Return of the Relay
Three Capes Marathon Relay to take runners from Cape Meares to Pacific City
Tillamook Co. Library prepares for new catalog system
Tillamook County Library is implementing a new catalog and integrated library system, a move that’s part of a larger plan to merge the Oceanbooks Library Consortium (Tillamook County Libraries, Newport Library and Driftwood Library) with the Chinook Library Network (Lincoln County Library District, Toledo Public Library, Siletz Public Library, Waldport Public Library, Tillamook Bay Community College, Oregon Coast Community College, and Clatsop Community College). Library officials say the new Chinook consortium will allow for greater sharing and access to materials for Oregon coastal communities.
To read more about the merger, visit: lincolncolibrarydist.org/lincoln-andtillamook-counties-ils-migration-project.
The new system goes live on March 10 for in-library users and on March 11
patrons can access the new catalog from anywhere. Patrons will be able to log in to the new library catalog with their current library barcode. The new default pin number will be the last four of the patron’s phone number. Officials say library users will find the new catalog to be more intuitive and similar to other online browsing experiences.
“There will be some downtime associated with the migration and patrons should expect service disruptions while the upgrade is happening,” said Danielle Meininger, Tillamook’s System Librarian.
For a complete breakdown of the expected service interruptions, visit the library’s website tillabook.org.
“We are really excited to bring this new catalog to our community,” says Meininger. “There will be some new features to explore and a greater visibility for all the library’s offerings.”
Absher shared some of the coming changes and strategies as they relate to middle housing, which consists of single-family dwellings, ADUs, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes and cottage clusters, at the Pacific City-Woods Citizen Advisory Committee meeting on Feb. 8. Amongst the improvements planned are to streamline the permit process for these housing types — meaning a conditional-use permit will no longer be required. That said, development would still require processes like geological hazard and flood plain development permits. The same goes for water and sewer availability letters. The county is using a $250,000 grant received from Oregon DLCD to do the work.
“We have an obligation to have this work done and updated by the end of June,” Absher told attendees of the CAC meeting. “We are all aware of the high and rising home prices in Tillamook County. We have very low rental vacancy rates. We need all kinds of different types of housing for our workforce that help support our … workers.”
She also noted that with more housing options, those wishing to downsize as they move into retirement age, would be more easily able to do so.
In addition to the zoning code changes needed to facilitate more middle housing, Absher said there will be some opportunity for communities to provide input on design standards.
“(For example) should we allow detached, multi-family structures in the community or would the community prefer to see middle housing for duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes remain a common wall construction?”
She said that one thing these changes are not is a guarantee for affordable housing. That said, she does expect the changes, together with other county strategies, to make housing more accessible and less expensive.
Absher said she hopes to have a special meeting in late March or early April to gather community feedback. The plan is to then make a presentation to County Commissioners in June.
Proposed TLT increase to go to voters
By TIM HIRSCH of the Sun
Tillamook County Commissioners unanimously voted on Feb. 12 to send a proposed increase to the county’s unincorporated Transient Lodging Tax to voters this May.
As previously reported in the Sun, what was initially a proposed 5 percent increase was changed to two incremental 2 percent increases — the first that would be effective Sept. 1, 2025, and the second, which be imposed starting July 1, 2026. Incorporated cities in the county will continue to get a full credit against the county tax, less 1 percent. The 9 percent credit they are currently entitled to will go up to 11 percent on Sept. 1, 2025, and 13 percent on July 1, 2026.
The proposed increase would not change where the 10 percent currently being collected would be spent. Assuming the Oregon legislature does not change the current 70/30 split, 70 percent would continue being spent on tourism marketing and facilities and 30 percent for maintenance on Tillamook County roads. That said, the additional tax that’s under consideration would go towards a number of county needs: 80 percent to the Tillamook County Sheriff’s Department, 10 percent towards maintenance of the public safety emergency communications system, and, finally, 10 percent to the emergency management department to be used for emergency management services.
The Commissioners made the decision after sitting through three public sessions and two official hearings (the first two sessions amounted to one hearing as the morning session was continued). They also held two town halls that were specifically targeted towards the lodging industry. Complaints during the final hearing ranged from a concern
that the short-term rental industry was being unduly targeted to a concern it could exacerbate what TLT owners have described as a downturn. Some also pointed to not just the county-imposed fees but the high cost of fees for thirdparty listing companies such as AirBnB and VRBO.
“Every single homeowner is reporting a loss, as compared to last year, and if you look at it like from ‘22 to ‘23, there’s a 19 percent decrease,” claimed Heather Crawford, a licensed property manager who lives in the Pleasant Valley area. “We are already suffering; and we’re already seeing a decrease. We pay a permit fee and operating fee, a technology fee; we pay an inspection fee. We are really suffering, and no one on this board seems to understand that.”
