Pacific City
SUN
ACTIVITIES
Neskowin Farmers Market opens on May 16
Commissioner candidates share views on South County issues........ 4
A giving spirit prevails amongst area restaurants
U.S. Census seeks responses from Tillamook Co. residents.......... 4
10
Tillamook Creamery donates $4 million for COVID-19 relief ..........7
Vol. 14, No. 342 • May 8, 2020 • FREE!
Boat ramps reopened A select number of Tillamook County boat ramps — including the Pacific City Boat ramp located off Sunset Drive, were reopened May 6 for limited hours on weekdays
Market to temporarily relocate to Neskowin Valley School and be limited to grocery items Page 2
OUTDOORS
ODFW reopens fishing, hunting for nonresidents
Hunting and fishing will be open to out-of-state visitors but clamming, crabbing remain closed Page 6
IN THE NEWS
State begins to loosen outdoor restrictions
Some parks open with limited hours but all Oregon Coast parks remain closed Page 9
we will see you soon!
We believe the right thing to do is to close all Pelican Brewing locations to help control the spread of COVID-19 and protect our employees, our community, and the greater good. If everyone does their part, this will more likely be short-lived and that is the reason we’ve made this decision—we want to be part of the solution.
can you still support? Visit our PelicanBrewing.com/Beer-Finder to locate beer near you or check out our online shop at Shop.PelicanBrewing.com for gift cards and the latest Pelican gear.
Pacific City
SUN PO Box 1085 Pacific City, OR 97135 Phone: 503-801-5221 tim@pacificcitysun.com
Tim Hirsch Editor & Publisher
Vicky Hirsch Editorial Assistant
Contributors: Sally Rissel
On Our Cover:
Photo by Tim Hirsch
A SELECT NUMBER of Tillamook County boat ramps — including the Pacific City Boat ramp located off Sunset Drive, were reopened May 6 for limited hours on weekdays.
Neskowin Farmer’s Market to open May 16
Market to temporarily relocate to Neskowin Valley School and be restricted to grocery items
A wide selection of farm-fresh produce will once again be featured at the Neskowin Farmers Market when it opens its 2020 season on Saturday, May 16. The market is able to open despite COVID-19 restrictions as Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has declared farmers markets as an essential service. However, because the majority of state parks remain closed — including the market’s former site at Neskowin Beach Wayside — the venue is moving to the covered play area at Neskowin Valley School, which is located at 10005 Slab Creek Road, approximately four miles inland from the wayside. Open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., the market will open with seven vendors — all of which are food and farm vendors. They include C and K Orchards, Corvus Landing Farm, Gingifer’s Kitchen, Mama Tee’s Farm, Nestucca Bay Creamery, Veun’s Garden, and Walker Farms. Each of the vendors will be spaced 10 feet apart, be implementing additional safety precautions, and be allowing only one customer at a time. As well, the market will be limiting both the number of visitors allowed inside the market as well as those waiting to enter. Because of this, the market may ask people to wait in their parked car. To facilitate a quick shopping experience, reorders are encouraged and can be made by following a link at the market’s website at neskowinfarmersmarket.com. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the market will not include music or art or craft vendors. The first hour of operation — 9-10 a.m. — will be reserved for community members at a higher risk — the elderly, immune compromised, etc. — to
IN A CHANGE in venue due to COVID-19 restrictions, Neskowin Farmers Market will open Saturday, May 16 at Neskowin Valley School, 10005 Slab Creek Rd., Neskowin. Open 9 a.m.-1 p.m., the market will open with seven vendors — all of which are food and farm vendors. In addition to only offering food-related and plant items, other changes mandated by the COVID crisis include spacing precautions and a limit on the number allowed in the market at any one time.
COVID-19. Upgraded safety measures include a controlled entrance and exit to the market and a handwash station. “The guidance is to adjust (farmers markets) to make them follow more of a grocery shopping experience,” said Rachel Petit, market manager, who also noted that using markets as a social gathering place is also being discouraged. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be plenty to offer those shopping for some fresh produce. “Our focus for the market has always been to try to provide as full of a diet from local producers as we can,” Petit added.
“We’re still doing that this year. We’ll have a really strong variety of fresh vegetables and fruit as they’re in season. We’ll also have a fresh variety of meats, eggs and cheese, bread, sweet pastries, jam, pickles and other preserves, (plus) cut flowers and vegetable home Courtesy photo starts for home gardeners. We’re trying to maintain a strong source of local food for our community. We are encouraging people to come down and support local growers.” The Neskowin Farmers Market will continue to accept SNAP EBT and will provide a SNAP Match. As well, some vendors will accept Farm Direct Nutrition Program checks, which are good from June 1-Oct. 31 this year. For more information on the market, which is scheduled to run every Saturday through Sept. 26, visit neskowinfarmersmarket.com or follow the market on Facebook.
Made for more love
We were all made for more. More love. More hope. More connection. And now more than ever, it’s important for us to stay connected. In times of uncertainty we pull together as a community, and together we can overcome anything. To learn more about staying healthy, active and connected, visit AdventistHealthTillamook.org
WE ARE OPEN FOR CURBSIDE PICKUP As we navigate the rise and flow of this time, we are excited to serve our beloved local community of Pacific City their favorite coffee creations and bakery treats for curbside pickup. Starting May 11th, simply call ahead and park behind Stimulus to have your goods delivered straight to you. Please know that we are committed to doing the right thing, and the safety of our community is our utmost priority. To see our most up to date details, visit StimulusCoffee.com or give us a call at 503.965.4661.
