for the City of Seaside’s contribution to the program and account for unanticipated revenue including an extra $18,000 in state drug forfeiture revenue, plus a grant awarded to the four-county regional drug task force that will net Clatsop County up to $229,534 over two years.
· Heard a presentation from Clatsop Community Action on the agency’s Project Homeless Connect, an event planned for Jan. 28 at Calvary Assembly of God Church in Warrenton that will provide food and personal supplies, medical services, employment information and other assistance to local homeless citizens.
· Approved a boundary line adjustment for two lots in the county’s North Coast Business Park to correct an error made by engineers from the land buyer and developer, North Coast Retail LLC. One of the lots is the site for a proposed new Goodwill retail store.

Bridge repairs on Brownsmead Dike Road

Bridge repairs on Brownsmead Dike Road will be completed
enough to allow heavy hauling on that road again on Jan. 18th.
Crews will be cutting brush and removing hazard trees in the
Westport area. Road shoulder work will continue in the Elsie
area. Brush chopping and power brooming will continue in the
Olney and Clatsop Plains areas.

REP. THOMPSON INTRODUCES BIOMASS BILL TO CREATE JOBS

SALEM— Rep. Jim Thompson (R-Dallas) today testified before the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee to urge approval of HB 3608, his bill to provide incentives for the transportation and production of biomass. He said the bi-partisan bill will help create desperately-needed jobs for rural Oregonians.

“There’s a real need for job creation and retention in our state, especially in rural areas,” Rep. Thompson said. “Approximately 4.25 million acres of Oregon forestland have the potential to profitably harvest woody biomass through thinning excess trees. By pursuing this course of action, we would not only create more jobs in the woods, but also increase forest health and help reduce the potential for wildfires.”

HB 3608 establishes a tax credit for the transportation of woody biomass from forests to biofuels producers, a tax credit for biomass electrical generation, and a tax credit for the purchase of equipment to collect or process waste materials. The bill also directs the Oregon Department of Energy to conduct a study of biomass facility sites in Oregon.

“In 2005 the Legislature established a state policy to support and encourage biomass energy,” Rep. Thompson said. “Our government has made a strong statement that it supports and wants to encourage the use of biomass. HB 3608 is the next step in fulfilling this goal.”

Rep. Thompson introduced a similar bill during the 2009 session. Despite bipartisan support, it wasn’t approved by the House Revenue Committee. With Oregon still in deep economic recession, he said it’s time for the Legislature to reconsider and pass this job-creation bill.

“HB 3608 is a great bill for job creation and a win-win for Oregon’s environment,” Rep. Thompson said. “It’s time to pass this bill and put rural Oregonians back to work.”

NOAA Proposes Rule to Deny Port Entry to Illegal Fishing Vessels

NOAA is seeking public comment on a proposed rule that would allow the NOAA assistant administrator for fisheries to deny a vessel entry into a U.S. port or access to port services if that vessel has been listed for engaging in illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing by one of the world’s international fishery management organizations.

“Illegal fishing is a global problem that is depleting fish stocks and hurting the economies of nations and the livelihoods of people who depend on sustainable fishing,” said Jim Balsiger, acting NOAA assistant administrator for NOAA’s Fisheries Service. “Denying port access to vessels that engage in illegal fishing is an effective way to curb this damaging activity.”

The rule would also prohibit persons and businesses from providing certain services to, and engaging in commercial transactions with, listed IUU vessels. Those services would include processing fish harvested by a listed IUU vessel or processing fish using a listed IUU vessel; joint fishing operations; providing supplies, fuel, crew, or otherwise supporting a listed IUU vessel; and entering into a chartering arrangement with a listed IUU vessel.

Current U.S. law has largely discouraged IUU fishing vessels from arriving in U.S. ports. However, there have been a few instances when transport vessels identified on IUU lists have reachedU.S. ports. This rule would clarify actions that the U.S. can take to deny these vessels access to the United States.