For their part, commissioners, in their discussion before voting, said they do, in fact, have an open ear to concerns of the TLT industry.
“I’m grateful for (you) letting us know how this would impact you in your businesses,” said Commissioner Mary Faith Bell. “We’ve listened; we heard from people…that there has been a lot that has been asked of short-term rentals in the last several years, and we heard people say that 5 percent was too much… it was too much in general, and it was also too much all at once. We reduced (the proposed increase) from 5 to 4 (percent), and we’re starting in September rather than July. Hopefully that eases the burden of folks with the tax change who already have reservations for this summer.”
She also said she believes the county should do more for STR owners.
For more information on the proposed TLT increase, which will be on the May 20 ballot, visit tillamookcounty.gov/bocc/ page/ordinance-74-amendment-3.
Marathon Relay to race into Pacific City on Feb. 22
This year’s Three Capes Marathon Relay will test the fitness of runners of all abilities with a course running from Cape Meares Lake to Cape Kiwanda on Saturday, Feb. 22.
The Three Capes Marathon Relay is a 26.2mile course that challenges runners with a total of 2,584 feet of elevation gain during its course that takes runners from Cape Meares Lake, through Oceanside, along Netarts Bay, up to Cape Lookout, past the dunes of Sand Lake and finally to Pacific City’s famed Cape Kiwanda.
Registration is taken all the way up until the night before the event. Participants can choose between running the race as a solo marathon, a two-person team, or a five-person team. The course is separated into five legs that vary in distances from 4.37 miles to just under seven miles. Team categories include: family, business, school, or Clydesdale.
Cost for registration is $339 for a five-person team, $165 for a two-person team, and the solo marathoner is $95. To register, visit https:// threecapesrelay.oregoncoastalflowers.com.
Town hall to outline arrest and charging procedures
A town hall on the arrest, bail, and charging procedures in Oregon will be held on Tuesday, March 4 at the Tillamook County District Attorney’s Office, 201 Laurel Ave., Tillamook. Speaking at the event will be District Attorney Aubrey Olson and Sheriff Josh Brown, who will discuss current criminal justice challenges and relay information on arrest, bail and release, and charging decisions under Oregon law. There will also be time for questions. Chief Nick Troxel is also expected to attend. The event will offer both in-person and virtual options. For more information, visit tillamookcounty.gov/districtattorney/page/introduction-arrestbail-and-charging-oregon.
Girls’ Nite; Birthday; Bachelorette;
Thrift Store
Calendar Events of
PACIFIC CITY MOVIES
Feb. 21, 3:30 p.m. South Tillamook County Library, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City. “Wall-E.” Visit tillabook. org or call 503-965-6163.
BOARD GAME NIGHT
Feb. 21, 4-7 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Use PC Pour’s board games or bring your own. Must be 21 or over. RSVP at PCPour.com.
ARTIST RECEPTION
Feb. 21, 5-7 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101. The Carvers’ Collective. Free and open to the public. Visit lincolncity-culturalcenter.org.
BOARD GAME NIGHT
Feb. 21, 4-7 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Use PC Pour’s board games or bring your own. Must be 21 or over. RSVP at PCPour.com.
LIVE MUSIC: MARTIN HEMENS
Feb 21, 5-7pm. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr, Pacific City. Free. Back by popular demand. Live music featuring Martin Hemens on keyboards. Sign up at pc-pour.com
‘THINGS MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME’
Feb. 21 & 22, 7 p.m. and Feb. 23, 2 p.m. Barn Community Playhouse, 1204 Ivy St., Tillamook. Visit tillamooktheater.com.
THREE CAPES MARATHON RELAY
Feb. 22, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Cape Meares to Pacific City. Solo, 2-person team, or 5-person team. Visit threecapesrelay.oregoncoastalflowers.com.
YOGA Feb. 22, 9 a.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. $10 per class. Call 541-450-0655.
TRIVIA NIGHT
Feb. 22, 5-6:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Variety of subjects. Free admission. Must be 21 or over. Play trivia, win prizes. Sign-up at PC-Pour.com.
LINE DANCING CLASS
Feb. 22, 7 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Classes begin with a lesson then dancing. $10 fee. Contact Kris Rooke, 425-894-4111.
FREE ACTORS WORKSHOP
Feb. 22 & 23, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. NCRD Performing Arts Center, 36155 9th St., Nehalem. Beginners Workshop Feb. 22 and Advanced Workshop Feb. 23. Register at RiverbendPlayers.org.
COMPASSION CLINIC
Feb. 23, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tillamook YMCA, 610 Stillwell Ave., Tillamook. Free medical, dental and vision clinic, haircuts, clothing and toiletries and more. First come, first serve; appointments not guaranteed. Visit livingwatercoast.com/compassion.
