Students and Volunteers Open CCC Campus Trail

Upward Bound students at Clatsop Community College, along with community volunteers from the CCC Trail Committee, have completed the first phase of trail restoration that could eventually link Astoria’s River Walk to the Astoria Column and Cathedral Tree trail system. Under the leadership of CCC board member Jim Scheller, volunteers completed a previously closed section of the CCC campus trail.

Project participants included: Upward Bound students McKenzie Peters, Jessica Morrow, Cecilia Giles, Gracie Ogren, Samuel Wittman, Brianna Lamping, Yasmine Mahon, Taylee Gittins, Dani Sellars, and Will Leroux; Program staff Stephen Tokarski, Moria Golub, Robert McClelland and Ben Chambers; and community volunteers Matt Crichton, Jamie Attig and Bob Goldberg. Technical assistance was provided by Andy Rasmussen, National Park Service Ranger from Ft. Clatsop.

Work accomplished in early July included stabilizing and re-graveling the trail segment that connects Jerome Avenue to the CCC east parking area. This work allowed the College to re-open this trail that had been closed for safety reasons. The group also worked to improve the upper segment of the trail linking the CCC campus to the Astoria Column. Invasive species and litter were removed along both segments.

Future plans include additional trail improvements, the installation of interpretive and safety signing and the construction of safety and vehicle barriers. Once completed, visitors and residents alike will be able to hike from the RiverWalk to the Astoria Column, enjoying and learning about the local environment. This work supports a key goal of the CCC Trail Committee - - To promote a vision for creating a forest/trail network for greater Astoria. It also contributes to the College’s vision of an open and welcoming campus with access for the community by creating a nature trail experience for pedestrians.

Future trail restoration and improvement is dependent on funding received through grants and contributions. Contributions to support this project can be sent to: Trails - CCC Foundation, 1651 Lexington Avenue, Astoria, OR 97103.

FISHING AND CONSERVATION GROUPS CALL FOR GREATER PROTECTION FOR SALMON HABITAT AND OLDER FORESTS ON OREGON STATE LANDS

Fishing and conservation groups continue to call on the Board of Forestry to establish permanent conservation areas for the protection of fish, wildlife, recreation and older forests on state lands in the wake of the State Forester's decision to approve a new 10-year management plan for the Tillamook and Clatsop State Forests.

The 10-year Implementation Plan approved by State Forester Doug Decker yesterday allows increased clear cutting on tens of thousands of additional acres of state forestland between the Portland area and the coast. Decker also, however, opted to slowly phase in harvest increases in order to make room for the Board of Forestry to re-examine their forest management strategies.

The new 10-year plan has proven particularly controversial due to the highly critical review of the plans from scientists with Oregon State University's Institute for Natural Resources in April. The scientists, in a 110-page report, determined the Oregon Department of Forestry consistently failed to use the best available science in developing its plans to increase logging. For example, the scientists found that the increased harvest carries a high probability that some species could reach a tipping point in their ability to survive, and that none of the limiting factors that ODF used in its analysis were consistent with existing science.

"It is disappointing that the State Forester has approved the plans without fully incorporating the best available science at the front end, but we are encouraged by the State Forester's interest in seeking a new approach. Any balanced plan needs to have long-term protected areas on state land to ensure that critical salmon streams and older forests are conserved for generations to come," said Ivan Maluski, conservation director with the Oregon Chapter Sierra Club.

"Salmon and steelhead fisheries form a critical part of the North Coast economy, and that fish habitat needs long-term protection and restoration," added Ian Fergusson, resource director with the Association of Northwest Steelheaders.

The groups are calling on both the Board of Forestry and Governor Kitzhaber to show more active leadership to protect key habitat on state forests. In an April 2009 letter to the Board of Forestry, Kitzhaber called for a strong emphasis on restoration and science in state forest management.

"Oregon needs a balanced approach to the management of our state forests, and this isn't it," said Bob Van Dyk with the Wild Salmon Center. "Governor Kitzhaber has a history of leadership on state forests, and we hope he will take advantage of the State Forester's interest in examining new management approaches. Oregon needs the Governor's help to bring people together around a plan that protects the best habitat on our state forests for the long term while providing a predictable stream of revenue and forest products over time."

OREGON LOWERS REGENCE RATE INCREASE TO 12.8 PERCENT/COMPANY REQUESTED 22.1 PERCENT

The Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) on Tuesday rejected a 22.1 percent health insurance rate increase request from Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon and instead approved a 12.8 percent increase.

