1/6/2022 House District 30 Newsletter

Friends and Neighbors,

Virtual 3^rd Listen and Learn Event with Local District Leaders

Join me and other elected officials from the Hillsboro area, within House District 30, to share your thoughts, concerns and questions. It’s an opportunity to learn more about each of these government entities. I will be joined by members from Hillsboro School Board, Hillsboro City Council, PCC Board, Washington County Board of Commissioners and Metro. We will share the list of participants once the list is finalized. To join: Register Here.

COVID-19 Updates

COVID Update

Thank you to my colleague and pediatrician, Representative Lisa Reynolds, M.D., for allowing me to share her very informative COVID update, found in her newsletter here.

I'd like to emphasize a few key points regarding COVID and how to stay safe.

Here’s the back story. The COVID virus is constantly mutating. That’s the nature of viruses. This means there are spontaneous changes that occur in its genetic material that then code for a change in the proteins on the coat of the virus. Sometimes these altered proteins lead to a dud and that variant dies out. Sometimes these altered proteins make the virus “stronger” - that is, better able to bind to the cells in our nose or elude the COVID immunity we’ve built in response to vaccines or previous COVID illness. (For example, our antibodies against COVID may no longer “fit/bind to” the viral protein, one important step in neutralizing the virus.) We know that these “stronger” viruses can travel like wildfire through unvaccinated people and that these variants can cause breakthrough cases - that is, they can cause vaccinated people to get COVID. Generally, these breakthrough cases are milder than those seen in unvaccinated people.

We know that the Delta variant does all of the above. The Delta variant is twice as contagious as earlier versions of COVID. We think this is because the altered spike protein, after it binds to a receptor (ACE2) in our nasal cells, is super-efficient at triggering the fusion of the Delta virus with our nasal cell. It invades rapidly, so fewer copies of the virus are needed to cause disease, and the virus can start replicating quickly and cause disease. This increased contagiousness leads to an exponential rise in cases pretty quickly (as we saw in Oregon at the end of August). The altered spike protein can more easily evade our COVID antibodies, leading to breakthrough cases. Furthermore, Delta causes more serious illness than previous versions of COVID, especially in unvaccinated people, with higher rates of hospitalizations (maybe even twice as high).

And the Omicron variant? Well, it has an astonishing 50 mutations, and we’re seeing COVID cases in people who have been vaccinated as well as those who have recovered from COVID illness. It is incredibly contagious and we are not sure (yet) exactly how and why. We do know that unvaccinated people are much more likely to contract and to spread Omicron, just like they would any variant of COVID. We need higher vaccine rates to slow the spread AND to prevent the emergence of future variants.

Fortunately, early evidence suggests that Omicron causes less severe illness than Delta does, leading to fewer hospitalizations and deaths per case count. Still, when you have a huge uptick in cases, even if a smaller percentage of those cases cause serious illness, hospitals become overwhelmed, including pediatric wards. This is the fear, this is what we all work to prevent.

How to protect against Omicron: FIRST AND FOREMOST, getting vaccinated and boosted will protect you from severe disease and will help slow the community spread of this virus. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines (and more recently, the J&J) have been shown to be effective against the Omicron variant, especially when one is boosted. We will soon start offering booster doses to those 12 and older (previously only those 16 and older were approved for booster shots). Evidence shows that vaccination is the single most effective tool we have in the fight against COVID - both at the individual as well as the community level. It’s a huge medical science accomplishment! (#ThankYouScience)

Oregon Health Authority and partners around the state are opening several new high-volume vaccination sites in the new year. My office has updated our list of current sites, and many more locations will be opening soon in various counties across the state. Check out this tool where you can find a dose or COVID test using your zipcode. Ensuring more people are boosted will help us slow the spread of variants such as Omicron and keep our schools and businesses operating as close to normal as possible. As always, vaccines are free and available to anyone age 5 and up.

Second, masking when in enclosed public spaces is always the best option to protect yourself and others. While any mask is better than no mask, not all masks provide the same level of protection. The disposable paper masks are better than cloth, and I recommend these paper (and re-usable) N95 masks: 3M Aura Particulate Respirator 9205+ N95.

Third, we should consider testing ourselves, especially before interacting with people who cannot be vaccinated or who would be most seriously affected by contracting COVID. Right now, “high risk” includes individuals over 65 or those with serious underlying health conditions. Although the vaccine will offer them protection, there is still a chance that the highly contagious Omicron variant can cause them to get sick, so making sure we don’t have COVID through at-home tests can help reduce that risk.