BEACHCOMBING EXPLORIENCE
Feb. 23, 2 p.m. SW 33rd St. Beach Access, Lincoln City. Hunt for gemstones, petrified wood, agates and more with a local expert. Free and no registration required. Call 541-996-1274.
NESKOWIN CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES
Feb. 23, 3 p.m. Chapel at Camp Wi-Ne-Ma, 5195 Winema Rd., Cloverdale. Jason Vieaux and Zuill Bailey. For more information and tickets, visit neskowinchambermusic.com.
SUNDAY LIVE MUSIC SERIES
Feb. 23, 6-8 p.m. Pelican Brewing, 33180 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Dylan Crawford. Call 503965-7007.
YOGA
Feb. 24, 26, 28 and March 1, 9 a.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. $10 per class. Call 541-450-0655.
PACIFIC CITY
WALKING WONDERS
Feb. 24, 26 & 28, 10 a.m. Meet at Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. For more information, visit https://tillamookcountywellness.org/move-well/walking-groups/ or contact coordinator Kathy, 503-801-7448 (text).
STITCHERS
Feb. 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Community of people who make things for others. All levels welcome. $6 admission. Call 503-965-7900.
SOUTH COUNTY FOOD PANTRY
Feb. 25, 12:30-6 p.m. Nestucca Valley Presbyterian Church, 35305 Brooten Rd., Pacific City.
UKULELE JAM WITH ALAN
Feb. 25, 4 p.m. South Tillamook County Library, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City. Call 503-965-6163.
TUESDAY NIGHT TRIVIA
Feb. 25, 6-8 p.m. Pelican Brewing, 33180 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Call 503-965-7007.
Jewelry Show
Local
JEWELRY BY DAC
TILLAMOOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
Feb. 26, 9 a.m. Tillamook County Courthouse, 201 Laurel Ave., Room 106. Also available via teleconference live video at tctvonline.com or teleconference at #971-254-3149, conference ID: 736-023-979 (listen only). For agenda, visit tillamookcounty.gov.
SOUTH TILLAMOOK COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIME
Feb. 26, 3:30 p.m. South Tillamook County Library, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City. All ages invited. Call 503965-6163.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT MOVIE
Feb. 26, 6 p.m. Tillamook County Library, 1716 3rd St., Tillamook. “Akeelah and the Bee (2006).” Free - popcorn provided. Visit tillabook.org or call 503-842-4792.
TAI CHI
Feb. 27, 10:30 a.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. $10 per class/ first class free. Call 503-510-0588.
BINGO
Feb. 27, 1-4 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Visit kiawanda. com.
BOARD GAME NIGHT
Feb. 28, 4-7 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Use PC Pour’s board games or bring your own. Must be 21 or over. RSVP at PCPour.com.
LIVE MUSIC: MARTIN HEMENS
Feb 28, 5-7pm. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr, Pacific City. Free. Back by popular demand. Live music featuring Martin Hemens on keyboards. Sign up at pc-pour.com
NEARLY DAN CONCERT
Feb. 28, 6 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Steely Dan tribute band. Tickets $25. Visit lincolncity-culturalcenter.org.
‘THINGS MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME’
Feb. 28 & March 1, 7 p.m. and March 2, 2 p.m. Barn Community Playhouse, 1204 Ivy St., Tillamook. Visit Tillamook theater.com.
‘THE MOUSETRAP’
Feb. 28 & March 1, 7 p.m. and March 2, 2 p.m. NCRD Performing Arts Center, 36155 9th St., Nehalem. Tickets $5-$25. Visit riverbendplayers.org.
PICTIONARY
March 1, 5-6:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Play Pictionary with others. Must be 21 or over. RSVP at PC-Pour.com.
YOGA
March 3, 5, 7 & 8, 9 a.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. $10 per class. Call 541-450-0655.
PACIFIC CITY WALKING WONDERS
March 3, 5 & 7, 10 a.m. Meet at Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. For more information, visit https://tillamookcountywellness.org/move-well/walking-groups/ or contact coordinator Kathy, 503-801-7448 (text).
STITCHERS
March 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Community of people who make things for others. All levels welcome. $6 admission. Call 503-965-7900.
PACIFIC CITY-NESTUCCA VALLEY
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEETING
March 4, noon. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600
Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Local concerns and business matters. Email pcnvchamber@gmail.com.
TUESDAY NIGHT TRIVIA
March 4, 6-8 p.m. Pelican Brewing, 33180 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Call 503-965-7007.
TILLAMOOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
March 5, 9 a.m. Tillamook County Courthouse, 201 Laurel Ave., Room 106. Also available via teleconference live video at tctvonline.com or teleconference at #971-254-3149, conference ID: 736-023-979 (listen only). For agenda, visit tillamookcounty.gov. AN INTRODUCTION TO ARREST, BAIL AND CHARGING IN OREGON
March 5, 5-7 p.m. Tillamook County Library, 1716 3rd St., Tillamook. Open, town-hall style event. Call 503842-3410.
BEACHCOMBING EXPLORIENCE
March 6, 10 a.m. SW 33rd St. Beach Access, Lincoln City. Hunt for gemstones, petrified wood, agates and more with a local expert. Free and no registration required. Call 541-996-1274.
TAI CHI
March 6, 10:30 a.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. $10 per class/ first class free. Call 503-510-0588.
OSPREY WATCH TRAINING
March 6, 5-6:30 p.m. Oregon Coast Community College, 3788 SE High School Dr., Lincoln City. Training to become a nest monitor. RSVP at heatherg@ sevencapes.org.
BOARD GAME NIGHT
March 7, 4-7 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Use PC Pour’s board games or bring your own. Must be 21 or over. RSVP at PCPour.com.
ARTIST OF THE MONTH RECEPTION
March 7, 5-7 p.m. Bay City Arts Center, 5680 A St., Bay City. Sandra Swanson and Kay Woolridge. Open to the public. Visit baycityartscenter.com.
‘THINGS MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME’
March 7 & 8, 7 p.m. and March 9, 2 p.m. Barn Community Playhouse, 1204 Ivy St., Tillamook. Visit Tillamook theater.com.
‘THE MOUSETRAP’
March 7 & 8, 7 p.m. and March 9, 2 p.m. NCRD Performing Arts Center, 36155 9th St., Nehalem. Tickets $5-$25. Visit riverbendplayers.org.
GARIBALDI CRAB RACES
March 8, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and March 9, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Old Mill RV & Event Center, 210 3rd St., Garibaldi. Family-friendly event.
BINGO
March 8, 5-6:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Play Bingo with othersfree. Must be 21 or over. RSVP at PC-Pour.com.
BULLS AND BRONCS
March 8, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Tillamook County Fairgrounds, 4603 3rd St., Tillamook. Visit tillamookfair. com.
BINGO
March 6, 1-4 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Visit kiawanda. com.
To have your event added to the Sun’s calendar, email information to tim@pacificcitysun.com
Photo by Tim Hirsch
Students excel at band, choir events
NESTUCCA HIGH SCHOOL BAND AND CHOIR members showcased their talents at January and February events, first at Northwest Honor Band (above), held Jan. 10-11, at Pacific University in Tacoma, Wash. where flutist Ivy Thompson and tuba player Eli Gregory auditioned and performed. As a result of auditions, Eli was placed into the Cascade Concert Band, and Ivy was placed into the Olympic Concert Band. Band director Kathleen Serven told the Sun that she was “very proud of both of their auditions,” and added that “They did not see their music until they sat down in their band after their band assignment. Both of them learned the music extremely fast and thoroughly enjoyed the concert.” Feb
Tourism Summit set for March 12 in Seaside
Tourism stakeholders here in South Tillamook County, as well as in Clatsop County and the rest of Tillamook County, are being invited to the North Coast Tourism Management Summit, set for March 12 at Best Western Plus Ocean View Resort, 414 North Promenade, Seaside.
Organizers say the event, which will focus on collaboration, learning and shaping regional tourism, will seek to provide a way for those in the industry to connect, share insights, and evaluate tourism management strategies. It is designed for anyone managing visitor impacts, protecting natural resources, or supporting the local economy.
This year’s summit will focus on several priority areas including: improving and diversifying transportation options, enhancing outdoor recreation experiences, encouraging stewardship practices, championing the value of tourism, and improving accessibility.
MORE RECENTLY, at the Distict III Honor Choir, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, Nestucca students joined students from 13 other schools in the Northwest corner of Oregon. Students performed a Mozart piece and several pieces by Judy A. Rose, who was also their guest conductor. “It was fun,” said Nestucca tenor Seth Gordon, and Soprano Alanna Silveira added, “It was great! The conductor was really nice.” Also attending were Maddison Ehly (alto), Neri Tate (soprano) and Donovan Romero, tenor.
The summit seeks to bring together land managers, tourism professionals, businesses, nonprofits, chambers of commerce, local (city and county) government leaders, and community members so they can engage in conversations about the changing tourism landscape. Participants will have the opportunity to learn what’s happening along the North Coast and throughout Oregon, as well as share their challenges.
Those planning to attend are being asked to RSVP at https://www. eventbrite.com/e/nctmn-summit-tickets1117039779049?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Low Tide High Tide
Photos courtesy of Kathleen Serven
