Friday, July 2, 2021
News & Notes
Have a safe & happy holiday weekend
Odds & Ends
  • Due to the dry conditions our area is enduring, Washington and Clackamas counties, along with several cities and fire districts in the Portland metropolitan region are asking residents to refrain from using fireworks this 4th of July - some jurisdictions have actually banned fireworks. Perhaps get out some lawn games and gather the neighbors for some friendly competition instead. Pinterest has some creative ideas for activities.

  • Along with the 4th of July, we can celebrate the lifting of COVID restrictions in Oregon. After more than 15 months, Governor Brown has lifted restrictions. This means the state no longer has a mask mandate, but businesses can still require them. Most healthcare facilities, transit, and airports are still requiring people wear masks. Venues and gatherings no longer have capacity limits due to COVID, and there are no social distancing requirements. Those who aren't vaccinated are still encouraged to wear masks. More than 30% of Oregon's population still lacks any vaccination at all.

  • The Oregon Legislature ended its session this past week, but before they signed off, the lawmakers divided up the state's American Rescue Plan dollars. See Pamplin Media to learn more.

  • If you missed last week's "Talking issues with the Westside Mayors," it is now available for your viewing pleasure on the WEA YouTube channel. Mayor Pete Truax of Forest Grove did have a correction to it. He said the purchase of the Forest Grove Inn was made possible thanks to a grant to Centro Cultural from the Oregon Community Foundation and the Turnkey Project. A grant from Representative Susan McLain will be used for remodeling and refurbishing.

  • What better way to celebrate the lifting of restrictions and Independence Day than to take a peek at jobs data? Lynn Wallis for Clackamas County and Brandon Schrader for Washington County are happy to share their analysis for May. Here are the reports for Clackamas and Washington counties.

  • For the 13th consecutive year, Clackamas County is accepting applications for its Small Grants Program, which is designed to assist local nonprofits that provide services to vulnerable populations living within the county. To learn more, visit Clackamas County's website.

  • Happy 39th anniversary today to our friends at Ball Janik - a long time WEA member.
Events coming up
Sun. 7/4 & Mon. 7/5 - Happy Independence Day! WEA's laptops will be closed in celebration.

Th. 7/8 - the Government Relations Committee is canceled. The committee should plan to meet again in September for a legislative recap.

Wed. 7/14 at 7:30 a.m. - The Transportation Committee will meet virtually with ODOT's Matt Freitag about Highway 217 improvements and with Susan Bladholm of the Frog Ferry project. All members are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Pam Treece.

Fri. 7/16 at 12:00 p.m. - the Golf/Fundraising Committee will meet virtually. The annual Westside Golf Scramble, happening on Thursday, August 26 at The Reserve Vineyards & Golf Club, is sold out, but there is a waitlist. Please contact Teresa Dunham for more information.

Wed. 7/21 at 12:00 p.m. - The Land Use & Housing Committee will meet virtually. All members are welcome to attend. For more information, contact KC Reinhart.

Wed. 7/28 at 7:30 a.m. - the WEA Board of Directors will meet virtually.