"We demand that big business give the people a square deal; in return we must insist that when anyone engaged in big business honestly endeavors to do right he shall himself be given a square deal." Theodore Roosevelt November 15, 1913
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
From Columbia Riverkeeper: 9th Circuit Court Vacates Bradwood Landing's License

From Port Of Astoria- Seaport Air Drops Astoria To Portland Shuttle

Press Release
Date: March 1, 2011
Contact: Jack Crider
Executive Director
Port of Astoria
“SeaPort Airlines will cease scheduled flight operations between Astoria and Portland Sunday, March 13 2011 with the final flight Saturday March 12, Astoria to Portland.
SeaPort employees and their families, our customers, our vendors and other partners, and the communities in which they have been operating," Jack Crider, executive director of the Port of Astoria, and Rob McKinney, President of SeaPort Airlines, said in a joint statement.
“It’s been our pleasure and privilege to serve Oregon’s north coast communities.”
said McKinney.
The decision comes at the end of a six-week all out promotion targeting Clatsop
County in Oregon and Pacific County in Washington. In an effort to sustain air
service through the end of 2011 (Astoria’s bicentennial year), the Port of Astoria
in conjunction with SeaPort airlines designed a pre-paid ticket voucher program,
offering deeply discounted one-way tickets. Tickets were transferable, and
included up to 50 pounds of luggage with no advance reservation requirements.
“It’s the ideal airline ticket,” suggested Floyd Holcom Port of Astoria commission
chairman.
Sales of the program began at a slow pace and picked up as communities
became aware of the opportunity. A struggling coastal economic environment
has continued to be the main reason for the lack of voucher sales.
The Port of Astoria hoped to process enough pre-paid vouchers in an effort to
demonstrate to SeaPort our community commitment to local air service. There
was plenty of support from all chambers of commerce, downtown associations,
fraternal organizations, city councils, military representatives, hospitals and
concerned citizens to sustain air service throughout both counties, but it became
apparent the majority of our supporters are unable to invest monetarily during our
slow economy.
Our efforts have not gone in vain, as we have gathered new data to provide a
future airline when our economy improves. There is no doubt our communities
support air service, and the Port of Astoria is committed to finding an airline that
fits in a stronger economy.
Port of Astoria will refund 100% of all voucher sales.
Passengers with confirmed reservations after March 12 should contact SeaPort
airlines directly.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Clatsop County Announces Human Services Committee Openings
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE SEEKS APPLICANTS
Clatsop County is currently inviting citizens to serve on the Human Services Advisory Committee.
The committee is seeking volunteers to fill five full-term seats ending February 28, 2014. The committee advises the County Public Health Department on services for local residents with developmental disabilities, mental illness, and drug or alcohol addictions.
The Board of Commissioners will make the appointments. Applications forms are available online at http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/ under “Quick Links-Citizen Involvement,” from the office at 800 Exchange St., Suite 410, or by calling (503) 325-1000.
Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000
Flu Vaccine Available From Clatsop County Public Health Department
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000 Ext. 1312
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS FLU VACCINATIONS
The 2010-11 flu season continues, and the Centers for Disease Control recommends vaccination for everyone 6 months and older.
If you do not have insurance or do not otherwise have access to flu vaccine, call the Clatsop County Public Health Department at (503) 325-8500 for an appointment to receive the vaccine at low or no cost.
People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease, and people 65 and older.....Read For More Detail
Sunday, February 27, 2011
CCBofC Votes To Accept County Clerk's Redistricting Plan

Thursday, February 24, 2011
COUNTY CLERK PRESENTS REDISTRICTING PLAN
With the recent release of population figures from the 2010 U.S. Census, Clatsop County is launching its process to redraw local commissioner district boundaries to match the new data.
The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners voted Wednesday(February 22, 2011) to approve the redistricting plan presented by County Clerk Cathie Garber.....Read Full Department Release
Wu Says He Won't Resign But, Will Seek Re-Election!

Posted on February 26, 2011 at 6:01 PM
Updated today at 8:19 AM
PORTLAND, Ore. -- In his first local interview since allegations of drug use and mental health concerns surfaced, David Wu spoke with KGW Saturday........Read/Watch Full report
Friday, February 25, 2011
Update: Transition Center Turn-over To Authority Of Clatsop County Sheriff's Department In Unanimous Commission Vote