In recent years, several organizations, such as the International Commission for Conservation of Atlantic Tunas and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, have adopted binding measures that establish both procedures for identifying vessels that engaged in IUU fishing activities and actions to be taken against such vessels. Such measures can act as a strong deterrent to engage in IUU fishing by reducing the profitability of such activities. Nations that are members of these organizations are required to take actions against the listed IUU vessels, such as denying port entry ,essentially closing their markets to the vessels.

IUU fishing activities include fishing in an area without authorization; failing to record or declare catches, or making false reports; using prohibited fishing gear; re-supplying or re-fueling IUU vessels.

Comments on the proposed rule, identified by RIN 0648-AW09, may be submitted electronically by Feb. 25 via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. Comments may also be mailed to:

Mi Ae Kim
Trade and Marine Stewardship Division
NOAA’s Fisheries Service Office of International Affairs
1315 East-West Highway
Silver Spring MD 20910

Links to relevant conservation measures and IUU vessel lists can be found athttp://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ia.

NEW RIGHTS for Oregonians WHEN YOUR CAR IS TOTALED

When Oregonian Chris's older sports model BMW was totaled in a collision, he began a two-month long, bewildering process of trying to negotiate the amount he should receive from his insurer for the car. The first offer, which was supposed to be based on the fair market value of the car before the damage, seemed low to Chris.
In the end, his automobile insurance company paid about $1,000 more than originally offered. But the Beaverton resident said he spent that much on the appraisals that resulted in the final offer. "After all the time and money I spent, it was a wash," he said.
House Bill 2190, which took effect Jan. 1, 2010, will help consumers like Chris by giving them more information and leverage when negotiating a settlement for their totaled cars. The Department of Consumer and Business Services' Insurance Division brought the bill to legislators in the 2009 session based on the hundreds of calls and complaints it receives annually from consumers whose cars are totaled.

"Consumers often feel like they have no power when negotiating with insurance companies over totaled cars ­ they disagree with the offer but they receive little information about how the company determined the value," said State Rep. Paul Holvey, (D-Eugene), who chairs the House Consumer Protection Committee. "This new law gives consumers some of the tools they need to pursue a fair deal."
The new law requires insurance companies to do the following:
• Give car owners a written notice that explains total loss, including how car values are determined and what to do if the owner disagrees with an insurer's offer.
• Give consumers the valuation or appraisal reports used to set the vehicle's value. Currently, a consumer must ask for a copy. (Chris, for example, said the company's first offer was based on other vehicles that were not comparable to his damaged car.)
• Pay car owners the amount not in dispute while negotiations over value continue. For example, if an insurer offers $4,000 and the car owner seeks $5,000, the insurer must pay the $4,000 upfront.
• Reimburse consumers for reasonable appraisal costs. This applies when the owner has the right to an appraisal and the final appraised value is greater than the insurer's last offer.
"Having insurers pay the undisputed amount is particularly important because many people need to buy a new car right away to get to work," said Teresa Miller, administrator of the Insurance Division. "This fact of life forces some consumers to give up any thoughts of researching their vehicle's value and negotiating a settlement."
Chris was able to borrow a car after his 30-day rental reimbursement period ended while he negotiated his vehicle's value, something not all consumers can do. When his case bogged down, Chris called the Insurance Division's consumer advocates to complain that his insurer was not returning his phone calls. After the division contacted the insurer, Chris said a regional manager contacted him and he received prompt service from then on. He received payment for his total loss vehicle more than 60 days after the accident.
More information
The Insurance Division's consumer advocates are available to consumers with questions or complaints about insurance issues. Consumers can be reached toll-free at 888-877-4894 or 503-947-7984 in the Salem area.
A fact sheet explaining more about total loss is available at: http://insurance.oregon.gov/consumer/consumer-tips/4845-4_vehicle-total-loss.pdf

