CBG510

Spring Unveils Waves of Art and Imagination

DEB ATIYEH for the Gazette

Cannon Beach Art Galleries presented their annual Spring Unveiling Arts Festival May 3rd through May 5th. The latest works by some of the top artists from the Pacific Northwest were presented. Events included special exhibits, guest artists, art demos and gallery receptions.

invasive plants, trail clearing, tree planting, lectures, classes, a parade and street fair, along with a Tufted Puffin welcoming ceremony. Angela Benton, Chair of the “Friends of Haystack Rock”, was awarded the “Gaylord Nelson Award” after being selected

Cannon Beach’s city council approved a $33.35 million bond issue to support the construction of a new police station and city hall, and the renovation of Cannon Beach Elementary School at their meeting on April 16. The new bond issue will support the city hall and police station projects in full, while the Necus Park project at the elementary school had already been partially funded by a $4.6 million bond issue in 2022.

Funding for a new city hall, to be constructed in downtown Cannon Beach on the site of the existing city hall, will account for the largest portion of the bond, receiving $15.3 million. A new police station that will be built at the south end of the city off Highway 101 will be allocated $10.25 million of the funding. The remaining $7.8 million from the bond will go towards the renovation of the disused Cannon Beach Elementary School into a cultural center focused on promoting the culture of the Clatsop-Nehalem tribe, which formerly had a village at the site. The funding from this bond will be combined with a $4.6 million bond issue to pay for the project’s entire $12.4-million budget. Documents included in the council packet showed that the project team expects the bond to be issued with an interest rate of 4.58%, leaving the city with just over $2 million in annual debt service for the bond’s 30-year term. When added to the $248,000 already obligated in the 2022 bond, the city will pay $2,266,558 annually to service debt for the projects.

Funding for the $720,000 in annual debt service for the Necus Park project will come entirely from transient room tax (TRT) revenues. Council approved a 1.5% increase in the city’s TRT revenues last spring, which will generate $721,875 annually that must be used for tourism-related projects.

Debt service for the police station and school projects will come in at $1,546,264 annually and be funded from a variety of sources. The largest contribution will come from the city’s food tax, half of which will be dedicated to servicing the project’s debt at an amount of $892,500 annually. Another sizable chunk will come from the 30% of the increased TRT that can be used for non-tourism-related expenses, totaling $309,375. The balance of funding for the projects’ debt service will come from transfers from the RV park reserve fund and city’s general fund reserve. At the meeting, several members of the public voiced their concerns about the park project’s budget and the financial burden that it would put on future residents of Cannon Beach. Other commenters spoke in favor of moving the projects forward and thanked the city council for taking the initiative to see them over the line. Councilors unanimously approved the bond issue.

Photographer Bob Kroll by his artwork

Sculpture by Georgia Gerber is at Northwest by Northwest Gallery.

Georgia Gerber, Sea Otter with Towhee, Bronze / 2023

Edition of 25, 12”H x 14”W x 12”D, $3,800

Photo taken by Bob Kroll and on exhibit at the Cannon Beach Gallery

PHOTOS BY DEB ATIYEH

Cannon Beach Gallery Opening Reception.

DragonFire Gallery Being Human Exhibit

DragonFire Gallery Being Human Exhibit

DragonFire Gallery artist Bev Jozwiak

Reserve Inspiration reveals Underwater Treasures

Six coastal artists exhibit artworks inspired by the Oregon Marine Reserves

A new art exhibition, “Reserve Inspiration,” opens at the Cannon Beach Gallery on May 3 and runs through June 2.

“Reserve Inspiration” celebrates the five Oregon Marine Reserves, areas of state coastal waters dedicated to conservation and scientific research and managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Using vastly different media, each artist in the exhibition has uniquely interpreted

the marine reserves to draw attention to their ecological importance.

“This marine world is largely unseen by the public, but it’s vitally important to the interconnectedness of plants, animals and people in a way we’re only beginning to understand,” says dawn villaescusa, president of the Audubon Society of Lincoln City (ASLC).

Cape Falcon is the northernmost marine reserve. It is located offshore between Arch Cape and Manzanita. Traveling south, the other four sites are Cascade Head Marine Reserve, near Lincoln City; Otter Rock, just north of Newport; Cape Perpetua, just south of New -

port; and Redfish Rocks, south of Bandon.

Oregon’s Marine Reserves were recently in the news with Oregon House Bill 4132, which successfully passed in the recent legislative session. This bill implements recommendations to develop management and social monitoring programs to support the marine reserves as a source of data on ocean health and as a legacy for all Oregonians.