The Transition Center, opened in 2006 at the North Coast Business Park in Warrenton, is a dormitory-style residential facility that serves as an alternative sanction for local offenders. Budget forecasts indicate that the facility’s operating costs will exceed available revenue by 2012.
The county manager is taking input on the study’s recommendations and a final decision will be made by March 31.
STUDY RECOMMENDS TRANSITION CENTER CLOSURE
A comprehensive review completed by an outside consultant recommends that Clatsop County close its Transition Center and place the Community Corrections Department under the direction of the County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the report, rising costs and declining revenue have made the Transition Center’s operations financially unsustainable, while lack of communication between the Sheriff’s Office and Community Corrections has hampered the efficient use of sanctions for local offenders....Read Full Clatsop County Release
Clatsop County To Sue City Of Astoria For Ownership Of Warrenton Property?
Tom Bennett - Clatsop CountyThursday, February 24, 2011
COUNTY TO FILE SUIT TO CONFIRM LAND OWNERSHIP
Clatsop County is taking legal action against the City of Astoria to confirm its ownership of a disputed property in Warrenton. GRP:Hmmm! Where does this put Astoria City Attorney/Clatsop County Counsel, Henningsgaard on this issue? Is he going to have to sit this one out?
The county board of commissioners voted Wednesday to file suit in Clatsop County Circuit Court to press the county’s claim under a reversionary clause to two tax lots adjacent to Ocean View Cemetery......Read Full Release
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Update - The Astoria City Council Feb. 22, 201: Ready To Bend A Bit With D.A. Marquis On DUII Prosecutions. ACC To Draft Another Letter?
Read Daily Astorian Article "Astoria To Look Into DUII Changes!!!GRP: Here is the text of the letter, hand delivered to District Attorney, Josh Marquis and KAST-AM Personality Tom Freel last Thursday night, to my understanding and signed as well by all members of The Astoria City Council and today I read there will be a "Special Meeting" by that same panel to approve this same letter four or five days later and after it has become more than public? Is something seriously amiss here? I would like to see another letter explaining the legality of this action. Is our city government beginning to backslide at this 200th year anniversary?Are we back to City Manager Benoit, at the urging of "The Mayor" to keep rewriting findings of fact till he gets the fact he needs to satisfy the particular agenda as has been alluded to in the past?
What specifically has CofA done to impact the admininstration and records keeping of the court to truly make it a Court of Record as Mayor Van Dusen implies and new Commissioner Mellin, who was so adament in her campaign position on Municipal Court's DUII's needing to be sent to Circuit Court and now seems to have abandoned that position?
Update - 02/08/2011 - Read Daily Astorian Report On Oregon Rep., Debbie Boone's Legislation Regarding Municipal Court DUII Jurisdiction And Prosecution Authority Change Into The Hands Of County District Attorneys.
January 27, 2011
To the Citizens of Astoria:
The Astoria City Council has decided to continue to handle DUII cases from the City of Astoria in the Astoria Municipal Court. We would like to explain this decision to the citizens of Astoria and correct recent inaccurate public statements.
Astoria Municipal Court was created over 50 years ago pursuant to Oregon statutes. Several attorneys have served as part-time Astoria Municipal Court Judge over the years. They include Jerry McCallister, Judge Phillip Nelson, Judge Paula Brownhill, and Justice of the Peace Neal Lemery. Kris Kaino currently fills the position. He is an Astoria attorney in good standing with the Oregon State Bar. Local attorney Mary Ann Murk prosecutes the DUII cases in Municipal Court. She is a skilled attorney in good standing with the Bar.
In March of 2010, District Attorney Josh Marquis contacted the City Council and said he had a proposal that would save the City of Astoria thousands of dollars. He said the City only had to transfer prosecution of Astoria’s misdemeanor DUII cases to Clatsop County Circuit Court. The City Council took this offer seriously and asked City Manager Paul Benoit to investigate the District Attorney’s claim. Mr. Benoit reported back to the City Council that this move would not save money; it would actually cost the City revenue and additional overtime to the Astoria Police Department. The Council made no changes to Municipal Court and we notified Mr. Marquis of our decision.
In August of 2010, Mr. Marquis again asked the City Council to transfer all misdemeanor DUII cases to Circuit Court. His reason this time was different. He said that there were many cases that were mishandled and justice would be better served in Circuit Court. Again we took his statements seriously. We asked him to prepare a report of the mishandled cases. He agreed to do so and in August of 2010 he submitted a report that listed 14 cases. On October 4, 2010, the City Council held a public meeting to discuss the cases. Mr. Marquis appeared in person and presented his report.
The report, which Mr. Marquis said took over 100 hours to prepare, listed 14 cases over the last eight years. Mr. Marquis acknowledged that many of the cases were handled properly. As he went through the report, we discovered that it contained many significant errors. One case that Mr. Marquis said was mishandled in Astoria Municipal Court was actually a case where the defendant was arrested in Seaside. That case was handled in Circuit Court. Also in the report, he described one defendant with two DUII cases and asserted that both cases were dismissed improperly. We learned from Judge Kaino that the defendant was never charged with DUII; this defendant had one theft charge that was handled properly.
The Astoria City Council and City staff have spent a great deal of time investigating Mr. Marquis’s allegations. We acknowledge, after discounting the incorrect information in the report, that two misdemeanor DUII cases in the last eight years were not handled appropriately. The City Council has implemented changes that will help prevent such problems in the future. We implemented a new computer system that provides for electronic citations to be sent directly by the officer to the Municipal Court, and a record-keeping system that makes it easy to find and track files. We record all DUII hearings and trials so anyone may hear what happens in court. We have an aggressive prosecutor who pursues fair and lawful resolutions of these cases.
We gave Mr. Marquis our full attention. We admit that his concerns have been one of the reasons for the recent changes in Municipal Court; however, he failed to demonstrate a good reason to transfer Astoria DUII cases to Circuit Court. He has threatened to sue the City and have a judge decide whether he can take these cases, even though it would cost the City substantial attorney fees and lost revenues. We are comfortable that our decision is in the best interest of the citizens of our City. We are committed to an annual review of Astoria Municipal Court. Please contact any one of us if you have questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
THE CITY OF ASTORIA
____________________________
Willis L. Van Dusen
Mayor
_________________________________________________________
Arline LaMear Ward 1 Councilor
_________________________________________________________
Peter Roscoe Ward 2 Councilor
_________________________________________________________
Karen Mellin Ward 3 Councilor
_________________________________________________________
Russ Warr Ward 4 Councilor
Monday, February 21, 2011
Attorneys Use Social Networking Sites To Vet Their Jurors, Even Clatsop County