The increase affects about 59,000 Regence customers who buy individual health plans directly from the company. It is an average, meaning some Regence members will see greater or lesser increases in their September bills.

The department disagreed with Regence's estimates of future claims costs, including some reform costs under the federal Affordable Care Act. Additionally, Regence had built into its rate request a 1.1 percent profit, which DCBS found unnecessary given that the company's current surplus is healthy.

"We hope this more modest rate allows Oregon policyholders to continue their coverage, leading to greater stability in rates and enrollment going forward," Insurance Division Administrator Teresa Miller said.

Regence's individual plan enrollment peaked at more than 100,000 members in 2007, the year after the company decreased rates by 16 percent. However, since 2007, Regence has sought a series of rate increases to stem losses on its plans, and individual enrollment dropped to less than 60,000 members.Regence estimates that it will continue to lose money on its individual plans with the lower amount approved by the department.

"Although we were able to reduce this rate increase significantly, ultimately, the key to stabilizing insurance rates is controlling the underlying costs of medical care," Miller said.

Because this increase affects so many Oregonians, the department held a public hearing on Regence's request on June 2. The department also received hundreds of comments online, as well as detailed analysis from OSPIRG on behalf of consumers.

Many Regence members asked why the company needed such a significant rate increase after changing its plans last year to allow members to choose reduced benefits for lower premiums. The company said that federal health care reforms required it to offer benefits - such as preventive care with no cost sharing for members - that it had not planned to offer. DCBS acknowledged this was correct, but adjusted the amount of additional expense Regence attributed to the reforms.

As it does for every rate decision, the department posted an explanation of its rate decision and a response to issues raised by OSPIRG. A federal grant administered by DCBS funds OSPIRG to review rate requests on behalf of consumers. Find these documents here: http://www.oregonhealthrates.org/?pg=public_hearing.html.

The department has taken many steps in recent years to strengthen its rate review process and make it more transparent. DCBS lowers health insurance rate increases in about 50 percent of requests but the amount varies greatly by company, depending on its unique financial situation. Visit www.oregonhealthrates.org to learn more about the rate process and to sign up for e-mail notifications when a company files a rate request or the department makes a decision.

The Regence increase that was approved this week does not affect small employers or those with Regence portability or Medicare policies. Rate requests for different insurance markets are filed separately.

Consumers who have questions about health insurance or other types of insurance can call the Insurance Division's consumers advocates at 1-888-877-4894 or, in Salem, 503-947-7984.

STRATEGIC PLAN LAYS OUT CLATSOP COUNTY’S LONG-RANGE GOALS

Comprehensive plan update. Levee certification. Highway 101 flooding. New or remodeled county jail.

The number and scope of projects on the to-do list for Clatsop County appears daunting. But County Manager Duane Cole is launching an effort to organize those tasks in a single Strategic Plan that enables the county to prioritize the projects and best allocate its resources to tackle them.

Cole presented a draft of the plan at a joint work session of the county board of commissioners and planning commission July 13. The county commissioners made the creation of a strategic plan one of their goals for the current year.

A tentative schedule calls for the draft plan to go to the planning commission for its review in August or September, followed by a series of community meetings around the county to gather citizen input. Cole hopes to have the plan go to the board of commissioners for its review and adoption in early 2012.

The draft plan contains 46 different projects. Most have been on the county’s radar for some time – replacement of the aging county jail, for example. Organizing them all in one comprehensive plan, Cole said, complete with estimated price tags and potential funding sources, will better allow staff, policy makers and the public to decide which project to assign higher priority, so that finite resources – staff time and funding – can be allocated to each in the most efficient manner.

“A strategic plan can lead to long-term results if the plan is a focal point for the board and staff priorities during the coming years,” Cole said in a staff report to the board. “It can also educate the community regarding important projects and provide the county with an overall sense of leadership and direction.”

The plan will focus on major, one-time capital and planning projects – not ongoing work such as road maintenance, Cole said.

Capital projects on the draft list include, in addition to the county jail, emergency communications improvements; a joint public works facility; household hazardous waste collection center; flood control on U.S. Highway 101 south of Seaside; and park and pedestrian improvements in Westport.

Proposed planning projects include an update of the county’s comprehensive land-use plan; Clatsop Plains water and sewer issues; ocean planning policy; transportation system plan update; certification of dikes and levees; and a housing quality plan.