Inspired by Marine Conservation on the Oregon Coast

“Reserve Inspiration,” organized by ASLC,

debuted in 2021 and has since traveled from Lincoln City up and down the Oregon Coast. Local artists at each of the other locations have augmented the original core of Lincoln City-based artists.

The exhibition opens at the Cannon Beach Gallery (1064 S. Hemlock Street) as part of the city-wide Spring Unveiling Arts Festival. It is made possible by a collaboration between the ASLC, the Cannon Beach Arts Association, and NCLC. The exhibition’s six featured artists include:

• Bob Kroll, photographer

• Julie Fiedler, ceramic artist

• Cynthia Longhat-Ad -

ams, fire painter • Victoria McOmie, painter/mixed media artist

• North Sherwood, science illustrator

• Jill Perry Townsend, plein air oil painter To complement the exhibition, Cannon Beach History Center & Museum will feature a presentation at 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, by Dr. Lindsay Aylesworth, Program Leader for the Oregon Marine Reserves. As part of the history center’s regular lecture series, Aylesworth will describe the Marine Reserves program, discuss the scientific research carried out by ODFW, and look ahead to what is in store for the program now that

Cannon Beach Together seeks referendum on $33.6 million in proposed spending

The City of Cannon Beach is preparing to issue $33.6 million dollars in bonds for three major capital projects, including $12.6 million dollars for a high-end tourist facility. Cannon Beach Together believes voters deserve a

voice in this $33 million dollar decision. We are a diverse group of community members who love our town and are committed to responsible spending and stewardship. We believe in seeking consensus and community-based solutions. We strive to preserve our village character as envisioned in the city’s comprehensive plan. We believe cost savings are attainable. We also believe that development and risk of such

consequence requires a vote. That’s why we’re seeking a referendum to place this $33 million dollar question on the ballot.

Cannon Beach Together filed an initial referendum petition with the City of Cannon Beach on Monday, April 22nd. Historically, Cannon Beach has cherished voter input on major decisions. Our leaders have referred significantly lesser spending projects including the

purchases of our wastewater treatment facility and the Ecola Creek Forest Reserve, as well as the adoption of the Prepared Food Tax.

The City of Cannon Beach’s debt on a single project has never before exceeded approximately $5 million. With these three new proposed projects—a City Hall, Police Station and high-end tourist facility— Cannon Beach’s debt will near $40 million.

While the proposed costs of these construction projects dwarf any in the city’s history by an order of magnitude, we question why citizens are being left out?

Many in the community are concerned about high prices as well as the scope of this urbanization package. While we support these projects in concept, we observe that our leaders have followed consultants and staff down paths towards excess and questionable need. We’re asking for more scrutiny and we believe significant cost savings are attainable. Meanwhile, neighboring cities along the coast--such as Manzanita and Astoria--are undertaking similar projects at significantly reduced costs. In some cases, our neighbors are poised to pay around half as much per-square-foot as we are for similar projects (see Manzanita’s plan for a new City Hall and Police Station). Furthermore, we question the decision not only to undertake these three massive projects simultaneously, but to stack them all on a single, tenuous funding source. If tourism experiences a disruption over the next 30 years—which history suggests is likely--the city will still have to pay. Cannon Beach’s “full faith and credit” will be on the line. Disruptions could come at a cost of reducing core city services. At worst, this profligate spending could bankrupt our city. At best, these projects will sap Cannon Beach’s ability to adapt, grow and deliver in other areas.

Taken together, these projects, their scope and exorbitant costs are dividing Cannon Beach. To begin healing, it’s time for all voices to be heard. Cannon Beach Together is a registered political action committee. Its membership is diverse and inter-generational, including representatives of the lodging and restaurant industries, artists, craftspeople, retirees, service industry employees, business owners, renters and more. cannonbeachtogether.com

HB 4132 passed to provide funding. The lecture will take place at the History Center, 1387 S. Spruce St., Cannon Beach.

Rock Greenling (Hexagrammos lagocephalus) by Julie Fiedler

Kelp Forest by Cynthia Longhat-Adams

Tufted Puffin by Bob Kroll

Angela Benton receives Gaylord Nelson Award

STACY BENEFIELD for the Gazette

The Cannon Beach Gaylord Nelson Award is named after a former U.S. Senator and Governor of Wisconsin; who is probably best known as the “Father of Earth Day”. The award is given out each year to someone in the community who has shown great dedication to the environment, with the current recipient chosen by past recipients of the award.

This year we celebrated the 17th annual recipient of the Gaylord Nelson Award, Angela Benton.

