Connecting with our Communities | |
The Weekly Bulletin is Going on Vacation
Due to the holiday and shortened work week, we won’t publish a Weekly Bulletin on Friday, July 7. Enjoy your 4th of July!
| Clatsop County offices will close Tuesday, July 4, for the Independence Day Holiday. Normal business hours will resume Wednesday, July 5. | |
Another Code Compliance Success
This property on Mistletoe Road had made substantial progress on removing inoperable vehicles and solid waste.
A special thank you to Code Compliance Specialist Nancy Mendoza for her work on this property.
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Deputy Hazen Recognized for Life Saving Actions
Clatsop County Deputy Caleb Hazen received a Life Saving Ribbon recently for his actions to save the life of an inmate in distress.
Deputy Hazen was in the County Sheriff booking room when he heard an Adult In Custody (AIC) knocking on the door. The deputy went over and saw the individual was putting his hands up to his neck in the universal sign of choking.
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Deputy Hazen called for medical and backup, opened the cell door and administered two abdominal thrusts, clearing the food blocking the individual’s airways.
The booking room is normally full of Adults In Custody yelling, pounding and creating a racket. It is easy for deputies to become used to the noises of the facility and in particular the booking room.
We train staff to handle emergency situations, but training is not real life. Deputy Hazen did not hesitate when he heard the knocking to see what the Adult In Custody needed. He responded to this medical emergency by assessing the situation, getting support en route, all while he rendered aid.
Congratulations, Deputy Hazen!
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Fire Danger Raised to Moderate in Northwest Oregon.
As warmer weather increases temperatures in the northwest corner of the state, fire managers are increasing the fire danger level to Moderate (blue) for the Public Use Restrictions in the Northwest 1, 2, and 3 (NW-1, NW-2, and NW-3) weather zones.
This change is effective at 1 a.m. this Thursday, June 29.
Campfires will only be allowed at designated camping sites. Dispersed campfires will no longer be allowed. Motorists traveling on forest roads are required to have a shovel and one gallon of water or a 2.5 lb. or larger ABC fire extinguisher. Non–industrial use of chain saws is allowed.
In conjunction with the county fire chiefs, a county wide burn ban remains in effect.
Open debris burning has not been allowed since June 14.
Burn barrels require a burning permit, which can be obtained through the Oregon Department of Forestry or a local fire department depending on the location of the residence.
For rural residences using burn barrels: only metal barrels in good condition covered by heavy mesh screens with holes no larger than ¼ inch are acceptable. A charged water supply and hand tools are required to be on site.
The Industrial Fire Precaution levels (IFPL) for NW-1, NW-2, and NW-3 will remain at a level I, with a 1-hour fire watch required.
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Clatsop County is Keeping You Updated this Fire Season
Clatsop County has created a resource page you can turn to if our County experiences extreme heat, wildfires or wildfire smoke. Check it out.
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Governor Kotek Visits Clatsop County
As part of Governor Tina Kotek's visit to Clatsop County on her One Oregon Listening Tour, the Governor met with County staff and elected officials, as well as with community partners.
Clatsop Chair Mark Kujala and Clatsop County Manager Don Bohn met with Gov. Kotek at a dinner meeting and discussed the potential financial impact of the Habitat Conservation Plan and other concerns.
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From left to right: Chair Kujala, Karlie Kujala, Governor Kotek, and Don Bohn, County Manager | |
The Governor also convened a roundtable on the topic of Housing and Behavioral Health Care, which Clatsop County Commissioner Lianne Thompson and County Housing Manager Elissa Gertler participated in, along with other key community partners from Columbia Pacific Coordinated Care Organization, Clatsop Behavioral Health, and Clatsop Community Action. | |
From left to right: Elissa Gertler, Clatsop County Housing Manager, Amy Baker, Clatsop County Behavioral Health; Leslie Ford, Housing Strategy Advisor, Columbia Pacific CCO; Governor Kotek, Viviana Matthews, Community Care Agency; Clatsop County Commissioner Lianne Thompson, and Mimi Haley, Clatsop Cares CCO. | |
Clatsop County Update on Meeting Needs of UnHoused Community
Addressing the lack of affordable and transitional housing is a top priority of the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners strategic plan.
In March of this year, Clatsop County was included in Governor Tina Kotek’s Homelessness State of Emergency that she declared in January 2023. Clatsop County was able to show we met the criteria for inclusion in the emergency declaration, including having the highest per capita rate of homelessness in Oregon.
