The Bradwood Testimonials: And The Guy Says You Can Pull Right Up To the LNG Tanker....

While it's in dock at Bradwood?

So long as it is no closer than 200 yards(600 Feet) anywhere around that vessel while in dock, so says United States Coast Guard's Captain of the Port.

"Hooey!" on this one as being anywhere near factual.

Singer/Songwriter Delaney Bramlett Dead At 69

December 29, 2008

From; CMT News

Delaney Bramlett, a roots music singer, songwriter and producer best known as a founder of Delaney & Bonnie & Friends, died Saturday (Dec. 27) at a Los Angeles hospital of complications from gallbladder surgery. He was 69...For complete article click on link below


http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1601890/singer-songwriter-and-producer-delaney-bramlett-dies-in-los-angeles.jhtml

Tansey Point; The Historic Site Of The Anson Dart Treaties!!

And benevolently donated by the Carruthers Family to the citizens of Warrenton for their pleasure and use is now deemed an "Industrial Park"?

How does that happen and why is its historic significance overlooked to the benefit of a private corporation's lease of it?

Those Bradwood Testimonials; Local Business Owner Steven Phillips

Truth or Hooey?
These are the "Spin-Off" jobs?
Service industry jobs in the local grocery store and restaurants?

Announcer;
“Why do you support Bradwood Landing?

Business owner, Steven(sp) Phillips.”

Steven(sp) Phillips;
“With a major facility like this and the spin-off jobs that are going to happen, ahhh.. you add another sixty to seventy employees and now we’ve got service requirements jobs in the grocery store another restaurant that opens, ahhhhh… the spin-off economics are just phenomenal and the opportunities are great for kids.”

Announcer;
“Bradwood Landing is good for the economy and good for the Columbia.”

Snow Melt, Rain Push River Levels To Near Flooding

Snow melt, rain push rivers to near-flood levels

by Michelle Roberts - The Oregonian

Saturday December 27, 2008, 8:08 PM
Rapid snow melt combined with Saturday's steady rainfall bloated rivers across Oregon and Southwest Washington, in some instances running over their banks and forcing the National Weather Service to issue a flood watch in more than a dozen counties. In Seaside near the Necanicum River, at the Oregon Coast, 10 inches of standing water crowded drivers on Highway 101 into one lane late Saturday, with Department of Transportation officials directing traffic onsite.

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/12/snow_melt_rain_push_river_leve.html

Tennessee Coal Plant Breech Creates Environmental disaster

December 24, 2008

From; Democracy Now

Spill at Tennessee Coal Plant Creates Environmental Disaster
Parts of Tennessee remain buried under toxic sludge today after a major disaster at a coal plant. A forty-acre pond containing toxic coal ash has collapsed, spilling out millions of gallons of coal ash. Environmentalists say the spill is more than thirty times larger than the Exxon Valdez, but the story has received little national attention. Greenpeace is calling for a criminal investigation......For complete article click on link below.

http://www.democracynow.org/2008/12/24/spill_at_tennessee_coal_plant_creates

From The Daily Astorian; Corruption Wins At Clatsop County Courthouse.

12/22/2008 11:12:00 AM

A Steven Forrestor editorial;

Corruption wins at Clatsop County CHNorthern Star LLC seems to own a majority of commission votesOnce corruption creeps into an organization, it becomes an alternate center of gravity, sucking up the honest and enabling the dishonest........For complete article click on link below

http://www.dailyastorian.com/main.asp?SectionID=23&SubSectionID=392&ArticleID=56968&TM=50780.1

Commissioner Samuelson Responds;

Posted: Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Article comment by: Commissioner Samuelson - "Maybe I'm weary from this last storm, but I really need to ask the question of you Mr. Forrester, how is our community going to survive, let alone thrive in any way if you continue to spew such serious allegations, and extreme slander upon elected officials and others in this County. May I remind you, there is yet another storm coming tomorrow, people are hungry, people are unemployed,they are cold, and many of our young people are leaving here if they can find a way out...where are your concerns about that, and ultimately what are you contributing to this community with an editorial such as this? We have tremendous needs for basic things here, worse than I ever remember...and I've been here most of my life."

Having Trouble Deciding What Holiday To Celebrate This Time Of Year?

Here's what 2009 in America will bring us during the next Holiday Season

And it's still just about Christmas?

October 2009
German-American Heritage Month
National Italian-American Heritage Month
Polish-American Heritage Month
3 -Sukkot* (Jewish)
10 - Shemini Atzeret (Jewish)
11 - Simchat Torah (Jewish)
17- Diwali (Buddhist, Hindu)
21 - Cirio de Nazare (Brazil)
31 - Reformation Day (Christian)

November 2009
National American Indian Heritage Month
1 - All Saints' Day (Christian, Roman Catholic)
1 - Dia de los Muertos "Day of the Dead" (Mexico, Latin America)
2 - All Souls' Day (Roman Catholic)
12 - Birthday of Baha'u'llah (Baha'i)
27 - Eid al-adha (Islamic, Muslim)

December 2009
6 - St. Nicholas Day (International)
8 - Bodhi Day - Buddha's Enlightenment (Buddhist)
12 - Hanukkah* (Jewish)
12 - Virgin of Guadalupe (Mexico)
13 - Santa Lucia Day (Sweden)
16-25 - Las Posadas (Mexico)
18 - Al Hijra - Muslim New Year
25 - Christmas (Christian, Roman Catholic, International)
26 - Boxing Day (Canada, United Kingdom)
26 - Kwanzaa (African-American - Dec. 26, 2009 - Jan 1, 2010)
*Holy days usually begin at sundown the day before this date.

2008 Accomplishments Of Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners

Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners reviewed its accomplishments for 2008.

The list included;
* The sale of the Delaura Beach property to the State of Oregon for inclusion into Fort Stevens State Park
* Approving the zoning application for the Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas project.
* Completing a study of the local public safety system that studied four potential alternatives for a new county jail.
* Hiring a consultant to assist with the sale of timber blown down in the December 2007 gale.
* Completing an agreement with ODOT over the grant-of-access agreement for the proposed Atlin Investments development at the North Coast Business Park.
* Allocating funds to assist the Westport Water Association and Wauna Water District with needed maintenance and improvement projects and to assist the clean-up of Plympton Creek. The funds came from the county’s share of a tax penalty paid by Georgia-Pacific Corp.

Jose Cuervo Christmas Cookie Recipe

Jose Cuervo Christmas Cookies Notes: THIS RECIPE IS STRICTLY FOR MEN OVER THE AGE OF TWENTY-ONE AND UNDER FORTY. DO NOT MAKE THIS WITH YOUR GRANDMOTHER.

Ingredients
1 cup water
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup lemon juice
4 large eggs
1 cup nuts
2 cups dried fruit
1 bottle Jose Cuervo Tequila

Serves / Yields
One

Preparation Instructions:

Sample the Cuervo to check quality. Take a large bowl; check the Cuervo again, to be sure it is of the highest quality, pour one level cup and drink.

Turn on the electric mixer...Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl.
Add one teaspoon of sugar...Beat again. At this point it's best to make sure the Cuervo is still OK; try another cup ...just in case.

Turn off the mixerer thingy.

Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit, Pick the frigging fruit off floor... Mix on the turner.

If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers just pry it loose with a drewscriver. Sample the Cuervo to check for tonsisticity.

Next, sift two cups of salt, or something. Who giveshz a sheet.

Check the Jose Cuervo.

Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts.

Add one table.

Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink.

Whatever you can find.

Greash the oven.

Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over.

Don't forget to beat off the turner.

Finally, throw the bowl through the window, finish the Cose Juervo and make sure to put the stove in the dishwasher.

CHERRY MISTMAS!

Unlike A Local Public Relations Strategy She Just Did It From Her Heart...

Woman Buys Gloves For Entire Tacoma School

Thursday, December 18, 2008

TACOMA, Wash. -- A woman who saw children Monday with no mittens bought 300 pairs of gloves and donated them Tuesday to Stanley Elementary School in Tacoma.

For complete article, click on link below.

http://www.kirotv.com/news/18309510/detail.html?rss=sea&psp=news

Can A Blog Be Sued For Defamation?

Isn't It All Free Speech?

Excerpt By: Kelly O'Donnell - Global Legal Network

This is a knotty issue, but a short answer would be, generally, that a blog owner whose blog has published obnoxious materials can be held harmless while a blogger using the site can be liable. The Communications Decency Act of 1996 is a protector of blog owners. It states, in section 230, that it "precludes courts from entertaining claims that would place a computer service provider in a publisher's role." As to how the court sees blogs, in general, overall, the US Supreme Court has ruled that blogs are similar to news groups, saying "in the context of defamation law, the rights of the institutional media are no greater and no less than those enjoyed by other individuals and organizations engaged in the same activities."