Prioritization will take into account not only how much a particular project may be desired, but also what chances it has of being completed, Cole said.

“For example, a by-pass may be a high priority, but based on funding, the environmental impacts, and lack of agreement on a specific solution it may be years before the project is ready to proceed,” his staff report states.

Astoria Woman Survives 100 Foot Fall off Cliff

A woman survives a 100 feet fall off a cliff near the Astoria Column. At 12:31am Astoria Fire & Rescue along with Astoria Police Department were dispatched to a report of a female had fallen over the side of a cliff. Astoria Police Officer Riley responded to the call and was flagged down by three friends on the roadway. She was taken about 200 feet off the roadway to the location where the female had fallen. As firefighters arrived in the area they assessed the situation and immediately requested assistants from the Clatsop County High Angle Rescue Team (HART).

The Clatsop County Sheriff Department assisted with blocking off the road allowing only fire and rescue personnel to the scene. The High Angle Rescue Team arrived on scene and quickly began setting up their ropes and lowered down the side of the cliff to assess the woman’s location and medical condition. Lewis & Clark Fire Department was requested for assists with the rescue. Two of the High Angle Rescue Team members lowered down over the cliff with a rescue stretcher and equipment to rescue the woman. The female was equipped with a harness and helmet then placed into a stokes basket. As the rescue members secured the patient in the basket, fire and rescue personnel worked to set up four rescue ropes. It took several fire and police personnel to raise the patient up the cliff. This was a slow and tedious process taking over 5 hours. Once the patient was safely at the top of the cliff, personnel carried her out of the woods to the roadway, where Medix and fire emergency medical personnel were able to assess her medical conditions and she was transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital where she was entered into the trauma system.

There were 20 personnel committed to this rescue from Astoria Fire & Rescue, Astoria Police Department, Lewis & Clark Fire Department, Clatsop County High Angle Rescue Team, and the Astoria Community Emergency Response Team. Off duty Astoria firefighters and volunteers were called in to cover the city during the rescue. Clatsop County Sheriff Department assisted with securing the area and Warrenton Police Department provided police coverage for the city. Medix assisted with medical treatment.

Oregon’s Marine Reserves Moving Forward

Under the leadership of State Representative Jean Cowan, the Oregon Coastal Caucus, and Governor Kitzhaber, Oregon is moving forward with the recommendations of the Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC) to establish marine reserves at Otter Rock, Redfish Rocks, Cape Perpetua, Cascade Head, and Cape Falcon. The 2011 Legislature approved limited funding for the initial years of the program in the midst of difficult budget deliberations.

“Finding funding for the marine reserves program during a period of significant reductions in state spending demonstrates Oregon’s commitment to completing the hard work the public has put into this process” says Representative Cowan, the chair of the Coastal Caucus.

The Governor will work with legislators and OPAC to finalize the details of how state agencies will continue marine reserves implementation, and determine what additional legislative and administrative actions are needed to complete the work.

“The Coastal Caucus has provided great leadership in moving marine reserves forward,” said Governor Kitzhaber. “We will continue to work with them to develop the details of our next steps forward in a way that respects the broad input that has gotten us to this point.”

The details of the next steps for implementation are expected to be completed by early Fall, following consultations between the Governor’s office, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, coastal legislators, OPAC and other interested parties.

YOUTH ATV ENDORSEMENT PROGRAM OFFERED AT CLATSOP COUNTY FAIR

The Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce it is adding the Oregon 4H Youth ATV Rider Endorsement Program to its ATV Safety Training Classes at this year’s Clatsop County Fair.

The 4H endorsement program satisfies the upcoming requirement that youth under age 16 demonstrate hands-on skills to operate an ATV on lands open to public ATV riding in Oregon.

The youth rider endorsement evaluation session lasts approximately two hours. These sessions will be offered on Aug. 3 and 5, beginning at 10 a.m., at the fair.

These sessions are geared toward youth with prior riding experience. Each participant is provided the required skills information in advance of the session and must demonstrate proficiency in seven key areas. Each key skill must be successfully demonstrated to obtain the endorsement.

A limited number of loaner ATV’s will be available for youth unable to bring their own to the session.

Prompt enrollment is important so the study materials can be sent to the enrolled youth prior to the session. Please enroll through the following website: www.oregonatvsafety.com.