Public encouraged to attend transportation workshop

Public encouraged to attend transportation workshop
Seaside — Seaside residents are encouraged to review and comment on US 101 concepts prepared for the city’s Transportation System Plan (TSP), along with bicycle, pedestrian, transit, and other roadway recommendations during a Transportation Workshop on January 21, 2010.
The Oregon Department of Transportation and City of Seaside have been working with community members to identify transportation improvements needed to address future growth in Seaside. The workshop on January 21 is the third community workshop held for the TSP.
Public Transportation Workshop
5:30 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 21, 2010
Bob Chisholm Community Center, 1125 Avenue A
The workshop will focus on the preparation of Alternate Mobility Standards for Highway 101 and the recommendations for the bicycle, pedestrian, transit, and local street networks. The agenda for the workshop is as follows:
· 5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.---Open house to review bicycle, pedestrian, transit, and roadway recommendations
· 6:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.---Presentation on Alternate Mobility Standards for the highway
· 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.---Workshop on concepts for US 101 and Wahanna Road
The community is welcome to participate in the entire workshop or drop-in for any portion of it. Children are welcome to attend. Both city and ODOT staff will be available to answer questions and the public will have the opportunity to provide input about the project.
Transportation System Plans focus on improving the local and regional transportation system over the next 20 years. They consider all modes of transportation, and look at short-term and long-term needs. This project has explored current and future transportation needs, including summertime traffic conditions, safety, and local and regional truck traffic patterns.
For more information, contact Ingrid Weisenbach, ODOT Project Manager, (503) 325-5281.
Visit the project web site at www.seasideTSP.org for more information.

PUBLIC'S HELP SOUGHT TO SOLVE VANDALISM INVESTIGATION TO HISTORIC CAPE MEARES LIGHTHOUSE

Photo: Oregon State Police / Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

Oregon State Police (OSP), working in cooperation with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, is seeking the public's help with an investigation into significant vandalism to the historic Cape Meares Lighthouse over the weekend. A reward of up to $1,000 is offered by The Friends of Cape Meares Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge for information leading to an arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible in this case.

According to OSP Sergeant Todd Hoodenpyl, between the afternoon of January 9 and noon on January 10, 2010 an unknown vehicle reportedly drove down a blocked maintenance road to the Cape Meares Lighthouse viewing area ten miles west of Tillamook. Several rounds were fired breaking 15 windows of the lighthouse and several pieces of a historic Fresnel lens. Additional rounds were fired into an active Coast Guard light and surrounding equipment. While driving off the maintenance road the suspect vehicle caused significant damage to a grassy area.

Cape Lookout State Park Manager Pete Marvin reported the lighthouse lenses were very old with much historical value and are irreplaceable.

Cape Meares Lighthouse went into service January 1890. The lighthouse lens was manufactured in Paris, France and shipped around Cape Horn up to Oregon, arriving for installation prior to the date the lighthouse went into service. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department estimates damage to be over $50,000 dollars.

Information about the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewing area, which is currently closed in response to this incident, is available at:

http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_181.php

Anyone with information to help in the OSP investigation is asked to call the OSP Northern Command Center dispatch at 800-452-7888.

FINAL EIS RELEASED FOR RUBY PIPELINE PROJECT

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and Cooperating Agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS), have released the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Ruby Pipeline Project. Ruby Pipeline, LLC proposes to construct and operate approximately 678 miles of natural gas pipeline and ancillary facilities beginning near Opal, Wyoming, passing through northern Utah and Nevada and terminating near the California-Oregon state line in Klamath County, Oregon. The Federal agencies are seeking public review and comment on the final EIS and will accept comments during a 30-day period until February 8, 2010.

The FERC is the federal agency responsible for authorizing interstate natural gas transmission facilities under the Natural Gas Act, and is the lead federal agency for the preparation of this EIS in compliance with the requirements of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The BLM will use the FEIS to consider Ruby’s application for a right-of-way grant across an estimated 280 miles of BLM (259 miles), National Forest (18 miles) and Bureau of Reclamation (3 miles) federal lands crossed by this project. The USFS is also evaluating proposed land use plan amendments to the Fremont-Winema and Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forests, which would be required if the pipeline project were approved. These and other federal and state agencies with authority to review and authorize the Ruby project with a permit or other form of approval must issue their final decisions by April 8, 2010.

