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....

Wyden Challenges Authorization To Export Natural Gas To Japan And Other Pacific Rim Countries!

Press Release of Senator Wyden

Wyden Challenges Order Authorizing Export of Alaskan Natural Gas

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Citing projections that natural gas will cost Americans an average of 22% more this winter than last, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden asked Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman to review and revoke the Department of Energy’s recent order authorizing the export of 98.1 billion cubic feet of Alaskan natural gas -- enough gas to meet the needs of 1.4 million American families -- to Japan other Pacific Rim countries.... For Complete Press Release and Full Text Of Letter, Click On Thread Title Above

What Is An Ordinance?

What is an Ordinance?

Regulation or Law, as in: The city council passed an ordinance against disturbing the peace.www.business-words.com/dictionary/O.html

Does common sense tell you that as an elected official and when you take your oath of office , that you should freely swear/affirm to uphold the Laws/Ordinances you are charged with overseeing, administering and legislating?

And the sitting Clatsop County Board of Commissioners wants to sidestep that in their oath by leaving "Upholding all Ordinances" out of their oath?

It truly seems they believe they actually are an "Island Unto Themselves" and are completely unaccountable to the community they vow to serve.

And now, two of those characters that scoff at honoring the ordinancees of the county, one, over the airwaves, publicly chortling that honoring these ordinances could get one recalled by simply "wearing a certain type dress" and the other, as well, accusing another County Commissioner of a "Witch Hunt" in even wanting to change the County Oath of Office to include honoring all County Ordinances, wants to spend our tax money to go to Washington to attend a Federal Energy Commission meeting on the presumed current disposition of Bradwood Landing, where they have no testimony or input at all to just show their faces in representing our community?

I ask; What's the point?

They want to do something productive for us, get out there and find us some good clean industry to invite here that can put thousands in our community to work at good, living wage, sustainable jobs instead of just giving it lip service and waiting to abet the next wave of "Speculators" to wedge their jack boots in our door, uninvited by the community.

Better yet, take that $2-3,000(+) and donate it to the County Food Bank.

Any wonder why ammended County Comprehensive Plan and ammended Land Development and Water Use "Ordinance", 08-05's validity would be questioned by the Citizens of Clatsop County and Measure 4-131 get so much traction?

Blasts From The Past Or, How Prophetic History?

On Mar 22, 10:37 AM, Patrick McGee wrote:
(The Richard Lee Recall Vote Count)
64% For
36% Against

On Mar 22, 10:50 AM, THartill wrote:
Come now Patrick....
Richard could take a dump in the middle of the Guy Boyington building during a meeting and not be recalled by even close to that amount....there are just too many people that will support him no matter what.


Tryan Hartill January 7, 2008

There will be some major flooding during the first part of the year that will rival 1996.
The local housing market will weaken, but will be much stronger than the rest of the nation.
No Condos over the water will be built due to weak demand.
Building will continue around Astoria, but will slow inside the city limits.
Bradwood will be totally approved and will start construction in late 2008.
Oregon LNG will continue to battle, but achieve very little success.
Mark Kujala will be elected Mayor of Warrenton in January and keep his seat on the Commission in November by a landslide.
Terry Ferguson will either step down or lose in November.
Frank Orrell will win a nail-bitter.
Pete Roscoe will keep his seat on the Astoria City Council.
Russ Warr will lose a close one.
The slide above Bond Street will start up again.
The City of Astoria will install a water turbine in late 2008 and will cost twice as much as estimated so it can be installed quickly before the rainy season.
The Astoria/Warrenton Gas tax will bring in 2/3 of what was estimated.
Vince Williams and a Anti-LNG/Pro Josh Marquis person will run against Patricia Roberts…with Vince coming in 3rd in May and Patricia barely beating the Anti-LNG/Pro Marquis person in November.
Sam Patrick will not run again and a Anti-LNG/Pro Marquis person will run against Cary Johnson and Cary will win with 52% of the vote in May.
A recall will be tried against Richard Lee and will fail 55-45%.
The D.A. will have his 2 Staff Positions cut…along with 4 positions in other Depts. And the County will invoke a pay freeze for every employee to make up for a $1,000,000+ in declining Timber and other revenues.
Astoria will lose in the finals in the 4A Baseball Playoffs.
The Trailblazers will get the 7th Playoff spot in the West and Greg Oden will be cleared to play the first Playoff game.
50% more locals will be reading the local websites by the end of 2008.
The Daily Astorian will raise its Newspaper rates and lower it’s web-subscription rates to try to get more readers online and lower overhead.
All local elected officials will unite to demand a by-pass….and will continue to be ignored by ODOT.
If you have other predictions…put them in the comments….

Exiled From Another Blog Over Measure 4-131

AJ Liebling; "Freedom of the press is guaranteed only to those who own one."

With such casualness and the expending of fist loads of money on the part of Bradwood Landing/Northern Star Natural Gas and supporters to keep from visibly showing they are forced to blink, the issue of who is spewing misinformation on Measure 4-131 is really heating up.