Youth with little or no experience are encouraged to enroll in our ATV Safety Institute Ridercourse classes being offered on Aug. 2, 4 and 6 at the fair. Register for the Ridercourse classes by calling 800-887-2887. Be sure to request the Oregon Tuition Subsidy when registering, and if a loaner ATV is needed, reserve it when enrolling.

Contact Deputy Michael Nelson at (503) 791-4978 for questions and further information.

CLATSOP HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD SEEKS APPLICANTS

Clatsop County continues to seek applications for a vacancy on the Northwest Oregon Housing Authority.

The organization owns and manages housing for low- and moderate-income people and administers various federal housing assistance programs in Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook counties.

The vacancy is for a four-year term representing Clatsop County. The board meets once and month, alternating between Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook counties. Applicants with a background in property management are encouraged to apply. The county Board of Commissioners will make the appointment.

Deadline to apply is July 29. To apply, obtain an application form and return it to the Clatsop County Manager’s Office at 800 Exchange St., Astoria OR 97103, (503) 325-1000. Forms are available from the County Manager’s Office or can be downloaded from the county website www.co.clatsop.or.us at “Citizen Involvement.”

Town of Cathlamet to Replace Failing Sewage Plant

The Town of Cathlamet has been awarded federal funding for a new wastewater treatment plant. The project, supported jointly by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Department of Commerce, is projected to cost $8.4 million and be completed in 2013.
The planned facility will be located outside town and away from the Columbia River; it will replace a failing sewage plant built in the 1960s. “We’re removing an eyesore and a public health risk from our historic waterfront,” said Mayor George Wehrfritz. “The project will be transformational for our community.”
USDA Rural Development has pledged Cathlamet approximately $7.5 million in grants and loans for the project, and the Department of Commerce has offered a $1 million Community Development Block Grant. Design work was completed earlier this year with support from State and Tribal Assistance Grant from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Once projected to cost more than $13 million, the facility is now budgeted for considerable less. “We’ve eliminated some costs, made some design adjustments and factored in today’s competitive bidding environment,” Wehrfritz said. “The challenge now is to deliver a finished product at or under budget.”
Removal of existing sewage lagoons will pave the way for waterfront redevelopment in Cathlamet. Past studies have proposed a new moorage basin for the Elochoman Marina, additional parkland and better waterfront trails.

CHILD SAFETY SEAT CLINIC IN WARRENTON SATURDAY

The community is invited to attend a FREE Child Safety Seat Clinic this Saturday, July 16th at Walgreens, 1625 East Harbor, Warrenton from 10am to 2pm. Child passenger safety seats will be available for low income families with proof of assistance (WIC or Food Stamps).

Did you know that 70% of all installed child passenger safety seats and 50% of booster seats inspected in Clatsop County in 2010 were misused and incorrectly installed in vehicles? Could your child passenger safety seat be misused too?

A Child Safety Seat Clinic is designed to help individuals understand the need to put their children in the appropriate child passenger safety seat and safety belt. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will educate parents and caregivers on how to install and adjust their car seats properly, check to make sure their car seat is not recalled, and educate everyone on the Oregon law.

For more information about this event, contact Tara Constantine at Astoria Fire & Rescue at (503) 298-2521.

KAUHAVA BIG BAND TO PERFORM IN ASTORIA

The United Finnish Kaleva Brothers & Sisters Lodge No. 2 of Astoria, OR and the Finnish American Folk Festival of Naselle, WA are proud to host the Kauhava Big Band from Finland on Friday, July 22, 2011 at 7:00 pm.

Kauhava Big Band was formed in 1986 by "gentlemen musicians" from all regions of Finland. The band is comprised of five saxophonists, four bassoonists, four trumpets, an accordionist, pianist, bassist and a drummer. Conductor is Jukka Lumme. Soloists are Seinäjoki tango finalist, Erkki Mustikkamäki and jazz soloist Helena Taijala. With their black tie attire and nostalgic concerts, they bring big band culture to life. You do not need to be of Finnish descent to enjoy this concert. Swing music is universal!

They will present a themed concert "Kielon Jaahyvaiset" (Lily of the Valley - A War Pilot’s Story) at the Performing Arts Center, 1653 Jerome, Astoria, OR. Tickets can be purchased at the door, at FinnWare in Astoria,OR and at Creative Flaire in Naselle,WA or by sending a check made out to FAFF, to Anita Raistakka, 92 Bighill Rd., Naselle, WA 98638. The cost is $10/adult and $5/children.