ST I MULUSCO FF EE .CO M | 503.965.4661 | OPEN DAILY 7AM - 2PM @ST IMULUSCOFFEEBAKERY
Page 2 • Pacific City SUN • May 8, 2020
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NESKOWIN –Hilltop LN Lovely & Peaceful 4 Bed/4Bath in Hawk Creek Hills. 2 master suites & Apt below garage. $449,000
E G L A S DIN PEN CAPE KIWANDA DR Great location near Cape Kiwanda, easy walk to beach! 3 Bed / 2Bath & 2 car garage. $350,000
RUEPPELL AVE Located between the Nestucca River & the Pacific City Airstrip, 4 Bed/2 Bath. $345,000
NESTUCCA BOULVARD Nestled between the Nestucca River & the Pacific Ocean, great river view, quick walk to beach! $330,000
WOODS 3 Bed/2.5 Bath w/gas fireplace. Large, fenced back yard w/deck. Short walk to Big Nestucca Rvr! $299,000
TIERRA DEL MAR Short walk to beach! 3 Bed/2 Bath on Floyd Ave, wood stove, cooks kitchen, yard w/fire pit. $399,000
E L A S ING D PEN LINCOLN CITY-NELSCOTT Light filled 3 Bed/1 Bath on SW 28th. Main floor living, hardwood floors, large deck. $269,000
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CLOVERDALE Two Downtown Commercial storefronts on Hwy 101 w/river view deck in between! $79,000
SAHHALI SOUTH in Neskowin: Available Ocean View lots range in price from $170,900 to $225,000. The size of these lots are from .21 acre to 10 acres. Single family & townhome lots can be either owner occupied or used for vacation rentals.
PACIFIC SEAWATCH Lot 6 on Brooten Mtn Loop offers expansive ocean and river views & owner amenities! $219,000
PACIFIC SEAWATCH Panoramic ocean & river views from Lot 15 on Brooten Mountain Loop! Build your dream home! $199,000
BROOTEN RD 2.55 acres with estuary views! Short drive to beach, river, restaurants & shopping in PC. $129,000
PACIFIC CITY HEIGHTS Panoramic ocean & river views from this level lot on Upper Lp Rd! Above the tsunami zone. $99,000
PACIFIC SUNSET Build your dream home above flood & tsunami zones in this desirable neighborhood! $55,000
NESKOWIN: Sahhali Shores, great ocean views .37 acre………………………………………………..$299,900 NESKOWIN: 4+ acres to build dream home or subdivide, 15 minute drive to PC or LC..…$299,000 NESKOWIN: 10 acres on Scherzinger Rd w/ocean views………………………………………………..$249,900 PACIFIC SEAWATCH: Lot 61 King Fisher Lp, plans by Scott Edwards, geohazard on file...$199,000 NESKOWIN: 3.4 acres on Aeolian Way …………………………………………………..…..…………........$159,900 NANTUCKET SHORES: AMAZING ocean views! Water & Sewer hookup fees are paid…..$129,500 NESKOWIN: .42 acre in Sahhali Shores, great ocean view…………………………………………....$119,000 CAPE KIWANDA DR: Prime lot, walk to Pelican Pub, build to suit, plans available….………$110,000 NESKOWIN: Great ocean views from oversized lot at top of hill on Hilltop Ln……….……….$ 99,900 TIERRA DEL MAR: Excellent ocean views, on Dana Ln…..………………………………………..........$ 79,000 PACIFIC CITY: Corner lot on Four Sisters Ln., Building Plans included……………...….…….……$ 69,000 NESKOWIN: 3 lots totaling over 1/2 acre on Valley View Drive in Hawk Creek Hills….…....$ 49,000
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Rob Trost Real Estate was by far the 2019 Top Producing Brokerage in Tillamook County! Page 3 • Pacific City SUN • May 8, 2020
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inbrief
U.S. Census Bureau seeks responses from Tillamook Co. residents The U.S. Census Bureau has announced that based on “continuing assessments, guidance from federal, state and local health authorities,” it is planning to reactive 2020 Census field operations, pending statutory relief from Congress, on June 1. As of press time, 2020 Census field offices reported they are open and operating with a reduced staff. They are currently recruiting people to work on the Census after the COVID-19 quarantine is lifted as well as encouraging residents to self-report to the census. The U.S. Census Bureau is continuing to hire staff to serve as enumerators to contact those who have not responded to the census. The pay is $18/ hr and the work is part time, lasting as long as the census work continues. To apply, people can visit 2020census.gov/ jobs, or phone the census recruiting line at 503-385-0622. Reportedly, there is still significant need for Tillamook County residents to turn in their census forms by mail, online at 2020census.gov or by phone at 844-330-2020. As of May 1, the response rate for Tillamook County was 29.6 percent. The population count the census will provide is used for everything from school support to the number of representatives Oregon will have in congress.