Here is a guide to testing. In short, the rapid antigen tests tell you if you have/can spread the virus right now. It looks for viral antigens, that is, proteins on the inside of the virus membrane. Take this test as close as possible to the event you’re trying to be “safe” for: swab your nose and run the test 1-2 hours before you arrive at the event. If it’s positive, you likely have and can spread COVID.

A PCR test uses a technology called polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect genetic material (nucleic acid) inside the viral coat. It is more accurate but takes 1-2 days for a result.

We also can use daily testing to track ourselves if we’ve been exposed to COVID, and to determine if we have to isolate…

Speaking of isolation/quarantine: the CDC has revised its recommendations (and will likely revise them again), generating some controversy. Here is the latest from the CDC:

• If you have COVID AND are without symptoms or your symptoms are quickly improving, you need only isolate for 5 days (down from 10). If you leave isolation, you should wear a mask for an additional 5 days. (Every physician and epidemiologist I know says one should do a rapid antigen test on day 5 before leaving isolation.) This change is because the period of contagiousness is shorter than we thought for those who are asymptomatic or are improving quickly after initial symptoms. 
• If you have been exposed to COVID (and have no symptoms/are not sick):
  • If you are fully vaccinated (meaning: you are two weeks past your booster dose), no need to quarantine. Consider a test on day 5.
  • Otherwise, you should quarantine for 5 days (down from 14) and mask for 5 more days. (Again, strongly recommended that you test yourself on day 5.)

Oregon schools are not yet following these guidelines, sticking with the 10-14 days of exclusion from school, except for those using the “test-to-stay” protocol. “Test-to-stay” means that students who are exposed to COVID in school and are unvaccinated can stay in school (masked) if they take a test 2 days after exposure and again 5 days later.

I acknowledge that it can be challenging to find a test (this week, I’ve tried to order home tests online, without success), but there should be increased availability in the coming weeks. President Biden has promised 500 million tests for the US and Oregon has ordered 12 million!

According to the latest projections from OHSU, the peak anticipated from late January to early February will result in 1,650 Oregonians in the hospital with COVID. This “best-case scenario” is almost 500 hospitalizations above Oregon’s previous record, and is dependent on more individuals getting booster shots and keeping up with safety precautions, like masking. We expect this peak to come down quickly, as the virus runs out of people to infect (those who have not contracted the omicron strain or those who have not been vaccinated and boosted).

Remember, though, Oregon still remains the state with one of the lowest rates of COVID deaths in the country. Our control measures have saved 5,000 Oregon lives. Thank you.

We’re up against a tough challenge, and I know it can be exhausting. But if we stick with these simple recommendations, our communities will be well-positioned to keep hospital rates down and maintain a sense of normalcy in our lives. I hope that 2022 brings better news for the fight against COVID (some exciting research promises greater global vaccine equity), and we are able to move past the worst of the pandemic.

COVID-19 Testing Information and Sites

• Washington County has provided a helpful page on COVID-19 testing and how to find one. Visit here for more information. 
• Kaiser Permanente testing information
• Providence testing information

We can all do our part to protect others and stay healthy by getting a COVID-19 vaccine or booster if you are able, wearing a mask anytime you are around others or in public, and staying home if you feel sick. We are all in this together.

Legislative Updates

Senate Bill 554: Safe Storage

I was thrilled to see the passage of SB 554 in the 2021 Legislative Session. Safe storage saves lives and I am happy to see the federal government taking further steps to aid in this effort. See the below press release from the United States Department of Justice.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Justice Department Announces New Rule to Help Enhance Safe and Secure Storage of Firearms; Publishes Best Practices Guide for Federal Firearms Licensees

Education Updates

School Board Appreciation Month

January is School Board Appreciation Month and I want to recognize the hard work and dedication of our local school board members. Thank you for all that you do to keep our schools and students actively learning and engaged in a healthy and safe environment. Read the Governor's proclamation for this well-deserved recognition for our school district volunteer board members below. 

Community Outreach

The Hillsboro Community and City Rally to Help Those Affected by Weekend
Fires

-Joint Press Release from the City of Hillsboro, Washington County Chamber of Commerce and Hillsboro Downtown Partnership

Plans in place to immediately assist those affected by the devastating fires.