Immediately following the concert a no-host reception will be held at Fort George Brewery. Fort George Brewery will be specially preparing traditional Finnish sausages, several side dishes and Blue Scorcher Bakery’s Finnish rye bread. Please come and help us preserve Finnish American Culture on the Lower Columbia River. For more info, call 503-791-9156, visit You Tube - Kauhava Big Band or www.kauhavabigband.fi. This event is sponsored by Salon VerVE, One Six Five Bond Salon and North Coast Mini Storage.

ODOT contractor to begin slide repairs on Highway 131 (Old Netarts Highway)

A contractor working for the Oregon Department of Trannsportation will begin construction to repair a 250-foot section of Old Netarts Highway (Highway 131) at milepost 1.9 starting on Monday, July 18. Named the Happy Camp Slide, the area continues to move slowly producing cracks and slumps in the road. The project could take 4 to 6 weeks to complete.

During construction, Highway 131 will be closed near Happy Camp Road effective at 8 a.m. on Monday. Oceanside traffic will be detoured on to county roads Bayocean and Cape Mears Loop. As long as the work and slide stability allows, ODOT will try to keep a lane open on Highway 131 for emergency vehicles only. Since late June, the road had been open to one lane of traffic with two-way traffic controlled with yield signs.

The construction plan should provide a long-term solution to the problem. It includes building a rock buttress at the bottom of the slide area to stabilize it. It then calls for repairs to the highway that includes a retaining wall type structure (sheet pile wall), new guardrail, erosion control, paving and striping.

ODOT has been working with Tillamook County to patch and repair the detour route in anticipation of the closure. The detour route will require slower speeds and more care by motorists. The detour route will allow motorists to travel back and forth between the Oceanside community and Tillamook. The Netarts community will continue to use Highway 131. Signs will be in place to direct motorists to the detour or remain on Highway 131 depending on their destination.

Motorists should proceed with caution while using the detour route and expect longer travel times. ODOT has asked the contractor to work extended 12 hour days to expedite the project. No work is planned on weekends unless conditions dictate.

TWO SUBJECTS WHO FLED TROOPER IN RAINIER IDENTIFIED; OSP ASKS PUBLIC TO HELP LOCATE WANTED MALE

Two people who fled on foot from an Oregon State Police (OSP) trooper last Thursday morning in Rainier have been positively identified but not located. The name of the male driver, who is wanted on a felony warrant, is being released and OSP is asking for the public's help to locate him.


SCOTT DAVID LAVELLE (AKA: ‘Lil Scottie'), age 19, from Longview, Washington was identified as the male driver who fled on foot with a juvenile female on July 7, 2011. LAVELLE is wanted on an outstanding felony Attempted Assault in the First Degree warrant held by Columbia County Sheriff's Office.


LAVELLE is described as a white male, 5'7", 140 lbs, with short brown hair and brown eyes. He also has a birthmark or scar on the right ear lobe with unknown tattooed letters above the mark.


The female named "Summer" was positively identified as a 17-year old from Longview, Washington. Her name is withheld because there are no pending charges in Oregon.


OSP would like to contact "Summer" related to the investigation associated with the traffic stop on July 7 at approximately 9:47 a.m. when an OSP trooper observed a possible verbal disturbance in the Shell gas station parking at Rockcrest Street and Highway 30 involving a male and female in a light blue 1987 Toyota Camry four-door displaying Washington license plates. After the trooper pulled into the parking lot to contact the two people, they both subsequently fled on foot in opposite directions leaving the car behind. LAVELLE left behind some clothing and a baseball hat, and a loaded handgun found inside the car.


Anyone with information regarding the location of SCOTT DAVID LAVELLE is asked to call 9-1-1 or OSP Northern Command Center dispatch at 800-452-7888.

Body found on Seaview, WA beach

Seaview, Wa - On July 11th, 2011 at about 0900 hours the Pacific County Communications Center received a call from a person stating that she had discovered what appeared to be a deceased male body on the beach near Seaview, Wa. Pacific County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene. Deputies verified that the incident was founded. The body has not been positively identified and the Sheriff’s Office will be working with the Pacific County Coroner’s office to determine identity. The exact cause of death has not been determined.

Narcotics Detection Canine Demonstration at "Muttzanita" in Manzanita

Hoover, the Narcotics Detection Canine of the Tillamook County Sheriff's Office is coming to Manzanita to show off his skills. Hoover will be at the third annual Muttzanita Festival on Saturday, August 20th at Four Paws on the Beach, 144 Laneda Ave. in Manzanita, Oregon.