For bloggers, all Defamation legal rules apply to their posts. But there are many complications in applying them. First, many people who post online comments, and probably those tending to make the most inflammatory and false statements, will do so anonymously, for obvious reasons. So the first threshold is identifying the blogger making Defamatory claims. Several things make this difficult, as well. Since the blogger probably will not identify themselves when the issue comes to light, there needs to be a legal process that allows identification. They can be traced by high-tech means, but a court must agree via summary judgment that all the elements of Defamation have been met. This technology does have some limits, as well, as it can be stymied through use of "Proxies," which mask the true origin of the blogger. Also, the website owner may not cooperate in the search, as well.

A recent case showed how powerful Defamation laws, applied online, can be. In November 2006, a Florida woman, Sue Scheff, was awarded $11.3 million in damages in Broward County Circuit Court, in one of the biggest awards ever tolled. The suit was filed for Internet defamation, and the jury found a Louisiana woman had posted caustic messages against the Scheff and her company, claiming she was a "con artist" and "fraud". The jury found the charges were completely false, so the Louisiana woman had no defense. Interestingly, Scheff's attorney had offered to settle the case for $35,000 before it went before the jury.

From The Daily "A" - The Port/Tongue Point Secrecy Versus The Public's Right To Know

12/17/2008 12:25:00 PM

Port hits secrecy snag on Tongue Point!

Sale is confidential, but county wants to make meetings public

By CASSANDRA PROFITA - The Daily Astorian

Port of Astoria leaders are worried about keeping the details of their North Tongue Point purchase confidential as Clatsop County leaders move to arrange a public analysis of the deal.The Port has asked the county for an undisclosed sum of video lottery funds to pay for part of the confidential North Tongue Point purchase price.

Click on link below for full story.

http://www.dailyastorian.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=398&ArticleID=56825&TM=42591.39

10 Things To Never Say To A Car Dealer

Even in a "Buyers Market" it pays to watch what you say.

By Sam Foley of MSN autos

So you’ve decided to buy a new or pre-owned car. You know the make, model and year of the chariot. You even know what features you want. Now it’s time to head to your local dealer and sign on the bottom line, right? Not by a long shot. It’s now time to negotiate price. If you want to get the most bang for your buck, here are 10 phrases you should never utter in earshot of a car dealer — and why..........


http://editorial.autos.msn.com/listarticle.aspx?cp-documentid=765384&topart=luxury

OregonLive: LNG Terminal would undercut Green Economy

Liquified natural gas terminal would undercut green economy

by Rory Cox, Guest opinion
Monday December 08, 2008, 8:03 PM

It is unfortunate that the Oregon AFL-CIO's president, Tom Chamberlain, confuses short-term, temporary jobs with the very real opportunities that Oregon is presented with as solar power, wind energy and energy efficiency start to replace costly fossil fuels to make the state's economy strong.

For complete article click on Link below.

http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/12/liquified_natural_gas_terminal.html

Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Jimmy Vaughan, Buddy Guy

BLues Players, just get better with age.

Maybe there's some hope for me.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyH9DHt19ZM

Bonnie Bramlett, Dickey Betts, Charlie Daniels, Elvin Bishop

Four of my favorite lengends jamming their butts off on "South Bound"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmN3cembTLg

Lower Columbia LNG: Action Alert CCBofC's 12-3-2008 Conduct

ACTION ALERT Co Commissioners!‏

From: lower_columbia@lists.onenw.org

Just when you think you've seen it all -

Remember September when the "Pipelines in Parks" Referendum received 8,252 NO votes from Clatsop Co citizens? (67% of the ballots cast!!)

On Wednesday, 3 of our elected County Commissioners did everything in their power to ignore the voice of the people on this issue and to avoid sending a letter to the OR Dept of Justice acknowledging the results of the referendum.

". . . We need only know whether the currently planned routing of this portion of the proposed pipeline is consistent with your comprehensive plans and land use regulations. . . " (Dept of Justice letter to Clatsop County Planning Dept., Oct. 10, 2008.)

Following 20 minutes of confused deliberation, the board refused to send the letter:

Hazen's opening questions: Did you talk with Bradwood about this? Do we know what their plans are?

Samuelson throughout the discussion: Can we table this? I'd like to table it myself. . . . This is Bradwood's Landings problem to solve. . . . I would move to table it.

Roberts: It's like there are missing gaps. I was unable to track what his (the county counsel who co-wrote the letter) involvement was. We are being asked to make a decision on something we don't have all the information on. (The commissioners info packet was received a week ago and the letter from DOJ was received 2 months ago.)

Patrick asked excellent questions of Ed Wegner, county staff, clarifying the issue.
Raichl remained silent during the discussion. (If you are interested in the transcript of the proceedings, email me.)

There is an excellent article in today's Daily Astorian, with a clear explanation of the issues.

LNG opponents clash with countyHTTP://www.dailyastorian.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&subsectionID=398&articleID=56451&Q=71362.89Web Posted 12/4/2008 12:02:00 PM By JOE GAMM and CASSANDRA PROFITA

Bottom line - the Commissioners will again face this issue at the regular meeting:
Clatsop County Commissioners
Wednesday, December 17, 6:00 pm
Guy Boyington Building, 9th and Commercial

PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND
Your statements during the public comments and your attendance will remind our commissioners that they can no longer deny the Referendum and that they are elected to represent the people of Clatsop County, not their favorite energy speculator.

From CRK: Clean Energy Rally In Salem, January 13, 2009

Hello All:January 13th we are holding a Clean Energy Rally at the capital steps in Salem to promote renewable energy development and oppose LNG!

This is your chance to join hundreds of residents from the Pacific Northwest to raise our voices in support of a clean energy future for our region!

Earlier this year, on February 6th, we held a very successful rally on the steps of the capitol building.

With more than 300 folks in attendance and speakers ranging from affected landowners and fisherman to conservationists and elected officials, this rally marked a turning point in our fight against LNG.

This year we hope to double our attendance and need you to be a part of that effort!Please come to this important rally for clean energy!January 13th, 11AM-1PM on the capitol steps in SalemBring your signs, tractors, fishing boats, friends, families and voices.

Help our message to be heard: We want clean, renewable energy -- not more foreign fossil fuels!

We are currently organizing buses and carpools from all over the region. If you are interested in carpooling or taking a bus, please contact me at oliviariver@gmail.com and I will help you find the option that works best for you!Also -- if you are interested in coming early or staying late to participate in a meeting with your legislator to talk about LNG and upcoming LNG legislation for the 2009 session, please let me know.

I will make sure that you get to the right meeting at the right time!

Thanks to all of you for your participation in this fight! Please attend -- there is strength in numbers!-Olivia Schmidt Columbia Riverkeeper and Sierra Club(971)533-2390 oliviariver@gmail.com

UAW: $73.26 Per Hour

According to the Indianapolis Star:Base wages average about $28 an hour.

GM officials say the average reaches $39.68 an hour, including base pay, cost-of-living adjustments, night-shift premiums, overtime, holiday and vacation pay. Health-care, pension and other benefits average another $33.58 an hour, GM says.

September 26, 2007 UNITED AUTO WORKERS OFF THE JOB, Striking back at globalization. By Ted Evanoff

World's Oldest Weed Stash Found In Gobi Desert!!!

Yes, a 2700 year old stash of Marijuana found in the grave of a deceased dweller and no, it ain't a piece of rope either.


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28034925/

Nuclear Plant The Size Of A Garden Shed?

Enough modular nuclear power in this plant to power 20,000 homes?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/nov/09/miniature-nuclear-reactors-los-alamos

Shell's GTL: Gas To Liquid Fuel

Is Shell serving up a helpful and feasible Fuel?

Check this out.

http://realenergy.shell.us/?page=GTLWhatIs&lang=en_US&promo=search#GTLWhatIs

Scuttlebutt: G.O.B.s Try A Takeover Of Clatsop County Democrat Party?

A sitting, elected official, an LNG speculator employee with a small group of other local G.O.B.s makes an attempt to take over the Clatsop County Democratic Central Committee?

Could this actually contain any truth to it?

Anybody know any deatails they would wish to share with us?

AP Wire; Put Restrictions On Pit Bulls?

Someone in this piece suggests that all Pit Bulls be singled out and heavy restrictions put on them.

Are these dogs any worse than Aunt Marthas little Pekingnese when it comes to bite risk in the presence of children?

Is it the dog or the owner that should bare to punishment?

For complete article click on link below.

http://www.kgw.com/news-local/stories/kgw_112308_news_pit_bull_vancouver.1e172e86b.html

A Passing

Althea Mae Nordan-McGee
May 12, 1920 - November 24,. 2008



















Today we all thank God for allowing her passage to his bosom and out of her prison of Alzheimer's.