PCJWSA to consider budget on May 12 Pacific City Joint Water-Sanitary Authority will hold a Budget Committee Meeting Tuesday, May 12 at 5 p.m. to consider its 2020-21 fiscal year budget. In order to comply with social distancing requirements, the meeting will be held via conference call. The Budget Committee will review the proposed budget of $7.358 million and is expected to either revise proposed figures or approve them as is. As part of the proposed budget, the capital improvement charge that has being raising funds for the recently completed Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade is being proposed to be reduced by 15 percent for all customers. Those interested in listening to the meeting can contact the PCJWSA office at 503-965-6636 prior to the meeting, and they will be provided with a call-in number and meeting ID. A recording of the meeting will also be available on the PCJWSA website within two days of the meeting. For a copy of the proposed “draft” budget, contact the PCJWSA office. Public comments can be submitted by emailing kmedina@pcjwsa.com or by calling the office prior to the meeting.
Commissioner candidates share views Voters have until May 19 to return ballots for the contest to elect two Tillamook County Commissioners. The race pits Erin Skaar, director of Tillamook County Community Action Resources Enterprises Inc. vs. Bay City Mayor Christopher Kruebbe in the contest for position no. 1 and incumbent David Yamamoto vs. Bay City Councilor and Tillamook County Solid Waste Department manager David McCall for position no. 2. Following are candidate responses to questions put forth by the Sun on several key South Tillamook County concerns. Ballot drop boxes in South Tillamook County are located at Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City and 34370 Hwy 101 S., Cloverdale. Are you satisfied with the Tillamook County Board of Commissioners’ response to the COVID-19 health scare? Christopher Kruebbe: Yes and no, I feel they are making decisions that they believe are in the best interest of the public and in accordance with public health professional opinions; however, when you have two commissioners that are registered with the same political party, the commission is lopsided and potentially biased in its approach. Regardless of whether the position is intended to be “non-partisan,” it matters and can affect the outcome of critical decisions. Group think, political influences, and negative feedback loops becomes apparent potentially resulting in homeostasis or imbalance depending on the system effected. Erin Skaar: I am supportive of the Board of Commissioner’s response to this pandemic. I believe that we elect our leaders to act decisively in times when it is not possible to engage an entire community in decision making, and that is what our Board of Commissioners has done. Once the decision to shut down the county assets to visitors was made, the commissioners turned to communicating with residents and inviting input by incorporating new technologies such as conference calls and community stakeholder meetings via Zoom. I may not agree with every decision they make, but I have no doubt that they are doing all that they can to keep those in our county safe, while planning for the future re-opening. David McCall: The end result has been satisfactory, though the means by which those decisions were made was concerning. Even most of those affected by the closures were unaware of the discussion until after decisions had been made. Since the regular calls have been broadcast live on the radio, awareness has increased, with many more people sharing their ideas and concerns regarding reopening. David Yamamoto: The actions we took were taken to protect the life/health/ safety of the citizens of Tillamook County from exposure to COVID-19 from the mass of visitors we received on opening weekend of spring break. Our COVID-19 curve has been flattened and now it is time to carefully get things reopened to get people back to work and provide income to our small businesses. The ques-
NOW SERVING TAKEOUT
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tion we need to ask ourselves is are we ready for anywhere near a normal summer season. We must carefully thread the needle and not see a spike in cases where we would be required to shut things down again. From your perspective, what’s the single biggest non-COVID-19 issue challenge facing South Tillamook County? Kruebbe: The opioid crisis is the single most critical issue facing Tillamook County, and that includes South County. Tillamook ranked number 1 in per capita heroin overdose deaths from 2011-2015, and our neighbor county to the south ranked number 2, followed by our neighbor county to the north at 3rd. If we don’t do something about the opioid crisis, it will only get worse. Painkillers with heroin derivatives are the biggest problem causing 14.2 deaths from overdose per 100K population, the highest in the state of Oregon. And Oregon is among the highest in the nation. Skaar: I believe the greatest issue in front of us is finding a shared path through the changing face of Tillamook County’s population and economy. Whether you are used to our quiet little towns and are now feeling overrun by tourists, or if you are a resident that is concerned that our traditional industries are damaging to the environment, the feelings are strong and communication can be challenging. Tillamook County is growing and changing and we must work together to very intentionally create a future that we all want. To accomplish this, I believe it is time to engage in a comprehensive and inclusive process with our residents to create a vision, and to create a plan to achieve that vision. McCall: The tension between old residents and tourists remains the single biggest challenge throughout Tillamook County, but especially in South County. Tourism has brought benefits to the year-round residents, but the burden of over-tourism puts a strain on the peace-
ful atmosphere that drew families here in years, decades, and generations past. Yamamoto: I am the Governorappointed County Commissioner to Oregon Broadband Advisory Council and upon hearing the Governor pronounce K-12 schools move to distance learning, I called all three school district administrators and found that far too many students do not have adequate high-speed internet access and cannot participate in Google Classroom. We now may be faced with opening schools in September continuing with distance learning, and I am working on making sure that our students have adequate internet access to participate on an equal basis with distance learning. I have also embarked on a pilot project to bring high speed fiber internet to the home. We were ready to proceed with a pilot project in February, but the pandemic has placed a temporary hold on this idea. Has the COVID-19 crisis changed your opinion on any crucial issue facing South Tillamook County? What do you feel the Board of Commissioners can do to help businesses get back on their feet? When do you feel restrictions to county parks should be lifted? Kruebbe: I believe that the Board of Commissioners must help businesses get back to business! Other states are getting back to business by putting careful guidelines for safety in place. The people that elected them are being entrusted to be safe and careful with how they proceed. I recently recommended to the County Commissioners in the county leadership meeting that the restrictions on parks be considered next, with the proper conservative precautions outlined by the CDC guidelines urged and followed. Skaar: This crisis has highlighted for me the degree to which we cannot survive without our visitors. The plan for re-opening is complicated and driven by forces outside of the county. The commissioners must advocate strongly to ensure
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FACING OFF FOR Tillamook County Commissioner, position no. 1, in the May 19 election are Bay City Mayor Christopher Krueebe, at left, and Erin Skaar, at right, executive director of Tillamook County Action Resources Enterprises, Inc.
