PCNV Chamber, PCDA seeking sponsors for 2025 Dory Days 4
Variety of community activities featured in the Sun’s calendar of events 6
Cello/guitar duo to play Feb. 23
Neskowin Chamber Music concert 7
Blanketed in White
Residents were faced with travel challenges — but beautiful scenery — after the area was blanketed with snow in early February
CAC to discuss range of issues at Feb. 8 quarterly meeting
The Pacific City-Woods Citizen Advisory Committee will discuss a range of issues including the proposed TLT increase, flood plain development and the FEMA Biological Opinion, and more at its next quarterly meeting, Saturday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m., at Kiawanda Community Center.
Also on the agenda are discussions on potential zoning updates to “medium” housing — include single-family dwellings, ADUs, duplexes, triplexes and townhomes; Oregon Dept. of Aviation’s safety concerns regarding the Pacific City State Airport; the lifting of the short-term rental cap west of the Nestucca River; and code compliance and enforcement. The featured presenter will be Sarah Absher, director of Tillamook County Community Development.
Those unable to attend in person can join the meeting virtually by visiting https://zoom.us/j/94476346110.
For more information about the CAC, visit pcwoodscac.org.
Friends of Netarts Bay WEBS debuts new program to
its lineup highlighting local Community Science projects
During this virtual event, guests will learn about different research projects, how volunteers are helping with data collection, and the outcomes from these efforts.
“Participants will hear about five community science projects happening in and around Netarts Bay that are enhancing our understanding of the local environment through collaborative, participatory efforts” says Marina Dreeben, stewardship coordinator for WEBS. “We hope anyone interested in getting involved and learning about the impacts of this work will join us to hear from the leaders of these projects.”
“We have been eager to have the opportunity to share with the community the outcomes of different community science projects and the ways our volunteers and other local residents are working together to grow a stronger understanding of this amazing ecosystem,” added WEBS Director Chrissy Smith.
Open to current volunteers and the general public, this event is for those curious to learn about new findings; involved in community science in the Netarts Bay area and want to learn about
the impact of their work; have never heard of community science but want to learn about new ways to support the ecological health of their area; or want to know what’s new with the birds and marine debris locally and along the Oregon Coast.
Those sharing at the event include representatives leading community science projects such as NOAA Marine Debris Mapping Project, Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) Beached Bird Survey, Bird Alliance of Oregon Snowy Plover Patrol, Bird Alliance of Oregon Black Oystercatcher Monitoring, and the USFWS Seabird Productivity Monitoring Project.
WEBS just launched a new page on their website to help connect individuals to different community science projects. Those interested can find out more by visiting netartsbaywebs.org/communityscience.
For more information, visit https:// www.netartsbaywebs.org/events. A Zoom link will be shared after registration. Those with questions or cancellations should email: marina@netartsbaywebs. org.
Proposed TLT increase changed to 2% in ‘25, another 2% in ‘26
By TIM HIRSCH of the Sun
Tillamook County Commissioners heard concerns ranging from unaffordability for short-term rental operators to the steepness of the proposed increase at a two-part hearing on Jan. 29 designed to elicit feedback on what was originally a proposed 5 percent increase (to 15 percent) of the county’s transient lodging tax.
Commissioners started the hearing at 10 a.m. at the Tillamook County Courthouse, and the hearing was continued at 5:30 p.m. that evening at the Port of Tillamook Bay.
In an update to the proposal posted to the county’s website on Feb. 6, the 5 percent increase was changed to two incremental 2 percent increases — the first would be effective Sept. 1, 2025, and the second, would 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 would go up to 11 percent on Sept. 1, 2025, and 13 percent on July 1, 2026.
Commissioners are scheduled to take up the topic again on Feb. 12 at 10 a.m. It will need to be approved by the Board in order to be put on the May ballot.
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.
Amongst the complaints heard at the two-part hearing — the morning hearing was continued to the evening making it officially one hearing — was the amount and the timing of the increase. Some said the increase was too soon as many have already signed contracts with renters that they would be required to honor and,
Reopening Feb. 13 with
SNOWFALL and freezing temperatures caused travel difficulties but a beautiful playground for South Tillamook County after the area received several inches of snow overnight on Monday, Feb. 3 and on the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 4. The wintery weather not only made roads treacherous but also caused Tillamook County to close its offices on Feb. 4 and delay the opening of them until 10 a.m. on Feb. 6. Helping to make the roads a little safer was Tillamook County Public Works’ increase in its fleet of gravel trucks from two to four, an increase made possible thanks to funds from the TLT.
thus, aren’t able to pass on the increase to those vacationers. As well, the concern was raised that a 5 percent increase would make the county’s rate higher than either Clatsop or Lincoln County and that could result in tourists booking outside of Tillamook County.