Below is an exchange between myself and a local blog called "Oregon Guy" on a correction of information incorrectly posted on Natural Gas Pipelines that caused my expulsion.

It just isn't happening in this one example, it is rampant and coming from many local sources which lends creedence to the point that this is bad legislation and an acute misuse of a property zoned OPR (Open Space, Parks and Recreation)with no clear definition as to the rationale of the approval.

This is property intended for and quoting from the Clatsop County Land Development and Water Use Ordinance, Section 3.582, Purpose; The OPR zone is intended to provide for the conservation of Open Space; The development of areas uniquely suited for for Outdoor Recreation and the protection of designated Scenic, Natural and Cultural Resource areas.

The contention here and in the change to the Clatsop County Comprehensive Plan and the Clatsop County Land Development and Water Use Ordinance (Amendment 08-05, signed by Commissioner Patricia Roberts ion March 20, 2008) would allow Utility Transmission Rights of way through these properties and this property specifically, a 36" diameter, High Pressure Natural Gas Pipeline in what could likely be a 120' to 150' controlled right of way

Patrick McGee said...
The answer to your queries about my mechanical aptitude and experience is an affirmnative to all.The post and paragraph you are referencing in your presumed intellectual but, misguided musing was in response to misinformation on LNG pipelines posted on "Your", "This" blog and it reads; Put another way, a LNG pipeline is kind of an oxymoron. LNG is returned to a gaseous state before pipeline transmission, and natural gas pipeline pressure is generally around 2 ppf. Opponents are, quite simply, uninformed scare-mongers.

2 pounds per foot pipeline pressure, I believe, is incorrect and uninformed.

The average 36" diameter high pressure Natural Gas pipeline pressure is (+/-)1740 pounds per square inch.

Use as many comparatives as you wish but, it will not change the fact that the average pressure on that 36" dia. High Pressure Natural Gass pipeline is (+/-)1740pounds per square inch.

And now, T. Boone Pickens, lengendary oil man, says we don't need imported LNG at all, we have ample Natural Gas to wean ourselves off those imports.And by the way the appropriate use of the word, and I'm certain you being the intellectual you are, already knows this, is "Moron"
September 6, 2008 12:58 PM
Anonymous said...
McGee is a proud liar, He says thats his constitutional right. To lie to you to make his point and to convince you to come to the dark side. I'd wager its closer to 2 than 1740 psi to move something lighter than air. I could be wrong, been wrong before, I used to believe there was some good in Patrick McGee.
September 6, 2008 2:13 PM
Anonymous said...
This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
September 6, 2008 7:57 PM
Patrick McGee said...
This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
September 6, 2008 8:02 PM
Anonymous said...
This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
September 6, 2008 9:04 PM
Patrick McGee said...
This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
September 6, 2008 9:10 PM
OregonGuy said...
Boys--You wanna throw mud? Do it somewhere else.Anonymous...you are a boor. Start your own place. Just enter "blogspot" and get started. You can say whatever you want.Mr. McGee...you are a boor. Find another place to pick a fight.Both of you guys need to get a grip. Remember the Sermon on the Mount? Sometimes even I forget. Pick up a Bible and do some reading. It will be good for your soul.I apologize to all my readers for my guests' boorish behaviours. .
September 6, 2008 9:53 PM
Anonymous said...
apology accepted!
September 6, 2008 10:12 PM
Patrick McGee said...
Pick a fight "Tommy Boy"?Is that what you call correcting blatantly inaccurate and unqualified information, especially in a conversation on a critical, upcoming referendum (4-131) where you accuse others of presenting falsities?You should apologize to your few readers for your conduct, I agree.
September 7, 2008 8:41 AM
Patrick McGee said...
And now, unbelieveably you stoop to the level of manipulating content?Sad, sad, sad "Tommy"
September 7, 2008 8:45 AM
OregonGuy said...
Mr. McGee--You are no longer welcome here. You are toxic.

Wind Power: Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

An alternative to propeller driven wind turbines that show more useful and safer applications at $10,000 per 3.5Kw

The photo insert is a unit Glenn Taggart suggested warranted a review. See site address in comments


Costs
The turbine purchase cost, including all its electrical components, is extremely attractive as the cost of produced electricity with the TESNIC turbine is generally below the utility price where the average wind speed is above 5 m/s. The objective is to offer a “turn key” TESNIC turbine of 3.6 kW under $10,000 USD (installation included).
Advantages
By using the “Green electricity” generated by the TESNIC turbine you will be able to reduce your CO2 (greenhouse gas) footprint. How much CO2 emission you will save depends on how the electricity is produced by your utility and on the average wind speed at the place where the turbine is installed.
In recent years major electricity shortages, heightened our increasing concerns on our dependency on the electrical power and the power utilities. The TESNIC turbine is a cost-effective and viable alternative to break that dependency.....For more information click on thread title above

From The Daily "A"; On Replacing County Manager

9/4/2008 1:12:00 PM

The Daily Astorian

Now we must plan for the worst

County administrator must be a stabilizing influence in bad times

Some 20 years after its adoption by the voters, Clatsop County home rule government remains a work in progress.