What a wonderful woman she was.

From This Old House; Ten Good Reasons To Remodel

Here's some pretty good advice as to one option in expanding your housing needs in an economy in the dumps.

Click on link below for full story.

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/print/0,,20195545_20444969,00.html

From Lower Columbia - LUBA Appeal On Bradwood

Lower Columbia - LUBA appeal on Bradwood‏
From:
Cheryl & Ted (ted067@centurytel.net)
Sent:
Sun 11/23/08 6:07 AM
To:
lower_columbia@lists.onenw.org

NO lngers!,

On Thursday, November 20, two heroes of the NO LNG battle presented legal arguments on why the 21 zone changes and land use amendments OKed by the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners should NOT be upheld by the state.

Brett VandenHeuvel, representing Columbia Riverkeeper (CRK), and Julie Carter, representing Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission (CRITFC), made oral arguments before the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) in two separate hearings.

Carol Carver of Wahkiakum Friends of the River (Puget Island), along with Gayle Kiser and Sandy Davis of Landowners and Citizens for Safe Community (Cowlitz County), and I journeyed to Salem to observe the process and cheer on our legal team.

It was a jolt to see Andy Jordan, legal counsel hired by Clatsop County, sitting at the table with the high-priced legal team from NorthernStar. The NorthernStar attorneys argued the county's case to LUBA. Public opposition to the Bradwood proposal has been amply demonstrated over the last few years in public meetings and hearings, official testimony, demonstrations and rallies, letters to county newspapers, and September's pipeline referendum vote. It occurred to me that had the County Commissioners had the wisdom to accept the recommendations from county staff to deny the Bradwood project, that CRK and Clatsop County would be on the same side in these legal appeals.

In the first hearing CRK and CRITFC focused on a complex combination of issues in Clatsop County:

1. The LNG terminal fails to protect fishing areas and fish.
2. There is no need for LNG.
3. The county failed to maintain a safe and adequate navigation.
4. The county failed to comply with Statewide Planning Goals.
5. The LNG terminal is not a "small or moderate" sized development.
6. The county's reliance on mitigation was improper.
7. The county failed to follow proper procedures.

The second hearing concerned Clifton Road, and CRK argued that the road improvements needed for the Bradwood site should be held to the same standards as the rest of Clatsop County and should NOT receive special privileges. (Seems like a no brainer to me!)

The LUBA ruling is scheduled for December 30th, but not expected until Jan or Feb of 2009. THANKS to everyone who donated to CRK this year, either directly or through the SPIRIT event. Your support allows citizen interests to be well represented in the ongoing legal battles.
Cheryl

From Clatsop County: Hand Count Proves Accuracy Of Vote Tally Machine

Friday, November 21, 2008

HAND COUNT PROVES ACCURACY OF VOTE TALLY MACHINE

On Thursday, Nov. 20, the Election Department conducted the hand count mandated by the Secretary of State’s office. A new Oregon law mandates that every county elections office perform an administrative recount, by hand, of three randomly chosen precincts, as well as three races also chosen at random during federal elections.

Precinct 26 was randomly selected by the state as the precinct to count. State measure 57, the Presidential race and Attorney General race were selected as the races to hand count.

After comparing the results of the hand count to the final results of the vote tally machine, it was shown there was no difference between the totals.

“I think this process is a great way to show Clatsop County residents that our vote tally machine is extremely accurate and something they can depend upon,” says County Clerk Cathie Garber.

Article:Ten Reasons The Auto Bailout Will Not Work

Thursday, November 20, 2008 7:06 PM

By: Dan Weil

The auto industry sees other industries getting government bailouts, and wonders why not? Others hear the pleas of the Big Three carmakers and wonder, why?

For complete article click on link below.

http://www.newsmax.com/headlines/auto_bailout/2008/11/20/153588.html?s=al&promo_code=71C6-1

Statistics On Poverty And Food Wastage In America

By Samana Siddiqi

Poverty in America?

One of the richest countries in the world?

Yes, poverty is a reality in America, just as it is for millions of other human beings on the planet. According to the US Census Bureau, 35.9 million people live below the poverty line in America, including 12.9 million children....For Complete Article Click On Link Below

http://www.soundvision.com/Info/poor/statistics.asp

2009 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations Now Available

Click on below link to get you there.

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/docs/2009_oregon_sport_fishing_regs.pdf

From Clatsop County: District Attorney Announces Staff Changes

Thursday, November 13, 2008

DISTRICT ATTORNEY ANNOUNCES STAFF CHANGES

The Clatsop County District Attorney's Office is welcoming two new employees, saying good-bye to a long-time staff member and announcing the promotion of two trial prosecutors.

Sheryl Holcom, who worked as a trial assistant for more than five years, has moved over to the Clatsop County Clerk and Elections Department. Taking her place will be John Wistuber, who previously worked for the Maricopa County prosecutor's office in Phoenix, Arizona. Also joining the staff as a trial assistant is Jennifer Houser, who has worked for several years as a part-time administrative assistant.

Both Wistuber and Houser will be responsible for managing a share of the more than 1,000 criminal cases handled each ear by the District Attorney's Office. District Attorney Josh Marquis said that the office had received a large number of applicants and we were able to get the very best to add to an outstanding staff.

Gretchen Ladd, a Deputy District Attorney who joined the office last October from a similar post in Newport, has been promoted to Senior Deputy District Attorney. Ladd has tried and secured convictions of a number of serious violent felonies in the last year. Also promoted to Deputy District Attorney 2 is Scott McCracken, who will continue to handle a wide variety of both misdemeanor and felony cases.

Hijacked Oil Tanker Nears Somalia

A giant Saudi oil tanker seized by pirates in the Indian Ocean is nearing the coast of Somalia, the US Navy says.

The Sirius Star is the biggest tanker ever to be hijacked, with a cargo of 2m barrels - a quarter of Saudi Arabia's daily output - worth more than $100m.

The vessel was captured in what the navy called an "unprecedented" attack 450 nautical miles (830km) off the Kenyan coast on Saturday.

Its international crew of 25, including two Britons, is said to be safe.

The ship's operator, Vela International, said a response team had been mobilised to work towards ensuring the safe release of vessel and crew.

For Complete Article, Click On Link Below:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7734733.stm

From Ted Thomas: On One Processor That Will Get That 20% Whitefish Share

From Ted Thomas regarding local people of note

Some things you just have to share. This guy was sued for racketeering by his mother!Now he is 20 million dollars richer because the government gave him 20 % of the whitefish catch quota, as an outgoing gesture I am sure. it is a fire sale on fish. Meanwhile the smaller boats have received a portion of the fisheries so small they cannot survive on it and will be compelled to sell it to the larger operations. What happened in the bearing sea fisheries recently was that 300 out of 400 some fishermen lost their only employment permanently. It seams to me that when you own the rights to fish the boats the processing and the market that you might have a monopoly. Where are the Sherman anti trust laws when you need them?

Ted Thomas

www.times.org©2007 Cascadia Times

Order your print copy of "The California Current"Frank's World:

A Timeline

Frank Dulcich’s troubles go back to 1986 when his two siblings noticed large amounts of money were missing from the family seafood business, Dulcich Inc., also known as Pacific Seafood. They hire a lawyer to investigate.

1993: Dulcich Inc.’s Board of Directors determine Frank Dulcich took an unauthorized $288,000 from the company.claiming Frank took much more from the company than the Board said, his siblings sue Frank for securities fraud, racketeering and theft.

1994: Frank settles siblings’ lawsuit, agrees to buy all shares in Dulcich Inc. 1995: Hayes Oyster sues Frank and his company for trying to destroy its business and steal its assets.

1996: Jury finds Dulcich illegally took valuable oyster shells from Hayes Oyster, orders Dulcich Inc. to pay $46,400. In 2006 Dulcich Inc. agrees to pay $150,000 more.

1998: Frank advises his managers to “use and abuse” rival companies, and “kill our allies last,” according to court evidence. A Dulcich Inc. subsidiary begins to steal from fishermen and the state of Oregon.

1999: The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality finds a Pacific Seafood plant has no water pollution permit and is dumping tons of fish waste into the Skipanon River on the northern Oregon Coast.

2000: Frank becomes a member of the “Bush Pioneers,” a group of donors who each round up $100,000 for George W. Bush. 60 Oregon State troopers descend on 2 Dulcich Inc. facilities with search warrants to collect evidence of stealing from fishermen.

2002: A neighbor of the polluting plant on the Skipanon, sick of the stink and pink slime, files a federal Clean Water Act lawsuit against Dulcich Inc. OSPIRG is also a plaintiff in the case. A Pacific Seafood subsidiary pleads no contest to first degree theft, a class C felony, for stealing from fishermen and the state of Oregon. It is ordered to pay $800,000 by the court and to serve five years probation. During the probation, the company is barred from retaliating against fishermen who testified. Frank’s company and affiliates pay more than $1,000,000 to the Gallatin Group to lobby Congress from 2002-2007.