Hoover is a 10 year old black lab and semi-retired. His nose is excellent at sniffing out contraband. He has been instrumental in various arrest for drug charges in Tillamook County. It is amazing to see how well canines can sniff out the slightest scent -- in this case, narcotics.

Hoover's handler, Sheriff Deputy Paul Fornay, will be there to show how Hoover does his job. Come on and join us to watch the amazing work that canines can do. Hoover is very good at detecting narcotics anywhere, so be forewarned, the Sheriff Deputy is in town!

For more information, visit muttzanita.com or call (503) 368-3436.

NOAA announces aquaculture initiative

NOAA announces a new aquaculture initiative to help meet our country’s growing demand for seafood, while creating jobs and restoring healthy ecosystems.

The agency’s Aquaculture Technology Transfer Initiative will foster public-private partnerships on regional projects that showcase innovative sustainable practices, jump start private sector investments, and create employment opportunities in coastal communities.

NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco will announce the initiative following meetings at the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute in Carlsbad, Calif., a private research institute north of San Diego with extensive aquaculture research facilities. At Hubbs-SeaWorld, she will tour the facility and meet with aquaculture practitioners, researchers, and other partners.

“Aquaculture is a critical component to meeting increasing global demand for seafood,” said Lubchenco, who is also under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere. “Job creation is a major focus of this administration. This initiative provides an opportunity to support innovation and growth in the private aquaculture sector, resulting in a healthy, local seafood supply and job growth at our working waterfronts.”

In June, the Department of Commerce and NOAA released national policies that support sustainable marine aquaculture in the United States. Americans import about 84 percent of their seafood, half of which is from aquaculture. The U.S. trade deficit in seafood currently exceeds $10 billion and continues to grow.

“Aquaculture can be a significant contributor to a ‘blue-green’ economy that both contributes to and benefits from healthy oceans and coasts,” Lubchenco said.



As part of this initiative, NOAA will work with its partners in the private sector, academia, government and communities to advance technology, monitor performance indicators, and showcase best practices and market-based standards. The initiative will be implemented with the active involvement of NOAA’s regional offices and science centers, Sea Grant Extension, and other federal, state, local and non-governmental partners. Jointly, NOAA and its partners will identify and pursue projects that promote sustainable domestic marine aquaculture. American expertise and innovation has played a significant role in the development of aquaculture in foreign countries. The DOC and NOAA policies and this new initiative will promote sustainable practices and developments in the U.S. so that American ingenuity can be applied here at home.



The domestic aquaculture industry, both freshwater and marine, currently supplies about five percent of the seafood consumed in the U.S. The cultivation of shellfish, such as oysters, clams, and mussels, comprises about two-thirds of U.S. marine aquaculture. Salmon and shrimp aquaculture contribute about 25 percent and 10 percent, respectively. Current production takes place mainly on land, in ponds, and in coastal state waters.

On the web:

NOAA Aquaculture program: http://aquaculture.noaa.gov

NOAA’s Fisheries Service: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov

Oregon Healthy Kids Program has added 94,000 children to care in last two years

The percentage of children without health care in Oregon has dropped dramatically - from 11.3 percent in 2009 to 5.6 percent in 2011- according to the Oregon Health Insurance Survey, a statewide survey released by the Oregon Health Authority today. This puts Oregon on the leading edge in the country in bringing health care access to children.

"Today over 90,000 more children have affordable health coverage and their families have the peace of mind that an accident on the playground won't bring financial ruin," says Cathy Kaufmann, Healthy Kids administrator. "When kids and teens have health coverage, they're more likely to receive preventive and other care when they need it. That means fewer emergency room visits and more peace of mind for families."

Oregon's Healthy Kids, one of the Oregon Health Authority's first initiatives, was launched in 2009 to bring affordable, quality health insurance to all Oregon children in the face of ever increasing health care costs.

Healthy Kids offers no-cost and low-cost health coverage for uninsured Oregon children and teens 0-18, providing them with all the care they need, including preventive care such as regular check-ups, vision and dental care, prescriptions and more. Depending on income, working families may pay a portion of the monthly premium, but no family earns too much money to qualify. When the program was launched two years ago, OHA leadership set a goal of bringing 80,000 children into care, a goal that has been met and exceeded.