The Draft EIS, issued on June 19, 2009, evaluated the potential environmental impacts of Ruby’s proposed pipeline route along with a No Action and Postponed Action alternative, and 15 major route alternatives. Three of the route alternatives were recommended by FERC for incorporation into Ruby’s final proposal. Public and agency comments on the Draft EIS were included and addressed in the Final EIS which concludes that the construction and operation of the Ruby Pipeline Project would result in some adverse environmental impacts. Most of these adverse impacts would be reduced to less-than-significant levels through the implementation of mitigation measures and agency agreements.

A copy of the Final EIS has been sent to affected Federal, state and local government agencies and interested parties. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.ferc.gov and at the following Federal agency offices:

. BLM, Kemmerer Field Office, 312 Hwy 189 N, Kemmerer WY

. BLM, Salt Lake Field Office, 2370 South 2300 West, Salt Lake City, UT

. BLM, Elko Field Office, 3900 E. Idaho Street, Elko, NV

. BLM, Winnemucca Field Office, 5100 E. Winnemucca Blvd, Winnemucca NV

. BLM, Lakeview Resource Area, 1301 S. G St., Lakeview, OR

. BLM, Klamath Falls Field Office, 2795 Anderson Ave., Ste. 25, Klamath Falls, OR

. BLM, Surprise Field Office, 602 Cressler St., Cedarville, CA

. Fremont-Winema National Forests, 1301 S. G St., Lakeview, OR

. Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, 324 25th St., Ogden, UT

. Bureau of Reclamation, Klamath Basin Area Office, 6600 Washburn Way, Klamath

Falls, OR

You may submit written comments on the Final EIS to the BLM until Feb. 8, 2010. Comments
may be sent to the BLM web site:

http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/info/nepa/ruby_pipeline_project.html

by e-mail:

blmruby@blm.gov

or by mail to:

Mark Mackiewicz

BLM National Project Manager

c/o125 South 600

West, Price, UT 84501

Questions concerning the BLM may be directed to Mark Mackiewicz at the above address or by
phone: (435) 636-3616. Questions about the proposed National Forest land use plan amendments should be directed to Catherine Callaghan at the Fremont-Winema National Forests: (541) 9472151, or to David Ream at the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest: (801) 236-3400.

-BLM-

The BLM manages more land – 253 million acres – than any other Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.

COLE PROMOTES ‘SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY’ IN FOREST PLAN REVIEW

People should come first when it comes to managing Oregon’s state forests.

That’s the message Clatsop County Manager Duane Cole delivered to the Oregon Board of Forestry in Salem on Thursday.

Cole is on the 14-member Public Advisory Committee that was assembled late last year to assist the Forestry Board as it undertakes a comprehensive review of how the state manages almost 650,000 acres of forestlands, including the Clatsop State Forest.

The advisory panel, representing industry, conservation, tribal and recreation interests, as well as local governments, has been tasked with revisiting the “Greatest Permanent Value” rule, the mission statement that guides timber harvesting, environmental protection and other management strategies on the forests.

The advisory committee met Thursday for a day-long discussion of the GPV rule, then joined with the Forestry Board for discussion and questions.

The Greatest Permanent Value rule calls for “healthy, productive and sustainable forest ecosystems that over time and across the landscape provide a full range of social, economic and environmental benefits.”

Earlier this year the Board turned away an effort by the Oregon Legislature to boost harvests by putting the state forests on an industrial logging model. But the Board has also proposed changes to the current management plan that would reduce the percentage of land dedicated to complex-structure stands and modestly increase logging levels.

The Board is due to make a final ruling on that proposal in April. The advisory committee’s work and recommendations will help steer that decision.

In addition to jobs for local citizens, state forest timber harvesting provides revenue for local public entities, including Clatsop County, which receives as much as $4 million a year in timber dollars.

But in his presentation Thursday, Cole said the ongoing Northwest timber debates have focused too narrowly on the question of science versus money. What should drive policy-makers is “social sustainability,” an approach that makes people and local communities the top priority.

Social sustainability, he said, recognizes that reliable, sustainable timber harvesting provides not just money, but a strong social fabric for the people and communities that rely on most heavily on timber-related jobs.