2003: Frank’s Mom, Melba, sues her son for failing to pay her $150,000 per year as he promised in 1994 in exchange for her shares in the company. Balance owed to Mom in 2003: $1,8 million. In approving a bill sponsored by Oregon Sen. Gordon Smith, Congress agrees that taxpayers must pay $950,000 to resolve Pacific Seafood’s pollution problems in the Skipanon River.

2004: Frank settles his Mom’s lawsuit.

2005: Over the years, Dulcich and his family and associates have donated $45,000 to Oregon Sen. Gordon Smith.

Smith helps Dulcich once again by sponsoring a bill designed to give Dulcich Inc. part ownership of the Pacific whiting fishery.

The bill fails.

Rod Moore, an ally of Dulcich, takes a seat on the Pacific Fishery Management Council, giving Dulcich inside access to federal fishery policy.

Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski nominated Moore.

Federal Judge Ancer Haggerty orders Pacific Surimi, a Dulcich subsidiary, to close its surimi line until it gets a pollution permit and stops its illegal pollution.

Pacific Seafood is held liable for violating the Clean Water Act 1,384 times since 1999.

2007: President Bush signs a reauthorized Magnuson-Stevens Act providing fish processors potential ownership of catch shares in the West Coast groundfish fishery.

Fishermen go on strike claiming that Dulcich Inc. suddenly slashed fish prices just before a huge harvest.

Judge Haggerty approves a consent order requiring Dulcich’s company to spend $200,000 over 10 years to clean up the Skipanon River.

The National Marine Fisheries Service closes whiting fishery after a Pacific Seafood plant in Westport, Wash., is caught destroying imperiled widow groundfish by passing them through a meat grinder. The five years probation following the 2002 felony theft conviction finally expires on August 7.

From Clatsop County: Final Ballot Count Produces No Changes In Local Races

Monday, November 17, 2008

FINAL BALLOT COUNT PRODUCES NO CHANGES IN LOCAL RACES
There was no change in the outcome of two close local races after the Clatsop County Elections Division tallied the last 190 ballots left uncounted from the Nov. 4 general election Monday afternoon.
The count, conducted at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, put the final tally in the race for the Astoria City Council Ward 4 race at 414 for incumbent Russ Warr and 411 for challenger Bob Goldberg. After the first unofficial count on election night, Warr had a two-vote lead over Goldberg.
Under state law, counties must conduct recounts of election races if the vote margin is less than one-fifth of 1 percent. In the case of the Warr-Goldberg race, that threshold would be less than two votes.
Goldberg or any other party can request a recount, but would be responsible for the cost. The request for a recount must be made within 35 days of the election.
In the other close local race, the Monday’s final vote tally gave Clatsop County Commission Chairperson Patricia Roberts a total of 1,466 votes to 1,444 votes for challenger Jim Scheller in the race for the commissoin’s District 2 seat. The election night tally originally gave Roberts a 15-vote edge.
The threshold for an automatic recount in the county commission race is six votes. Like the Astoria race, Scheller or another party can request a recount at their own cost.
Most of the uncounted ballots that were tallied Monday were ballots from Clatsop County voters that had been mailed to or dropped off at other counties’ elections offices. Monday's count did not change the outcome of any other race on the Nov. 4 ballot.

From Columbia RiverKeepers: FERC To Grant Rehearing On Bradwood Landing Application

Hello All:Great news today! FERC has granted a rehearing on the Bradwood Landing permit, essentially admitting that their action to approve the project (last month) was premature and illegal.

We are very pleased to see that FERC is taking into consideration the requests made by the State of Oregon, State of Washington, National Marine Fisheries Service, Columbia Riverkeeper and Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission to reconsider this permit.

At this point we will have to wait and see how FERC moves forward with it's consideration, but regardless of their further action on this issue we know that the commission is acknowledging the valid concerns of government agencies and conservation organizations who are all demanding to be heard on this point.

I cannot stress enough the importance and impact of our work as a broad community-based organization in affecting this change. Every step taken by state governments and agencies to challenge this project has come about as a direct response to community grass-roots action.

You all have made this happen!

Thanks to everyone who has written or called a legislator, attended a rally, or talked to a neighbor about these proposals.

Thanks to everyone who has taken time out of your busy lives to come to meetings and stay informed about this proposal or attended a public hearing to make your voice heard.

Thanks to all of you who have seen past political differences to come together to fight what would be a devestating development on the Columbia River.

And thanks to everyone for maintaining hope that as a group of individuals we can affect change!I will be sure to keep you all informed as this process develops further.

Olivia Schmidt Columbia Riverkeeper
oliviariver@gmail.com
971-533-2390

From Clatsop County:Final Vote Tally Due Monday November 17, 2008

Thursday, November 13, 2008

TALLY OF UNCOUNTED BALLOTS SET FOR MONDAY

Clatsop County’s tally in the Nov. 4 general election will finally be complete Monday, when almost 200 uncounted ballots from Clatsop County voters will be opened and counted by the Clatsop County Elections Division.
Most of the 189 ballots currently received by the elections office are from county voters that for one reason or another were mailed to or dropped off at elections offices in other counties. All the ballots underwent a signature verification process on Wednesday at the County Clerk’s Office.
The ballots will be counted at the Judge Guy Boyington Building beginning at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17.
On Thursday, Nov. 20, the elections office will conduct a hand recount of ballots for three election races from Precinct 26, under a new state law that mandates sample “administrative” recounts of votes from randomly selected precincts and races by all Oregon counties. The races Clatsop County will recount are for U.S. President, Oregon Attorney General and Ballot Measure 57. Precinct 26 covers the Hamlet area.
Whether the county conducts recounts on two close local election races could depend on Monday’s tally of uncounted votes. In the race for Astoria City Council Ward 4, incumbent councilor Russ Warr leads challenger Bob Goldberg by just two votes, 413 to 411.
In the race for Clatsop County Board of Commissioners District 2 seat, incumbent Commissioner Patricia Roberts is ahead of challenger Jim Scheller by 15 votes, 1,452 to 1,437.
The county is required by law to conduct automatic recounts of individual races if the vote margin is less than one-fifth of 1 percent of the total votes cast. In the case of the Astoria council race, that margin would be less than 2 votes; for the county commission race, the margin is six votes.
If the vote margin exceeds one-fifth of 1 percent, anyone can still request a recount, but that person or party must cover the cost. Recounts must be requested within 35 days of the election.
A date for a recount will be set if Monday’s tally of uncounted votes brings the vote margin in either of the races close enough to trigger an automatic recount, said County Clerk Cathie Garber.

Longview Daily News: FERC May Rethink Their Decision On Bradwood

Longview Daily News

By Tony Lystra

Federal regulators appear poised to reconsider their approval of the Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas terminal, both supporters and opponents of the project said Friday.

But what exactly that means for the Columbia River project depends on whom you talk to.

The disclosure followed a dizzying burst of arguments from NorthernStar Natural Gas, the Houston company behind the $650 million project.

On Thursday, NorthernStar first asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to hold off on deciding whether to revisit the September decision to approve the terminal, then acknowledged on Friday that it would be illegal for the agency to do so.

Still, NorthernStar characterized FERC’s anticipated move to take up the project again as a routine, procedural measure that would not jeopardize the terminal’s fate.

The project’s opponents, however, said the approval process, which has amounted to a battle between the states and federal officials, appeared to be unraveling and that NorthernStar had engaged in a desperate bout of legal maneuvering toward the end of the week in order to save face.

“That FERC might be rethinking or reconsidering its decision is a huge setback,” said Brent Foster, the executive director of Columbia Riverkeeper, one of the environmental groups fighting the terminal. “It puts a huge cloud over FERC’s decision.”

Washington’s Assistant Attorney General Joan Marchioro said Friday that NorthernStar is clearly trying to influence FERC “at the eleventh hour.”

“It appears to me that there must be some recognition on the company’s part that the motions for rehearing have merit,” she said.

FERC officials could not be reached Friday.

Agencies in Oregon and Washington have asked FERC to reconsider its decision to approve the LNG terminal, which would be built across the Columbia River from Puget Island, as well as an accompanying pipeline that would cross Cowlitz County.

The state agencies argue that FERC illegally approved the terminal before NorthernStar secured Clean Air, Clean Water and Coastal Zone permits from Oregon and Washington.

FERC has until Monday to decide whether to grant the agencies’ request for a rehearing. Should FERC decline to revisit its decision, states and others would be free to sue the federal agency in federal court.

On Thursday, NorthernStar asked FERC to hold off on its decision.