Facebook is increasingly being used in courts to decide who is—and who isn't—suitable to serve on a jury, the latest way in which the social-networking site is altering the U.S. court system.
Prosecution and defense lawyers are scouring the site for personal details about members of the jury pool that could signal which side they might sympathize with during a trial. They consider what potential jurors watch on television, their interests and hobbies, and how religious they are.
Josh Marquis, district attorney of Clatsop County in Oregon, did background searches on Facebook to help pick a jury for a penalty trial last summer to determine if a convicted murderer should get the death penalty. He was looking for clues on how potential jurors might feel about the defendant, a man who killed a couple as a teenager in 1988. The jury imposed the death penalty......Read Full Article
City Of Astoria Notice Of Public Hearing:Exemption From Competitive Solicitation Requirements For Maritime Memorial Granite Wall Project
CITY OF ASTORIA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
February 16, 2011
FROM: SHERRI WILLIAMS, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, 338-5183
A public hearing will be held by the Astoria City Council at 7:00pm on February 22, 2011 in the City Council Chambers, 1095 Duane Street, Astoria, Oregon, for the purpose of taking public comments regarding draft findings for an exemption from the competitive solicitation requirements for the Maritime Memorial Granite Wall project.
Written comments are also welcome and must be received by 5:00 p.m. February 22, 2011, at 1095 Duane Street, Astoria, Oregon 97103. Both oral and written comments will be reviewed by City Council. This meeting is accessible to the disabled. An interpreter for the hearing impaired may be requested under the terms of ORS 192.630 by contacting Julie Lampi, City Manager’s office, (503) 325-5824.
A draft copy of the findings for an exemption from the competitive solicitation requirement is available for public review at Astoria City Hall, Community Development Department, 1095 Duane Street, Astoria. Contact person for this project is Brett Estes. He can be reached at (503)338-5183.
THE CITY OF ASTORIA PUBLISH: February 15, 2011
Sherri Williams, Administrative Assistant
Kitzhaber Bio-Mass Jobs Plan May Face Hurdles
Published: Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 05:02AM
Gov. John Kitzhaber wants to put Oregonians back to work in the woods.
Instead of trying to revive the glory days of the timber industry before the spotted owl, he envisions a new kind of woods work that provides green energy, healthier forests and jobs from thinning projects......Read Full Article
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Clatsop County Press Release: LUBA Upholds County Board Of Commissioners Decision To Withdraw Application And Rehear Oregon LNG/Pipeline Application

Friday, February 18, 2011
LUBA UPHOLDS COUNTY'S OREGON PIPELINE WITHDRAWAL
The Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals has upheld Clatsop County’s decision to withdraw its earlier approval of the consolidated land-use application from Oregon Pipeline LLC
The ruling, issued Thursday, Feb. 17, rejects a challenge filed by the project developer regarding the deadline for the county board of commissioners’ Jan. 14 decision.
LUBA’s decision clears the way for the scheduled March 9 hearing before the commissioners on its reconsideration of the application.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Public Interest Environmental Law Conference Scheduled For March 3-4, 2011

Turning the Tides:
Creating a Green and Clean Future29th Annual PIELC: March 3-6, 2011
PIELC is only THREE weeks away! Everyone has been hard at work finalizing this year's conference; we know that it will be a great conference and can't wait see you all here!
The Panel Schedule for this year's conference is up! You can find it under the "Panels" tab in the upper left-hand corner of this page...Read Full Details
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Summary Of HB3025 To Be Introduced By Rep. Debbie Boone On District Attorney District Misdemeanor Prosecution Authority
(6) A district attorney or city attorney may aid in preparing evidence and obtaining witnesses but, except upon good cause shown to the court, shall not appear in violation proceedings unless counsel for the defendant appears. The court shall ensure that the district attorney or city attorney is given timely notice if defense counsel is to appear at trial. [1999 c.1051 §21])
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Daily Astorian Editorial:Astoria's Culture Of Alcoholism Nurtures Astoria Municipal Court
Friday, February 11, 2011
Clatsop County Files Notice Of Public Hearing On Reconsideration Of Oregon LNG/Pipeline Application

Thursday, February 10, 2011
Oregon Attorney General/Department Of Justice Annual Report

As your Attorney General, I am proud of the work we do at the Oregon Department of Justice.
Our mission is to provide outstanding legal and child support services to you and your
government. We are dedicated to:
• Fighting crime and protecting crime victims;
• Improving the well‐being of Oregon’s children;
• Protecting the environment;
• Fighting for Oregon consumers, workers, investors, and taxpayers;
• Promoting a positive business climate;
• Providing great legal services to Oregon’s citizens.....Read Full DOJ Annual Report
Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Agrees On Limted Hearing On Oregon LNG/Pipeline Application
The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners will hold a limited hearing next month as part of its reconsideration of the land-use application from Oregon Pipeline LLC.Following a public hearing Wednesday, the board voted to limit its review to the existing record and allow testimony only from the applicant, Oregon Pipeline LLC, and project opponent Columbia Riverkeeper when it revisits the issue at a hearing March 9. The meeting will begin at 3:30 p.m. at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria.....Read Full Clatsop County Press Release
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Astor Hotel Fire Causes One arrest, $100 Fire Damage, $50,000 Sprinkler Damage