“Maintaining social sustainability means providing certainty that sustainable forest employment will continue into the future so people employed in the forest, or by the forest, can prosper,” Cole said in remarks.

The coastal counties that contain most state forest lands, including Clatsop County, already experience levels of poverty and the problems that go along with it that are above the state average, Cole noted.

He said that tourism and recreation alone are no substitute for the timber industry and presented figures showing the disparity in wages between timber-related trades, which pay an average of more than $40,000 a year, to the hospitality jobs that pay less than $15,000.

Decline of the timber industry would also mean the loss of forestry expertise, from loggers and mill workers to university professors, Cole said. “Oregon residents know more about growing and harvesting timber in a temperate forest environment than any other place on earth.”

“Each job equals a person with education, expertise, family, community involvement, and plans,” he said, citing state data showing 13,083 forest industry jobs in coastal counties. “Social sustainability provides we consider each of them in the decisions we make. It also means that we appreciate the expertise and education they offer since these are tools needed to develop a socially sustainable community framework, and support a vibrant and productive forest.”

The Board of Forestry is also taking public input on its proposed forest management changes at two hearings scheduled for later this month, one of which is planned for Jan. 28 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Seaside City Hall, 989 Broadway.

For more information on the state forests and the management review, go to www.oregon.gov/odf

Hoquarten Slough bridge options to be discussed

Tillamook County residents will have two opportunities in January to learn more about plans to improve the US101-OR6 intersections in downtown Tillamook.

The Oregon Department of Transportation has been working closely with the City of Tillamook, Tillamook County, and community members to identify improvements to the congested intersections. Over the past three months, the project team has been working to develop bridge design options that minimize impacts to businesses while planning a bridge that would be above the 100-year flood elevation.

In December 2009, the team met with business and property owners to share the bridge options and is now planning more meetings to gather community input. The project’s Stakeholder Advisory Committee, a group of local elected officials, business owners, and community members that has been meeting for more than a year to provide advice to the project team, will meet on January 13, 2010. Time is set aside on each agenda for public comment.

Stakeholder Advisory Committee Meeting

5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Oregon Department of Forestry, 5005 3rd Street

The team will also host a public open house to review similar information. The open house will be a drop-in event at the Tillamook Library where community members can review information, talk with staff and provide input about the project.

Public Open House

5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Tillamook Library, 1716 3rd Street

Later this winter, the project team will begin work on the project’s Environmental Assessment, a federally-required report that complies with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The Environmental Assessment is expected to be available for review and comment in late 2010. The US 101/OR 6 Project received $27 million in funding from the Oregon legislature in 2009 and is expected to be constructed between 2013 and 2015.

For more information, contact Tony Snyder, ODOT Project Manager at (503) 986-2692.

Visit the project web site at www.tillamooktraffic.org.

BALLOTS GO OUT FRIDAY FOR OREGON STATE TAX MEASURE ELECTION

Ballots for the Jan. 26 statewide special election on two tax measures will be mailed out Friday to Clatsop County voters.
The two ballot measures are the only items on the ballot.
Measure 66 raises taxes on household incomes above $250,000 and individual filers above $125,000 and reduces income taxes on unemployment benefits in 2009. Measure 67 raises the $10 minimum state corporate tax, as well as the business minimum tax and corporate profits tax.
For detailed explanations of the measures, go to the “Jan. 26, 2010 Special Election” link on the Clatsop County website, www.co.clatsop.or.us.
If you do not receive a ballot by Wednesday, Jan. 13, contact the Clatsop County Elections Division at (503) 325-8511.
Completed ballots must be turned in by 8 p.m. Election Day, Jan. 26. The following ballot drop sites are available:
· Clatsop County Clerk’s Office, 820 Exchange St., Astoria
· 24-hour drop box, in front of County Clerk’s Office on Exchange Street.
· Cannon Beach City Hall, 163 E. Gower, Cannon Beach
· Seaside City Hall, 989 Broadway, Seaside
· Warrenton City Hall, 225 S. Main Ave., Warrenton
· Knappa High School, 41535 Old Highway 30, Knappa
· Mist-Birkenfeld Fire Hall (official Columbia County drop site) 12525 Oregon Highway 202, Mist
· Clatskanie Library(official Columbia County drop site) 11 Lillich St., Clatskanie
A public certification test of the county’s ballot-counting equipment will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19 at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria.