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CALL FOR TAKEOUT (503) 483-1255 Page 4 • Pacific City SUN • May 8, 2020
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Are you supportive of the Cape Kiwanda Parking Management Plan and the plan to enact paid parking at Tillamook County’s Cape Kiwanda parking
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TILLAMOOK SOLID WASTE PROGRAM manager David McCall (at left) is challenging incumbent Commissioner David Yamamoto in the race for Tillamook County Commissioner, position no. 2. that planning driven at the state level is not based only on metro areas. As far as helping businesses, the commissioners must be as creative as possible in getting TLT money out to businesses. I know this can be difficult with the rules the state has set for those monies, but I urge the commissioners to keep advocating for using what we have to help our businesses reopen. Restrictions to some county boat launches were lifted this week and will provide good information on when and how to lift restrictions on parks. We must move only as fast as safety will allow. McCall: The pandemic has brought to the forefront the inadequacy of connectivity, especially in South County. We all know cell phone coverage is sketchy, but how can we rectify the quantity of fiber-optic cable landing here and buried alongside our roads with the lack of Internet access? If I were a commissioner NOW, I’d be pressing hard to get a municipal Internet Service Provider up and running, installing repeater-style antennas in key areas to provide Internet and VOIP access through “mesh” service. There is no reason this could not be up and running by the end of summer, so that students no longer have to collect printed lesson plans, and parents can reliably work from home. In Bay City, I immediately put together a proposal to use City TLT funds to purchase gift certificates from local restaurants ($2,500 each), valid in the upcoming two winter seasons. Approved by the Council, local restaurants received some immediate relief. (Our Mayor is now leading discussions with other affected businesses to provide them with relief.) The law allows for this type of assistance NOW, and there is no reason the BOCC has not yet championed a similar countywide effort. By the time these responses are printed, some restrictions may have been lifted. I support a gradual, phased opening, in collaboration and coordination with neighboring coastal counties and cities, so that we can control and reduce the number, especially of day-use visitors to our facilities. Yamamoto: Health care in South Tillamook County is lacking in terms of the County Health Department. I have brought this up during recent budget hearings, and I have been assured that changes are in the works to bring health care to the area. We have been trying to utilize TLT funds to support our small businesses but have been blocked at every turn by the State. We have gotten a legislative concept in to the legislature and when they call a special session, we are assured it will pass and will allow the County to utilize TLT funds to support our small business. I would like to provide at least $500,000 to make sure our small business can survive this pandemic.
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lot? Why or why not? Kruebbe: Gouging tourists, vacationers, and visitors with parking fees is going to discourage them from visiting in the future and effect how much money they spend at local businesses. County Government has imposed too many restrictions on people without common sense or careful consideration of how much they’re angering people. I believe citizens need to be involved and will be a sounding board for the decisions that I make that could adversely and irreparably affect them for many years to come. Skaar: I am in support of the plan, and of enacting paid parking at the Cape Kiwanda parking lot during the peak season. The current parking situation is unacceptable. I currently sit on the County Budget Committee and am acutely aware of the funding challenges the county faces in operating our boat launches and parking lots. These are vital assets to our tourism industry, but we do not have an adequate funding source to operate and maintain them. The addition of a fee to park in this lot will provide a mechanism for tourists to help to provide needed funds to operate and maintain the parking lot, as well as to support enforcement within the lot. I understand that enacting only this piece of the plan can be problematic in that some visitors may choose to park elsewhere due to the fee and enacting the full plan sooner rather than later is the best option. McCall: In principle, yes, though I question whether seasonal parking fees will suffice. Granting locals annual passes, and not charging for parking in the winter will help, but charging for parking will only work if we also prevent visitors from clogging up neighboring streets. Adequate signage on Brooten Road is a must, beginning immediately, so that congestion around Cape Kiwanda is reduced long before people arrive at the lot. Yamamoto: Our proposed parking management plan is designed to manage parking while charging a parking fee, both in the parking lot and on the beach. These parking fees will provide the needed enforcement of parking in Pacific City and at the same time will fund an additional couple of full-time year around deputies who will be dedicated to South County. We are proposing a pass for local residents so they will not have to pay to park.