It was also suggested that TLT operators were being unfairly targeted as the source for the county’s budget shortfall. Plus, some said that even if 5 percent is the eventual result, it would be better to phase that in — a suggestion that seemingly gained traction with commissioners and, evidently, led to the change to a 2 percent increase in 2025 and a 2 percent increase in 2026.
For more information on the proposed TLT increase, which would be on the May 20 ballot if approved, and the upcoming Feb. 12 meeting, visit tillamookcounty.gov/bocc/page/ordinance74-amendment-3. As well, the proposed change will be a topic of discussion at the Feb. 8 Pacific City-Woods Citizen Advisory Committee meeting, which starts at 10 a.m. at Kiawanda Community Center.
A BLANKETING OF SNOW provided plenty of playtime and photo opportunities, but also work cleaning sidewalks in an effort to keep things safe for visitors.
Photos by Tim Hirsch
All About Sea Otters
Pelican Brewing, Watershed Council to host Sea Otter Trivia Night on
Achance to learn more about the plight of sea otters — and enjoy food and drink from Pelican Brewing — is on the menu when the Nestucca, Neskowin and Sand Lake Watershed Council hosts a Science on Tap event Wednesday, Feb. 19, 6-8 p.m., at Pelican’s Pacific City pub.
Titled “Sea Otter Trivia Night,” the event will feature presenter Chanel Hason, director of outreach and community relations for the Elakha Alliance. Hason will do a short introduction at the beginning about the Elakha Alliance before moving into trivia. The event will replace Pelican’s Tuesday (Feb. 18) trivia night for the week.
Hason, who has had a lifelong passion for marine conservation and environmental education, has a Master’s degree in Sustainability Education from Portland State University and extensive experience in marine science. She has also worked with sea otters at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, conducted research on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, and supported ocean advocacy with Jean-
Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program.
Since moving to Oregon in 2016, Hason has become an advocate for restoring sea otters to the Oregon coast, combining her background in science communication and community engagement to inspire action. She also volunteers with Surfrider Foundation and hosts the monthly radio segment, “The Wild Life with Chanel,” on Bella Radio Portland, where she shares wildlife stories. Organizers of the Science on Tap event say her commitment to protecting ocean ecosystems shines through her work, fostering partnerships and educating communities about the vital role sea otters play in coastal health.
Chamber, PCDA seeks Dory Days sponsors
The Pacific City-Nestucca Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Pacific City Doryman’s Association is seeking a little help in the form of sponsorships to help put on the 66th annual Dory Days, which will feature a theme of “Christmas in July” this year.
As one of only 21 events listed as an “Oregon Heritage Tradition” by Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department, Dory Days highlights the tradition of dory fishing on the third weekend of July each year and includes a parade, artisan fair, history displays created by Linfield University and a fish fry.
Available sponsorship levels are $500, $1,000, $3,000, and $7,000 — all of
which will receive two complimentary event shirts and their company logo on all Dory Days merchandise. The money received during this event is used by The Pacific City Dorymen’s Association to fund programs such as scholarships and community service projects. The Pacific City-Nestucca Valley Chamber of Commerce uses funds raised to support community initiatives and the Pacific City Welcome Center.
For more information about the event, visit pcdorymen.com. Those wishing to sponsor the event can mail checks to: Pacific City-Nestucca Valley Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 1078, Pacific City, OR 97135.
OR 131 to close for daytime repairs
OR 131 will be closed for repair work between Oceanside and Netarts from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. starting Wednesday, Feb. 12. The work will continue Mondays through Saturdays for up to three weeks, weather permitting.
it will keep one lane of OR 131 open and reschedule the day’s work.
Outside construction hours, one lane of OR 131 will remain open with an automated flagging machine, which has been in place since early January.
Motorists should expect a detour during the daytime and plan ahead if traveling between Oceanside and Tillamook.
A detour will be in place during construction hours, but it may close due to weather. If that happens, ODOT says
ODOT is repairing highway shoulder erosion caused by heavy rains in December. The goal is to fully reopen the highway by the end of February.
Motorists can visit TripCheck.com for the latest road conditions and closures before traveling.
A SCIENCE ON TAP event scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 19, 6-8 p.m., at Pelican Brewing’s pub in Pacific City will feature a trivia night focused on sea otters.
