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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope this finds you well and staying cool! A large portion of this week's newsletter is dedicated to resources to help you get through the heat wave that we are experiencing right now. I have compiled information on canceled events in our community, extended Library hours, locations of local cooling centers, and tips for keeping vulnerable populations safe while the heat lasts. Please feel free to share this information and please remember to check in on vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbors.
I mentioned in last week's newsletter that The Interstate 5 Bridge Committee had an important meeting coming up regarding acknowledging the Modified Locally Preferred Option (LPA) and moving the project to the environmental review phase. I am pleased to report back to you that with support from both the Washington and Oregon Legislatures, and 8 key local partners, the project has now cleared important hurdles and will be moving the design process forward to the environmental review phase. You can watch the meeting here, or listen to my comments by clicking on the image above or here.
Adoption of a Modified LPA demonstrates regional consensus to move forward into the next phase of work to further study and refine the corridor-wide program alternative. The adoption of the Modified LPA by local agencies does not represent a formal decision by the federal agencies or any federal funding commitment. Other elements and investments may enhance the Modified LPA and will be identified as the IBR program continues to gather input from advisory groups and partner agencies, and further analyze the Modified LPA in the Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Elements such as additional transit improvements (e.g., transit stations, park and rides, bus route changes, and potential expansion of a light rail transit (LRT) maintenance facility and river crossing structure type and alignment are anticipated to be determined in the next phase of the program.
The next phase of work will analyze benefits and impacts of the of the Modified LPA and will be shared with the public for review and comment as part of the environmental review process. Refinements will be made in response to partner, public, and Tribal engagement, as well as additional design analysis. After the Modified LPA is refined to address public comments, the combined Supplemental Final Environmental Impact Statement and Amended Record of Decision will be published. The goal is to begin construction by late 2025.
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HEAT RESOURCES AND INFORMATION
The heat brings unique challenges to our health, requires keeping tabs on vulnerable loved ones and neighbors, and means that we need to change our routines to avoid doing activities during peak temperatures. My office has assembled some important resources in this section that I hope you will find useful for beating the heat and keeping up with available resources and changes in schedules because of the heat. The most important pieces of advice I can offer though, is that of a mom; stay hydrated and if possible, stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, and please check on each other! Keep reading for updates on garbage collection, fair hours, local cooling shelters, and free Tri-Met bus rides to cooling centers.
**Please check on your neighbors, especially older adults and anyone who might have a health condition that could put them at higher risk for heat-related illness. If you are worried about a friend, family member or neighbor you can't get in touch with, you can call non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 to request a welfare check.
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KNOW HEAT-RELATED CHANGES IN HOURS, ETC:
A lot of business hours and routines will be changed this week due to the excessive heat. For example, garbage collection may come earlier than normal. Please set out carts and bins the night before to allow workers to collect earlier than usual on the collection day in your area.
The Park lunch sites will be closed July 28 - July 29 due to the heat. Please come to one of the open school sites to pick up your meals on those days. You can find times and locations at this link: https://bit.ly/3Q0oJSd
The Cornelius Farmers Market will be canceled this Friday and Washington County Fair hours will start later through Thursday.
HEALTH THREATS FROM EXTREME HEAT:
Certain groups at are greater risk for adverse health risks due to extreme heat. Please take a moment to review this list of people who should take extra precautions during this time, and know the signs of heat stroke and exhaustion.
Infants and Young Children: Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of extreme heat, and must rely on other people to keep them cool and hydrated.
- Never leave infants or children in a parked car. (Nor should pets be left in parked cars—they can suffer heat-related illness too.)
- Dress infants and children in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Seek medical care immediately if your child has symptoms of symptoms of heat-related illness.
People with Chronic Medical Conditions: People with a chronic medical condition are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature. Also, they may be taking medications that can worsen the impact of extreme heat. People in this category need the following information.
- Drink more water than usual and don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.
- Check on a friend or neighbor, and have someone do the same for you.
- Check the local news for health and safety updates regularly.
- Don't use the stove or oven to cook - it will make you and your house hotter.
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
- Seek medical care immediately if you or someone you know experiences symptoms of heat-related illness.
Athletes: People who exercise in extreme heat are more likely to become dehydrated and get heat-related illness. STOP all activity and get to a cool environment if you feel faint or weak.
- Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when the sun is hottest.
- Wear and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package.
- Schedule workouts and practices earlier or later in the day when the temperature is cooler.
- Pace activity. Start activities slow and pick up the pace gradually.
- Drink more water than usual and don't wait until you're thirsty to drink more. Muscle cramping may be an early sign of heat-related illness.
- Monitor a teammate's condition, and have someone do the same for you.
