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3A THE DAILY ASTORIAN • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 Fifteen states Fire devastates the Gorge sue Trump over DACA By GILLIAN FLACCUS Associated Press Oregon and Washington part of lawsuit By LARRY NEUMEISTER and GENE JOHNSON Associated Press NEW YORK — Fif- teen states and the District of Columbia sued the U.S. gov- ernment Wednesday to block President Donald Trump’s plan to end protection against deportation for young immi- grants who New York’s attor- ney general labeled the “best of America.” The lawsuit filed in fed- eral court in Brooklyn asked a judge to strike down as uncon- stitutional the president’s action involving the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. It called the move “a cul- mination of President Trump’s oft-stated commitments … to punish and disparage people with Mexican roots.” The attorneys general who brought the lawsuit — all Democrats — represent states like Oregon and Wash- ington where the population of DACA participants — known as “dreamers” — ranges from hundreds to tens of thousands. They were brought to the U.S. illegally as children or came with families who overstayed visas. Trump’s plan is “cruel, shortsighted, inhumane” and driven by a personal bias against Mexicans and Latinos, New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman said. He said the 42,000 New Yorkers with protected status under the program are largely model citizens. “They are the best of America,” Schneiderman said. “Dreamers play by the rules. Dreamers work hard. Dreamers pay taxes. For most of them, America is the only home they’ve ever known. And they deserve to stay here,” he added, using the term that came from a failed piece of legislation called the DREAM Act. Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum called the government’s action “inde- fensible” and said Trump was “playing chicken” by giv- ing Congress six months to improve DACA or cancel it. Devin M. O’Malley, a Jus- tice Department spokesman, said the agency looks forward to defending the administra- tion’s position. Under former Presi- dent Barack Obama, Jus- tice Department lawyers con- cluded in 2014 that DACA is lawful. Upset workplaces, damage companies The lawsuit filed Wednes- day says rescinding DACA will injure state-run colleges and universities, upset work- places and damage companies and economies that include immigrants covered under the program. The lawsuit noted that Harvard University has over 50 DACA students while Tufts University has more than 25. Both schools are in Massachusetts. “The consequence of the president’s animus-driven decision is that approximately 800,000 persons who have availed themselves of the pro- gram will ultimately lose its protections” and be exposed to deportation, the lawsuit says. Attorney General Jeff Ses- sions said Tuesday the pro- gram will end in six months so Congress can have time to find a legislative solution for people in the program. Plaintiffs in the lawsuit are New York, Massachusetts, Washington, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Colum- bia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia. California, one of the most solid Democratic states, was noticeably absent. California Attorney Gen- eral Xavier Becerra plans to file a separate lawsuit because a quarter of DACA recipients are California residents, his spokeswoman Bethany Lesser said. Under Trump’s plan, peo- ple already enrolled in DACA remain covered until their permits expire. If that hap- pens before March 5, they are eligible to renew them for another two years as long as they apply by Oct. 5. But the program isn’t accepting new applications. Opponents of the program said they are pleased with the Trump administration’s deci- sion. They called DACA an unconstitutional abuse of executive power. TROUTDALE — A fast-moving wildfire chewing through Oregon’s forestland is threatening more than homes and people. It’s also devour- ing the heart of the state’s nature-loving identity. As flames erupted this week in the Columbia Gorge, horrified Oregon residents mourned the devastation of beloved day trails, swimming holes and dozens of crystalline waterfalls that are all an easy day trip from Portland. The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area attracts more than 3 million tour- ists a year and holds North America’s largest concentra- tion of waterfalls — includ- ing 77 named cascades. It is also home to 800 wildflower species, including 16 found nowhere else in the world. The gorge’s winding trails are lush with ferns, hidden pocket waterfalls and stunning Tristan Fortsch/KATU-TV A wildfire burning in the Columbia River Gorge above the Bonneville Dam near Cascade Locks. vistas of the mighty Colum- bia River. They are most cher- ished by Oregonians, who feel a deep connection to an area that’s often referred to as Ore- gon’s “crown jewel.” As the flames spread through the gorge’s forests at an alarm- ing rate, social media lit up with posts recalling favorite hikes, memories of gorge weddings and worries about what will remain when the smoke clears. Coast Guard rescues hiker from cliffside The Daily Astorian WARRENTON — The Coast Guard rescued a hiker