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Would you like to see an increased law enforcement presence in Pacific City and South Tillamook County? Kruebbe: That depends on what the people want. If that is what they want and need because crime is out of control, then yes, absolutely, but it is expensive and would take more law enforcement dollars to hire, train, and retain police deputies and officers when other needs may be evident, like having officers for the narcotics see COMMISSIONERS, page 12 Page 5 • Pacific City SUN • May 8, 2020
ODFW reopens hunting, fishing to nonresidents Clamming, crabbing remain closed to those from out-of-state
all hunting and fishing.” SPECIAL NON-RESIDENT REFUND Non-resident anglers who purchased fishing licensing documents (such as a daily, multi-day or annual fishing or shellfish liOregon Department of Fish & Wildliife cense, combined angling tag and associated announced on May 1 that, starting May 5, products) between April 6-15 may request a fishing and hunting would once again be refund for all of these fishing products proopen to non-residents. However, ODFW vided they did not keep any fish or shellfish. says that recreational clamming and crabNon-resident hunters who purchased bing will remain closed to non-residents a hunting license (annual or nonresident until further notice. 3-day for gamebirds) and/or tag The agency says for spring turkey will be eligible to it is lifting the nonreceive a refund for their hunting resident restrictions in license and/or tag, regardless of line with some loosenwhen it was purchased, as long as ing of restrictions on they have not hunted at all. outdoor recreation in Refunds can be requested the state and region. at https://odfw.wufoo.com/forms/ Washington state will nonresident-refund-request-aalso reopen to most covid19-period/. fishing on May 5. The April 6-15 timeframe for Due to concerns Photo by Tim Hirsch providing fishing license refunds about increased travel ODFW has reopened fishing to is based on the state of Washingto the coast during non-Oregon residents. ton’s April 6 decision to extend its the summer months closure of fishing in that state. ODFW saw while the COVID-19 pandemic continues, an increase in non-resident sales after this ODFW says that crabbing and clamming will remain closed to non-residents for now. announcement but many of these customers may not have had a chance to use their Oregon residents who do not live on the fishing license before Oregon closed to noncoast are also being directed to not travel residents on April 11. there to crab or clam while the Stay Home, Non-residents can also continue to Save Lives restrictions against travel are in apply for fall controlled hunts. The deadline effect. Beach access may also be closed. to apply for all fall controlled hunts remains “We want to thank non-residents May 15 for both residents and non-resifor their understanding of the temporary dents. closure,” said ODFW Director Curt Melcher. Tag refund and preference point rein“We are also announcing a special refund statement is also available to non-residents policy for non-residents who purchased and residents who purchased a spring bear fishing license documents between April tag and were unable to hunt in 2020 due to 6-15, which is about the time when Washington announced their extended closure of the travel restrictions.
talkback
Yamamoto hailed as right person for the job County Commissioner, Tillamook County, Position 1
Erin Skaar
Nonpartisan Occupation: Executive Director, Tillamook County Community Action Resource Enterprises, Inc. (CARE) Occupational Background: 25 years in Supervision, Management, Fundraising, and Leadership in not-for-profit organizations, 3 years as a small business owner Educational Background: Occidental College, BA Geology Prior Governmental Experience: Co-Chair and facilitator of the Tillamook County Housing Task Force, Member of the Tillamook County Housing Commission, Tillamook County Budget Committee member, Tillamook County Futures Council Advisor, Member for Transportation Department STF and STIF Committees As a not-for-profit professional I have dedicated my career to service. I am excited to expand the population that I can serve by becoming your next Tillamook County Commissioner. I know that there are many challenges facing Tillamook County in the years ahead and I believe I have the skills to meet these challenges. I am a leader who values listening, good communication, community partnerships and shared decision making. I am capable of acting quickly and decisively when necessary, but prefer to gather information and the thoughts of others to make good decisions. I have had the opportunity to work on projects affecting the county in the areas of strategic planning, transient lodging tax facility funding, housing development, addiction treatment and recovery, transportation planning, budget creation and emergency response. Through these and other projects I have made connections, and gained knowledge and experience that will help me hit the ground running. I am ready to be your next Tillamook County Commissioner!
VoteErinSkaar.org
To the Editor: Tillamook County Commissioner David Yamamoto is up for reelection as our commissioner in position #2. Does he deserve our support and reelection? The answer is clearly yes! David has helped lead Tillamook County through two of the most difficult issues in memory – the COVID-19 virus and the takeover of the county’s computer systems by an off-shore criminal cartel. David Yamamoto has grown significantly into a very complex and difficult job. He has earned the respect of other elected officials including state legislators and our congressional delegation. I have personally seen David testify before committees of the Oregon Legislature while representing the many interests of Tillamook County. He has the facts straight and the attention of the legislative committees. While not everyone supports every decision he has made, I have never known David to make a decision which he did not believe to be in the best interests of Tillamook County and its residents. Over the past four years, he has been asked to serve on several statewide committees. He also represented Tillamook County in a joint legal action to preserve funding for Oregon counties from state timber harvests. He is engaged, knowledgeable, dedicated and not afraid to make difficult decisions. His background in private business before his election as a commissioner brings a well-rounded perspective to a job where one must represent very diverse interests across a large rural coastal county. He clearly understands the issues of our small businesses as well as our larger employers. The next few years will indeed be difficult as we recover from economic disruption and a medical crisis. The days ahead will not be business as usual. As a rather well-known president, Abe Lin-
Page 6 • Pacific City SUN • May 8, 2020
coln, once said… “Don’t change horses in the middle of a stream.” Good advice then, excellent advice now. Commissioner David Yamamoto is the right person to move Tillamook County forward. Doug Olson Pacific City
McCall praised for his leadership skills To the Editor: One of us is a long-time resident of South County, while the other has only been here a few years. Both of us, however, are active with the Tillamook Democratic Party. Through our work with this organization and Fred’s time as a volunteer with the County’s Solid Waste Department’s Recycling Committee, we have witnessed first-hand the hands-on leadership abilities, progressive ideals, and constant concern for the well being of all Tillamook County residents of David McCall, candidate for the Tillamook County Commissioner seat currently held by David Yamamoto. Two issues in particular, housing for our county’s workforce and positive action for sustainable climate action, separate Mr. McCall from his opponent. These issues have been brought before the County Commission several times during Mr. Yamamoto’s tenure, and nothing has been accomplished on either. It is time for someone with fresh ideas, the proven ability to get things done, and the willingness to listen, respect and respond to a wider range of constituents. David McCall is that man. We urge you to vote for David McCall for this critical County Commission seat. Fred Bassett and Sonya Kazen Cloverdale The Pacific City Sun welcomes reader input. Please send Letters to the Editor via e-mail: tim@ pacificcitysun.com. Submissions must be 350 words or less and may be edited for length and grammar.