Police arrested a woman after a small fire activated the sprinkler system at the John Jacob Astor Hotel in downtown Astoria Monday morning, causing extensive water damage to the historic structure. .........Read Full Oregonlive Article
Friday, February 04, 2011
Thursday, February 03, 2011
From Oregon Attorney General John Kroger: Be Alert For Phoney Debt Collection Scam
SCAM ALERT: FAKE DEBT COLLECTION SCAMSFebruary 3, 2011
The Oregon Department of Justice has received several complaints regarding phony debt collection calls. Scam artists pose as debt collectors or law enforcement officers calling about an outstanding debt from an online payday loan. They frequently use fake phone numbers and official sounding business names. They also do their research. Some Oregonians have been tricked into paying nonexistent debt because the scam artist knew personal information about them, including their Social Security number, home address, e-mail, and names of family and personal references..Read Full DOJ Scam Alert
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Rupert Murdoch's News Corp.com Unveils "The Daily" Today
First National Daily News Publication Created for iPad Launches today in the Apple App Store
New York, NY, February 2, 2011 - Today Rupert Murdoch, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of News Corporation, unveiled The Daily -- the industry's first national daily news publication created from the ground up for iPad........Read News Corp.com Press Release
Sunset Empire Transit: New Interim Director Finds SET's Finances In Disorder!

*Three weeks ago, in circumstances that haven’t been publicly explained, Howe, the long-serving leader of the district, submitted her resignation.
*Since then, Anderson revealed that managers have found the financial record keeping in disarray.
*One issue being probed is financial. Thursday’s board meeting heard that Howe had apparently signed a $25,000 agreement with New Northwest Broadcasters for radio spots without approval........Read Full Daily Astorian Report
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Conservancy Group Purchases Historic SS United States

“We are one big step closer to ensuring that this great symbol of American innovation is permanently preserved,” said Susan Gibbs, the Conservancy’s board president, whose grandfather, William Francis Gibbs, designed the legendary liner. “Now that we have secured title, we will accelerate our efforts to redevelop the nation's flagship as a multi-purpose waterfront destination with dynamic hotel, retail, educational and museum offerings. To succeed, we will tap into the same “can-do” spirit and ingenuity that the ship has embodied since her first splash in 1952.”......Read Report
Monday, January 31, 2011
OK, Camp Rilea Gets Reba On August 14, 2011 But What About The 7 Months In Between?
On KAST-AM - "The Profits, If Any, Will Be Disbursed Locally" Radio Ticket Sales Ads Say Concert Is Sponsored, In-Part, By "Astoria Regatta Concert Associaton"?
Well, having Reba performing at Camp Rilea in August certainly gives us ample opportunity, 7 months as a matter of fact, to capitalize on Astoria's immediate assets to bolster a little prosperity to the businesses of this 200 year old city by, let's say, developing a "Performing Arts Series every weekend to bring other great talent to the area by involving all our venues in the city, large and small, in a coordinated effort to share the talent and prosperity amongst all our retailers.
And hey! How about an actual regatta and establishing the "John Jacob Astor Bicentennial Challenge Cup" by inviting two or three very competitive sailng classes to a week's elemination series culminating in match races per each class at the end of the week and the final Regatta Celebration events?
You know, it could be a blessing in disguise for Astoria, its businesses, its blessings and its residents and the visitors it will bring.
Daily Astorian Update Says Reba A $600,000 Ticket For 12,000 Showgoers At Camp Rilea
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Rhythm & Keys Music Studio: Truly A Gift To Astoria To Add To The Honors Of Its 200th Year
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Clatsop County District Attorney, Josh Marquis Named By Daily Journal Of Commerce-Oregon As One Of 15 "Leadership In Law Honorees"

Fifteen Oregon attorneys have been singled out as honorees in the Daily Journal of Commerce’s first Leadership in Law awards program.....Read Full DJC Release
Friday, January 28, 2011
The Daily Astorian: Josh Marquis Guest Column: The Rule Of Law In Astoria

And Now The Letter, Hand Deliverd Last Night To A Local Radio Personality and The District Attorney Himself. Is That Correct? Signed By All Members Of The City Council?
Over the past few years I have become increasingly concerned that drunk driving cases are not being handled fairly and consistently by Astoria's Municipal Court.
Officers from Astoria Police Department have frequently complained that the tickets they write never come to court. The Daily Astorian has documented several cases in which DUIIs have been dismissed for no apparent reason and/or offenders have been offered extraordinarily generous plea bargains that would never be made by the District Attorney’s office.....Read Full Guest Column
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Naselle-Grays River School Board OK's Partnership For Home School Students
Wahkiakum County Eagle - Betsy Nelson and Cody Cooley
Naselle-Grays River School Board members met January 18 to decide whether to pursue a partnership that would set up a school-within-a-school to focus on coursework for home schooled students.....Read "The Eagle's" Full Report
Clatsop County Commission: "The Oath" - Why Re-do It?