The company said in a memo that it wants time to secure necessary state permits from Oregon and Washington and to complete a massive review of impacts on endangered species.

It also said delaying would “prevent premature and unnecessary litigation that may occur if the commission issues a final order....”

“We’re saying that’s in the public interest,” Joe Desmond, NorthernStar’s vice president of external affairs, said Friday evening.

The Oregon Attorney General’s Office fired off an answer to NorthernStar’s request Friday, saying that if FERC wants to give the states time to consider Clean Air, Water and Coast Zone permits, as NorthernStar suggests, then the best course of action would be for FERC to repeal its Sept. 18 approval of the project and start from scratch.

In addition, the Oregon memo said the law does not allow FERC to delay its decision on whether to take up the case.

Desmond acknowledged as much Friday evening, saying he expected FERC will grant a rehearing “for the limited purpose of further consideration.”

That language, he said, is important because it doesn’t mean that FERC is on the brink of reversing its approval of the Bradwood terminal. Rather, he said, it would allow FERC to respond to requests for a rehearing within the time frame required by law, without triggering lawsuits.

“Certainly this is what we would expect on Monday,” Desmond said. “We’ve explained this on a number of occasions.”

But NorthernStar’s memo was surprising for several reasons, said Foster, of Riverkeeper. The company should want to blast through the federal approval process as quickly as possible because it faces competition from Oregon LNG, which also plans an LNG terminal on the river.
The memo also represents an apparent reversal of NorthernStar’s position on which permits it should secure and in which order they should be granted.

“This is just a 180-degree change in position,” he said. “This is a hail Mary.... It has got to be the absolute last thing in the world they want to do.”

Civics: Teaching Our Kids To Love Democracy

by Richard Dreyfuss

I believe America is a verb, not a noun. America is the greatest opportunity for people to live in fairness and decency, but only if you accept the idea that America is an ongoing activity, rather than a done deal. America as an evolving concept has meaning; our country offers more potential for human freedom and mobility of mind than any other sovereign nation created in the last 10,000 years. But if America is just a noun, a static object, it should be treated as any other nation. Nothing special -- simply a place that is south of Canada and north of Mexico.

Click On Link Below For Complete Article:

http://www.edutopia.org/civics-unrest-teaching-kids-to-love-democracy

Appomattox NG Pipeline Explosion - "A Fireball A Quarter Mile Wide And High! Says County Law Enforcement

Sheriff Deputy John Mattox:“The concussion of it almost knocked me off my feet a quarter mile away, and the heat… I thought it was coming for me and I couldn’t get back fast enough.”

By Carrie J. Sidener

Published: September 15, 2008

APPOMATTOX — More than a day after a natural gas pipeline explosion destroyed two homes and injured five people, nearby residents expressed concern that two pipelines are still flowing gas through their community.

The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
Related:

Three pipelines run side-by-side between the charred and shattered brick remains of the homes of Linda Jamerson and Calvin Childress along Kelly Creek and Oakville roads in AppomattoxCounty....For Complete Article Click On Thread Title Above


Click On this Link For Aerial photos of site:
http://www.newsadvance.com/lna/news/local/article/a_view_from_above_appomattox_pipeline_explosion/8689/

545 versus 300,000,000?

545 PEOPLE


By Charlie Reese, a former columnist of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper and journalist for 49 years

Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.

Have you ever wondered why, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?

Have you ever wondered why, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?

You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does.

You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. ONLY The House of Representatives does.

You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.

You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.

You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.

One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine Supreme Court justices, 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.

I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.

I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason.
They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.

Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.


What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits. The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.

The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House?

Nancy Pelosi. She is the leader of the majority party. She and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.

It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 3 00 million cannot replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.

If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.

If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red.


If the Army & Marines are in IRAQ, it's because they want them in IRAQ.


If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way.


There are no insoluble government problems.


Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, who they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like 'the economy,' 'inflation,' or 'politics' that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.

Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible. They, and they alone, have the power. They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses. provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees.


We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!


What you do with this article now that you have read it is up to you.

Obama Intent On Bankrupting The Coal Industry?

Audio & Video: Obama will bankrupt the coal industry

Here's the Sunday morning BUZZ!!! Everyone's talking this morning about the Audio and Video Clip now up on YouTube of Obama telling the San Francisco Chronicle he'll make it impossible for new coal plants to be built.

The interview took place in January and this tape is JUST NOW surfacing!!

We currently have two Coal Power Plants (TXU) in our area here in Texas that provide Electricity to Millions of homes.

This is JUST in NE Texas and If they are "Bankrupted" where will all these homes get power from??

What about other states and areas??

Bankrupty: The change Obama thinks the coal industry deserves… Obama Video (SF, CA): Build the coal plants if they want, but it will Bankrupt them if they do...." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-aLcbr63ME

Obama Audio: Build the coal plants if they want, but it will Bankrupt them if they do....." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hdi4onAQBWQ S

arah Palin Denounces Obama Plan to BANKRUPT COAL INDUSTRY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZjDxXUDLU0&feature=related Obama's redistribution of wealth interview.

"Holding LNG Accountable" says District 2's Roberts!

So contending incumbent County Commissioner, Patricia Roberts says "She is holding LNG (NSNG's Bradwood Landing) Accountable" is it?

Well, let's see now...Measure 4-131, a careless misuse of zoning on a piece of property eyed by Bradwood Landing for their 36" high pressure pipeline but, zoned OPR (Open Land, Parks and Recreation) with the specific requirements of zone change dictated to her, Roberts, County Commission by Northern Star and complied with verbatim.

Hold LNG/Northern Star accountable she says? Well, with a 109 item list of issues to be mitigated before approval of a questionably legitimate application by our state, Roberts has no choice but to sit and check off every item as complete because final approval will not occur without these changes and questions satisfied.

And now, to find out Roberts has received $1000 in contributions, among others, from none other than Ken Leahy, a key player and financial interest holder in Brandwood Landing, LNG Transfer and Storage Terminal.

"Holding LNG Acoountable"....God one.

From CNN: 5 Great Oregon Hiking Adventures

By Lisa M. Shaw - (Coastal Living)

Visitors love driving Oregon's coast, but it's a shame not to get out and hike the stunning landscape, too. Here are several trails to get you started.

For full article, click on link below

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/getaways/10/24/oregon.hikes/index.html

The Future Of Clatsop County Commission

We must avoid this at all costs

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=22954573

Vote For Jim Scheller

Measure 58: How Long Before A Student Is Required To Assimmilate Into The School System?

Speaker Argues Hate Drives Measure 58

BY TOM HENDERSON - GAZETTE-TIMES REPORTER

It’s the dawn of a new century, but does Bill Sizemore know which one?James Crawford has his doubts.

Crawford spoke at Oregon State University on Saturday night to participants in the Linguistic Association of the Southwest’s 37th annual national convention.

He said Sizemore might be more comfortable in 1908. That was when a wave of resentment started building toward German-speaking immigrants.

World War I brought anti-German hostility to a boiling point, Crawford said. Laws were passed banning the speaking of German in public places, including classrooms.

http://gtconnect.com/articles/2008/10/20/news/community/7loc01_speaker.txt

The Oregonian: Company Floats Idea On Pacific Ocean Wind Power

Company floats idea of Pacific Ocean wind power

Gail Kinsey Hill - The Oregonian
Sunday October 19, 2008, 8:03 PM

GARIBALDI -- The fishermen are nervous. About a dozen sit around a U-shaped table in a meeting room at Garibaldi's Comfort Inn, their gaze fixed on a picture that has popped up on a PowerPoint presentation.
In the middle of a whitecapped ocean, a wind turbine rises from the waves, three blades poised like a giant whirligig. The tower base connects to an odd-looking floating foundation that, if the speaker is to be believed, signals a breakthrough technology and a powerful future for this struggling bayside town......Click On Link Below For Full Story

http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2008/10/unknowns_buffet_ocean_wind.html

LNG Resistance: Freedom Works Cancels All Their Upcoming Meetings

From: Columbia River Keepers

Great news today -- FreedomWorks (Lights on Oregon) has canceled all upcoming meetings in Oregon!

After bombarding these meetings with members of our anti-LNG coalition, asking tough questions, and showing this LNG front that we will not allow these LNG propaganda meetings to proceed without our presence felt in the room: that organization has decided to cancel the 7 upcoming meetings scheduled for Oregon.

Thanks to everyone who came to the earlier meetings held in Hood River and Gresham and thanks to everyone who helped coordinate our response to these events!

To all of you who planned to attend one of the upcoming meetings to be held by Lights on Oregon (FreedomWorks) -- please note that they have all been canceled and thank you so much for your willingness to come out and have your voices heard.

These meetings were originally planned to counteract the incredibly effective work that we all are doing on this issue and the fact that they have now been canceled is a testiment to how effective we truly are.