Angela has been an invaluable part of Friends of Haystack Rock (FOHR) for many years, serving as the Chair since 2019. Under Angela’s leadership, FOHR has been very active in attempts to list the Tufted Puffin as an endangered species. Angela and the FOHR board have worked with representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to help further the research needed to move the process forward. Angela volunteers at Haystack Rock and has been very involved in Puffin Watch and many other events; spending countless hours involved in SOLVE beach clean-ups and the Adopt-A-Mile program.

Angela, and her husband Jim, have volunteered for the North Coast Land Conservancy. In addition to working as “weed warriors”, they are helping with the Coast Walk 2024. Angela has also helped coordinate non-profit involvement for the Earth and Ocean Art Festivals.

Angela Benton is very dedicated to the environment and our community, and is very deserving of the Gaylord Nelson Award. Past recipients of the Gaylord Nelson Award

include Jerome Arnold, Ed Johnson, Tom and Gretel Oxwang, Jan Siebert-Wahrmund, Rich Mays, Barbara Linnett, Melissa Cadwallader, Barb Knop, Bob

Lundy, Susan Glarum, Katie Voelke, Diane and Rex Amos, Robin Risley, Stacy Benefield, Lolly Champion and Betsy Ayres.

SIR EARL RYKER

Are you searching for a pup to give you the royal treatment of best friend companionship? Look no further than Sir Earl Ryker. At two years old, he is a full-grown McNab dog, just under thirty pounds. While shy initially, Sir Earl opens up with gentle guidance and will thrive with a family to call his own. He is intelligent, loyal, and walks well on a leash. As a working breed, McNab dogs enjoy tasks and puzzles. He might even help you with the daily crossword or yard work! Sir Earl Ryker would love to be his own King of the Castle and will lovingly stay by your side for years to come. Please schedule an appointment to meet him today! http://clatsopcounty.animalshelternet.com/adoption_ animal_details.cfm?AnimalUID=307067

arth Day

Organized by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson and a young activist named Denis Hayes, the original Earth Day occurred on April 22, 1970 in response to increasing concerns about ongoing environmental degradation. The 1970 event involved an estimated 20 million Americans who participated in peaceful demonstrations calling for stronger environmental protections. The Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act were signed into law a few years after the first Earth Day. Hundreds of millions of people living in over 190 countries now participate in the annual event. “Planet vs. Plastics” was the official theme for the global 2024 Earth Day.

Pet meet and greets are by appointment, so if you’d like to meet Sir Earl Ryker, call the shelter at 503-861-7387 or stop by the lobby to set up a time. The shelter is open 9:30 to 4:00 Tuesday through Saturday, closed 12:30 to 1:30 for lunch. You can also fill out an application here: https://www.clatsopcounty.gov/media/16441. Be sure to date it next to the signature line (applications are reviewed in the order they are received) and put the name of the animal you are interested in at the top. You can then save the application to your computer and email it to ac@ClatsopCounty.gov or print it and deliver it directly to the shelter. H23665

PHOTO BY DEB ATIYEH

Angela Benton

Downtown Cannon Beach

Clarity of Place: A Question of Balance

DEB ATIYEH

ers, residents and city officials to voice their concerns

the issues currently confronting the Cannon Beach community. Designed to gather input from a variety of divergent viewpoints, the recurring concerns voiced by participants were the chronic lack of workforce/affordable housing, parking problems and traffic congestion during the busy summer months, protecting the local environment, and concerns about the division and lack of communication between

kellysbrightonmarina.com jettyfishery.com

Join us for a full day of fun, food and friendly competition

June 1st

Nehalem Bay Crab Derby

20th Anniversary

Kelly’s Brighton Marina and Jetty Fishery

In addition to the crabbing competition, we will have music and games for all ages. Bring your family and friends to enjoy the festivities and compete for the cash grand prize, gift baskets, and other fun giveaways. There will be plenty of prizes, activities and entertainment to enjoy. In addition to the crabbing competition, we will have music and games for all ages. Proceeds go to local charities so come help us support the community!

business owners and the city. The impacts to the city from day visitors compared to overnight visitors were discussed; with concerns for public safety, the quality of the experience for visitors and the negative impact on residents.

The discussions were led and facilitated by David Holder, co-founder of “Clarity of Place”. With a Masters Degree in tourism, Holder travels the country leading discussions and seeking solutions to the variety of problems confronting tourist communities; with Cannon Beach facing the same types of problems as many other destinations. Holder said that “without addressing the availability and affordability of housing, it’s difficult to recruit and retain a workforce.” Holder explained how the Covid pandemic fundamentally changed the nature of how people work and travel, with major impacts landing squarely on tourist destinations. The wave of change is coming, whether you’re prepared for it or not, advised Holder, adding that with the increasing population of the Portland metro area, visitors will keep coming no

matter what the city of Cannon Beach does. Holder said that there needs to be a sense of urgency to find solutions, and that “when tourist destinations are clear on where tourism and community goals come together, they can optimize the potential of tourism.”