Wednesday from the side of a cliff in Ecola State Park. Watchstanders with Sector Columbia River in Warrenton received a request for assis- tance at 12:30 a.m. from Clat- sop County Search and Res- cue. The hiker, a 29-year-old from Chicago, had become separated from his girlfriend Tuesday, and ground crews were unable to find him. With heavy smoke and limited flying conditions, the MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew waited until daylight to start the search. The helicopter crew found and hoisted the hiker from the side of a cliff in the park. “The man told us that he attempted to climb up the cliff three times but fell each time,” Lt. Patrick Wright, pilot of the rescue helicopter, said in a news release. “He was approximately 200 to 300 feet below the top of the cliff, but he was still about 600 feet above the waterline. The entire rescue crew did a great job of searching the cliffside and eventually rescuing this individual. We are glad he can be reunited with family and friends.” The Coast Guard took the hiker to emergency medical services waiting at Air Station Astoria in Warrenton, where he was treated for minor inju- ries and exhaustion, then trans- ferred to Columbia Memorial Hospital for evaluation. Coast Guard rescues two from sinking boat The Daily Astorian WARRENTON — The Coast Guard rescued two men from a boat taking on water near Buoy 10 at the entrance of the Columbia River Wednesday. Watchstanders at Sector Columbia River in Warrenton received a call for help from the people aboard a 33-foot wooden hull pleasure boat, which struck an unknown object and started taking on water. A 47-foot motor life- boat and the 52-foot motor lifeboat Triumph II from Sta- tion Cape Disappointment in Ilwaco, Washington, were dispatched, along with the 87-foot patrol cutter Osprey ‘Cruel and outrageous’ Washington Gov. Jay Ins- lee and Attorney General Bob Ferguson, both Democrats, called Trump’s action cruel and outrageous, given that the decision was announced by Sessions rather than the presi- dent himself. A half-dozen beneficia- ries of DACA — young adults from Mexico, Venezuela, Peru and elsewhere, including some now working at law firms or for the state Legislature — flanked Inslee and Ferguson at a news conference in Seattle announcing the lawsuit. “It’s outrageous, it’s not right,” an emotional Ferguson said. “As attorney general for the state of Washington, I have a hammer, it’s the law.” Inslee said, “This is one more of a long train of abuses that this president has attempted to foist on this great nation.” Earlier this year, Fergu- son sued Trump over his travel ban, prompting a fed- eral judge to block nationwide enforcement. Johnson reported from Seattle. Also contributing to this story were AP writers Sadie Gurman in Washing- ton, Deepti Hajela and Karen Matthews in New York, and Andrew Selsky in Salem. “Everybody has this vis- ceral attachment to what they care about there and that all feels like it’s slipping through our fingers,” said Kevin Gorman, executive director of Friends of the Columbia Gorge. “We liter- ally are waiting until the smoke clears to go out and assess what’s there, what we’ve lost and then try to move on from there.” On Wednesday, two fires merged to form a blaze of more than 50 square miles. The fire has closed a 30-mile stretch of nearby Interstate 84 and forced the evacuation of hundreds of homes on the far eastern fringes of Portland’s metropolitan area. Authori- ties say the fire was started by a 15-year-old boy who tossed fireworks into the woods. Scorching heat, bone-dry vegetation and winds of 30 to 40 mph pushed the flames 13 miles in 16 hours at one point — an almost unprecedented rate of fire spread, authorities said. Embers from the blaze also were carried by winds across the Columbia River and started a spot fire on the oppo- site bank in Washington state. On the Oregon side, the flames had some of the gorge’s most treasured spots in its crosshairs. After an all-night battle, fire crews saved the historic Multnomah Lodge, a historic 92-year-old information cen- ter, bar and restaurant at the base of Multnomah Falls. and a MH-60 Jayhawk heli- copter from Air Station Astoria. The 47-footer arrived first and attempted to tow and drain the vessel. When those efforts failed, the crew removed the two men from the sinking vessel and transported them to Ham- mond Marina, where they were released with no med- ical issues. The Osprey and the Triumph II also tried to save the boat but were unsuccessful. The partially submerged vessel was last reported floating 4 miles west of the Columbia’s entrance. There was no pollution reported from the incident. OBITUARIES Colleen Ann Simonsen Hammond Jan. 12, 1931 — Aug. 4, 2017 Colleen Ann Simonsen was born in Astoria, Oregon, to Albert and Pauline (West) Stanley. Mrs. Simonsen grew up on Clatsop Plains, where her parents owned and oper- ated the West Lake Market until their passing. Mrs. Simonsen graduated from Seaside High School in 1949. On Aug. 26, 1949, she mar- ried Howard Simonsen in War- renton (deceased in 2004). Mrs. Simonsen worked sum- mers at Point Adams Pack- ing Co. while Mr. Simonsen attended college. In 1951 they settled in Hammond, and they began their family. From 