The pending departure of County Manager Scott Derickson is a reminder of how much we have yet to learn about what the county's decision-making requires.....For full article click on thread title above.

T. Boone Pickens On US Natural Gas...Nothing On LNG Imports Either

And it doesn't include one thing about importing Foreign LNG to Transfer/Storage Terminals either.

Domestic
Natural gas is our country's second largest energy resource and a vital component of our energy supply. 98% of the natural gas used in the United States is from North America. But 70% of our oil is purchased from foreign nations.
Natural gas is one of the cleanest, safest and most useful forms of energy — residentially, commercially and industrially. The natural gas industry has existed in the United States for over 100 years and continues to grow.
Domestic natural gas reserves are twice that of petroleum. And new discoveries of natural gas and ongoing development of renewable biogas are continually adding to existing reserves.
While it is a cheap, effective and versatile fuel, less than 1% of natural gas is currently used for transportation.....For the complete plan click on thread title above

Bradwood - Waterway Suitability?

Information taken directly fron USCG Waterway Suitability Plan for Bradwood Landing and of course, the question; Who's Going To Pay For All This?

All This Going On 2.5 Times A Week?

500 yard(1500 feet) radius around tanker, moving safety/security zone to shoreline.

200 yard(600 feet) radius security zone while tanker is moored at off-load pier.

50 yard(150 feet) security zone around Storage/Transfer Terminal when no vessel is at dock.

2 Pilots required at least first six months throughout tanker transit

All daylight transits for the first six months unless approved by Captain of the Port

All Pilots must board 5 miles before Columbia River Bouy.

Overtaking by or of the LNG tanker prohibited without approval of COTP

All meetings of commercial vessels and LNG tanker must be pre-arranged via Channel 13VHF and limited to;

* CR Bouy to Tongue Point excepting commercial vessels shall avoid meeting at turns betweens bouys 22 and 29 and bouys 33 and 42.

* Vessels may arrange meetings from Tongue Point to Rice Island between bouys 42 and 54.

* Altoona to Pillar Rock. Miller Sands light#11 to light #17

* Price Island to Puget Island bouy 32 to Bradwood.

Coast Guard, FBI, Bar and River Pilots, Escort Tug Masters and other Escort Assets must meet 24 hours before an incoming tanker to coordinate incoming and outgoing transit.

Vessel transits and bar crossings will be coordinated to minimize conflicts with other deep draft vessels, recreational boaters, seasonal fisheries, and other Marine Events.

A Camera System with complete coverage of the transit route must be installed.

An additional AIS (Automatic Identification Systems) Repeater must be installed in Astoria to provide complete coverage of the Lower Columbia, requiring a fully staffed VTS(Vessel Transit Services) station with either 2 watch standers and a supervisor or 20 personnel to maintian round the clock coverage.

Three 60 Bollard Ton Tractor Tugs with Class 1 firefighting equipment.

* Due to confined channel and high wind conditions, each LNG Carrier must be escorted by two tug with at least one being a tractor tug which will join the vessel as soon as safe to do so. The primary tug will be tethered at the direction of the pilot. The third tug will assist with turning and mooring.

* Based on on the Maneuvering Simulation Study of November 4, 2005, vessels over 140,000 cubic meters will be limited to transiting during periods of 25 knot winds or less.

* Additionally, extreme wind and weather conditions may require a third tug escort for any LNG vessel. While unloading, all three tugs will remain on standby to assist with emergency departure procedures.

Meanwhile: You want to read the entire USCG Water Suitability Report, go to the link below

http://clatsopcounty.us/Assets/Dept_12/PDF/Coast%20Guard%20Waterway%20Suitability%20Report.pdf



More to come

From The Daily "A" - Derickson's Gone From County To Woodburn

8/26/2008 5:15:00 PM

The Daily Astorian

County manager heads to Woodburn

Clatsop County Manager Scott Derickson has accepted the job of city administrator for the city of Woodburn, he said Tuesday afternoon.

He expects to announce his resignation to the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners at Wednesday night's regularly scheduled meeting.....For Complete Story Click On Thread Title Above.

From The Oregonian - Bradwood Acknowledges Polls

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Ted Sickenger - The Oregonian

Backers of the proposed Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas terminal have acknowledged their polling of Clatsop County residents about an upcoming ballot measure.

Last week, two groups opposing the terminal accused Bradwood's backer, Houston-based NorthernStar Natural Gas Inc., of violating campaign finance laws by conducting "push polls" of Clatsop County voters without making required disclosures to state officials.

When pollsters advocate a particular position in what is called a push poll, backers need to report the polling as a campaign contribution.