Holder added that “80% of the city budget comes from tourists, so there needs to be an understanding of how important guests are for Cannon Beach. We need our tourists and need to treat them well. The city, residents and business owners need to solve these issues together with proactive communication and community engagement”, with Holder describing the need to move forward and not backward.

Jim Paino, Executive Director of the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce explained that “the Chamber is embarking on a destination stewardship initiative to ensure that our community can effectively balance the needs of local businesses with the impacts of visitors to help preserve the quality of life for residents.” After meeting David Holder at a tourist destination event, Paino

invited Holder to Cannon Beach to conduct the 2-day listening session.

Jim Kingwell of Icefire Glassworks asked “how do we maintain the quality of the environment as a place to be?” Referring to residents of Venice being driven out by tourism, Kingwell wondered how we can prevent being swallowed, how to deal with the costs of servicing all of the people, and how to bring people together in a common direction.

Greg Swedenborg of The Waves hotel asked “how do we manage change and educate visitors on stewardship and better behavior?” Swedenborg believes there needs to

Film Showing of An Oregon Story on May 18

The Cannon Beach History Center & Museum is thrilled to host a film showing of the new documentary, “An Oregon Story: Saving our Beaches, Farmland and More” on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.

This groundbreaking film delves into the heart of Oregon’s identity, showcasing its pioneering efforts of conservation and protection of its natural resources. The feature-length documentary, executive produced by Jim Gilbert, highlights Oregon’s innovative land-use planning program that has been a model

for the nation. Through a compelling blend of archival footage and interviews, the film honors both the visionaries who established these vital policies and the dedicated individuals who have defended them over the past 50 years.

“Audiences will be taken on a journey through Oregon’s stunning landscapes, from its scenic beaches to its fertile farm and ranch lands,” said Joe Wilson, director of the documentary. “This film is not just about the beauty of Oregon, but also about the farsighted people who fought to protect it and the young generation who

is now carrying the torch of environmental stewardship.”

“An Oregon Story” is more than a documentary; it’s a tribute to Oregon’s spirit and commitment to preserving its natural and agricultural heritage. The film has been shown in various theaters across Oregon, providing an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to witness the story of Oregon’s environmental triumph and ongoing efforts in land conservation. Viewers are encouraged to check the film’s official website www.anoregonstory. com for the latest updates on

showtimes and locations. The documentary’s release is a chance for communities across Oregon to come together and celebrate the state’s rich conservation legacy. This film showing is free (but donations are gladly accepted) and will be held at the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.

Rare and Old Book Sale to raise funds for library

Come explore the library’s Annual Rare and Old Book Sale Fundraiser this Memorial Day weekend! Join us Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, May 27th through May 29th, from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Cannon Beach Library,

located at 131 N Hemlock St in the heart of downtown Cannon Beach.

Sale includes rare, old, signed, and collectible adult and children’s books that have been pulled from incoming donations. Choose

from a diverse selection of collectible titles across a wide range of prices. Perfect for collectors, booksellers, hobbyists, resellers, and anyone looking for a special gift or to add to their own collection. Our books are priced to sell!

Don’t miss out – visit cannonbeachlibrary.org before the sale for a sneak peek of some interesting teasers. Every purchase supports the Cannon Beach Library, one of the few private non-profit libraries left in the country.

PHOTO BY DEB ATIYEH David Holder

OBITUARY

Marney Beemer (Margaret Evelyn Scott)

Marney Beemer (Margaret Evelyn Scott), lovingly known as Mom, Granny and GG, was born on Mother’s Day, May 10, 1920, in Seattle, Washington, and passed away on April 17, 2024, just shy of her 104th birthday. Marney’s early life took her from Seattle to Longview, Washington in 1923. There she embraced the outdoors, engaged in sports, camp counseling, and horseback riding. A highlight of her youth was the annual horseback trek through the coastal range to a youth camp, an adventure she embarked on during her high school years. After graduating from

May 10, 1920 - April 17, 2024

Iowa State College in 1942, where she met her future husband, Melvin “Blackie” Beemer, Marney moved to rural Iowa. Together, they raised a

family of five children, while Marney played a vital role in community development.

