Saturday, February 18, 2012

Astoria Police Department Issues National Weather Service Severe Weather Warning For North Coast

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PORTLAND OR

156 PM PST SAT FEB 18 2012

WAZ019-040-190800-

/O.CON.KPQR.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-120219T0800Z/

SOUTH WASHINGTON CASCADES-SOUTH WASHINGTON CASCADE FOOTHILLS-

INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...MOUNT ST. HELENS...TOUTLE...ARIEL...

COUGAR

156 PM PST SAT FEB 18 2012

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT PST

TONIGHT FOR THE SOUTH WASHINGTON CASCADES AND FOOTHILLS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL

MIDNIGHT PST TONIGHT.

* TIMING...THROUGH MIDNIGHT TONIGHT.

* ACCUMULATION...ADDITIONAL ACCUMULATIONS OF 4 TO 8 INCHES IN THE

CASCADES AND 2 TO 5 INCHES IN THE FOOTHILLS.

* IMPACTS...TRAVELERS THIS HOLIDAY WEEKEND SHOULD BE PREPARED

FOR WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS AND SNOW COVERED ROADS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER

CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF

SNOW ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. ONLY TRAVEL IN

AN EMERGENCY. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL...KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT...

FOOD...AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

&&

$$

ORZ011-190800-

/O.CON.KPQR.WW.Y.0009.000000T0000Z-120219T0800Z/

NORTHERN OREGON CASCADES-

INCLUDING THE CITY OF...GOVERNMENT CAMP

156 PM PST SAT FEB 18 2012

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT PST

TONIGHT FOR THE NORTH OREGON CASCADES...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL

MIDNIGHT PST TONIGHT.

* TIMING...THROUGH MIDNIGHT TONIGHT.

* ACCUMULATION...ADDITIONAL ACCUMULATIONS OF 3 TO 7 INCHES

TONIGHT.

* IMPACTS...TRAVELERS THIS HOLIDAY WEEKEND SHOULD BE PREPARED

FOR WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS AND SNOW COVERED ROADS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW

WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW

COVERED ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE

DRIVING.

&&

$$

ORZ003-010-WAZ020-190800-

/O.CON.KPQR.WW.Y.0009.000000T0000Z-120219T0800Z/

COAST RANGE OF NORTHWEST OREGON-NORTHERN OREGON CASCADE FOOTHILLS-

WILLAPA HILLS-

156 PM PST SAT FEB 18 2012

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT PST

TONIGHT ABOVE 2000 FEET FOR THE COAST RANGE OF NORTHWEST

OREGON...NORTH OREGON CASCADE FOOTHILLS...AND THE WILLAPA HILLS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY ABOVE 2000 FEET FOR SNOW REMAINS IN

EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT PST TONIGHT.

* TIMING...THROUGH MIDNIGHT TONIGHT.

* ACCUMULATION...ADDITIONAL ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 4 INCHES

TONIGHT.

* SNOW LEVELS...2000 FEET TODAY LOWERING TO 1500 FEET TONIGHT.

* SOME LOCATIONS IMPACTED...DETROIT AND THE HIGHEST COAST RANGE

PASSES.

* IMPACTS...TRAVELERS THIS HOLIDAY WEEKEND SHOULD BE PREPARED

FOR WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS AND SNOW COVERED ROADS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW

WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW

COVERED ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE

DRIVING.

&&

$$

FOR ADDITIONAL WEATHER INFORMATION...VISIT OUR WEB SITE AT

WWW.WEATHER.GOV/PORTLAND


For more information contact:
Jeff Rusiecki
Astoria Police Department 9-1-1
voice: (503) 338-6411
fax: (503) 325-4897
555 30th St
Astoria, OR 97103
jrusiecki@astoria.or.us

What Should A Basic Emergency Disaster Kit Include?


Basic Disaster Supplies KitA basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Manual can opener for food
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
Once you have gathered the supplies for a basic emergency kit, you may want to consider adding the following items:
Infant formula and diapers
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Cash or traveler's checks and changeImportant family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container.
You can use the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) (PDF - 977Kb) developed by Operation Hope, FEMA and Citizen Corps to help you organize your information.
Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or free information from this web site. (See Publications)
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted, nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
Fire extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensilsPaper and pencilBooks, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Expansion Of State’s Mandatory Reporting Of Child Abuse Moves To House floor


February 14, 2012

By SCOTT JORGENSEN - Oregon Capital News

SALEM, Ore.- In a matter of minutes, a bill that prompted much contention in public hearings was passed out of committee unanimously.