In an effort to make sure the information is presented accurately, this is the explanation from County Manager Duane Cole: "The county staff provided the 'oath' that had the word 'appointed' instead of the word 'elected'. The last few times we used the oath, we were swearing in appointed commissioners and not elected commissioners. In discussions with Judge Nelson, he preferred to redo the oaths of office to make sure he was signing what was actually said, however, we have checked with County Counsel and the important part of the oath is the first part about upholding the laws of the State and County. All decisions made by the Board apply and they were duly sworn prior to taking any actions prior to the last meeting."
Big Story? I don't think so.
I credit this new leadership, administered by Mr. Cole, for making sure it was done right
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
CCC Historic Preservation Students To Replace Porch At Knappton Cove U.S. Quarantine Center
Clatsop Community C ollege Students Participate In Porch Building WorkshopClatsop Community College Historic Preservation students, under the supervision of their instructor Lucien Swerdloff and contractor Tim Kennedy, have scheduled a porch building workshop February 5 & 6 to replace the rotted porches on the historic U.S. Columbia River Quarantine Hospital (aka the Pesthouse).....Read Full CCC Press Release
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The Coincidence Theory: Ted Thomas On the Astoria Fires
Let us not forget that there were two fires on the night of the 16th in the same structure. For those of you unfamiliar with the Astoria water front; the Cannery Cafe, located on Sixth Street, is connected to No 10 Sixth Street by a very wide and undamaged pier.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration there were an estimated 505,500 structure fires reported in the USA, in 2000, of which 5.5% were stores and offices like the pier. That works out to 27802.5 fires in about 4.7 million commercial buildings during that year.
Over a period of one year one fire occurred in every one hundred and sixty three commercial structures. The chance of a randomly ignited fire occurring on each particular day is 1:(365.25x169.05 ) or 61745.51 to 1.
The chance that a randomly ignited fire will coincide with another randomly ignited fire on the same day in the same structure is the product of the independent probability of a fire occurring on any specific day. In other words the probability that two fires could randomly ignite in different locations of the same structure on the same day is 3,812,508,314 to 1.
I am absolutely certain over time this event can occur somewhere in the US once every 756.92 years (if the average number of commercial structures was/will be 4.7 million).
So let me be the first to say that there is no proof that the fires at the foot of sixth street were anything other than a coincidence. Yes, that's right folks, it is entirely possible that it was just a coincidence independent of the owner's financial or personal incentives.
Having overheard speculation that the double conflagration was other than coincidental I would like to say; Shame! Shame on those that would accuse anyone of setting those dual infernos let alone the bereaved victim of a double misfortune who might be the beneficiary of an insurance policy.
What are you all going to think of yourselves when no one is accused of Arson? Boy there will sure be egg on your faces then!
There's not been any revelation that those twins of pyrolytic devastation had human agency kindling their combustion. That bilaterallity of bedtime blazes, that late night duet of phlogistic pyres, that scintillating, binary, nocturnal, scorching, sea of fire on sixth street has an undeniable measurable likelihood of being coincidence.
The fact that Police and Fire Officials have not produced proof to the contrary or made any arrests is an unmistakable demonstration of just how good they are!
Ray Bradbury would be appalled! God help us all!!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Oregon Attorney General, John Kroger's Argument To The U.S. Supreme Court On Confessed Murderer Randy Moore's Conviction Sticks

In 1996, Randy Moore pled no contest to felony murder after abducting, torturing and executing an acquaintance in Josephine County. Under his plea agreement he was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Later, he attempted to get his conviction reversed, claiming that he received inadequate legal assistance because his attorney did not move to suppress one of his confessions at the time of his plea. After an intermediate court threw out Moore's conviction, DOJ appealed.
Read USSC's decision on the case here
Monday, January 17, 2011
Port Of Seattle To Start Clean Trucks Program
The Port of Seattle last week launched its program aimed at registering newer, cleaner drayage trucks that access its container terminals. All drayage trucks now must adhere to new Clean Truck Program guidelines to enter Port of Seattle cargo terminals.......Read Article
Saturday, January 15, 2011
CCBofC:Notice Of Public Hearing On Oregon LNG/Pipeline