CLATSOP COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH OFFERS H1N1 VACCINE CLINICS

Clatsop County Public Health Department is offering H1N1 flu vaccination clinics this week and next week for anyone 6 months of age and older.
The clinics are scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 6 and Wednesday, Jan. 13 at the health department office at 820 Exchange St., Astoria. Both clinics run from 1 to 4 p.m., and are offered by appointment only ? call (503) 325-8500 to schedule a visit.
While incidents of H1N1 “swine” flu infection have generally declined across Oregon and the rest of the country since peaking in November, the strain remains in the population, and health officials still recommend people receive the H1N1 vaccine.
For the latest information on vaccinations offered locally for the H1N1 and seasonal flu strains, as well as other influenza-related news, check “The Flu” page on the Clatsop County website, http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/ or call the county’s flu information line at (503) 338-3600 ext. 4921.

PUBLIC AUCTION FOR CARLYLE APARTMENTS SET FOR JAN. 19

The Carlyle Apartments complex in Seaside goes on the auction block Tuesday, Jan. 19.
A public auction for the 25-unit facility will begin at 10 a.m. at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria.
The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners voted last month to place the property up for sale, after efforts to sell the facility to the Clatsop County Housing Authority failed.
The county took possession of the Carlyle last June following a lengthy legal dispute with the former owner over a reversionary clause in the property deed. After taking ownership the county hired Income Property Management Company of Portland to manage the facility, but Clatsop County officials and the board have determined the best course of action is to sell the property.
The facility was originally built in 1968 as a nursing home. It was converted to a 25-unit apartment complex in 1993 and has been in operation as apartments since then. The complex itself is a 22,882-square-foot, single-story building on 1.3 acres of land at 822 Necanicum Drive in Seaside.
An informal walk-through of the grounds and common areas for potential bidders will be held Wednesday, Jan. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon.
After the purchase the county replaced the units’ wall heaters, replaced some windows in the hallways and laundry room, fixed leaky skylights and made other minor repairs.
The property will be sold to the highest bidder as is. The minimum bid accepted at the auction is $1.5 million. The property has a real market value of $1,596,917. The county reserves the right to reject any and all bids.
The successful bidder must make a non-refundable deposit of $15,000 by 5 p.m. the day of the auction, with final closing to take place by May 20, 120 days after the sale.
A complete bid packet is available from the Clatsop County Property Management office, Suite 230, 820 Exchange St., Astoria between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. For more information, contact Property Specialist Sirpa Duoos at (503) 325-8674.

Murrelet not a threat to wind farm at Naselle, WA

Photo: Gus Van Vliet, Audubon site

OLYMPIA, Wash. – A recently released independent scientific peer review confirms a proposed wind power project near Naselle, Wash., will not have a significant impact on the marbled murrelet.

Development of the Radar Ridge Wind Project is being considered by four western Washington public utility districts: Clallam County PUD No. 1, Grays Harbor PUD No. 1, Pacific County PUD No. 2, and Mason County PUD No. 3, in conjunction with Energy Northwest, a consortium of 27 Washington State public power providers.

The public utility districts commissioned an independent peer review, released in mid December, of a scientific model at the recommendation of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW). Developed by Western Ecosystems Technology, Inc., the model simulated the risk of harm to marbled murrelets due to the proposed wind project. The model concludes that project construction and operation will not have a significant impact on this coastal seabird listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

Dr. Raoul LePage, a noted Professor of Statistics at Michigan State University, critically examined this risk model, concluded it is mathematically valid and would not result in incorrect conclusions. Dr. LePage also reported that because so few murrelets have been observed flying over the project area, the results produced by the scientific model are as close to providing an answer about the potential effects of the wind project on these birds as would ever be possible to obtain. Dr. LePage has with more than 30 years of related experience.