The House Education Committee held multiple public hearings on House Bill 4016, which expands the state’s mandatory child abuse reporting law. Concerns were raised about the bill during those hearings, but they were ultimately addressed through the amendment process.

Many who testified against the bill feared it would have a chilling affect on the ability of non-profits and other organizations to attract volunteers.

During a work session held during its Tuesday, Feb. 14 meeting, committee members voted unanimously to approve a series of amendments to HB 4016. Under those amendments, the bill no longer will include volunteers among mandatory reporters, it will apply to individuals and not to organizations, and it will not take effect until January. The original bill had an emergency clause, which would have implemented the law immediately.

Committee Co-chair Sara Gelser, D-Corvallis, thanked her fellow legislators for working on the amendments, which were then passed unanimously.

Rep. Jason Conger, R-Bend, praised the “evolution” of the bill. He said there were “legitimate concerns” about some of its provisions but that the amendments provided a “positive outcome” that “speaks well of the process.”

Similar praised was offered by Rep. Michael Dembrow, D-Portland. He said that removal of the emergency clause gives educational institutions time to put together proper training programs on mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse.

“I heartily support this bill as amended,” Dembrow said.

Gelser will carry HB 4016 on the House floor.

Clatsop County Housing Authority Seeks Applicants

Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012
Catsop County Community Relations

Applicants are being sought for two open seats on the Clatsop County Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.

The seats are both for terms ending Dec. 31, 2015.

The housing authority analyzes the housing needs of low-income people in Clatsop County, develops plans to meet those needs, and selects and implements specific housing programs and projects consistent with those needs and plans. The group meets once a month.

The deadline to apply is Feb. 29.

To apply, obtain an application form and return it to the Clatsop County Manager’s Office at 800 Exchange St., Suite 410, 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 “Quick Links-Citizen Involvement.”

Released by:Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Oregon Department Of Land Conservation And Development & Ocean Policy Advisory Council Plan Two Northcoast Work Sessions


February 14, 2012

Territorial Sea Plan Public Work Session

The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) and the Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC) are holding two public work sessions on Friday February 17, to get feedback on changes to the state’s Territorial Sea Plan. One session will be held in Warrenton from 11:00AM – 2:30PM, the other will be held in Cannon Beach from 5:30PM – 9:00PM.

Warrenton:
Camp Rilea, Warrior Hall
91204 Oregon Road
Warrenton, Oregon 97146

Cannon Beach:
Hallmark Resort
1400 South Hemlock Street
Cannon Beach, Oregon 97110

The plan is being amended to site marine renewable or wave energy development. The maps and planning options that are being considered will be distributed and discussed.
For more information contact:
Paul Klarin, Marine Program Coordinator Oregon Dept. of Land Conservation and Development 635 Capitol Street NE, Suite 150, Salem, OR 97301-2540 Office: (503) 373-0050 ext. 249; Cell: (503) 428-0510; Fax: (503) 378-6033 paul.klarin@state.or.us
###
Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC)
Territorial Sea Plan Working Group (TSPWG)
Territorial Sea Spatial Planning
Public Work Session
Friday February 17, 2012
11:00 am – 2:30 pm
LOCATION: Camp Rilea, Warrior Hall
91204 Oregon Road
Warrenton, Oregon 97146-9711
To make a comment or for more information about the Territorial Sea Plan process and other nearshore ocean information, please visit:
http://www.oregonocean.info/
http://oregon.marinemap.org/
TSP.comments@state.or.us
 Intended audience: anyone interested in Oregon’s ocean resources and renewable energy development in the territorial sea (0-3 nautical miles offshore)
 Purpose: share information and collect public input that will be used to spatially designate areas for ocean renewable energy development in the state’s territorial sea
 Workshop will include:
- Overview of Territorial Sea Plan (TSP) Part 5 and marine spatial planning process
- Overview of data used to identify Oregon’s Goal 19 resources and uses:
 Beneficial uses, fishery resources, and ecological resources
- Public input opportunity (soliciting comments on the following):
 Data used, protection levels for Goal 19 resources, protection criteria
Oregon’s Territorial Sea:
Where should OCEAN RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT occur?
The State is soliciting YOUR feedback and input!