Clatsop CountyTransportation & Development Services
800 Exchange Street, Suite 100,
Astoria, OR 97103
ph: 503-325-8611
fx: 503-338-3666
em: comdev@co.clatsop.or.us
www.co.clatsop.or.us
CLATSOP COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
To set the scope of review for the reconsideration of the conditional approval of the consolidated application
by Oregon Pipeline, LLC, to construct a 36-mile natural gas pipeline.
DATE OF HEARING: Wednesday, February 9, 2011
TIME: 10:00 AM
LOCATION: Judge Guy Boyington
Building, 857 Commercial Street - Astoria, Oregon 97103
CONTACT PERSON: Jennifer Bunch, Clatsop County Planner
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners, pursuant to ORS
197.830(13(b) and OAR 661-010-0021, has withdrawn its decision to grant conditional approval to the
Oregon Pipeline, LLC, consolidated application that was originally approved by the Board of Commissioners
on November 8, 2010.
The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners has scheduled a hearing to determine the procedures to be
applied during the reconsideration proceeding in this matter pursuant to ORS 197.830(13)(b), OAR 661-010-
0021, and Sections 2.185, 2.190, 2.195, 2.230(4), 2.245 and 2.260 of the Clatsop County Land and Water
Development and Use Ordinance (LWDUO), at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, February 9, 2011, at the Judge
Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St, Astoria, OR 97103.
The Board of Commissioners will then reconsider the matter pursuant to such procedures on Wednesday,
March 9, 2011. Additional public notice will be issued for the March 9 hearing.
Parties to the LUBA appeal are invited to testify in person by attending the hearing, or they may testify in
writing by addressing a letter to the Clatsop County Transportation & Development Services, 800 Exchange
Street, Suite 100, Astoria, OR 97103. Written comments from the parties to the LUBA appeal may also be
sent via FAX to 503-338-3666 or via email to comdev@co.clatsop.or.us. Such written comments must be
received in this office no later than 5PM on Tuesday, February 8, 2011, in order to be considered at the
February 9, 2011, public hearing.
NOTE: Failure of an issue to be raised in a hearing, in person or by letter, or failure to provide statements or
evidence sufficient to afford the decision maker an opportunity to respond to the issue precludes an appeal
based on that issue.
Date Mailed: January 14, 2010 Page 2 of 2
The following documents are available for review at the Clatsop County Transportation & Development
Services office, 800 Exchange Street, Suite 100, Astoria, Oregon. A copy of the application, all documents
and evidence submitted by or on behalf of the applicant and applicable criteria are available for inspection at
the department office during normal business hours (M-F, 8-5) at no cost and will be provided in a digital
format at reasonable cost.
A copy of the staff report will be available for inspection at the Department office at no cost at least seven
days prior to the hearing and will be provided at a reasonable cost.
In general, the procedure for conduct of the public hearing will be as follows: Introductory statements by the
Board of Commissioners, staff report presentation, testimony from the LUBA parties (five minute limit), and
conclusion of the public hearing. The Board of Commissioners will then deliberate and issue a decision
regarding the procedure to be applied for the Board’s reconsideration of the matter.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Longview Daily News(TDN): EPA Eases-Up On Bio-Mass Using Operations Like Longview Fibre
Posted: Wednesday, January 12, 2011 7:51 pm
Biofuels power projects like one proposed by Longview Fibre Paper and Packaging may have an easier path to approval.
Under pressure from Congressional members, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is easing up regulations to control emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses from facilities that burn biomass for energy....Read Full TDN.com Report
The Daily Astorian: Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Votes 4-1 To Rehear Oregon Pipeline Proposal
The Daily Astorian
The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners voted 4 to 1 to withdraw last year’s approval of a liquefied natural gas land-use application and will re-examine the issue in a public hearing.
The board voted Nov. 8, 2010 to accept a hearings officer’s ruling granting approval to the consolidated liquefied natural gas pipeline application for Oregon Pipeline LLC. The decision was appealed to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals by project opponents led by Columbia Riverkeeper.....Read Full Daily Astorian Report
The Daily Astorian: Port Of Astoria Ponders Expansion And 3 Phase Development Of Tongue Point

The Port of Astoria is looking at developing North Tongue Point, located east of Astoria, in a three-phase plan that could include the purchase of the property from Washington Group, an expansion into acreage currently occupied by the U.S. Coast Guard Buoy Station and the Job Corps facilities, and the creation of additional acres by filling and paving between several of the finger piers....... Read Full Katie Wilson Report
Friday, January 07, 2011
Updated: Notice Of Hearing On Astoria Derelict Building Ordinance
Recognizing a need to address the issue of derelict buildings (i.e. boarded up structures, vacant buildings, buildings in significant disrepair, etc.), the City Council set as one of their goals for the Fiscal Year 2010-2011 to develop a process for addressing derelict buildings. The goal states:
Mitigate Derelict Building Problems
Adopt ordinance to alleviate problems and recover costs
Initiate Code Enforcement upon enactment of ordinance
Read Full Notice
Read Full Amended And Proposed Derelict Building Ordinance Here
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Brent Foster Cleared Of Any Wrongdoing Regarding Any Proposed Oregon LNG Projects As Alleged By Pro-Bradwood Landing Element
Published: Tuesday, January 04, 2011, 5:08 PMUpdated: Tuesday, January 04, 2011, 5:19 PM
By Scott Learn, The Oregonian
A former judge's review of Brent Foster's work at Oregon's Department of Justice found no evidence that Foster gave improper legal advice on liquid natural gas plants in Oregon as LNG supporters had charged....Read Full Oregonlive Report
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Take Oregon ODOT Transportation Enhancement Survey
Friday, December 31, 2010
New EPA Rule Could Delay Longview Fibre Bio-Mass Project

Courtesy Photo - Two boilers overlook a chip pile at the south end of the Longview Fibre Paper and Packaging mill. The company is seeking to build a $100 million biomass boiler to go online 2013.
Longview Fibre Paper and Packaging officials say a new federal rule to curb greenhouse emissions could unintentionally delay or kill their effort to produce clean, renewable power at the Longview mill......Read Full TDN Report
Thursday, December 30, 2010
The Daily Astorian: Port Of Astoria Revises Lease With Log Exporter

By KATIE WILSON - The Daily Astorian
Pier 3 Could Be Up And Running As A Log Operation Site S.
At a meeting Tuesday night, the Port of Astoria commissioners approved a revised lease with Westerlund Log Handlers, allowing the Bremerton, Wash.-based company to use Pier 3 and, in turn, allowing the Port to lease out unused space to other operations......Read Full Katie Wilson Report
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
No Confirmation Yet For Oregon U.S. Attorney Spot

Posted 12/28/2010 9:42 AM ET
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Senate adjourned without confirming President Barack Obama's nominee for the top federal prosecutor in Oregon.....Read Full Brief
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
From The Daily News: Washington State Joins Appeal Of Cowlitz County Commission's Approval Of Proposed Coal Export Terminal
Posted: Tuesday, December 28, 2010 5:35 pm
Related: Commissioners approve permit for Columbia River coal terminal
The state Department of Ecology has filed to become a party in an appeal of a coal export facility in Cowlitz County, state officials announced Tuesday. The appeal, put forward by an alliance of environmental groups, is scheduled to be heard in mid-April.......Read Full Report
From KGW.Com: Fire Destroys Seaside's 12th Avenue Market
Posted on December 28, 2010 at 7:21 AM
Updated today at 7:30 AM
SEASIDE, Ore. – A huge blaze destroyed a grocery store in Seaside early Tuesday morning.
The fire broke out around 3:30 a.m. at the 12th Avenue Grocery Store.
Firefighters said they arrived to see flames shooting out of the roof and it took them an hour to get the blaze under control.
No one was injured in the fire but the building was destroyed. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.....Watch Video Report
Monday, December 27, 2010
From: Oregon Attorney General John Kroger - Mortgage Payment Assistance Available To Qualified Recipient Households