Great work, everyone! - Olivia Schmidt Columbia RiverKeeper oliviariver@gmail.com

LNG Documentary Debuts Friday At The Liberty

Locally Produced LNG Documentary Debuts at Astoria International Film Festival

“Crossroads on the Columbia ... Oregon confronts America's energy future” co-produced by Astoria journalist and radio talk show host Donna Quinn and Eugene filmmaker Spence Palermo will be shown:

9:15 pm on Friday, October 24th

Liberty Theatre, 12th and Commercial

Part of the Astoria International Film Festival.

“Crossroads on the Columbia”, a 15 minute short film, chronicles a community's response to private energy investment companies' proposals to build controversial Liquified Natural Gas receiving terminals on the Lower Columbia River near the historic town of Astoria, Oregon.

The passion and power of grass roots activism set against the backdrop of the beauty, history and heritage of the Columbia Pacific region makes this a compelling story of America at the crossroads of fossil fuel dependence, renewable energy and decisions over who controls our land, air, water and economy.

“Although this film is still a work in progress, we thought it was important that a locally produced documentary on this important issue was included in Astoria’s film festival.

Through the visual power of the film medium, we are able to give the Columbia River a voice to tell the story of its rich history and culture to a wider audience,” said Quinn.

Quinn and Palermo are in the process of completing a half-hour version of their film for 2009 film festivals throughout the country.

“Energy independence is “the” issue of our time and has been a focal point of the recent presidential campaign”, says Palermo.

“We hope our films will make people think about their own personal contributions to the energy crisis in the United States and realize that they can make a positive difference by the way in which they live their private and professional lives.

Quinn notes that America has the technology, the ingenuity and the heart to become energy independent within 10 years but that “now it is truly a matter of political will.

”Palmero, of Eugene based film company, "Intercultural Images", has worked with National Geographic, NPR, and the History Channel as well as on other independent projects. One of his latest films with Portland Director Irene Taylor Brodsky, a documentary about polio in India, "The Final Inch", was just short-listed for the 2009 Academy Awards.

Quinn, of Quinnessential Productions, is the host of KMUN's "Talk of Our Towns", a contributor to Northwest Coast Magazine, and working on a book seriesA $5.00 admission at the door will include not only the 15 minute short film, “Crossroads...” but also the 9:30 pm showing of a French drama “Just Ahead of You”.

Since Joanne Rideout's event is the same night as Crossroads, (Friday, October 24) it's fortunate that her special "Ship Report" starts at 7:30 pm at the Maritime and ends at 9 pm so folks can go to the Liberty Theatre for the 9:15 showing of Crossroads. There's a great evening with two Columbia River community happenings on the same evening!

"The Daily Astorian": Bradwood Opponents Jubilant

10/18/2008 7:59:00 PM

Bradwood opponents jubilant after latest LNG news

Federal fisheries agency, Washington state Department of Ecology question Bradwood approval process

The Daily Astorian and The Associated Press

Washington's Department of Ecology and a federal fisheries agency have challenged the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for approving the Bradwood liquefied natural gas terminal.

Managers of both agencies say there has been adequate environmental analysis of the impacts of the proposed terminal, 20 miles east of Astoria.

The National Marine Fisheries Service, a division of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, criticized FERC's approval of the Bradwood project as "not consistent with the requirements of the Endangered Species Act.

"Simultaneously, Washington's Department of Ecology has asked federal authorities to slow down the process, saying that FERC violated the law by "failing to take a hard look at the environmental impacts of the project.".....For Complete Article, Click On Thread Title Above.

Columbia River Keeper: Call To Action - Columbia River Salmon

ACTION ALERT:URGENT -- CALL TO ACTION!Use your voice to protect Columbia River Salmon!

As many of you know, for the past several months the Water Resources Department (WRD) has been considering an application from NorthernStar/Bradwood Landing to take 15 Billion Gallons of water from the Columbia River in it's first year.

The WRD will also be responsible for issuing permits for the continual use of 12 Billion gallons of water during every year of Bradwood LNG operation. As a part of that application the Oregon Department of Fish &Wildlife must make a determination on the impact of that water right to fish in the affected area of the river.

Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) is poised and ready to claim that NorthernStar's removal of billions of gallons of water will not have a detrimental impact to fish. They are making this evaluation based on inadequate information about the method by which that water will be screened in an area that is crucial habitat for salmon.

The information provided to ODFW is the same information currently being challenged by the State of Oregon, State of Washington, Columbia Riverkeeper and Columbia Inter-Tribal Fish Commission as being incomplete in the EIS for Bradwood Landing.

The possibility of this move by the ODFW is completely out of sync with Governor Kulongoski and the State of Oregon that is petitioning for a rehearing by FERC based on the fact that the analysis done for this project is incomplete.

Please read the attached action alert and sample email and contact the ODFW and Michael Carrier today! They could make this decision at any time within the next couple of weeks and they need to hear from you!Contact information for key decision makers is included here -- for a sample email and additional information please see the attached document titled "Urgent_ODFW_Alert(2)".
Contact:

Michael Carrier, Governor's Natural Resources Director:
michael.carrier@state.or.us, (503) 986-6525

Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife:
Roy Elicker, Director, roy.elicker@state.or.us, (503)947-6044
Chris Kern, Assistant Fisheries Manager, j.chris.ken@state.or.us, (971)673-6031
Jill Zarnowitz, Water Policy Coordinator, jill.zarnowitz@state.or.us, (503)947-6092

Columbia River Keeper: LNG Front Updates

Hello All:This is the third update to be sent-out over our communications list for folks who are interested in LNG and related pipeline developments in the Pacific NW. The intention of this list is to keep folks all over the region updated on LNG proposals and the growing movement of opposition to this development and related pipeline proposals in Oregon and Southern Washington. Welcome to our updater and thanks for your interest! If you would like to get more actively involved you may be able to attend one of our many monthly organizational meetings. To find out how to get more involved contact Olivia Schmidt at oliviariver@gmail.com or by phone at (971) 533-2390 and she can help you tap-in to this vital movement away from fossil fuel and toward a renewable energy future.Below you will find important action alerts, news items and notices for upcoming events.______________________________________________________

IN THE NEWS:

We have been all over the news in the last month and I am including here 5 key news items for folks to check out.

1) On September 16th we won the Clatsop County Pipeline Referendum with a NO vote! It was a huge victory for our coalition which won by a margin of 2:1 in this crucial election. The effect of that vote was two-fold. On one hand it demonstrated the true and staggering public opposition to LNG and associated pipelines -- a fact noticed by many Oregon Legislators. At the same time, because the voters of Clatsop County overturned one of the land use changes made by Clatsop County Commissioners, the referendum effectively invalidated the Land Use Compatibility Statement that Bradwood Landing is required to provide in order to obtain key state permits. In addition to the impact to permits and government leaders, the time and financial cost spent by Bradwood Landing/NorthernStar made this campaign very effective. Thanks to all of you who participated, volunteered and donated to that particular effort!

2) On September 18th, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission granted a conditional permit to Bradwood Landing (proposed by Texas-based NorthernStar Natural Gas). This was an action that our entire coalition expected and that permit was met by strong opposition by members of our coalition as well as the State of Oregon and Washington. Governor Kulongoski and Governor Gregoire have strongly criticized FERC for issuing a permit based on a gravely inadequate Environmental Impact Statement and both states have promised to file a Petition for Rehearing and follow that with litigation if it is not granted by FERC. Columbia Riverkeeper and Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (among others) are also filing petition for rehearing based on the incompleteness of the EIS for that project. The issuance of the federal permit put the ball squarely in the states' court and now is our chance to demand the denial of other key permits for LNG development. With continued pressure on state agencies to rightfully deny key permits we will win this fight!

3) On September 30th, members of the Yamhill Valley OCAP and the Yamhill County LNG Citizens Advisory Committee organized and led a tour of farms and natural resources that would be impacted by proposed Palomar and Oregon LNG pipelines through their area. They were joined by members of their county commission and representatives from the offices of Rep. David Wu and Sen. Ron Wyden who listened to testimony from impacted landowners, agriculturalists and Brenna Bell of Willamette Riverkeeper. Statements made by landowners and conservationsists highlighted the economic and environmental impacts of these proposals. The event was very informative and got great news coverage. Click here to see TV News coverage of the event: http://www.portlandmediamonitor.com/clients/jack_danger_093008.html

4) On October 6th we held a massively successful rally in Olympia, Washington to draw attention to impacts to that state and to encourage Washington Governor Gregoire to follow through on promises to sue FERC in the event that a rehearing is not granted on the Bradwood Landing permit. More than 100 LNG opponents were present to support Southwestern Washington residents that would be impacted by LNG and Pipeline development and to highlight the environmental and climate change impacts of LNG. We had many great speakers at the event including Jay Manning (Director of the Department of Ecology in Washington), George Exum (Chair of Wahkiakum Friends of the River) and Gyale Kizer (President of Landowners and Citizens for a Safe Community) -- to name a few.Thanks to everyone who came out to that event -- it had a great impact and again demonstrated the diversity of our coalition that is made up of impacted landowners, student activists, farmers, conservationists and people of all ages and political affiliations!