According to Columbia Riverkeeper and Clatsop County Citizens for Common Sense, NorthernStar's poll urged county residents to vote "yes" on a Sept. 16 measure that would allow pipelines to cross county lands.

NorthernStar has challenged the measure twice in court, and the company refused to say last week whether it was conducting the polling. A day after the complaint was filed, the company disclosed to election officials that it spent $30,178 on polling and a yet-to-be-sent mailer on the referendum.

The anti-LNG groups contend NorthernStar should be subject to campaign finance fines because its disclosure came well after the applicable deadline.

NorthernStar claims that it filed within required time frames and that "Bradwood has never engaged in so-called push polling."

The secretary of state's office is investigating.

-- Ted Sickinger
©2008 Oregonian

Joe Biden?-Ready To Go Toe To Toe With The Republican Party!!

Isn't Obama promising sweeping change?

Joe Biden?

Warren Field? - Astoria Aquatic Center? - Could this be a location option for a Community Center?

What's in Astoria Aquatic Center's future but more, anticipated, financial bolstering and physical depreciation?

Could it serve another, effective, recreation based use in the future?

Warren Field, what's in its future?

Could a serviceable and flexible community facility, geared for countywide use be located there with some expansion potential?

Nuclear Power? LNG To NG For Power?

Nuclear Energy - is it really that bad?

Even the Natural Gas Suppliers say that using Natural Gas to produce Electricity is not wise!

Council Policy StatementThe Council recognizes that there are applications in which it is more energy efficient to use natural gas directly than to generate electricity from natural gas and then use the electricity in the end-use application. The Council also recognizes that in many cases the direct use of natural gas can be more economically efficient. These potentially cost-effective reductions in electricity use, while not defined as conservation in the sense the Council uses the term, are nevertheless alternatives to be considered in planning for future electricity requirements.The changing nature of energy markets, the substantial benefits that can accrue from healthy competition among natural gas, electricity and other fuels, and the desire to preserve individual energy source choices all support the Council taking a market-oriented approach to encouraging efficient fuel decisions in the region. Read The Entire Piece: http://www.nwcouncil.org/Library/2001/2001-17.htm

Let's see now, nuclear energy has gone modular and is much safer, more predictable and just as powerful as liquefied natural gas.

It is lodged in one spot with service on-site.

A unit goes wrong, unplug it and replace with a new one just like it, and remove or repair the old one.

With an LNG transfer/storage terminal 20-plus miles up a river, there would be 2.5 LNG tankers a week making round trips full of liquefied natural gas, roiling at -260 degrees, looking for the least opportunity to get out and vaporize.

All communities' life quality and infrastructure along the route would be geared to this one private corporation, and would need expensive security and fire protection measures to protect themselves from it.

There is no liability on the private corporation's part that we know of.

And now the corporation's getting all squirrelly that someone may get upset on their running a 36-inch diameter, high pressure natural gas pipeline through property intended for public use and recreation, as well - at the expense of other landowners who will simply lose their property if they don't agree to sell it to these energy speculators, abetted by government to take it if necessary.

Let's see - nuclear power and a possible meltdown, or LNG in our lives 24/7/365 for 65 years for a product we find we may not really need?

Hmm. How tough a decision is that to make?

Now There's A Better Way!

"Poop-Freeze"

Click On Thread Title For Details

Ship Ballast Dumping Danger In Our Waters?

Ballast Water Invaders

Commercial ships are transferring diseases like cholera around the world, according to new scientific research.

Biologists in the US have discovered that the ships' ballast water, which is used to stabilise the vessels at sea, contains a variety of potentially dangerous micro-organisms.

The scientists say these can harm both humans and ocean wildlife. Helen Sewell of BBC Science reports............For Complete Article, Click On Thread Title Above!!!

From The Daily "A" - Hood To Coast Organizers Issue Traffic Warnings!

8/17/2008 9:26:00 PM

From;The Daily Astorian

Warning issued about Hood to Coast traffic disruption

SEASIDE - The Nike Hood To Coast Relay organizers advise residents that traffic flow will be affected on U.S. Highway 101 starting Monday, when the pedestrian bridge will be set up, and again Aug. 24 and 25 when the bridge is removed.The work to set up the bridge overlay will be after 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday in an effort to not create further traffic delays. The event will be held Aug. 22 and 23.....For Full Information, Click On Thread Title Above

Monday Desmo-Zone To Interview Columbia River Clean Energy Coalition

Hello All:On Monday, August 18th, Marc Auerbach and I will be interviewed during the first hour of the Desmo-zone show on KAST (1370AM).

The show begins at 4pm and we expect that Michael Desmond (the host) will open the lines for callers to phone in and ask questions.

The focus of the show will be the Pipeline Referendum, but we expect the topic to stray to some general LNG issues.

We need you to call in to support a NO VOTE on the Pipeline Referendum and to ask some good questions about the Referendum and LNG.

Please tune in to 1370 AM at 4pm on Monday and plan to call-in to ask us some good VOTE NO questions on air!