Oregon has recently received $220 million in federal money to help distressed homeowners avoid foreclosure.
The Mortgage Payment Assistance Program pays the mortgage of a qualified recipient household for an entire year, up to $20,000. If you have suffered a loss of income of 25% or more, this program may help you keep your home. The deadline to apply is January 14, 2011. More information is available at OHSI
In many communities this program has gone unnoticed. These days, everyone knows someone for whom it could make all the difference. Please forward this important information to your friends, family and neighbors.
From everyone at DOJ, have a safe and happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
From KGW.COM: Joshua & Bruce Turnbridge Sentenced To Death
Posted on December 21, 2010 at 11:32 AM
SALEM -- The jury sentenced both Bruce and Joshua Turnidge to death for the deadly Woodburn bombing in 2008 that killed two police officers, maimed the police chief and injured a bank worker......Read - Watch Full KGW.com Report
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
The Daily Astorian: Clatsop Sheriff Tom Bergin Named Sheriff Of The Year

Friday, December 17, 2010
Marion County Grand Jury Clears Brent Foster!

A Marion County grand jury has declined to indict Brent Foster, a former top aide to Attorney General John Kroger, for his actions related to a criminal pollution case in Hood River.....Mr. Foster said: "I am obviously very pleased with the grand jury's decision. But it is unfortunate that this has taken almost eight months of my life. After over 10 years of environmental litigation, I made a mistake, voluntarily reported it to my employer and voluntarily resigned as a result. I have dealt with this mistake as best I could and look forward to moving on."His lawyers said: "This result underscores the fact that, with respect to the criminal investigation of Hood River Juice, and Mr. Foster's handling of evidence and his interaction with others involved, Brent acted entirely lawfully and in the best interests of the people of the State of Oregon in pursuing environmental enforcement for the state." Read Full Report
Daily Astorian: Astoria Fire Destroys Two Historic Downtown Buildings

Astoria inferno destroys cafe, office block; cause not known
Firefighters are slowly bringing a two-fire blaze on the Astoria waterfront under control as of 6 a.m. Friday.
The first fire broke out in Gunderson's Cannery Cafe, No.1 building, Sixth Street, around 10:30 p.m. Thursday.
A second fire began not long after in the neighboring No.10 building which houses a variety of offices and businesses including Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare and the Lazy Spoon Cafe.
At first, fire personnel believed the fire at the cafe had spread into the No.10 building. They now have reason to believe that there were two separate fires, said Tara Constantine, public information officer with the Astoria Fire Department.
But the cause of both fires is still unknown.
The fires gutted the two buildings, eating away the roof and interior of the cafe and blasting the river side of the No.10 building. No one was injured.
A massive fire was still blazing on the Astoria waterfront at 4 a.m. Friday.
The fire, which appears to have started at Gunderson's Cannery Cafe, No.1 Sixth Street, and then spread to the adjacent No.10 building, is far from being under control, said Astoria Fire Chief Lenard Hansen.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Clatsop County Manager Looking to Pay Consultant To Tell All How To Govern And Manage At Retreat
"Team Building", in lieu of "Community Building", and "Strategic Planning" is the mandate with the prospective candidate providing "Retreat" and "Goal Setting" services to the Board of Commissioners, County Manager and Department heads.
Read Full Release
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
ECOTROPE:What Happens In The U.S. When China Reaches Peak Coal Demand?
By Cassandra Profita - ECOTROPE/OPB
New reports show China will run out of domestic coal supplies within 38 years while the U.S. has a 245-year supply. That might explain why Ambre Energy wants to export coal from Wyoming and Montana via the Columbia River.
There’s a lot of discussion lately about China’s growing demand for coal, which is becoming evermore relevant to the Pacific Northwest as Ambre Energy looks to build the West Coast’s first major coal-export terminal in Longview, Wash.
Read Full Report
Oregon Attorney General's 20 Worst Charities List For 2010
documenting their national fundraising and expenditures and explaining how donations were
spent. Under guidelines issued by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), organizations should
dedicate at least 65% of their funds to charitable programs, with no more than 35% toward
administrative and fundraising costs.
The following charities registered to do business in Oregon failed to meet that standard based on a three-year average of annual expenditures. This is not an exclusive list, but represents the 20 charities that fell farthest from the BBB guidelines. .....Read Full Details
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Derelict Properties In Astoria? A Look At The Draft Ordinance.
Here's the Draft Ordinance to help your shape you thinking
Full Draft Of Ordinance
Monday, December 13, 2010
Cowlitz County Approval Of Longview Coal Export Facility Challenged By EarthJustice
Posted: Monday, December 13, 2010 12:00 pm
A Seattle environmental group has appealed Cowlitz County's decision to allow construction and operation of a coal export facility at the former Reynolds Metals Co. site west of Longview....Read Full Details
Saturday, December 11, 2010
The Daily Astorian: Ohana Media Group Intends To Buy New Northwest Broadcasters(KAST-AM And Sister Stations)
By CHELSEA GORROW - The Daily Astorian
WARRENTON — A deal is pending on the sale of New Northwest Broadcasters (NNB) five local radio stations in Warrenton to NNB’s chief executive Trilla Bumstead’s Ohana Media Group....Read Full Daily Astorian Report
Friday, December 10, 2010
NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service Submits response To FERC On Consultation Request For OLNG Terminal & Pipeline
Kimberly D. Bose
Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First St., N.E., Room 1A
Washington, D.C. 20426
Re: National Marine Fisheries Service’s Response to Request for Formal Consultation for the
Oregon Liquefied Natural Gas Terminal and Pipeline Project, Eastern Pacific Ocean and
Lower Columbia River Basin, Oregon (Docket Nos. CP09-6-000 and CP09-7-000).....
"Accompanying the request was a biological assessment (BA) that, in part, evaluates the effects of the Oregon LNG Project on 28 species under NMFS’ jurisdiction that are listed or proposed for listing under the ESA and their critical habitat, where designated or proposed, in the action area.
In the BA, FERC determined that 20 species are likely to be adversely affected (LAA) by the project and the remaining 8 species are not likely to be adversely affected (NLAA)"......Read Full Letter
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Oregon Executive Sessions: Who's A Legitimate Journalist/Media Outlet and Who Ain't?
Carla Axtman - BlueOregon
A rather fascinating situation has developed in Lake Oswego over who gets to cover work done in City Council Executive Session meetings, and who doesn't.
Rebecca Randall, The Portland Trib
Recently, a media and government work group drew up a potential model policy defining who is a journalist, and therefore allowed to attend closed-door city council meetings — called executive sessions. The work group came together in reaction to a policy first written by Lake Oswego City Attorney David Powell after a blogger attempted to attend an executive session.
Read Full Blue Oregon Article
Read Rebecca Randall's Full Portland Tribune Report
Henningsgaard Frontrunner For Astoria City Attorney Spot

Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Update:On CofA Public Hearings On Derelict Buildings December 6, 2010

TO: MEDIA AND INTERESTED PARTIES
FROM:SHERRI WILLIAMS, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT:PUBLIC INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN DERELICT BUILDING ORDINANCE DISCUSSION
Please publish the following public service announcement:
The City of Astoria recognizes the need to address the issue of derelict buildings. The
City Council will hold a public hearing on December 6, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at 1095 Duane Street, 2nd Floor Council Chambers to take public comments on the proposed Derelict Building Ordinance. Comments received by the public and City Council will be reviewed for incorporation into a final draft ordinance. It is anticipated that the final draft will be presented to City Council for adoption in January, 2011.
For information, please contact Brett Estes, Community Development Director, 503-338-5183 or bestes@astoria.or.us
Point of Contact:Sherri Williams, 503-338-5183, swilliams@astoria.or.us
Friday, December 03, 2010
Interim Director Named For Clatsop County Corrections

INTERIM DIRECTOR NAMED FOR COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS
Clatsop County Manager Duane Cole announced Wednesday that Justin Hecht has been appointed Interim Director of the county’s Community Corrections Department....Read Full Release
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Proposed Warrenton WalMart Shows No Current Movement To Date

Friday, November 26, 2010
November 24, 2010: Columbia Riverkeeper And Northwest Property Rights Coalition Petition To Appeal Clatsop Commission Approval Of OLNG Pipeline
Current LUBA Case Number has not been assigned yet and will be forthcoming.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Ireland Appeals For International Bailout
By SHAWN POGATCHNIK and GABRIELE STEINHAUSER - Associated Press
DUBLIN (AP) -- After weeks of denying it needed a bailout, Ireland Sunday became the second European country to ask for a multibillion euro emergency loan to help stabilize its debt-ridden banks..........Read Full Report
Eu Forks Over $113 Billion To Irish Banks
Port Of Tacoma Torpedoes Coal Export Terminal Plan
The Port of Tacoma said late Friday it has nixed plans for a large coal exporting facility near Seattle after considering“a multitude of business and community factors.”
People familiar with the facility sayBNSF Railway and Union Pacific were considering a terminal with capacity to handle up to 20 million short tons a year, but port commissioners concerned with the potential outcry from environmental activists backed off the plan.....Read Full Report
Cowlitz County Commissioners Delay Decision On Coal Export Project
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
After four hours of testimony Tuesday, Cowlitz County commissioners delayed a decision whether to allow an Australia-based company to build a coal export facility at the former Reynolds Metals site in Longview....Read Full Longview Daily News Report
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Obama Nominates Amanda Marshall For Oregon U.S. Attorney Spot
Monday, November 15, 2010
How Does An Urban Renewal District Work You Ask?

Well here's a little primer that tells you, the citizen, exactly where, in which end, you will be hit if you are impacted.......I think.
An Urban Renwal District Primer From Portland Development Commission
Tonight! November 15, Astoria City Council To Hold Hearing To Ammend Astor-East Urban Renewal Plan
Adoption of an ordinance to amend the Astor-East Urban Renewal Plan.
WHERE: City Hall, Council Chambers, 1095 Duane Street, Astoria
WHEN: Monday, November 15, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
A copy of the ordinance, the amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan and
accompanying report may be obtained by contacting:
Brett Estes, Community Development Director, 503-338-5183,
1095 Duane Street Astoria, Oregon 97103
bestes@astoria.or.us
Read Full Details
Are You An Attorney? Are You Looking For An Exciting Gig?
Go Here For Full Details