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Seek medical care immediately if you or a teammate has symptoms of heat-related illness.
Outdoor workers: People who work outdoors are more likely to become dehydrated and are more likely to get heat-related illness. STOP all activity and get to a cool environment if you feel faint or weak.
- Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working. Don't wait until you are thirsty to drink.
- Avoid alcohol or liquids containing large amounts of sugar.
- Wear and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package.
- Ask if tasks can be scheduled for earlier or later in the day to avoid midday heat.
- Wear a brimmed hat and loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Spend time in air-conditioned buildings during breaks and after work.
- Encourage co-workers to take breaks to cool off and drink water.
- Seek medical care immediately if you or a co-worker has symptoms of heat-related illness.
- For more information, please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress.
Heat and low income:
- If you have air conditioning, use it to keep your home cool.
- If you can't afford to use your air conditioning:
- Drink more water than usual and don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.
- Check on a friend or neighbor, and have someone do the same for you.
- Seek medical care immediately if you have, or someone you know has, symptoms of heat-related illness.
FIRST-AID FOR HEAT ILLNESS:
COOLING CENTERS:
Trimet will not turn anyone away this week if they are unable to pay for a ride and are going to a cooling space. Call 2-1-1 for other transportation assistance.
The Salvation Army Building shelter in Hillsboro is PET FRIENDLY and Washington County staff will be on hand to offer support to people with pets. Crates, leashes, cat litter supplies, and food and water bowls will be available if needed. Animals must remain in creates while not using the relief area, and at those times must be on a leash and with their person. Domestic animals only; no farm or exotic animals.
Extended Library Hours in Forest Grove and Cornelius: Both Libraries are serving as cooling centers and will be staying open till 8pm thru Thursday, July 28th.
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AROUND WESTERN WASHINGTON COUNTY
Celebrating 50 Years of Centro Cultural!
Centro was founded in 1972 by a group of migrant families who wished to make Washington County their permanent home. They believed in creating a vibrant, cohesive society that welcomed people of all backgrounds and ethnicities. They founded Centro to be a place where the Hispanic and Latino community could gather for service, connection, and prosperity.
From that beginning in 1972, their legacy has transcended generations. Fifty years on, they have grown with our community and have worked hard to build a more prosperous future. Centro Cultural provides invaluable services, and they are a truly impactful organization. We need look no further than the pandemic to see how Centro has adapted to the needs of our times. From addressing the housing crisis by converting the Forest Grove Inn into transitional housing to running Saturday vaccine clinics, Centro has served our community through some of the toughest times. Congratulations and here's to 50 more years!
Celebrate Centro at Summer Cincuenta:
Bring the whole family out to Shute Park for a day of music, celebration, art, health resources, games, food, and more!
- Saturday, July 30 from 2-8pm
- Shute Park: 750 SE 8th Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97123
- FREE to attend
- Activities and entertainment for ALL AGES
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FOREST GROVE ONLINE ACADEMY REGISTRATION CLOSING!
Registration for FGSD Online Academy is closing on August 1st. FGSD Online Academy will provide high level academic instruction for students in grades 1-6, while allowing for supplemental/enrichment opportunities for all students. To register please complete the form at the link below. There must be at least 50 total students registered for the program to run in the fall.
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Upcoming: Movie in the Park
Harleman Park
August 5th at Dusk (8:50PM)
Remember the popcorn is always FREE!!
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Encanto tells the tale of an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia, in a magical house, in a vibrant town, in a wondrous, charmed place called an Encanto.
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COVID-19 UPDATES AND INFORMATION
Where can I get a vaccine or booster in Washington County?
All of the major health systems are providing COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. You can use this CDC tool to figure out when to get your booster.
Washington County Vaccine Team: The team is in the community five days a week providing vaccinations at schools, shelters, and other locations. These are walk-in clinics. No appointment, ID, or insurance is required. This schedule lists public clinics only. We are now giving additional boosters at these clinics.
In-home vaccinations: Are you or a loved one unable to get to a vaccine clinic because of a disability or other physical or mental health barrier? See if you qualify for a free in-home vaccination by calling 503-846-8123, emailing us or filling out this form.
Tektronix: This is a walk-up clinic operated by Oregon Health Authority. It is located at 2540 SW Alan Blumlein Way (inside Building 58) in Beaverton. The clinic is open Thursday through Saturday from 12-7 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Beaverton Resource Center: This clinic takes place every Friday inside the Beaverton Resource Center, 13565 SW Walker Road. Make an appointment at Project Access Now's website.
La Mixteca Oaxaca: This clinic is open every Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. It is operated by Oregon Health Authority and Vive NW. It is located at 1050 SE Walnut Street in Hillsboro. No appointments, ID, or health insurance required. Testing is also available at this site. Questions? Call the Vive NW hotline at 844-291-4970.
Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center: Vaccination and testing at the new Hillsboro 7th Avenue clinic (226 SE 7th Ave) is open to all community members. You don't have to be a Virginia Garcia patient. Testing is drive-thru and vaccination is walk-up. Hours are M-F, 9a.m. to 4 p.m. You will need an appointment. Find more information at VG's website.
Centro Cultural: This clinic is located at 1110 N Adair Street in Cornelius. It is open on the last Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. No appointment, ID, or health insurance is required. Find more information at Centro's website.
WILDFIRE UPDATES AND RESOURCES
Effective Immediately, July 25, 2022 at 7 a.m., all fire agencies within Washington County are under a High-Fire Danger Burn Ban, based on a recommendation made by the Washington County Fire Defense Board. Burning restrictions are authorized under Oregon Revised Statute 478.960 and Oregon Fire Code 307.
The burn ban prohibits all the following:
Backyard or open burning (branches, yard debris, etc.).
Agricultural burning (agricultural wastes, crops, field burning, etc.).
Any other land clearing, slash, stump, waste, debris or controlled burning.
The burn ban does not prohibit:
Small outdoor cooking, warming or recreational fires. These include portable or permanent fire pits, fire tables, and campfires, with a maximum fuel area of three feet in diameter and two feet in height in a safe location away from combustibles or vegetation and are fully extinguished after use.
Barbeque grills, smokers and similar cooking appliances with clean, dry firewood, briquettes, wood chips, pellets, propane, natural gas, or similar fuels.
OEM has put together this list of contacts to help speed up the process of replacing these documents:
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Green cards: Phone (800)-375-5283; Website: www.uscis.gov
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Medicare cards: Phone: (800)-772-1213; (TTY) (800)-325-0778 Website: www.medicare.gov
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Military records Phone: 866-272-6272 Website: www.archives.gov/contact/
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Passport Phone: 877-487-2778; (TTY) 888-874-7793 Website: travel.state.gov
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Social Security card Phone: 800-772-1213; (TTY) 800-325-0778 Website: www.ssa.gov
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U.S. Savings Bonds Phone: 844-284-2676 Website: www.treasurydirect.gov
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U.S. tax returns Phone: 800-829-1040 Website: www.irs.gov
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Birth, death, marriage, domestic partnership, divorce certificates Phone: 888-896-4988 Website: www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/Birthdeathcertificates
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Driver’s license, auto titles and registration, ID cards Phone: 503-945-5000 Website: www.oregon.gov/odot
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SNAP (Oregon Trail Card) Website: www.oregon.gov/DHS/Assistance/Food-Benefits
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State taxes (Oregon Dept. of Revenue) Phone: 503-378-4988 or 800-356-4222 TTY: All relay calls are accepted. Website: www.oregon.gov/dor
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Real estate and property - Contact your county government.
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Credit cards - Contact your credit card company directly.
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Credit reports from Equifax, Experian, TransUnion Phone: 877-322-8228 Website: www.annualcreditreport.com
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Insurance documents - Check with your insurance agent.
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Medical records - Call your doctor or your medical insurance company; medical and prescription records are tracked electronically.
The Governor’s office has put together a Wildfire Resources page that you can access from the Governor’s home page. It has links to many of the most important updates about the status of fires and resources for evacuees. This website will be updated regularly.
Legal Resources: Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Program, Oregon lawyers, through the Oregon State Bar, are partnering with FEMA and the American Red Cross to provide legal assistance on FEMA claims, contract claims, insurance claims, landlord-tenant matters and more.
The Department of Forestry’s Wildfire Response and Recovery Overview has ongoing updates about firefighting efforts, damage reports, and more.
FEMA Updates: FEMA has provided several different Fact Sheets and resources for accessing benefits, determining eligibility and avoiding scams.
VETERANS RESOURCES
Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs:
Washington County Veterans Resources:
Mental Health Services:
- Washington County Crisis Line | 503-291-9111
- Crisis Text Line | Text “Connect” to 741741
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline | 1-800-273-8255
- Trevor Lifeline | 1-866-488-7386
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Employers and Employees
The following list of resources is from Oregon’s Secretary of State’s Office. The fastest way to get in touch with the SOS team is by emailing business.sos@oregon.gov, using the “Need Help?” button found on most state agency websites or visiting www.oregon.gov/smallbusiness.
Education Links
Local Government
Utilities Assistance
Food and Housing Assistance
Yours truly,
 Representative Susan McLain
House District 29
email: Rep.SusanMcLain@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1429
address: 900 Court St NE, H-376, Salem, OR 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/mclain
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