1971 to 1977, Mrs. Simonsen was the postmas- ter for the Hammond Post Office. She was then pro- moted to postmaster in the Warrenton Post Office, where she worked to retirement in 1991. Mrs. Simonsen was actively involved in the U.S. Postal Service Organization. Her greatest accomplishment was chairing the Postmaster’s ria-Warrenton Area Chamber National Convention. One of her many joys was of Commerce. She was also being a member of the Astoria very involved with the War- Clowns and playing the calli- renton Senior Citizens until the time of her sickness. ope. Mrs. Simonsen She is survived also enjoyed cook- by a daughter and ing, knitting and son-in-law, Janet and sewing. She would Terry Ferguson of make clothes for Hammond, Oregon; her grandchildren a son and daughter- and knit baby blan- in-law, Mark and kets and hats for the Kelly Simonsen of Columbia Memorial Hammond, Ore- Hospital maternity gon; a brother, John ward. Mrs. Simon- Stanley and his wife, sen loved to clam Colleen Barbara, of Califor- dig and spend time Simonsen nia; grandson Jon- with her family at their boat house on Woody athon Brown and his wife, Laura, of Warrenton, Oregon; Island. She was a lifetime member grandson Michael Simonsen of the Clatsop Plains Presbyte- and his wife, Lori, of Prineville, rian Church, where she played Oregon; granddaughter Mindy the organ and piano for over Little and her husband, Daniel, 30 years. She was also a mem- of Warrenton, Oregon; grand- ber of the Daughters of the son Matthew Simonsen and American Revolution, Asto- his wife, Mandi, of Warren- ria Clowns, Clatsop County ton, Oregon; grandsons Mark Historical Society, Colum- Simonsen and Mitchell Simon- bia River Maritime Museum, sen of Hammond, Oregon; Astoria Elks Lodge 180, great grandchildren Joseph, and volunteered at the Asto- Tyla, Austin, Dawson, Lexi and Parker Little, Riley and Tyler Simonsen, Trinity, Trevor and Zoey Simonsen Jaydn Waer and Jackson and Mya Simon- sen; a godson, Michael Simon- sen and his wife, Kelly, of Easton, Maryland; and numer- ous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Simonsen; an infant son; and a son and daughter-in-law, Rob- ert and Vicki Simonsen. A public memorial service is being held Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, at 1 p.m., at Clatsop Plains Presbyterian Church, 33324 Patriot Way in Warren- ton, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Deep Sea Fisherman’s Bene- fit Fund, P.O. Box 1062, War- renton, OR 97146; or Astoria Clowns, P.O. Box 941, Asto- ria, OR 97103. Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary, 1165 Franklin Ave., in Astoria is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign our online guest book at www. caldwellsmortuary.com Clatsop Post 12 Developers look to revive Arch Cape gathering place Plans in motion to revamp deli By BRENNA VISSER The Daily Astorian ARCH CAPE – Plans are in motion to revamp the for- mer Arch Cape Deli and Gro- cery into a community gather- ing space, restaurant and deli. A land use compatibility statement has been submit- ted as one of the early steps in renovating the deli and gro- cery store, which closed in 2011. The original building, built in 1939, served as a general store before being rebuilt and expanded into the post office and grocery store many peo- ple visited on a daily basis as a community hub. For the past few years, property owner Butch Cole- man has been purchasing surrounding properties and rezoning the area to prepare for breaking ground on a 6,000 square multiuse space, said Vito Cerelli, the lead designer for the project from O’Brien & Co. In addition to restoring the deli, the vision for the new Arch Cape Deli and Grocery includes incorporating a new restaurant called the Tunnel Cafe, a bakery, adding space that can be rented for meet- ings or events, and the possi- bility of post office boxes. ‘We want to bring back a community building to the area.’ Vito Cerelli, lead designer for the project “We want to bring back a community building to the area,” said Cerelli, who grew up in Arch Cape. “The deli served as a community gather- ing spot. Arch Cape is mostly residential, so (Coleman) really wanted to create a space for the local community.” While the inspiration for the project is drawn from cre- ating something for the com- munity, Cerelli said he and Coleman also see the proj- ect’s highly visible location off U.S. Highway 101 as a benefit to draw in travellers, as well. Designs and details are still evolving, but Cerelli said from a design perspective people should expect a large, Pacific Northwest-style timber lodge. “Every detail of the build- ing is a natural timber look,” Cerelli said. “There will be lots of exposed timber — all the siding is being custom milled for the project.” After the county reviews the application, a public hear- ing will be held to discuss the project later this year, Cerelli said. Coleman and Cerelli hope to break ground some- time next year. Beef Stew and Biscuits Friday Sept. 8 th 4 pm until gone $ 8. 00 6PM “Karaoke Dave” ASTORIA AMERICAN LEGION Clatsop Post 12 1132 Exchange Street 325-5771 W A NTED Alder and Maple Saw Logs & Standing Timber N orth w es t H a rdw oods • Lon gview , W A Contact: John Anderson • 360-269-2500