The model reviewed by Dr. LePage utilized data from three years of on-site breeding season studies conducted by Hamer Environmental, an environmental consulting firm nationally-recognized for its marbled murrelet expertise. Hamer’s findings indicate the proposed project site has very low passage rates over the ridge top for all bird and bat species, including birds of prey, migratory birds and the marbled murrelet. These wildlife studies were conducted in consultation with state and federal wildlife agencies, and meet or exceed published agency guidelines.

SHERIFF CRAIG ROBERTS REFLECTS ON THE MOUNT HOOD MISSION THAT ENDED ON DECEMBER 16TH

photo: Don Ryan / Associated Press








January 4th, 2010 10:37 AM
Making the decision to suspend a search and rescue mission is among the most difficult that I am required to make as Clackamas County Sheriff. Unfortunately, that was how our rescue efforts for Katie Nolan and Anthony Vietti ended on December 16.
The mission received national media attention, so you might think that by now everybody knows everything that happened up on the mountain —- but I want to tell you about some of the things you didn't see on television.
On the last day of the search, it was clear that all of the elements had turned against us. The avalanche danger was so severe that even stable slopes had started to slide, making it impossible for climbers to head up the mountain. Also, a storm system had covered the mountain with clouds, posing a serious challenge to the Army National Guard helicopters that were helping us search from the air.
In spite of that, a helicopter took off from Salem that morning and flew north. They didn't show this on TV, because there was nothing to see, but all of us on the ground heard the sound of its rotors as it circled overhead, hoping for a break in the clouds over Timberline Lodge. On the ground, a pair of pararescue jumpers from the 304th Rescue Squadron waited in their orange parkas for their chance to climb on board and take one last look for the missing climbers.
One of their commanders described the plan to me: the helicopter would fly towards the mountain between cloud layers, fighting 60-mile-an-hour winds. If they spotted something, one of the rescuers would be lowered using a winch. Then, the helicopter would deliberately rock from side to side, swinging the man on the end of the line like a pendulum so that he could try to hook the side of the mountain with his ice axe.
He looked me in the eye and told me that they would do all of this, even though the best medical advice we were getting was that there was less than a one percent chance that Katie and Anthony were still alive.
That's just one example of the enormous courage and dedication I saw on the side of that mountain. The members of the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office who coordinated the search worked for days on end and refused to be relieved. They wanted to finish what they had started, for the missing climbers and for their families.
Likely one of the greatest acts of bravery during the entire rescue effort was made by Katie and Anthony's climbing companion, Luke Gullberg. Although we do not yet understand exactly what happened, it's likely that Luke set out to get help after there was an accident high on the mountain. Apparently, he left most of his own gear behind with his friends to increase their chances for survival — then succumbed to exhaustion and hypothermia during the descent.
Luke's body was recovered early in the search by volunteers, who took time off from work and away from loved ones to climb the mountain — putting their own lives at risk to rescue people they had never met. It isn't widely recognized, but unpaid volunteers account for most search and rescue efforts in Oregon. Of the 107,000 hours spent performing search and rescue missions in 2008, 85 percent were provided by volunteers.
More than anything else I personally witnessed during the mission, I was affected the patience, the gratitude and the enduring faith of the missing climbers' families. From the start, they were worried about the safety of the searchers on the mountain, and their concerns only grew as conditions got worse. Yet, when Katie's mother, Darla, hugged me, she whispered how grateful she was that I had made that one last attempt.
I was almost overcome by emotion myself, knowing that it was increasingly unlikely that we would find them alive — but in a strange way, her hug and support gave me the strength to face the family later with the sad news that the rescue effort was over.
This tragedy has changed the lives of the climbers' families forever. Their time on the mountain — hoping to see their son, or their daughter, or their brother, or their sister or their cousin climb out of a helicopter — will always be a vivid memory for them.