"The Healthy Kids Program shows that Oregonians know how to step up and solve the problems in our health care system," says Bruce Goldberg, M.D., Oregon Health Authority Director. "We've made great strides in insuring children and improving the lives of tens of thousands of families. The next step is building a strong health insurance exchange and transforming the state's delivery system for better health and lower costs."

The Raquinio family knows the importance of affordable health care. The parents could no longer pay to cover their three children even though they had coverage through work. The rising costs became too steep. Today, the Raquinio children are covered under Healthy Kids.

"We never thought we'd be able to get coverage again with the rising costs," said Leon Raquinio.

The Oregon Health Insurance Survey will be conducted every two years, gathering detailed health insurance and health- related information from more than 10,000 Oregonians throughout the state.

Oregon families with uninsured children can apply for Healthy Kids today by calling 1-877-314-5678 or by visiting www.OregonHealthyKids.gov.

To learn more about Oregon's efforts to improve health care for everyone, go to www.health.oregon.gov

Contact Info:
Media contact: Cathy Kaufmann, 503-927-6340, cathy.kaufmann@state.or.us
Stephanie Tripp, 503-269-5689, stephanie.tripp@state.or.us

OREGON APPEALS COURT REVERSES CLATSOP COUNTY LAND-USE RULING

The Oregon Court of Appeals has reversed a local judge’s ruling that upheld the rights of two Clatsop County families to develop their land.

In a decision issued June 29, the appeals court found error with the original 2010 decision by Clatsop County Circuit Court Judge Phil Nelson and remanded the issue back to Nelson.

The cases involve two claims under Ballot Measure 49, the state law that allowed qualified landowners to develop their property under earlier, less restrictive zoning rules. James and Virginia Carlson sought to build 29 home lots on their property on Tucker Creek Lane south of Astoria, and George and Barbara Fraser applied to develop a 52-lot subdivision in Clatsop Plains near Gearhart.

In 2008 the county Planning Division rejected the Carlson and Fraser Measure 49 applications, but later that year the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners overruled planning staff and determined that the Carlsons and Frasers had “vested rights” under Measure 49 and were entitled to pursue their respective projects. The board’s rulings were appealed by the Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition ? Richard and Patricia Rowland joined the appeal against the Carlson application, and the Shamrock Pines Homeowners Association joined the Fraser challenge.

In November 2009 Judge Nelson upheld the board’s decision, which was then appealed to the state appeals court.

The appeals court ruled that the decision did not properly take into account the cost of home construction in determining whether the Carlsons and Frasers had made a significant enough investment into their respective properties to qualify as vested.

In 2004 Oregon voters approved Ballot Measure 37, which allowed landowners either to seek compensation for loss in value to their property due to new, more restrictive zoning designations, or to apply for waivers to the new rules and develop their land under the zoning as it existed when they first acquired it.

Clatsop County received more than 100 Measure 37 applications, and granted waivers to nearly three-quarters of them, including the requests from the Carlsons and Frasers.

In 2007 voters approved Measure 49, which narrowed the qualifications for Measure 37 waivers and required landowners seeking to develop more than 10 lots to prove that their development rights were vested. The following year Clatsop County adopted Ordinance 08-06, which spelled out the factors to be considered in making a determination of vested rights, including the “good faith” of the landowner in pursuing their development, and the amount of money the owners spent on their projects before Measure 49 became law in December 2007.

The Court of Appeals ruled that in reviewing the Carlson and Fraser applications, the county was required to consider the total cost of the two projects, including the construction of homes, not just the home lots, when calculating how much the applicants had invested in their respective developments. That calculation, the court ruled, had to consider the cost of home construction as of Dec. 6, 2007, the date that Measure 49 became law.

Commission Opens Investigation Into Rural Telephone Problems

The Oregon Public Utility Commission has opened a formal investigation into long distance problems that are plaguing some rural Oregonians who are experiencing dropped telephone calls, poor voice quality on calls, calls where only one person can hear, and incorrect caller ID information.

“This is frustrating and confusing for customers who are losing their ability to contact family members. Businesses that depend on being able to receive customer calls and critical faxes are also being affected, as well as the ability to identify 911 calls,” Bryan Conway Administrator of the PUC Telecommunications Division said. “We have a general idea of possible causes for these problems. However, this investigation will provide us with more information and possible solutions.”

Oregon PUC staff conducted a Call Termination Issue Workshop on Friday, June 24, 2011 at the request of the Oregon Telephone Association (OTA). The OTA represents local exchange telephone companies who are concerned with call completion issues their customers are facing.