Joint Fisheries Coalition Work Session Agenda

Read Full Agenda For Date And Times

Clatsop County Planning Commission Approves Strategic Plan Rankings


Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012
Clatsop County Community Relations

The Clatsop County Planning Commission on Tuesday signed off on a list ranking the projects in the county’s draft Strategic Plan.

The document next goes to the board of commissioners for review and adoption.

Development of the plan, a key goal of the board of commissioners, is intended to provide a framework for planning and pursuing the various major projects proposed by the county. The document lists projects already underway, including the Ensign Lane extension at the North Coast Business Park, Highway 101 flooding solution and Emergency Operations Center addition, as well as future initiatives such as the county comprehensive plan update and Clatsop Plains wastewater solution. The plan also includes the projects’ cost, potential funding sources and estimated time for completion.

The strategic plan contains 42 total projects – the planning commission was asked to prioritize 19 items yet to be launched or scheduled. Each panel member scored the 11 planning projects and eight infrastructure projects based on several criteria, including public need, revenue availability, cost/benefit analysis and support from other agencies.

Topping the planning project list was a proposed county technology plan update, followed in order of ranking by the comprehensive land-use plan update, transmission line standards, re-establishment of citizen advisory committees, renewable energy plan, estuary planning, sustainability plan, housing quality plan, criminal management evaluation, historic preservation program, and people’s utility district evaluation.

The infrastructure projects were ranked, in order: Westport Slough dredging, fire station access development, county-wide bypass/evacuation route, Department of State Lands permitting by the county, Clatsop Plains wastewater improvements, Columbia River sediment clean-up, Westport pedestrian improvements and East County dock expansion.

The planning commission’s priority list next goes to the board of commissioners, which will review it at the board’s scheduled Feb. 29 retreat. The board will hold its own public hearing on the plan, which is tentatively scheduled for adoption in April.

The complete draft strategic plan can be viewed on the “Land Use Planning” page on the Clatsop County website, www.co.clatsop.or.us.

Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Clatsop County Fair Board Has Two Seat Openings

Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012
Clatsop County Community Relations

Clatsop County is seeking applicants for two open seats on the Clatsop Country Fair Board.

The positions are for three-year terms that expire Dec. 31, 2014.

The Fair Board is responsible for the management of the county fairgrounds and organizes the annual Clatsop County Fair. It meets on the first Tuesday of each month.

To apply, obtain an application form and return it to the Clatsop County Manager’s Office at 800 Exchange St., Suite 410, 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 under “Quick Links-Citizen Involvement.”

Completed applications must be returned by Feb. 29. The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners will make the appointments.

Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

The Multi-Agency Investigation Into Officer-Involved Astoria Police Shooting Continues

Suspect's Identity Will Not Be Released Due To Security Reasons Until A Later Time
The following is an update on the investigation involving the Clatsop County Major Crime Team led by the Oregon State Police Criminal Investigations Division. Federal investigators and forensic investigation teams from Oregon State Police and FBI are assisting.

The suspect is a Washougal, Washington area man. Although we believe we have finally conclusively identified him we are not releasing his name for security reasons at this time. We ask the media not to speculate or identify any particular hospital. Once charged his full name and date of birth will be released. For similar reasons, we are not releasing the name of the hospital treating him. His condition has been described as stable. He was shot twice.

Astoria officers were first called by employees of the Lamplighter Motel at around noon on February 12. Officers found evidence that the occupant of the room had been manufacturing a silencer. Officers also seized military-type ammunition for an assault rifle. Astoria police contacted federal authorities because of possible federal law violations related to the found items. After leaving the motel Astoria police were notified by motel employees that the suspect had returned. Two police units with a total of three officers arrived back at the motel about 5:30 p.m. where they saw the suspect’s Chrysler van parked near the room. The rented van and a second motel room rented by the suspect were both under different names, neither of which matched what we believe now to be his true identity.

Initial information indicated the suspect fired his weapon at officers during the incident. As the investigation unfolds, witnesses contacted by investigators at the hotel have confirmed that the suspect extended his arm and a handgun toward the officers from the threshold of his motel room. Forensic evidence indicates both officers fired at least once at the suspect. Physical evidence at this time has not conclusively established that the suspect shot at the officers. The investigation will continue over the course of the next several days.

Further interviews of the officers involved and further forensic testing will attempt to determine if the suspect fired his weapon. If the suspect did not fire his weapon the charges against him will likely not include attempted murder but will still include numerous felonies.