The number to call is: (503) 325-2911

We look forward to fielding your questions!-Olivia Schmit - Columbia River Clean Energy Coalition.

Maybe There Really Is Affordable Housing Out There

USDA seems to have some very good opportunities available for those, of many income levels, who wish to own their own homes .

Heard a commercial this morning on KAST-AM about a development by Steve Oldstedt(sp) over in Warranton, presumably offering these opportunites.

Check it out and let us know if you attend their Open Houses @ 11:00am this Saturday at Warrenton Shilo Inns.

For USDA information click on title above

Rick Balkins Applies For Clatsop Community College Board Seat

Rick Balkins, a 2007 graduate of Clatsop Community College, has thrown his hat into the ring for a seat on Clatsop Community College's Board of Directors.

What better candidate to help guide the school into its future than a product of its own programs along with being a voice from the student and faculty perspective as well as pursuing a career as a Building Designer

He has my support on this, give him yours.

4-131 Official Ballot Language

Official Ballot Language

4-131 Election Day September 16, 2008

CAPTION: Conditionally Allows Pipelines in "Open Space, Parks and Recreation" Zone

QUESTION Should County Zoning Ordinance Be Changed to Conditionally Allow Cable and Pipelines in Open Spaces, Parks and Recreational Areas?

SUMMARY Clatsop County recently amended its zontng law(March 20, 2008) to conditionally allow the placement of cables and pipelines in areas designated "Open Space, Parks and Recreation" for purposes such as natural gas transport from a liquid natural gas facility, water and sewer, as well as other possible applications.

SECTION 5. Provisions of the Land Development and Water Use Ordinance are amended to list(Allow) "cable, sewerline, waterline or other pipeline" as a conditional use in the OPR zone as described in SECTION 6.

SECTION 6. Land Development and Water Use Ordinance & 3.586(10) is amended to state "10. cable, sewerline, waterline or other pipeline" and the current Land Development and Water Use Ordinance & 3.586(10) is made LDWUO & 3.586(11)


This vote would affect sections 5 and 6 of Clatsop County Ordinance 08-05(See above).

A "YES" vote would change county zoning law and would allow cables and pipelines as conditional uses in areas designated "Open Space, Parks and Recreation" zones.

A "NO" vote would maintain existing county zoning law prohibiting cables and pipelines as conditional uses in areas designated "Open Space, Parks and Recreation" zones.

The Overview Of What Bradwood Will Be

The Bradwood Landing LNG Project
would include the construction and
operation of an LNG import terminal
about 38 miles up the Columbia River
from its mouth, at the location of the
former lumber mill and town of
Bradwood, in Clatsop County, Oregon.
Elements of the LNG terminal include:
• A dredged maneuvering area in the
Columbia River adjacent to the existing
navigation channel maintained by the
COE;
• A single berth capable of handling
LNG carriers ranging in capacity from
100,000 to 200,000 cubic meters (m3);
• A set of four 16-inch-diameter
unloading arms on the wharf, and a
1,240-foot-long cryogenic transfer
pipeline from the wharf to the LNG
storage tanks;
• Two full-containment LNG storage
tanks, each with a capacity of 160,000
m3; and
• A set of seven submerged
combustion vaporizers to re-gasify LNG
to natural gas, with a capacity to send
out 1.3 billion cubic feet of natural gas
per day.
The EIS also addresses the potential
environmental effects of the
construction and operation of the
associated natural gas sendout pipeline
between the Bradwood Landing LNG
terminal and an interconnection with
the existing Williams Northwest
Pipeline Corporation (Williams
Northwest) interstate system near Kelso,
VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:04 Jun 13, 2008 Jkt 214001 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\16JNN1.SGM 16JNN1 rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES
34008 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 116 / Monday, June 16, 2008 / Notices
1 A ‘‘pig’’ is a tool used inside of a pipeline to
clean or inspect it.
Washington. The pipeline facilities
would include:
• A 36.3-mile-long, underground,
high-pressure welded steel pipeline,
consisting of 18.9 miles of 36-inchdiameter
pipeline in Clatsop and
Columbia Counties, Oregon, and 17.4
miles of 30-inch-diameter pipeline in
Cowlitz County, Washington;
• Five meter stations, including one
at the LNG terminal, at the Georgia-
Pacific Wauna paper mill delivery
point, the interconnection with the
existing Northwest Natural Gas
Company intrastate system, the Portland
General Electric Company Beaver power
plant delivery point, and the Williams
Northwest interconnection; and
• At least five mainline block valves,
two pig 1 launchers, 1 receivers

Pickens Plan

From T. Boone Pickens:......."America is in a hole and it's getting deeper every day.

We import 70% of our oil at a cost of $700 billion a year - four times the annual cost of the Iraq war.

I've been an oil man all my life, but this is one emergency we can't drill our way out of. But if we create a new renewable energy network, we can break our addiction to foreign oil.

On January 20, 2009, a new President gets sworn in.