Photo courtesy of Courtney Edwards
Calendar Events of
ARTIST OF THE MONTH RECEPTION
Feb. 7, 5-7 p.m. Bay City Arts Center, 5680 A St., Bay City. Lisa Allen and BCAC Board of Directors. Open to the public. Visit baycityartscenter.com.
YOGA
Feb. 8, 9 a.m. Kiwanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. $10 per class. Call 541450-0655.
BIRD WALK
Feb. 8, 9-11 a.m. Friends of the Wildwood Open Space, Lincoln City. Guided bird walk on the Head to Bay Trail. Free and open to the public. Call 541-9942131.
PACIFIC CITY-WOODS CAC QUARTERLY MEETING
Feb. 8, 10 a.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Visit pcwoodscac.org.
TAPA AUDITIONS
Feb. 8, 10 a.m. Barn Community Playhouse, 1204 Ivy St., Tillamook. “Over the River and Through the Woods.” For audition packet, email tapaathebarn@ gmail.com.
TILLAMOOK ARTISAN MARKET
Feb. 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tillamook First Christian Church, 2203 4th St., Tillamook. Local crafts and small businesses. Call 503-812-0731.
OREGON’S BLACK HISTORY:
450 YEARS IN 45 MINUTES
Feb. 8, 3:30 p.m. North County Recreation District, 36155 9th St., Nehalem. Highlighting key individuals and events that characterize Oregon’s unique and centuries-old Black history. $10 admission. Visit ncrd. org.
LUCA CIARLA & IL VIOLINO
Feb. 8, 7 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Unusual arrangements of traditional Italian folk tunes, Mediterranean music, and original compositions. Tickets $15-$30. Visit lincolncity-culturalcenter.org.
OASIS ENSEMBLE
Feb. 9, 2 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Concert featuring flute, cello, and piano. Tickets $20. Visit lincolncity-culturalcenter. org.
BEACHCOMBING EXPLORIENCE
Feb. 9, 3 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.
Feb. 10, 5 p.m. The Lion’s Den, 34510 Parkway Dr., Cloverdale. Email nestuccavalleylions@gmail.com.
NESTUCCA VALLEY SCHOOL
DISTRICT BOARD MEETING
Feb. 10, 6:30 p.m. Nestucca Valley Jr/Sr High School, 34660 Parkway Dr., Cloverdale.
MONDAY MUSICAL CLUB OF TILLAMOOK
Feb. 10, 7-8:30 p.m. St. Johns United Church of Christ, 602 Laurel Ave., Tillamook. Songs of Joy. Free and open to the public. Visit mondaymusicalcluboftillamook.blogspot.com.
YOGA
Feb. 10, 12, 14 & 15, 9 a.m. Kiwanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. $10 per class. Call 541-450-0655.
PACIFIC CITY WALKING WONDERS
Feb. 10, 12 & 14, 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. 11, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Community
SCIENCE ON TAP
Feb. 19, 6-8 p.m. Pelican Brewing, 33180 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Sea-Otter Themed Trivia. Free and open to the public. Visit alakhaalliance.org.
of people who make things for others. All levels welcome. $6 admission. Call 503-965-7900.
Feb. 11, 7 p.m. South Tillamook County Library, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City.
TILLAMOOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
Feb. 12, 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. 12, 3:30 p.m. South Tillamook County Library, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City. All ages invited. Call 503965-6163.
Feb. 13, 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. 13, 1-4 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Visit kiawanda.com.
BOARD GAME NIGHT
Feb. 14, 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 PC-Pour. com.
SWEETHEART DANCE WITH THE LINCOLN POPS
Feb.. 14, 7-10 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Listen and dance to favorites from the Big Band area. Tickets $20. Visit lincolncitycultural center.org.
BINGO
Feb. 16, 5-6:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Play Bingo with others - free. Must be 21 or over. RSVP at PC-Pour.com.
LINE DANCING CLASS
Feb. 15, 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.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Feb. 16, 9 a.m.-noon. Bay City Arts Center, 5680 A St., Bay City. $10 per person; $9 for members. Visit baycityartscenter.com.
WINDBORNE QUARTET
Feb. 16, 2 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Concert with a variety of types of music. Tickets $20-$35. Visit lincolncity-culturalcenter.org.
Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Visit kiawanda. com.
YOGA
Feb. 17, 19, 20 & 21, 9 a.m. Kiwanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. $10 per class. Call 541-450-0655.