Since then, our County has led a multi-agency coordinated effort to address the homelessness crisis in our area, and has applied for state funding available to regions that are included in the emergency declaration.
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Our goal is to add at least 77 shelter beds— with a goal of reaching 92— to Clatsop County, and to rehouse at least 200 individuals experiencing homelessness within the next year. | | | |
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Clatsop County has acquired an Astoria hotel which is being transformed into an emergency shelter through funding we received from Project Turnkey 2.0. Clatsop Community Action (CCA), a social service agency dedicated to meeting basic needs, will operate this shelter in collaboration with The Harbor, an organization providing support for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.
The emergency shelter will provide 58 beds and requires support for direct services and staff wages. The operating agreement was discussed at the Board’s Wednesday, June 28, Work Session.
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Filling Empty Bellies / LiFEBoat Services is a charitable nonprofit that helps alleviate the burden of homelessness and poverty by meeting the basic needs of those suffering. It is currently renovating their downtown Astoria service center to convert it into a year-round emergency low-barrier shelter with approximately 19 beds. The Board reviewed an American Rescue Plan Act funding proposal to support these capital improvement projects for LiFEBoat Services.
Additional work being done to address the homelessness crisis in our County include a Clatsop Community Action project to establish a village-style micro housing shelter in Seaside. This project will consist of 15 single-bed units equipped with shared restrooms, showers, community space, and greenspace and is funded through the Oregon Behavioral Health Resource Network grant.
Addressing the housing and homelessness crisis in our area takes a coordinated effort among many partners, and Clatsop County is fortunate to have a wide range of partners throughout the “continuum of care” who are committed to this important work. By continuum of care, we mean a community plan to organize and deliver housing and services to meet the specific needs of people who are homeless as they move to stable housing and maximize self-sufficiency. It includes action steps to end homelessness and prevent a return to homelessness.
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AmeriCorps and VISTA Leaders National Service Openings
If you or a loved one is a new professional interested in public health, fighting poverty and career development through a year of national service, check out 18 openings in The Oregon Health Authority AmeriCorps VISTA Program. Sixteen AmeriCorps VISTA and two VISTA Leader positions in Oregon.
The OHA AmeriCorps VISTA Partnership Project aims to alleviate, prevent and reduce poverty by engaging new public health professionals in a year of full-time service in major public health organizations to create or expand public health systems capacity.
AmeriCorps VISTA members serve full-time, forty hours per week in a capacity building role in statewide organizations, local public health departments, Tribal governments or non-profits across the state of Oregon.
Read more.
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Tips on When You Can Live in an RV in Unincorporated Clatsop County
Property owners, family or guests may temporarily occupy structures on their land including campers, trailers, motor homes, boats and other recreational vehicles for up to 30 days out of any 90-day period. No permit application is needed for this type of RV use.
An exemption to the time limit is available if there is a health hardship. An RV may be occupied by the existing resident or a relative of the resident. If the applicant is a relative, they must submit certification from a physician stating that it is necessary for them to reside on the same premises as the resident to receive necessary care.
Three steps must be taken if an RV will be used for a health hardship:
- The RV must be placed on the same parcel as the existing dwelling for the length of the hardship.
- The temporary dwelling must be hooked to the existing septic system and water supply on the property.
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A development permit application must be submitted to the community development department.
An approved permit is effective for one year. Temporary health hardship permits must be renewed by January 31 of each year if the hardship still exists. When the health hardship is resolved, the RV must be removed. The health hardship must meet all other requirements and applicable standards in the zone.
Questions? Please email or call Nancy Mendoza at 503-325-8611.
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Fire Season in NW Oregon
Fire season began in Clatsop County Wednesday, June 14, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry.
Fire season is declared each year when conditions of fire hazard exist. This declaration affects all lands, both public and private, in Northwest Oregon.
This declaration is about two to three weeks ahead of when fire season typically begins in this area, but the warm and dry weather has resulted in increased fire danger.
Open debris burning is NOT allowed starting Wednesday, June 14.
Burn barrels require a burning permit, which you can obtain through the Oregon Department of Forestry or a local fire department, depending on the location of your residence.
For rural residences using burn barrels, only metal barrels in good condition covered by heavy mesh screens with holes no larger than ¼ inch are acceptable. A charged water supply and hand tools are required to be onsite.
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Your Voice Matters
You are invited to participate in a community story collection developed by Columbia Pacific CCO.