5) On October 10th a formal application was filed to FERC by Oregon LNG. This represents a new stage in that company's permitting process. Now, FERC will begin compiling a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for that project. Many serious concerns have already been raised about the location designated for that proposal -- The Skipanon Peninsula at the mouth of the Columbia River (in the town of Warrenton, OR) is an unstable sand spit within a tsunami zone and surrounded by fault lines on all sides. Oregon LNG is a project of Leucadia National which is the Manhattan-based company that stepped in to pick up the pieces from the bankrupted Calpine Corporation that disbanded after one year of pushing it's original LNG proposal for the same site. Oregon LNG is in the early stages of its federal permitting process and will be required, like Bradwood Landing and Jordan Cove LNG, to also obtain state and local level permits.

Jim Scheller - Clatsop County Commission

I am asking you, the voters of District 2, to consider our shared hopes and dreams for the future of Clatsop County. Like you, I treasure our cultural heritage, our Columbia River, forests, beaches, and the families and institutions working to build a sustainable community. I promise responsible and thoughtful stewardship of these treasures.

For complete details click below:

http://scheller08.com/

Bob Goldberg - Ward 4, Astoria City Council

Bob is a teacher, writer, engineer, webmaster, actor, activist, volunteer whose goal is to provide representation for those persons and groups under-represented by the current city council, balancing the needs for growth and quality of life in our diverse community.

For more on Candidate Goldberg Click Below:

http://www.astoriabob.net/

Who Is Joel Haugen?

Meet Joel

How I made it to Oregon...I grew up in Northern Minnesota, the youngest son of three children in a Scandinavian family of modest means, strong on the teaching of principles of honesty, integrity and patriotism. These core ideals were reinforced during my earliest employment, when I was fortunate enough to spend my high school years working for an extraordinary Minnesota legislator by the name of John McKee. John, who always insisted that I call him by his first name, consistently approached both life and politics with honesty, integrity and humility. One of John's pages was Wendell Anderson, who served in the Minnesota legislature and later married John's daughter Mary. Wendell subsequently served first in the Minnesota legislature, and then as governor, finally ending his political career as a U.S. Senator from Minnesota....Click On Thread Title Above For Full Details

WSJ:Regional Personality Traits

SEPTEMBER 23, 2008

The United States of Mind

Researchers Identify Regional Personality Traits Across America

By STEPHANIE SIMON - The Wall Street Journal

Click On Thread Title For Complete Article

Climate Solutions Offer Alternatives

Carbon-Free Prosperity 2025

How the Northwest Can Create Jobs, Enable Energy Independence, and Be a Global Clean-Energy LeaderMon Oct 6 2008

Carbon-Free Prosperity 2025 concludes that five emerging clean-tech industry sectors offer the Pacific Northwest one of the best opportunities for sustained economic vitality and job growth.

It also charts the course for private and public investment and leadership to capitalize on the opportunity.

The study provides a comprehensive look at emerging green industries that are projected to provide high-paying jobs and a vital new economic base for the region.

It provides a grounded and realistic view of the region’s potential role in an increasingly competitive global clean-tech industry...Click On Thread Title For Complete Article

LNG Opponents Will Intervene On Oregon LNG Project

For Immediate Release: October 10, 2008

Contact: Dan Serres, Columbia Riverkeeper, (503) 890-2441)

Astoria, OR – The Oregon LNG project, a proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) and pipeline development that would involve a terminal in Warrenton and a 118-mile pipeline through the Willamette Valley, drew a swift reaction today from its opponents after Oregon LNG filed its official application with FERC. A coalition of farmers, foresters, businesses, and conservationists will intervene in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) process to challenge the project.
Dan Serres with Columbia Riverkeeper challenged the alleged need for the Oregon LNG project. "Oregon LNG's project is wrong for Oregon. They are proposing to tear up the Columbia River to import LNG at a time when North American LNG and gas companies are actively seeking to export LNG, and when global LNG prices are several times higher than domestic gas supplies. We will intervene to protect the Columbia River and to block this newly proposed foreign fossil fuel addiction."
Steve Wick, Chair of the Yamhill County LNG Citizens Advisory Committee and a Gaston landowner whose property could be impacted by the project's proposed high-pressure, non-odorized pipeline, anticipated strong resistance coming from landowners along the route. "The Oregon LNG pipeline represents another blatant attempt of a private company to take our private land for an ill-advised energy scheme through the use of eminent domain. Our own Oregon Department of Energy has said there is no need for this pipeline, so this project should not be forced on unwilling communities."
Oregon LNG also faces stiff opposition from local activists and businesses near Astoria, where Cheryl Johnson, a retired school librarian, expressed her disgust with the proposal. "It's outrageous that Oregonians have to waste their time fighting terrible ideas like this one, proposals that put our public safety, our river, and our future in renewable energy at risk. Make no mistake, though - we will fight them every step of the way."
Don West, president of the Columbia River Business Alliance, added, "There are real risks associated with this project for the public and for our economy. Oregon LNG is trying to build an LNG facility near the Astoria Airport. Their three proposed storage tanks are 17 stories tall and almost a football field in width, and they want to put these in the flight path of our airport? If we ever want to expand the airport we cannot allow this type of obstruction and threat to our continued growth on the north coast of Oregon."
By filing to intervene, individuals and groups such as Columbia Riverkeeper will retain the right to appeal FERC's decision on the project.

Oregon LNG Files With F.E.R.C.

Last update: 4:42 p.m. EDT Oct. 10, 2008

WARRENTON, Ore., Oct 10, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Today, Oregon LNG filed its formal application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The filing represents a major milestone as the liquefied natural gas project proceeds toward permit approval.
"This filing demonstrates that Oregon LNG is moving ahead on schedule with the approvals process and, ultimately, toward project completion.

The formal application is important because it further demonstrates the feasibility of our project," said Peter Hansen, chief executive officer of Oregon LNG.

"From the beginning, our approach has been different. We focused on securing local approvals first, and then moved to the federal process," Hansen said.

As a result, Oregon LNG is the only LNG project in Oregon that has received its land use approvals and successfully completed the appeals process.

The Media Does Have A Code Of Ethics

From Associated Press Managing Editors

Statement of Ethical Principles

(Adopted 1994 as revision to APME Code of Ethics)

These principles are a model against which news and editorial staff members can measure their performance. They have been formulated in the belief that newspapers and the people who produce them should adhere to the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct.
The public's right to know about matters of importance is paramount. The newspaper has a special responsibility as surrogate of its readers to be a vigilant watchdog of their legitimate public interests....For Complete Article, Click On Thread Title Above.

"The Oregonian" - Who's A Reporter And Who's 'Just' A Blogger?

Who's a reporter -- and who's 'just' a blogger

By Bob Caldwell - The Oregonian

Sunday October 05, 2008, 9:20 PM

Who's a journalist in Oregon and who isn't? For the most part, this is one of those angels-dancing-on-the-head-of-a-pin questions that nobody much cares about. But it matters to city councils and school boards and other public bodies in the state because the law often requires them to answer it.
The state's open meetings law excludes the public from executive (private) sessions, which councils, school boards and such are allowed to conduct on certain sensitive subjects....For Complete Article Click On Thread Title Above

Tongue Point; What To Do With It?

Well, now what?

We are going to get our hands on a lttile real estate gem through our Port of Astoria that, if used effectively, could put hundreds of us to work in good, sustainable, well paying jobs.

What do you think could be done with that property to maximize its useability?

* Sport Fishing Outfitter/Guide/Marine Sales Center ?

* Light Marine Manufacturer/Service for 26 foot or less draft ?

* N.O.A.A. Fleet ?

* Marine Research Center ?

* ?

WU Bailout Signing Support Provides For Timber Payments

....The law, officially titled the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act but commonly known as "county payments," provides hundreds of millions of dollars to Oregon, Idaho and other states, mostly in the West, that once depended on federal timber sales to pay for schools, libraries and other services in rural areas. In all, payments go to 700 counties in 39 states.....For Complete Article, Click On thread Title Above.

Challenges Confront U.S. LNG Market

Challenges hit U.S. LNG market transformation

By Karen Boman - Energy Current - Filed from Houston 9/1/2008 3:31:57 PM GMT

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports into the U.S. remain low as high-demand, premium-price markets in Asia and Spain continue to draw the majority of LNG supply, leaving terminals in the U.S. and northern Europe underutilized.