January 5, 2022, Hillsboro, Oregon: The Hillsboro community and businesses have put
forth efforts in response to two fires over the weekend. On January 1st an apartment fire
on Southeast 12th Avenue spread to three apartments displacing 17 individuals. On
early Sunday, January 2nd, a four-alarm fire Downtown burned eight businesses to the
ground and impacted nearly two dozen other businesses with smoke and water
damage. These fires were devastating to those affected; they were devastating to our
community.

The Hillsboro Downtown Partnership (HDP), City of Hillsboro and Washington County
Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) are working collaboratively alongside community
partners to provide an immediate and swift response to provide resources, support, and
assistance to all affected by these overwhelming fires.

“It will take time for our community to recover, but it is imperative that we act now to
assist the individuals and businesses impacted by the fires,” said Deanna Palm,
President and CEO of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. “There are
immediate, urgent needs at this time, and our entire community must come together to
help those displaced,” Palm continued.

“We encourage those in Hillsboro and beyond to consider making donations to these
efforts,” said E.J. Payne, Director of the Hillsboro Downtown Partnership. “A little bit of
help goes a long way. Contributions of any amount will immediately help those impacted
to rebuild and recover,” Payne continued.

HDP, WCCC and the City of Hillsboro want to make sure the community is aware of
several fundraising efforts for those interested in providing support. These efforts and
plans are listed below:

• The Hillsboro Community Foundation has set up the Hillsboro Community Relief
  Fund to provide resources directly to those in desperate need. Tax deductible
  donations to the Hillsboro Community Relief Fund can be made on the Hillsboro
  Community Foundation website found here:
  http://www.hillsborocommunityfoundation.org/fire-relief.html
• Marcus Harvey, the owner of Portland Gear, has designed “Heart for Hillsboro”
  shirts and sweatshirts. Proceeds from the sale of these products will go towards
  the Hillsboro Community Foundation Relief Fund. Items can be purchased on the
  Portland Gear website found here: https://portlandgear.com/
• Insomnia Coffee is accepting donations of gift cards for essential items like gas
  and groceries that will go directly to those displaced by the fires. Please drop off
  at the Downtown Hillsboro location at 137 E Main Street.
• The Hillsboro Downtown Partnership is compiling a list of immediate needs for
  those affected and displaced. The list will be posted on the HDP Facebook page
  (https://www.facebook.com/downtownhillsboro) in the coming days.
• Other fundraisers are being planned throughout the community and will be
  announced through Hillsboro Downtown Partnership. Please steer clear of nonsanctioned fundraisers.

The Hillsboro Downtown Partnership, Washington County Chamber and the City of
Hillsboro will continue to share information on ways to help via their respective social
media channels and websites.

About Washington County Chamber of Commerce
The Washington County Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) is a membership organization
comprised of over 700 business leaders in Washington County, Oregon. The WCCC
amplifies the voice of business in Washington County through advocacy, education and
growth opportunities for members and the community we serve. The mission of the
WCCC is to promote business prosperity and a healthy, equitable, inclusive, and
diverse community by providing information, services, and advocacy for our members. Learn more about the Washington County Chamber of Commerce at
https://www.washingtoncountychamberor.com/.

About Hillsboro Downtown Partnership
Hillsboro Downtown Partnership is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to
cultivating and amplifying a vibrant Downtown Hillsboro community. We envision a
thriving district of collaborative partners who embody community as an essential
component of a vibrant and resilient Downtown Hillsboro, with HDP serving as the
conduit for connections, engagement, and idea-realization. Serving our Downtown
community, since 2015.

#StandUpFG: Latinx Youth Activism in the Willamette Valley, curated by Five Oaks Museum 2021 Guest Curator Israel Pastrana, is now featured on the museum's website in English and Spanish! On May 19, 2016, over 1,000 students staged a walkout in response to racially-charged incidents at Forest Grove High School in Oregon. By lunch time, thousands of students at schools across Oregon had walked out in support of #StandUpFG, the hashtag used by Latinx youth activists to represent their movement. This exhibition uses narrative, contemporary artworks, testimonio, and other forms of creative expression to tell the story of #StandUpFG, its connection to the past, and how Latinx youth activism continues to shape our collective futures. Walk in the footsteps of Latinx youth activists as you follow the unfolding events through tweets, art, and music of the student walkouts which led to the adoption of ethnic studies in the state of Oregon. “This is such an important exhibit, not just for Chicano/Mexicano/Latinx gente in Oregon, but anyone who is motivated to better understand what diversity, equity, and inclusion work looks like beyond today's checked box.” – Alfredo Moreno, Co-Chair of the Five Oaks Museum Board of Directors  Image courtesy of Five Oaks Museum.