The goal is to understand your biggest barriers to staying healthy, and what types of programs and activities would positively impact your health. The story you share will help Columbia Pacific develop our Regional Health Improvement Plan, which guides their work.
Here’s how the story collection will work:
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You will be asked to share a story about an experience you had
- Then, you will be asked some questions about the story
- At the end of the survey, we ask for some information about you. You have the option to not answer any of these questions
Questions? Email or call Heather Oberst, Community Engagement Manager, at 503-416-3922.
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Two Slots Left for CSI Youth Camp
The second annual CSI: Forensic Science Camp scheduled for August 7-11 has only two openings left. The camp is for 15-17 year olds. The cost is $50 and the deadline to register is Friday, June 30.
This year’s new guest presenter is the Oregon State Crime Lab’s sniffer dog.
This hands-on, interactive science-based day camp will have real life examples and techniques used by crime scene investigators.
Camp attendees will have an opportunity to use these skills in real time when they examine mock crime scenes.
The camp is sponsored by the Clatsop County Sheriff’s office medical examiner division.
Read more.
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Regional Transportation Reminders | |
Detours
Eastbound traffic will detour on Colvin Road starting in May for up to 10 weeks.
- U.S. 30 is for westbound traffic only between the two Colvin Road intersections. The speed limit on U.S. 30 is 55 m.p.h. There is no local eastbound access on U.S. 30.
- Colvin Road is for eastbound traffic only, including for local residents. The speed limit on Colvin Road during the detour is 40 mph.
Right now, ODOT is paving Colvin Road to prepare for the detour to start. They’re also trimming some trees, putting up new signs and cleaning the ditches. Expect construction noise while these improvements to Colvin Road are made.
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Lewis and Clark Bridge Closure
The Washington Department of Transportation is working on the Lewis and Clark (Longview) Bridge this summer.
- Single lane closures began Monday, June 26.
- On Sunday, July 16, they will close the bridge for up to 8 days.
Plan ahead and visit their website to find out more about the work being done, the impacts and sign up for email alerts.
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Culvert and Road Construction Impact Seaside Area Traffic
A critical culvert and road construction project will affect traffic patterns in Seaside and close north/south access on S. Wahanna Road at Coho Creek near the Wahanna Ballfields beginning Monday, June 26.
The closure is estimated to last five weeks, and estimated to open by August 1.
During construction, South Wahanna Road will close to northbound traffic just past Spruce Drive and close to southbound traffic just past the Wahanna Ballfields.
- Access to Seaside Providence Hospital will be via Broadway, 12th Avenue, or Lewis and Clark Road to Wahanna.
- Access to Pacific Ridge, and the Seaside Middle/High schools will be via Avenue S. Signs will be posted along US Highway 101 (Roosevelt Drive) and South Wahanna to alert and remind motorists throughout the project.
Read more.
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Work Schedule for Monday, July 3 - Friday, July 7
Crews will:
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- Mow countywide, weather permitting
- Perform preventative road maintenance in the Jewell area
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Perform road repairs and improvements on Logan Road between the Netul Bridge and Tucker Creek. Expect delays and watch for loose gravel
- Perform road repairs at the intersection of Logan Road and Lewis & Clark and the intersection of Lewis & Clark and Ft. Clatsop Road, on either side of the Netul Bridge. Construction starts the week of June 12. Expect delays up to 20 minutes or use an alternate route if possible
- Chip seal Aldrich Point Road. Expect intermittent delays and watch for loose gravel
Due to recent road repairs, watch for loose gravel on Youngs River Road between MP 6 and MP 10.4.
Upcoming Closure
Youngs River Road will close to all traffic at the Klaskanine River Bridge (milepost 10.55) from Wednesday, July 5 through Saturday, July 15, to complete the removal of temporary piles.
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Passports
An appointment is recommended before coming in to request and process a passport. It typically takes 8-11 weeks to receive a passport. Expedited service can take 5-7 weeks.
Please go to our webpage and schedule an appointment for passports, park passes, marriage licenses, dog licenses, and recordings with us. If you do not have an appointment, you may be asked to wait if we are with someone that has scheduled an appointment.
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Looking for more? Check out these popular sites | |
Stay Informed with Clatsop County
Email Updates
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Clatsop County is committed to being transparent and providing the information you need, when you need it.
Our new subscriptions webpage has a variety of email update topics and gives you the option of signing up or unsubscribing.
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Clatsop County
800 Exchange St. Suite 410
Astoria, OR 97103
503-325-1000
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