Tillamook County Creamery Association dedicates $4 million to COVID-19 relief efforts Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) announced on May 6 that its farmer-owners have committed $4 million to a comprehensive COVID-19 relief plan to help its employees, the communities where the company operates, and industry partners respond to and recover from burdens created by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Extraordinary challenges require extraordinary responses, and it’s a time for businesses — including ours — to step up in a big way,” said Patrick Criteser, TCCA’s president & CEO. “We are inspired by the critical role we play in keeping food on America’s tables, and are fortunate that our company is strong right now so we can help others.” TCCA will focus most of its relief efforts in the rural Oregon communities where the company operates production facilities and where many TCCA employees work and live — in Tillamook and Morrow Counties. “From our founding more than 100 years ago, we’ve always been a company that cares for our communities,” said Shannon Lourenzo, TCCA farmer-owner and chairman of the board. “People across the country are hunkering down at home and looking out for family, friends and neighbors. We are rising up to support the people and the places that have supported us for decades.” Key elements of TCCA’s relief efforts include: • Expanding sick leave, offering premium pay for front-line manufacturing workers and maintaining full wages and benefits for all employees, even those who were working at the company’s temporarily closed Tillamook Creamery visitor experience. The company is also creating a special resilience fund for team members experiencing substantial financial distress. • Doubling paid volunteer hours for employees and establishing a new employee donation matching program, so employees can directly participate in relief efforts.
• Increasing the scale of direct-tocommunity product donations and expanding community enrichment funding to support nonprofits severely impacted by the pandemic, particularly those that serve the company’s three primary focus areas for giving: food security, healthful children and agricultural advocacy. At the outset, this includes immediate donations to several organizations that serve the needs of its hometown communities. Those include: • $200,000 to the Oregon Food Bank, a longstanding partner, to address food insecurity statewide, including significant donations to the food banks in Tillamook and Morrow Counties. • $100,000 to the Oregon Community Foundation to support its relief efforts in communities across the state. •$20,000 to Tillamook County Action Resource Enterprises, Inc. (CARE) to help with rental, energy and other emergency services for low- to middle-income families in Tillamook County who have been laid off or lost wages as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. • $15,000 to the Tillamook County Wellness program to help fund a new Youth Outdoor Recreation Coordinator. • $10,000 to Tillamook Early Learning Center to help keep one of the few childcare facilities in Tillamook afloat and offer scholarships to families returning to care once they reopen. • $5,000 to the Oregon State University Foundation to fund scholarships for students studying agriculture. • Earmarking another $500,000 to create or invest in programs that aid business revitalization efforts in Tillamook and Morrow Counties and support the communities’ small businesses as they recover from the impacts of COVID-19. “Local nonprofits and small businesses are part of the fabric of rural communities, and we know they are hurting,” said
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Criteser. “We see an opportunity in our hometowns to help meet the unprecedented needs created by the pandemic. By investing in programs that support our hometowns, ideally we can help return our communities to their thriving and robust potential and perhaps even create a model of business helping businesses that could be replicated elsewhere.” While the bulk of its relief efforts will be focused on hometown support, TCCA is also planning to support its retail, restaurant and foodservice partners nationwide. Those efforts will include financial and product donations to support COVID-19 response efforts in the weeks and months ahead. “We’ve built a lot of flexibility and accountability into our overall response plan,” said Criteser. “We will learn along the way and adapt as needed to ensure we’re making as strong of an impact as we possibly can.” More details about TCCA’s comprehensive COVID-19 response plan can be found at Tillamook.com/COVID. Founded in 1909 as a farmer-owned cooperative, TCCA says it prides itself on its commitment to bringing to market the most consistent, best tasting, highest quality dairy products made in the most natural way possible. Tillamook Creamery has earned top awards for their cheese, ice cream, sour cream, butter, cream cheese and yogurt products. The TCCA is currently made up of almost 80 farming families, primarily based in Tillamook County. Tillamook operates production facilities in Tillamook and Boardman, Oregon and employs nearly 900 people throughout the state. The Tillamook Creamery is the largest tourist attraction on the coast of Oregon and one of the most popular in the state, attracting more than one million visitors each year. For more information on TCCA, visit Tillamook.com.