Center for Addictions Triage and Treatment (CATT)

From Washington County Health and Human Services

VIRTUAL COMMUNITY MEETINGS  Washington County is considering two locations for a new substance use treatment center. Treatment services would be offered at both sites in Beaverton and in Hillsboro. The two sites being considered are:  17911 NE Evergreen Pkwy., in Beaverton 5250 NE Elam Young Pkwy., in Hillsboro People who live and work near these locations are especially encouraged to attend a virtual community meeting to learn more, ask questions and share their feedback. The presentation at both meetings will be the same. Please choose one meeting date and time below to register. Once registered you will be emailed the Zoom link to attend the virtual meeting. January 12, from 2-3:15 p.m.  Register January 13, from 6-7:15 p.m.  Register Spanish interpretation will be offered at the community meetings. To request additional languages or support, please email catt@co.washington.or.us by noon on January 11. REUNIONES VIRTUALES COMUNITARIAS El Condado de Washington está estudiando dos ubicaciones para aprovechar como centro de tratamiento por uso de una nueva sustancia. Los servicios del tratamiento se ofrecerían en ambas localidades tanto en Beaverton como en Hillsboro. Dichas ubicaciones son: 17911 NE Evergreen Pkwy., en Beaverton 5250 NE Elam Young Pkwy., en Hillsboro Se recomienda de manera especial a quienes vivan y trabajen cerca de estas áreas que asistan a la reunión virtual para enterarse más y mejor, para hacer preguntas y dar su opinión. La presentación en ambos sitios es igual. Por favor seleccione abajo la fecha y hora para inscribirse (Register). Ya inscrito, se le enviará por correo-e el enlace Zoom para ver la junta virtual. 12 de enero, de 2-3:15 p.m.  Register 13 de enero, de 6-7:15 p.m.  Register Habrá intérpretes en español en las reuniones comunitarias. Para otros idiomas o apoyo, favor de enviar un correo-e antes del mediodía del 11 de enero: catt@co.washington.or.us.

SEVERE WINTER WEATHER IMPACTS CONTINUE: OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT IMPLORES OREGONIANS TO STAY HOME AND STAY SAFE

News Release from Oregon Office of Emergency Management Posted on FlashAlert: January 5th, 2022 11:49 AM

Salem, Ore. – Jan. 5, 2022 – A complex winter weather system is delivering heavy snowfall, ice and high winds to parts of the state and heavy rain and melting snow to others. The Office of Emergency Management is imploring Oregonians to avoid traveling on treacherous roads and instead stay home to stay safe and help ease the strain on the statewide response system.

“We have severe weather advisories, watches and warnings all over the state, including threats of flooding caused by heavy rain and snowmelt. This can trigger debris flows and landslides in steep terrain, and the risk is higher in wildfire burn scars,” said OEM Director Andrew Phelps. “We need to take winter weather hazards seriously and make good decisions to reduce our risk of being stuck on snow-covered roads or trapped by floodwaters. If you don’t need to be on the road, stay home: Do your part to keep yourself and others safe.” 

OEM is monitoring and coordinating statewide hazards, impacts and needs and informing Oregonians of tools and resources to stay safe. Oregon Dept. of Transportation crews are working to keep roads clear and urging travelers to observe highway closures, give crews space to work and never drive around barricades or pass snowplows on the right. 

Impacted counties are establishing sandbag locations for flooding. For local flood advisories and sandbag locations, call 211.

OEM is asking all Oregonians to do their part to reduce shared risk by adopting the following safety best practices:

Stay informed. Be Ready.

• Sign up for local emergency alerts at https://oralert.gov.
• Monitor the weather forecast for watches, warnings or advisories at https://weather.gov.
• Learn the difference between watches, warnings and advisories at https://weather.gov/sjt/WatchWarningAdvisoryExplained.
• Evacuate immediately if told to do so.

Be aware.

• Stay alert for road hazards such as flooding, downed power lines, falling trees and washed-out roads.
• Do not walk, swim or drive through floodwaters; just six inches of moving water can knock a person down, and one foot of moving water can sweep away a vehicle. Learn how to prepare for and what to do during a flood at https:/ready.gov/floods.