If we're organized, we can convince Congress to make major changes towards cleaner, cheaper and domestic energy resources."

For Complete Information, Click On Title above

Those Silly LNG Testimonials

Haven't heard such "Hokey" testimonial commercials in years and coming out of the bowels of "Energy Speculator", Bradwood Landing/Houston based,Northern Star Natural Gas?

Lady says she owns a B&B and her customers are demanding more "River Traffic" to look at while staying at her abode and that justifies her support for LNG Speculation and Development?

Local "Business Man", Steve Phillips says LNG Speculation will offer "Spin-Off" jobs, a new restaurant and stuff for young people, in essence.

The Construction Trades Union admits it already has an agreement with these "Energy Speculators", NSNG and it's a "Good Thing"? ........What would make them say that so emphatically?

"Swede Nyberg" declares LNG Speculation, with it's 10 -50, projected ends jobs is "The Cure-All" for everthing that ails us out here, "Good for the Economy, Good for the Community"?

And Helen McDaniel, a member of what she calls, a "Silent Majority" that doesn't say much but talks among themselves and have decided it is a good thing? Isn't that a "Star Chamber"?

Didn't Richard Lee use that "Silent Majority" thing when he was trying to save his ass from "Recall"?

Ands all this "Hooey" is going to assure LNG Speculation in Clatsop County and avert a successful, upcoming Referendum?

"Desperate times demand desperate measures" is in play here, it appears.

And what about all those "Spin-Off" jobs. Anybody got a list for us?

Niekes Case Dismissed?

Is this true?

Heard through the grapevine a Portalnd judge, sitting for Brownhill, dismissed James "Ace" Neikes lawsuit against Clatsop County Sheriff, Tom Bergin and Clatsop County Monday afternoon and awarded attorneys fees to Sheriff Bergin, citing and executing
a law called S.L.A.P.P. which Wikipedia defines as; A Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation ("SLAPP") is a lawsuit or a threat of lawsuit that is intended to intimidate and silence critics by burdening them with the cost of a legal defense until they abandon their criticism or opposition. Winning the lawsuit is not necessarily the intent of the person filing the SLAPP. The plaintiff's goals are accomplished if the defendant succumbs to fear, intimidation, mounting legal costs or simple exhaustion and abandons the criticism. A SLAPP may also intimidate others from participating in the debate.

From The Daily Astorian: Crash Names Released, Death Toll Rises To Five

8/4/2008 5:42:00 PM

Death toll in Gearhart crash raised to five

The Daily AstorianUpdated 6:04 p.m.

GEARHART - More information was released about the plane crash that killed five people and injured three others during the final press conference of the day Monday.Gearhart City Administrator Dennis McNally released the names of the pilot and a passenger as Jason Ketchson and Frank Toohey, 58, both of Clatsop County. According to McNally, Ketchson was piloting the craft when it crashed into a home at 398 N. Marion St. in Gearhart....For Full Details Click On Title Above

LNG Debate: Foster Versus Desmond At Portland City Club

Is there a winner?

Download and listen to the Recoreded Debate.

You be the judge.

Click on title above to access the debate.

Are We Ready For A New Multi-Use Community Center?

Here's a concept for half of a community center

What should it encompass?

Where should it be, City or County?

How should it be funded?

So The Sandia Report Now Says 1 Mile Danger Zone You Say?

From the Sandia Report: 12 square meter breech of a tanker hold:
"Even with the increase in thermal hazard distances from pool fires for
the larger ships, the most significant impacts to public safety and property are still within
approximately 500 m of a spill, with lower public health and safety impacts at distances beyond
approximately 1600 m for near-shore operations.

See the white track on the map?"

That's the Shipping Channel going past Astoria

The Blue Hash Lines are the I mile radius off the center of the Shipping Channel and area to scale of the drawing.

From Lower_Columbia Lists:U.S. Department Of Energy Releases Revised Sandia Labs Report On LNG Spills Over Water

U.S. DOE Releases Analysis of Spills Over Water from Large LNG Carriers
Posted: July 25, 2008
The U.S. Department of Energy this afternoon released an updated report by Sandia National Laboratories, "Breach and Safety Analysis of Spills Over Water from Large Liquefied Natural Gas Carriers". The report assesses the hazards of potential spills over water from large LNG vessels. According to the report, the thermal hazard distances resulting from a spill from a large capacity LNG vessel at a near-shore facility are about 7-8% greater than the distances associated with a smaller vessel. Citing the continued development of LNG deepwater port projects, the report evaluates separately the hazards of potential LNG spills at offshore facilities. The full report is available on the Department of Energy's website.