Clatsop County District Attorney Josh Marquis explained that there are currently no plans to present the issue of the officer’s use of deadly force to a grand jury. However a grand jury will consider possible charges against the suspect. “The investigation and evidence thus far reflects the officers had good reason to perceive a heightened threat level when they returned to the motel. Under Oregon law, police officers are not required to wait to be shot at before they protect themselves or others, the same standard that applies to others” said Marquis.

Pursuant to the officer shooting protocols in place, the investigation of the shooting is not being conducted by Astoria officers.

A blood-soaked handgun was also recovered next to the suspect when he was arrested following the chase by officers from the scene. The high speed chase was reached speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. During the execution of a search warrant of the suspects hotel room, an assault rifle, the same caliber as the ammunition earlier seized, load bearing vests containing magazines for the rifle and other items were also seized.

The Astoria Police Department Officers involved in this incident are not yet being identified. The officers have four and thirteen years of police experience.

Both officers remain on administrative leave in accordance with the Clatsop County Officer Involved Shooting protocol, which does not indicate any judgment as to the appropriateness of their actions.

The next release of information is likely to come within the next few days when the suspect is released from the hospital at which time he will likely be arrested, charged, and taken into police custody. The man was shot in the wrist and shoulder and is in stable condition.


The Clatsop County Major Crimes Team is comprised of investigative personnel from Clatsop County Sheriff's Office, Astoria Police Department, Warrenton Police Department, Cannon Beach Police Department, Seaside Police Department, District Attorneys Office and Oregon State Police.

"We will continue to analyze all the evidence," Marquis said, thanking the Evidence Response Team of the Portland FBI, the several other federal agencies that helped, as well as the members of the Clatsop County Major Crime Team who continue the investigation under the leadership of a state police detective.

Oregon Attorney General's Annual Report


DEPARTMENTOF JUSTICE
OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
February
14, 2012

Every
day, the men and women of DOJ work with dedication, tenacity, and skill to fight
crime and protect crime victims, improve the well-being of Oregon children, and
stand up for consumers. Our work has achieved some great results. That is why I
am pleased to share with you the Attorney General's Annual Report for 2011.I am
very proud of all we have accomplished.

For example, last year:
DOJ
helped investigate and prosecute some of Oregon's most dangerous criminals.
Since 2009 we have helped put 170 drug traffickers behind bars and assisted
Oregon district attorneys with the prosecution of more than 60 murder cases.

When
an Oregon Supreme Court ruling threatened our ability to prosecute child sex
predators, we quickly brought legislation to improve and strengthen Oregon law
so we can better protect our children.

Our
Division of Child Support helped more than 225,000 parents meet basic the needs
of their kids such as shelter, clothing and food - and was awarded additional
incentive funding from the federal government for exceeding performance
measures.

Attorneys
in our Appellate Division obtained a court victory in a landmark tobacco case
that will bring in $56 million to the state to help pay for essential
services.

We
issued emergency rules making it easier to hold banks accountable when they
violate lending and consumer protection laws.

We
cut costs and made our legal services more efficient to save the state money.
Since 2009 DOJ has reduced its administrative and program costs by $11
million.

The Annual Report provides more
information about these and other endeavors. If you have any questions please do
not hesitate to contact my office at attorneygeneral@doj.state.or.us
JOHN R.
KROGER

Read The Report In Its Entirety

Monday, February 13, 2012

Ensign Lane Project Begins At North Coast Business Park


ENSIGN LANE PROJECT BEGINS AT NORTH COAST BUSINESS PARK

Clatsop County is
preparing for the next phase of development at the North Coast Business Park in
Warrenton with the construction of a key route through the 270-acre
site.

Big River Excavating
is clearing vegetation and installing silt-control fencing along the route of
Ensign Lane, which will run from U.S. Highway 101 east to Highway 101-Business.
Bids for construction of the roadway will be sought this spring; completion is
expected by late fall.

Completion of Ensign
Lane is required under the access agreement between the county and the Oregon
Department of Transportation covering traffic access to the business
park.

The first section of
Ensign Lane, between U.S. Highway 101 and SE 19th Street, was built
by North Coast Retail LLC to serve the developer’s new commercial area on the
business park’s western edge. The county is funding the construction of the
street’s second phase, which has an estimated price tag of $3 million.
Installation of the road, along with utilities and other infrastructure in the
rest of the business park, will be funded by the proceeds from the sale of the
commercial property.

CAPTION:
Equipment from Big River Excavating clears vegetation from the Ensign Lane
route.


by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622