Avoid unnecessary travel. If travel is necessary:

• Check weather and road conditions in advance at https://tripcheck.com/ or call 511. Be patient and allow for extra travel time.
• Share travel plans with others and know the route; GPS won’t always have the latest road conditions and if the main roads are in bad shape, the back roads are likely worse.
• Pack chains, a cell phone and charger, water, food and warm clothes.
• When stuck in dangerous winter conditions, remain in the vehicle to stay warm and make it easier to be located by rescuers. Leave the vehicle running for about 10 minutes each hour for heat. Open a window a bit for fresh air and clear snow from the exhaust pipe to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. 
• Review more winter weather travel tips from ODOT at https://oregon.gov/odot/pages/winter-driving.aspx.

Prepare for power outages.

• Find area power outages at https://poweroutage.us/area/state/oregon.
• Have a flashlight, extra batteries, non-perishable food, and blankets available and ready to go.
• Make sure phones and other electronics are fully charged. 
• Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning: Don’t use camp stoves indoors and place generators outside at least 20 feet away from the home.
• View more resources at https://ready.gov/power-outages.

Assemble a go-kit.

• A go-kit is a self-contained and portable stockpile of emergency supplies, often placed in a backpack and left in a readily accessible and secure location. Read what to include in a go-kit at https://ready.gov/kit.
• Make sure the go-kit contains waterproof matches or a lighter and a watertight container for important documents.

Be self-sufficient.

• First responders may not be able to reach everyone impacted within hours or even days after a disaster. Each Oregon resident should proactively prepare to be self-sufficient for at least two weeks when a disaster strikes. 
• Being “2 Weeks Ready” means having a plan and enough supplies for a household to survive on its own for a full two weeks should a disaster occur. Learn more at https://www.oregon.gov/oem/hazardsprep/Pages/2-Weeks-Ready.aspx.

“As Oregonians, we have a shared responsibility to keep ourselves, our loved ones and our communities safe,” said Phelps. “Everyone should take steps now to stay warm, dry and safe throughout this series of storms. Connect with friends, family or neighbors and help them access the resources they need. We’re counting on every Oregonian to reduce their risk and be part of the solution.” 

# # #

You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, call 971-719-1183 or email language@oem.or.us. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711.

In the News

Congratulations to Century High School for their generous spirit to help others by raising thousands of dollars to help feed their local community during the holidays. Read the full article below.

Century High School Students Raise Thousands to Feed Hundreds -Pamplin Media

Additional Resources

• General: Coronavirus Support and Info
• Health, Oregon: Oregon Health Authority
• Mental and Emotional Health: Safe + Strong Oregon
• COVID-19 Vaccine: Information
• COVID-19 Vaccine: Data Dashboard
• Office of Emergency Management: COVID-19 Response Page
• Health, United States: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Governor's Executive Orders
• Business: Business Oregon Small Business Navigator
• Employment: Oregon Department of Employment
• Veterans: Veteran Resource Navigator
• Wildfires: Oregon Wildfire Response and Recovery

 House District 30 Links

• City of Hillsboro
• City of North Plains
• City of Banks
• Washington County- Washington County YouTube page

Federal Delegation Links

• Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici: Email, Phone (503) 469-6010 
• Senator Jeff Merkley: Email, Phone (503) 326-3386
• Senator Ron Wyden: Email, Phone (503) 326-7525 

Education Links

• Oregon Department of Education: COVID-19 Resources
• Hillsboro School District: Coronavirus-related information page
• Beaverton School District: Coronavirus information page
• Banks School District: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
• Higher Education Coordinating Commission

Food and Housing Assistance

• 211.org
• Community Action.org
• Oregon Food Bank
• Meals on Wheels

Be good to yourself and each other. ❤

Onward & Upward,

House District 30 lies on Kalapuya land. The Atfalati were the northernmost band of the Kalapuya that lived along the Tualatin River in present day Washington County. Many of the Atfalati descendants are members of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon today. The Indigenous Peoples of this land experienced a painful history of colonial violence, sickness and removal from their land. The Atfalati are the foundation of Oregon’s past and we must honor them well into our future.    

• Learn more about land acknowledgment here.
• Learn more about the Afalati-Kalapuya here.

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1430
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-487, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/sollman