From The Daily Astorian: Ex-Port Master Gearin Teams Up With Ken Leahy To Sell Sand For Profit From Sand Island

7/23/2008 11:37:00 AM

Sinking business rises from the sand . Controversy surrounds former Port director Peter Gearin’s new venture

By CASSANDRA PROFITA -The Daily Astorian

A new business started by former Port of Astoria director Peter Gearin is resurrecting a failed effort by the ports of Astoria and Portland to market the mounds of sand on Rice Island, the Columbia River dredge disposal site once known for its oversized Caspian tern colony....For Complete Article Click On Main Title Above

Brent Foster, Joe Desmond Engage On LNG On KMUN/ KTCB Sunday, July 27, 7-8pm

This ought to be good!

The Last DJ Session on KMUN/KTCB Sunday 7/27 7-8pm
will be a broadcast of the Portland City Club discussion
about lng with Brent Foster of Columbia Riverkeeper and
Joe Desmond of northern star. Tune in to 91.9 or 89.5 or
www.coastradio.org.

From Carol Newman

The Current State Of Coal Fired Electricty Production

Is Coal Fired Electricity the real answer over the complexity and expense of Gas Fired?

July 16, 2008

In a July 14 column, Jay Bookman questions how a Fulton County judge could possibly attempt to regulate carbon dioxide emissions when state and federal authorities are still trying to figure out whether and how to do so ("Georgia judge makes a clean choice for Planet Earth," @issue, July 14)......For Complete Article, Click On Title Above.

Looking Back On Bradwood Landing: October 15. 2007

STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS FROM OCTOBER 15, 2007 The staff recommends that the county board of commissioners take the following three actions: 1. Based on the findings in our staff reports of June 28, 2007, and August 23, 2007, and in this report, deny requests from Bradwood Landing to:
* Issue a conditional use permit for dredging in the Aquatic Conservation 2 (AC-2) Zone in accordance with LWDUO2 3.788(9);
* Re-zone 46.1 acres from AC-2 to Aquatic Development, amend the plan so as to change that area‟s designation under Goal 16 from “Conservation” to “Development,” and then allow dredging outright per LWDUO 3.744(10);
* Re-zone 5.35 acres of wetlands from Aquatic Natural (AN) to Marine Industrial (MI)), and amend the plan so as to change that area‟s designation under Goal 16 from “Natural” to “Development”;
* Find the proposed marine industrial development at Bradwood to be a small- to medium-sized development consistent with provisions in the Northeast Community Plan and the Bradwood Subarea Plan to limit the scale of development at Bradwood.
* Amend the Northeast Community Plan and the Bradwood Subarea Plan to delete text specifying that industrial development at Bradwood is limited to small- to medium-sized marine industrial plants.
* Find that the application complies with Statewide Planning Goal 16, Estuarine Resources.
* Find that the application satisfies all applicable standards from the LWDUO and the Clatsop County Standards Document.
2. Accept Bradwood Landing’s request to withdraw elements of the consolidated application requesting permits for soil disposal on-site.
3. Based on the findings adopted by the planning commission on September 28, 2007, approve all elements of the consolidated application from Bradwood not mentioned in paragraphs 1 and 2 above, subject to all conditions recommended in the September 28 findings.

A Hydrogen Generator? Very Interesting!!!

A Few Questions For Bradwood Landing's Northern Star Natural Gas

1. Where can one find the exact text for the in-place, USCG, LNG Tanker Transit Security Plan applicable to Northern Star Natural Gas's Bradwood Landing LNG Storage/transfer Facility 20 miles or so up the Columbia River?

2. Who will be responsible for the costs of all security/public safety personnel and logistics required to escort the LNG Tankers to NSNG's/Bradwood Landing site?

3. In the event an LNG Tanker, for whatever reason, should founder in any way and/or breech its cargo in transit to and from NSNG's Bradwood Landing, who will be liable for damages and costs?

4. Who will cover the cost and Public Safety training and the sophisiticated fire fighting equipment necessary to address an LNG Ignition and fire anywhere along the route of transit to and from NSNG's Bradwood Landing?

5. Where can one find the exact LNG Transfer/Storage Terminal Perssonel list and the specific training and background requirements of each position?

Any more questions you may have that have not been answered?

I'll add more as they come to mind but, let's hear about your concerns.

Young mayor juggles school, parenthood, waitressing

Elkton’s 27-year-old mayor is a waitress, student and mother of two (with one on the way)

Karen McCowan - The Register-Guard

ELKTON — It was easy to pick Mayor Rebecca Swearingen out of a crowd of officials at a recent state event showing off a new bridge east of town: She was the young, very pregnant one with the wraparound shades, the ponytail and the flip-flops.....For Full Story Click On Title Above

Hurry! Got a Band? Want To Win $500.00? Astoria Regatta Needs a Few Bands For Their Battle Of The Bands

Regatta Square Battle of the Bands

August 8 & 9, 2008

Hello Bands!

Below I’ve outlined my plan for the Regatta Square Battle of the Bands.

*6 – 7 bands, 40-minute sets from 2:00pm until 7 or 8pm. Quick Release will be the house band on Friday 8pm-10pm and Saturday 8 or 9pm-11pm.