Like their families, the members of the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office and everyone else who fought to save Luke, Katie and Anthony, will always remember them. By the time I stepped up to the microphones to announce that the rescue phase of the search had ended, I felt like part of their family, and so did everyone else. That takes a personal toll on all of us. Over the course of a career, these experiences have lasting emotional impacts.
Knowing this, we take care of ourselves and we take care of each other. We have to, because there are more people out there who need our help, and more families waiting anxiously for news about a missing loved one.
Each year, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office conducts an average of 120 search and rescue missions — that means we launch one every two or three days. Most will never get the kind of attention that this one received from the public and the media, but they are all just as important to me.

If your mother has Alzheimer's disease and she wanders away from home, or your brother gets lost while he's out hunting, or your child is missing, you will want me to deploy every resource available to find them — and I will. It doesn't matter whether or not anybody ever sees it on television or reads about it in the newspapers, we do it because we care.
Craig Roberts
Clackamas County Sheriff

COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN’S FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(photo: Captain Darren Reef, VP of the Festival Board of Directors)







ASTORIA, OR. ­ Thanks to a generous grant of $10,800 from Astoria Sunday Market the Commercial Fishermen’s Festival is able to take steps towards becoming an independent non-profit organization. The Festival has formed a volunteer board of directors comprised of Oregon and Washington commercial fishermen and has filed to incorporate as an Oregon based non-profit organization. “I’m proud and honored by the caliber of people who have agreed to be on the board,” commented Festival Director Ron Williams. “They bring great leadership, experience, and enthusiasm to the project.”
Captain Rick Quashnick (Warrenton), who along with his wife Donna own the F/V Maverick and F/V Miss Donna, is the founding board President. Captain Darren Reef (Astoria), who operates the flagship for Pacific Seafood Group, is Vice President. Board members include Captain Kevin Dunn (Astoria) who operates the F/V Iron Lady, Captain Nick Edwards (Coos Bay) owner of F/V Carter Jon, Captain David Lethin (Ilwaco, WA) owner of F/V Aleutian Ballad, and Captain Corey Rock (Newport) owner of F/V Kylie Lynn. Ex Officios for the board include Jack Crider, Executive Director for the Port of Astoria, Kurt Englund of Englund Marine & Industrial Supplies, and Andrew Bornstein with Bornstein Seafoods.
The mission of the Commercial Fishermen’s Festival is to offer fishermen and industry professionals an opportunity to bond and share information that will save lives, improve productivity, increase demand for seafood products, and promote job opportunities. The mission is also dedicated to educating the public about the fishing industry including the steps fishermen have taken to ensure a renewable resource for the future. The Festival will showcase American fisheries and the process of selecting, preparing and cooking seafood.
Williams explained that, “Astoria Sunday Market took on the task of incubating this program during its 2008 season and their continued support is helping ensure long-term future success.”
“Industry and community support has been amazing,” added board President Captain Quashnick. “Fishermen from all over are getting behind this Festival and there is real excitement about what we’re doing here.”
The Commercial Fishermen’s Festival the biggest most informative fun-filled commercial fishing celebration in the region. Here fans will meet the crew from boats featured in “Deadliest Catch,” cheer on the men that risk their lives to bring us seafood as they compete for Highliner of the Year, witness a search and rescue demonstration by the US Coast Guard, and see historic and modern fishing equipment. Festivities include demos, industry sales, food, music, crafts, beer garden and a kid’s area for a fun-packed weekend. The 2010 Commercial Fishermen’s Festival is September 18 & 19 at the Port of Astoria,
Pier 1.
“We already have early commitments from celebrities including author Spike Walker and Deadliest Catch stars, including Captain Phil Harris and strong interest from the Wizard crew as well as from Captain Andy and Johnathan Hillstrand of the F/V Time Bandit.” added Williams. Williams also spoke with Captain Sig Hanson and his brother Edgar who indicated that they want to attend. The Festival is anticipating a re-match of the Tug-of-War between “Deadliest Catch” fishermen and “AxeMen” loggers from JM Browning Logging Company. For more information and to view a fan created video of the 2009 Tug-of-War visit http://www.commercialfishermensfestival.com/.