The Beemer family often traveled, creating lasting memories in national parks and at her parent’s retirement home in Arch Cape. Marney was a dynamic community leader, known for her initiative and ability to inspire action in both political and educational spheres.

Following Blackie’s death in 2010, Marney settled permanently in Arch Cape, OR, continuing to contribute to local cultural and conservation efforts. Her vibrant participation in community activities made her a beloved

CLASSIFIEDS

figure among friends and family.

Marney is survived by her five children, their spouses, eight grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. She will be remembered for her spirited dedication and zest for life. Her ashes will be scattered at Arch Cape as per her wishes.

A memorial service will be held on her 104th birthday, May 10th, at 11:00 am at Cannon Beach Community Church (132 E Washington Street). Donations in her memory can be directed to the North Coast Land Conservancy or the Cannon Beach Library.

is

Annual May Day Celebration at Fire Mountain School

The Fire Mountain School

its annual May Day celebration on Sunday, May 5th. Events included face painting and flower crowns,

a raffle, music and singing; highlighted by a May Pole dance performed by the students. The event was well-attended by current and former students, parents, teachers, staff and supporters of the non-profit private school.

Founded in 1983 in the community of Falcon Cove, between Arch Cape and Manzanita, Fire Mountain School is located amidst two acres of coastal rainforest. Believing in the power of child-led learning and

emphasizing communication, collaboration, cooperation and commitment, Fire Mountain School offers Pre-K through 5th grade students an education rooted in nature, while celebrating community connections and fostering stewardship of the land. Fire Mountain School is currently enrolling new students for the 2024-2025 school year (visit firemountainschool.org for more information) May Day, and dancing around a May Pole, can be traced to the ancient Celtic and Gaelic traditions of the British Isles; celebrated as the halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. People would “bring in the May” by gathering wildflowers and green branches, weaving floral hoops and hair garlands, and crowning a May king and queen.

On a rainy morning in late April, Seaside resident and ocean devotee Angela Whitlock had a special encounter with an octopus in the tidepools at Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach.

As the Marine Reserve Program Coordinator with North Coast Land Conservancy (NCLC) and an occasional interpreter with Cannon Beach’s Haystack Rock Awareness Program (HRAP), Whitlock has spent an abundance of time in rocky intertidal zones along the north Oregon coast. Yet, this was the first time she happened upon an octopus, who swam up close to her and even wrapped its arms around her feet as she stood quiet and still—a respectful guest in the creature’s home.

It was a unique and special experience for Whitlock, who said that she’s “awed by extraordinary marine wildlife on a regular basis”. As amazing as the interaction with the octopus was, there are amazing things happening in the rocky intertidal environment every day: Colorful nudibranchs laying gorgeous rosette egg packets; black oystercatchers defending their nesting territory; and aggregating anemone cloning themselves and creating massive colonies” (to name just a few!)

“The intertidal ecosystem is a living, breathing, vibrant natural resource and also very

delicate,” she added. “That’s why it’s so important to have rocky habitat protections in place—such as the marine garden at Haystack Rock, which is overseen by HRAP. Because of HRAP’s dedicated education and outreach, the habitat is thriving and able to support diverse species of marine life.”

HRAP and NCLC have a long-standing partnership, which has deepened further since NCLC adopted Cape Falcon Marine Reserve, located between Arch Cape and Manzanita, to provide stewardship, outreach, and advocacy centered on the reserve site. Cape Falcon is one of Oregon’s five marine reserves, which are managed and monitored by ODFW, and dedicated to conservation and scientific research. These conservation areas, along with protected rocky habitats, help support strong marine ecosystems that will be resilient and adaptable to climate change-related issues.

as a way to highlight and address the importance of land and sea connectivity. HRAP helps train seasonal staff and volunteers for the organization’s Tidepool Ambassador Program (TAP) at Short Sand Beach, which is adjacent to the Cape Falcon Marine Reserve. TAP offers free public education in the tidepools found at Short Sand. Whitlock emphasizes the importance of remembering that when people are in the tidepools—or really any wild, natural areas—they are mere visitors of the home inhabited by a myriad of species, from octopi and anemones to barnacles and sea stars. It’s critical to treat those homes with the respect they deserve. A few ways for beachgoers to be good stewards of the tidepools include:

• Keeping your feet on bare sand only

• Refraining from climbing rocks

NCLC adopted the marine program soon after they conserved the 3,500-acre Rainforest Reserve in 2021,

• Leashing your pets Taking nothing and leaving nothing

• Keeping your eyes wide open—because you might just get a hug from an octopus too!

PHOTO BY ANGELA WHITLOCK