*Video-tape the 2nd song for each band – make sure it’s your best one! For this song only, it must be an original song. The recordings will be put up on AstoriaRocks.com, along with a poll.

*Online Voting from Sunday, August 10 thru Friday, August 15 at 5pm. There will also be ballots at the square. I will ask AstoriaRocks.com to allow only one vote per computer, to lessen the possibility of someone stuffing the ballot box.

*All bands will receive a participators plaque

*Winning band gets $500 – Will contact winner and arrange a time for presentation of check. Photo will be submitted to the Daily A for a story. Regatta and AstoriaRocks.com representatives will be included in the photo.

*Link www.astoriaregatta.org and www.astoriarocks.com online, with promotion on both sites.

*We will be using a sound system, amps, speakers & mic’s from North Coast Records, and a sound-tech will be available.

We believe this will not only provide great exposure for our local bands, but will help to promote www.AstoriaRocks.com to the general public who may not be aware of it if they don’t subscribe to the paper.

Please let me know at your earliest convenience if you can participate. Joni Marcks 503-325-3335

F.E.R.C. Bumps Bradwood From Agenda

A F.E.R.C. spokesperson,Tamara Young-Allen says that "The Commission" has stricken Bradwood Landing from its schedule of discussion items (A Federal License) this week claiming "The Commission" needed more time to review a number of new comments submitted since Thursday's meeting was scheduled.

From The Daily Astorian -Governor "K" Scolds FERC For "Fatally Flawed" Analysis

Saturday, July 12, 2008
2:49:00 PM

Governor scolds FERC for "fatally flawed" analysis

By CASSANDRA PROFITA - The Daily Astorian

Gov. Ted Kulongoski says federal energy regulators are working with a "fatally flawed and legally deficient" environmental analysis as they consider approval of the Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas project.

With the project on next week's Federal Energy Regulatory Commission agenda, a final decision could be drawing near.

In a letter sent today, Kulongoski scolded FERC for moving toward approval with a flawed description of the project's impacts that ignores legal obligations under the National Environmental Policy Act......For Complete Article Click On Title Above

From "The Oregonian":FERC puts LNG terminal along Columbia on next week's agenda

The Move Surprises The Company, Oregon and Environmentalists

Friday, July 11, 2008

TED SICKINGER - The Oregonian Staff

Federal energy regulators will consider and possibly vote Thursday on whether to approve the proposed Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas terminal, located about 20 miles east of Astoria on the Columbia River.

The possible vote by the five-member Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in Washington, D.C., is coming earlier than state leaders, opponents of the project and even Bradwood's backers expected.

The commission just issued its 700-page final environmental impact statement on the project last month. And under the agency's administrative rules, Thursday's meeting is the first in which the commission is allowed to vote on the project....For Complete Article Click On Title Above

Senate Seeker Merkley(D) Says Let The States Site LNG!!

7/7/2008 11:26:00 AM


Hear Steve Forrester of The Daily Astorian interview candidate Jeff Merkley on KMUN radio's "After Deadline" show 9:30 a.m. Friday. The interview will also be available Friday on:(After Deadline Radio Show)

By JOE GAMM - The Daily Astorian

U.S. Senate candidate Jeff Merkley(D) campaigned through the North Coast Friday with several key messages - including a belief that siting decisions for liquefied natural gas terminals should be made by the states not the feds.His other campaign themes were:• The U.S. needs to free itself of dependence on Middle Eastern oil.• Too many jobs are headed overseas.....For Complete Article Click On Title Above

Is Performance Based County Budgeting Working?

III. THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET
3.01 In contrast with accounting records which are retrospective, a budget is generally a projection of future revenues and expenditures. At a minimum, a budget is used to control financial transactions. However, in addition to controlling financial transactions, a budget should also be used as a management and planning tool. Work load and service goal objectives are objectives are included in the budget document.
3.02 Because governments allocate services, budgets are needed to plan for and control the receipt and expenditure of monies to meet these ends. Each government’s budgetary process is affected by numerous variables (e.g., the law; intergovernmental transfers; governmental structure; the regional and national economies; the nature of the service provided; and the personalities of the principal actors). These factors heavily influence the budget process and budgetary outcomes....We do have choices in Municipal Budgeting and I am not so certain "Perfomance Based Budgeting" Is Working For Us So Much As For County Management and BOCC.... For Complete Article Clisk On Title Above.

Hydro Power: The Potential Runs Past Us Everyday

Published: June 01, 2008 12:04 am

HYDROPOWER: RAPID RETURNS?

By Dan Miner - Niagra Gazette E-mail Dan

Several companies are eyeing spots on the Niagara River floor to place a new technology they say could produce hundreds of “green collar” jobs and clean electricity. Essentially, both Massachusetts-based Free Flow Power Corp. and Texas-based Hydro Green Energy want to install finely tuned mechanical water mills, or hydropower turbines, that could conceivably produce enough electricity to power all of the homes in Niagara Falls and then some.....For Complete Article Click On Title Above