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Tillamook Co. improves rate of recycling for second straight year David McCall, manager of Tillamook County Solid Waste Department, announced that the Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality has released its official calculations of Tillamook County’s recycling and recovery rate for 2018. Tillamook County disposed of 28,233 tons of waste and recovered 10,858 tons, resulting in a recovery rate of 27.8 percent. Tillamook County saw an increase in the quantity of materials recycled for the second consecutive year, even as recycling rates statewide dropped as a result of China’s import ban in 2017-18. Tillamook County’s recycling ratios increased its ranking from no. 20 to no. 14 out of Oregon’s 36 counties. “The fact that our recycling quantities increased by 1,830 tons between 2016 and 2018, while recycling markets fell into chaos, is a reflection of the thoughtful planning that went into developing our recycling system,” said McCall. “Our transfer station operators worked with the Solid Waste Advisory Committee and developed a recycling system that has proven to be resilient and sustainable. “We still need to strive for increased waste prevention, reuse, and recycling,” he added. “Every pound of waste which we don’t produce is waste which we don’t have to handle, and every pound of waste which we divert from the landfill saves our county money in disposal costs. We are still sending far too many tons of waste to the landfill near Corvallis each year, which comes at a cost to county residents and businesses.” The full 2018 report can be viewed at https://www.oregon.gov/deq/recycling/ Documents/2018MRWGRatesReport. pdf. For more information from the Tillamook County Solid Waste Department, visit co.tillamook.or.us/gov/SolidWaste.
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Windermere West Pacific City wants you to know that safety is our highest priority, and we are dedicated to supporting our buyer
and seller clients through this unprecedented time. As always, we will be looking for ways to step up and help our community. Every time you buy or sell a home with Windermere a donation is made to the Windermere Foundation. Thanks for helping us support local organizations in Tillamook South County community! Page 7 • Pacific City SUN • May 8, 2020
Photo by Tim Hirsch
TILLAMOOK COUNTY COMMISSIONERS voted to reopen Pacific City Boat Launch, located off of Sunset Drive, as one of four boat launches open to day use during select weekdays and hours. Iit will be open May 12-14 and 18-22. Thereafter, phase two of reopening will be considered by commissioners.
Pacific City Boat Launch partially reopened
Oregon’s Top Medical Malpractice Firm Comes to Pacific City
The Tillamook Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously on May 5 to phase in reopening of county boat launches to begin Wednesday, May 6. Four boat launches will be open initially including the Pacific City Boat Launch off of Sunset Drive. Others include Nehalem Bay Boat Launch, Memaloose Point, and Netarts Bay. The boat launches will be open mid-week for the next two weeks for users with a Tillamook County annual pass or a day use pass. “We need to get local folks back out on the water,” said Bill Baertlein, chair of the Tillamook County Board of Commissioners. “It’s time.” The boat launches have been closed to recreational users since March 22 along with parks, campgrounds, beach access points and beach front parking lots in order to prevent transmission of the Coronavirus in Tillamook County. That effort has been hailed as largely successful, as evidenced by a total of six confirmed cases, and no new cases for approximately three weeks. Commissioner David Yamamoto also voiced his support for the reopening of the boat launches. “We want our residents to be able to get out and go fishing, we do,” he said. “Life, health and safety are my number one priority as a commissioner. We are opening boat launches in a safe, measured way to ensure the safety of our residents.” Boat launches opened on May 6 and 7; with further openings planned for May 12-14 and May 18-22. Thereafter, phase two
Chamber awards funds to hurting lodging companies By TIM HIRSCH of the Sun The Pacific City-Nestucca Valley Chamber of Commerce recently announced it has responded to the economic fallout caused by COVID-19 restrictions in the area by giving $500 grants in mid April to 33-34 businesses in the lodging and restaurant industry. The funds came from using a portion of a $50,000 grant that Tillamook County previously awarded the Chamber to do tourism-related projects. Chamber board member Doug Olson told the Sun that the decision to support these businesses, which included motels, vacation rental offices and restaurants, was based on the fact that due to restrictions they have been either entirely shut down, as is the case in lodging, or severely hampered as restaurants are, as of press time, only allowed to sell food to go. “$500 is not very meaningful to a bigger organization, but I think it was quite meaningful to some of the smaller ones,” Olson said. “Two of the people (we delivered checks to) ended up in tears. They
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of reopening will be considered by the commissioners. Launches will close at 5 p.m. May 12-14 and May 20-22. It is the responsibility of boaters to make sure that they exit the parking lot before 5 p.m. “It is our intention to get boat launches open for locals and to gradually work up to being open again full-time,” said vice chair Commissioner Mary Faith Bell. “It is in everyone’s best interest to be spending time outside doing the things we love to do. We trust our community to keep themselves and others safe from the virus.” In the interest of public health in the time of COVID-19, the commissioners issued safety regulations including no more than two occupants per boat, immediate family members only; one boat on the launch at a time; observe social distancing guidelines including six feet of distance between individuals; facemasks are recommended in public settings. According to Tillamook County Parks Director JoAnn Woelfle, the first week of partial operation went well. “It was successful,” she reported to Tillamook County Commissioners during a May 8 Tillamook County leadership team meeting. “We had a huge positive response.” That said, she said that this limited opening will serve as a test. “We’re trying to see if this is something that will function and work,” she added. “Next week will be a good test for us. I’m hoping the public continues being as amazing as they have been this week.”
were grateful someone stepped up.” Given the need for small businesses in the lodging industry, Olson said it was an easy decision. “(The money wasn’t) doing any good sitting in the bank,” he said. The Chamber is currently deciding on whether to do a second round of grants to businesses not directed to close by the COVID-19 restrictions and is currently working on criteria for such a list and whether it would be permissible under transient lodging tax rules. “We’re trying to be fair and come up with something that makes sense,” Olson said. He said he expects a decision to be made within the coming weeks. Whatever is decided, Olson said the Chamber intends to reserve a significant portion of the $50,000 from Tillamook County for tourism projects such as the purchase of a new sound system for Kiawanda Community Center. For more information about the Pacific City-Nestucca Valley Chamber of Commerce, visit pcnvchamber.org.