An unexpected rise in U.S. natural gas production also is filling domestic needs, keeping U.S. natural gas prices low relative to prices in other countries.....For Complete Article Click On Thread Title Above

ACJ "Community Forum" Reopens!!

Astoria Citizens Journal's "Community Forum" reopens for prodcutive, unstifled and hopefully, responsible discussion on issues that impact all of us on the Lower Columbia...Click On Thread Title Above To Get There.

City Of Astoria To Hear Appeal For Columbia Street Pier Condos

CITY OF ASTORIA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The City of Astoria City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, October 20, 2008 at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the Astoria City Hall, at 1095 Duane Street.

The purpose of the hearing is to consider the following Appeal(s):

1. Appeal (AP08-02) by GRQ III of Permit Extension Request by GRQ III dba Columbia Street Pier Condos for Conditional Use Request (CU06-11) to construct a four story, 15 unit condominium and 5 unit transient lodging structure with associated garages at 10 Columbia Avenue (Map T8N-R9W Section 7DB, Tax Lot 601) in the A-2 Zone (Aquatic Two Development).

The appeal is of the Astoria Planning Commission denial of the one year permit extension.

The appellant identified the following items as grounds for the appeal:
1) there have been unforseen delays in developing over the water;
2) the project has not changed; and
3) the current housing market is depressed therefore construction has been delayed.

Development Code Standards specified in 2.525 to 2.540, Articles 4, 5, 6, 9 & 11, Comprehensive Plan Sections CP.005 to CP.025, CP.030 to CP.035, CP.130 to CP.186, CP.215 to CP.235, and CP.240 to CP.255 are applicable to the.......For Complete Notice, Click On Thread Title Above

Measure 4-131: A Proxy Vote On LNG On The Lower Columbia?

Yes, I think so and only made so by the supporters of LNG siting and development.

Columbia Riverkeepers To Take The LNG Debate To Olympia!

Fri 9/26/08 7:01 PM

From: Olivia Schmidt - Columbia RiverKeeper

Hello All:This is an official notice that we are holding a RALLY AGAINST LNG!NO LNG on the Columbia River!October 6th 11am-2pm at the capitol buildingOlympia, Washington.

This is a very important event and we hope any and all of you can attend!

This is the first event we've planned for the Washington capitol and it is absolutely necessary to have an impressive turn-out.

Washington has the power to stop LNG development on the Columbia River and has the responsibility of protecting landowners that would be impacted by LNG facilities and related pipelines.

Come to the event and tell Governor Gregoire: "We want renewables -- NOT LNG."

"Washington has the power to protect the Lower Columbia" and help hold her accountable for promises to require Washington State permits for Columbia River LNG projects.

Washington residents made the trip down to Salem for our rally in February and now it is time to offer them support in their efforts to have their state exercise it's authority over LNG in the Pacific Northwest!

Please plan to carpool or catch a free ride on the "cool bus"The Bus Named Cool will be picking folks up from two locations -- contact Olivia at oliviariver@gmail.com to reserve a seat!

Pick-up times/locations:

Portland, Oregon at the Daily Grind Parking lot (SE 41st & Hawthorne) leaving at 8:10 sharp.

Kelso, Washington at the Safeway on Three Rivers Drive (411 Three Rivers Dr.) leaving at 9:30 sharp.

Please plan to arrive ten minutes prior to departure time and be sure to reserve a seat in advance!

This is an important event to make a statement to the State of Washington and to empower residents and agencies in the fight against fossil fuel development on the Columbia River.

Now is the time to act and have our voices heard!

Please invite a friend.]

Everybody will make a difference at this event!

Olivia Schmidt - Columbia Riverkeeper - (971)533-2390 oliviariver@gmail.com

New Interim County Manager, Anderson, Seems To Have Had Some Issues In Medford As Well

Unrest over Anderson began months ago

By DANI DODGE - Mail Tribune - Medford, Oregon

The rumblings started months ago: whispered comments at an out-of-town convention, a closed council session and in recent weeks small, secret gatherings. Some Medford City Council members wanted City Manager Harold "Andy" Anderson out.
And although the full council never met to make a formal decision, on Friday a council majority took action.
At 11 a.m. Anderson received an unsigned letter: resign and leave with a generous severance package, or be fired at Thursday's council meeting. Anderson handed in his resignation before the end of the day.....For Complete Article, Click On Thread Title Above.

Commissioner Hazen's Own, Candid, Account Of "The Washington Trip"

Sunday, September 21, 2008

FERC meeting in Washington DC

As most of you are aware, Commissioner Samuelson and I traveled to Washington DC to attend the September 18th FERC meeting. The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to have both of us represent Clatsop County at the meeting.....For Complete Report, Click On Thread Title Above.

From Roberts(Patricia) For Clatsop;CCBofC Land Use Code Revision Project

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Land Use Code Revision Project

Over a year ago the County Board of Commissioners asked for a review of Clatsop County Land and Water Development and Use Ordinance (LWDUO) #80-14. The existing LWDUO was adopted September 30, 1980 and though it had been revised several times during its 28-year history, it was in need of a complete rewrite. ....For Complete Piece, Click On Thread Title Above

From The Daily Astorian; New Interim County Manager Announced

9/24/2008 8:45:00 PM

Interim county manager chosen

By JOE GAMM - The Daily Astorian

The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners named its interim county Manager tonight during its regular session.Harold Anderson, who was Bend city manager until this past December, will begin his service to the county Sept. 8, working with outgoing County Manager Scott Derickson.Derickson accepted the job of Woodburn city administrator Aug. 27.His last day, and Anderson's first day as manager pro tem, is to be Oct. 13, Columbus Day.....Click On Thread Title Above For Complete Article

Walmart In Clatsop County; The Guessing Game.

Where do you think it's going to go and why?

Why won't the ByPass argument die?

Natural Gas Quality Ratings; What Comes To Your House Ain't What's Necessarily In Those Pipelines

Natural gas, as it is used by consumers, is much different from the natural gas that is brought from underground up to the wellhead. Although the processing of natural gas is in many respects less complicated than the processing and refining of crude oil, it is equally as necessary before its use by end users.....For Full Story Click On Thread Title Above

Go Green!; Buy A Used Car Over A New Hybrid!

As Matt Power notes in this month's issue of Wired, hybrids get great gas mileage but it takes 113 million BTUs of energy to make a Toyota Prius. Because there are about 113,000 BTUs of energy in a gallon of gasoline, the Prius has consumed the equivalent of 1,000 gallons of gasoline before it reaches the showroom. Think of it as a carbon debt -- one you won't pay off until the Prius has turned over 46,000 miles or so.....For Complete Article, Click On Thread Title Above

We Headed For A Showdown At Today's CCBofC Meeting?

And now, another Commissioner, announces a Work Session today for a socalled "Land Use Revision Project", revising Clatsop County Land and Water Development Use Ordinance and then a "First Reading at 5:00pm?

The same ordinance they took so many libeteries with that spawned Measure 4-131?

Action Alerts?

Commissioner screaming over local Talk Radio about her own persecution?

The first County Board of Commissioners meeting after "The 4-131 Vote, is it?

Accusations still flying all over the place?

5:00pm Wednesday at Boyington Hall, Downtown Astoria.

Should be good entertainment and a chance to have your say.

From The Daily Astorian; Help For Homebuyers Forum!!!!

9/22/2008 11:29:00 AM

Housing forum offers keys to home buying

By NANCY MCCARTHYThe Daily Astorian

First-time homebuyers take heart: No matter what the headlines say about a national economic crisis, it's the best time ever to buy a house.At least that was the message repeated continually by mortgage lenders, bankers and representatives from nonprofit housing agencies speaking at the Housing Solutions forum on Saturday in Astoria.....Click On Thread Title Above For Full Article

Hydro-Energy Update

This is an overview of some hydro-energy projects that are showing much promise as alternative, sustainable energy resources on a large scale.

This may help in developing your thinking on this particular energy resource.

Do We Really Need Stop-Gap Fuels?

It’s becoming clear that energy and energy independence — you have to love that term — will be a major focus of the upcoming presidential election. While most of us are sick of the dog-and-pony shows and pundits of the past few weeks, we are also sick of the all too-easily dismissed ease of both parties’ energy policies.
Do we drill more? Do we import less? Do we use ethanol? Should all cars be flex-fuel?
There are two end goals, it seems: independence from foreign oil and eventually independence from non-renewable fuels.
I’m going to try and tackle just the first one today, and in doing so I think it might become clear that ethanol and natural gas are stopgap fuels that we just don’t need to become energy independent.
The reason I got to thinking about this was the upcoming Senate bill that would require every car to be flex-fuel... For Complete Article, Click On Thread Title Above....