PACIFIC CITY WALKING WONDERS
Feb. 17, 19 & 21, 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. 18, 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.
OPEN MIC POETRY
Feb. 18, 5 p.m. South Tillamook County Library, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City. All ages invited to read a poem or listen. Visit tillabook.org or call 503-965-6163.
PACIFIC CITY JOINT WATER-SANITARY AUTHORITY BOARD MEETING
Feb. 18, 5 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Call 503-965-6636.
TILLAMOOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
Feb. 19, 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.
BEACHCOMBING EXPLORIENCE
Feb. 19, 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.
ADULT COLORING HOUR
Feb. 19, 5 p.m. South Tillamook County Library, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City. Increase focus, release stress, and let creativity flow. Visit tillabook.org or call 503965-6163.
SCIENCE ON TAP
Feb. 19, 6-8 p.m. Pelican Brewing, 33180 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Sea-Otter Themed Trivia. Free and open to the public. Visit alakhaalliance.org.
Feb. 19, 6:30 p.m. Tillamook County Library, 1716 3rd St., Tillamook. Joint event with Crossing Party Lines. TAI CHI
Feb. 20, 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. 20, 1-4 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Visit kiawanda. com.
NESKO WOMEN’S CLUB MEETING
Feb. 21, 11:30 a.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr,. Pacific City.
LIBRARY FRIDAY MOVIE: ‘WALL-E’ 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 CapeKiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Use PC Pour’s board games or bring your own. Must be 21 or over. RSVP
‘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
Photo courtesy of Chanel Hason
A Dynamic Duo
Cello/guitar duo to play Neskowin Chamber Music series concert on Sunday, Feb. 23
The guitar/cello duo of Zuill Bailey, considered one of the premiere cellists in the world, and Jason Vieaux, a Grammy-winning classical guitarist, will be featured on Sunday, Feb. 23 at a Neskowin Chamber Music concert set to start at 3 p.m. at the Chapel at Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp.
Bailey, widely considered one of the premiere cellists in the world, is a Grammy Award winning, internationally renowned soloist, recitalist, artistic director and teacher. Critics say his combination of celebrated artistry, technical wizardry and engaging personality has made him one of the most sought after and active cellists today.
Bailey has been featured with symphony orchestras and music festivals worldwide. He received his bachelor’s degree from the Peabody Conservatory where he was named the 2014 Johns Hopkins University Distinguished Alumni, and received a master’s degree from the Juilliard School.
Bailey is the artistic director of El Paso Pro-Musica (Texas), the Sitka Summer Music Festival/Series and Cello Seminar, (Alaska), Juneau Jazz and Classics, (Alaska), the Northwest Bach Festival (Washington), Classical Inside Out Series- Mesa Arts Center
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.
February Jewelry Show
(Arizona) and is director of the Center for Arts Entrepreneurship and Professor of Cello at the University of Texas at El Paso.
Vieaux is a Grammy-winning classical guitarist who has been praised by NPR as “perhaps the most precise and soulful classical guitarist of his generation.” He has performed at prestigious venues all over the world, and he’s collaborated with renowned conductors and orchestras.
Vieaux’s passion for new music has led him to premiere works by many composers, and his discography includes a wide range of recordings, including solo works, concertos, and collaborations with other musicians. He is also a teacher, having co-founded the guitar department at the Curtis Institute of Music and taught at the Cleveland Institute of Music for 25 years.
Vieaux’s artistry and technical mastery have earned him critical acclaim and established him as one of the leading classical guitarists of his time.
Admission to the concert is $40. For more information and tickets, visit neskowinchambermusic.com.
The Chapel at Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp is located at 5195 Winema Road, approximately five miles south of Pacific City.
Local artisans, Dean and Patti, aka Jewelry by DAC, created these for a February month-long local show at Oregon Coast Bank, Pacific City. 10% of sales will be donated to local charities though the Nesko Women’s Club. LINE DANCING CLASS
JEWELRY BY DAC
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.
TWO of the world’s premiere musicians —cellist Zuill Bailey and guitarist Jason Vieaux — will be featured at a Feb. 23 Neskowin Chamber Music series concert at the Chapel at Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp.
Photo courtesy of Mark Morgan
Photo courtesy of Colbert Artists Management
Perched atop the picturesque Hills of Neskowin. Situated on a 3/4 acre lot. Main level living. Two primary suites.
3 Bed / 2.5
Located in a lovely gated community where nature abounds. Open living space, with large outdoor deck.