At the workshop, industry members said their customers are experiencing an increase in problems receiving long distance phone calls and faxes in rural service areas. Other long distance problems reported by consumers include unusually long setup times, dropped calls, poor voice quality on received calls, or calls where only the calling party can hear. This issue is affecting livelihoods and the ability to contact family members from outside rural areas.

Customers who are experiencing these sorts of problems are encouraged to the call the Oregon Public Utility Commission Consumer complaint line at 1-800-522-2404.

Click on this link to see workshop presentations:

Betsy Johnson appointed to serve on Oregon Legislature’s Emergency Board

Following the adjournment of the 2011 Legislative Session, Senator Betsy Johnson (D-Scappoose) was appointed by Senate President Peter Courtney to serve on the Emergency Board – commonly called the “E-Board.” As a member she will be one of 10 senators and 10 representatives chosen to work on urgent budget issues that may arise when the Legislature is not in session during the 2011-13 biennium.

“It is an honor to be chosen to serve on the Emergency Board,” said Johnson, who is also Senate Vice-Chair of the Joint Ways and Means Committee, the chief budget committee during session. “These continue to be economically uncertain times for our state and for too many Oregon families and business owners. The budget we passed in 2011 will need continuous monitoring with respect to both revenue and expenditures.”

Johnson also served as a member of the Emergency Board during the 2009-2011 interim. At that time, the ongoing shock waves of the global recession required the Board to reallocate resources to protect essential services and manage state finances. The E-Board played a critical role in rebalancing the state budget following steep revenue declines, and it was the work of the E-Board in 2010 that prevented the need for a costly special session last summer.

“Even with annual sessions, these board members have an important duty to help guide the state during the interim,” said Senate President Peter Courtney (D-Salem/Woodburn/Gervais). “The Emergency Board members are the experts on the state budget. They understand how the numbers work and what it means in terms of real services for Oregonians.”

The E-Board does not plan to meet in the months prior to the February session unless there is a real emergency to address. Following February, the E-Board will meet periodically until the start of the 2013 session.

By law, members of the Legislative Emergency Board are appointed after each legislative session. The presiding officers of both chambers and most recent leaders of the joint budget committee are automatically members.

STIP open houses scheduled in Astoria and Tillamook

The Oregon Department of Transportation has scheduled Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) open houses in Astoria and Tillamook on July 12 and July 13.
During the open houses, the public will have the opportunity to review and comment on proposed projects in the DRAFT 2012-2015 STIP.


The open houses are as follows:


Tuesday, July 12
4 to 6 p.m.
ODOT District 1 Office
350 W. Marine Drive
Bridge View Conference Room
Astoria, Oregon

Wednesday, July 13
4 to 6 p.m.
Tillamook City Library Conference Room
1716 3rd Street
Tillamook, Oregon


Projects that will be highlighted and discussed at the open houses range from modernization, preservation, safety & operations and bridge projects.


The STIP is Oregon’s four-year transportation capital improvement program. It is the document that identifies funding and scheduling for transportation projects and programs. It includes projects for federal, state, city and county transportation systems; multimodal projects including highway, passenger rail, freight, public transit, bicycle and pedestrian; and projects in national parks and forests.

ODFW unveils Tillamook shellfish survey findings

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will explain the preliminary findings of an extensive survey of Tillamook Bay clams at a public presentation Saturday, July 16, in Tillamook. The presentation will start at 2 p.m. at the Department of Forestry Meeting room, 5005 3rd St., Tillamook.

A team of ODFW biologists will present their research and maps showing where gaper clams, butter clams, cockles and native littleneck clams are found in the bay, their abundance and the habitat for each species. Maps displaying clam abundance and other bay clam information will be handed out. Information gathered by this project will be used by clammers, biologists and resource managers, providing a baseline for monitoring future changes in the estuary.

The estuary research project became a permanent group in 2010 after a successful pilot project in Coos Bay. The study in Tillamook Bay will be completed in fall 2011 and the group will then study the other major recreationally-important shellfish areas in Oregon. Funding for this research comes from the recreational shellfish license dollars.

After the shellfish assessment project presentation, other shellfish staff will be available for a short period to answer questions about fisheries management and regulation concerns. Parking is located at the Department of Forestry or next door at the ODFW Tillamook Office.

For more information about the meeting or the work of the shellfish assessment project please contact the ODFW MRP office, 541-867-4741 or email ODFW.seacor@state.or.us.