Nestucca Valley School Board to meet May 11 via Zoom Nestucca Valley School District Board of Directors will hold its May 11 meeting via Zoom starting 6:30 p.m. in an effort to comply with social distancing guidelines. Items on the agenda include a presentation by Sarah Absher, director of the Tillamook County Planning Dept., discussion of letter of support of waiver of property tax for multiPage 8 • Pacific City SUN • May 8, 2020
family dwellings, and updates and reports on various matters including COVID-19. Those wishing to attend the meeting via Zoom can log in at https://us02web.zoom. us/j/88177412704?pwd=Mmt3bENTUGV nVmxseDVnNXA3cmxTQT09. The meeting ID is 881 7741 2704 and the password is 1UBkqg.
A few inland state parks now ready to offer limited access
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) announced on May 5 that a small number of inland state parks will offer limited services starting Wednesday, May 6, but that highdensity parks on the north coast, the Columbia Gorge, boat accesses to the John Day and Deschutes Rivers, and places like Smith Rock in Central Oregon will likely be among the last to return to limited service, and no dates for state parks in those regions have been announced. Parks returning to limited daytime service include Tryon Creek in Portland, Willamette Mission north of Keizer, Mongold boat ramp at Detroit Lake, State Capitol State Park in Salem, The Cove Palisades boat ramp at Lake Billy Chinook near Culver, Prineville Reservoir boat ramp near Prineville, Joseph Stewart boat ramp on Lost Creek Lake near Shady Cove, and Pilot Butte to pedestrians (no vehicles) in Bend. Limited day-use will slowly return to other state parks starting the week of May 11 based on the readiness of the community around the park to welcome visi-
soon as it can be safely managed, and while preparations are being made, no opening date has been selected. Visitors should expect a different state park experience than they are used to, and are advised by OPRD to prepare by: staying home if they’re sick; if visiting, staying local and close to home, meaning less than 50 Photo by Tim Hirsch miles in urban areas; only visiting with memSTATE PARKS along the Oregon Coast like Sitka Sedge bers of their houseState Natural Area (above) have yet to be reopened hold; and bringing all as of press time, but OPRD did recently announce a supplies—food, water, small amount of inland parks that would offer limited hand cleanser—needed services starting May 6. for a short trip. tors, and how prepared the park “We know these is with staff, supplies, and equiplast six weeks has seemed longer, ment. State parks will open and but your health is important to us,” close with little advance notice; says Lisa Sumption, OPRD Direcupdates will be posted online at or- tor. “It is true outdoor recreation egonstateparks.org or call 800-551boosts our mental and physical 6949 (Mon-Fri, 8a-5p) and should health, but parks concentrate be checked before visiting. people in a community, and we Not all restrooms will be have to do this carefully if it’s going open, and parking will be limited. to work. We need your cooperation State park camping will return as to keep parks open.”
Commissioners extend COVID-19 emergency declaration to May 31 Tillamook County Commissioners unanimously voted on May 5 to extend until May 31 an emergency declaration originally passed on March 22 as part of an effort to mitigate the potential spreading of COVID-19 in the county. The declaration will keep all transient lodging including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts and short-term rentals including
condos closed to all visitors not providing essential services or who are in the county for commercial reasons such as construction, trucking, etc. As well, many boat launches will continue to be closed to all but commercial fishermen that provide a retail food source. The county did open four Tillamook County boat launches on May 6 on a limited basis includ-
ing the Pacific City Boat Launch located just off of Sunset Drive (see page 8 for related story). Commissioners categorized the extension as necessary in its effort to have similar closures with neighboring coastal counties but added that it didn’t mean some facilities couldn’t be opened on a case-by-case basis as the county deems appropriate.
Adventist Health Tillamook launches virtual visits Adventist Health Tillamook announced on May 4 it has launched on-demand virtual visits for routine, urgent care and specialist visits. Now patients can visit with their healthcare provider from the comfort of their home. The technology enables providers to meet with patients using a secure video and audio connection through a computer, tablet or smartphone. “Virtual visits allow us to deliver health care right where patients are – in their homes,” says Gina Seufert Adventist Health Tillamook Physician & Clinic Services Executive. Registered nurse care coordinators in risk-reducing personal protective equipment will facilitate home visits by obtaining the vital signs and performing physical assessment for physicians. The physician observes the visit and gives direct feedback to the nurse and patient via a secure connection. “Caring for patients doesn’t just happen just during an office visit,” Seufert says. “Meeting patients in their home is an opportunity to positively reinforce the healthy behaviors patients need to enhance their overall health. We can more fully understand a patient’s needs when we walk into their home, see them in their environment, and learn about the limitations and barriers impacting their health. Virtual visits allow us to see a larger picture of a patient’s health from their point of view.” When patients call to make an appointment, a member of Adventist Health patient scheduling team will discuss whether virtual visit is appropriate for the patient’s needs. Patients will use the Adventist Health MyChart app for their visit. Patients with in-person appointments already scheduled can ask to have their appointment rescheduled as a virtual visit by calling their provider’s office. Most insurance plans cover virtual visits as any other visit. To learn more about virtual visits, patients can visit AdventistHealth.org/ VirtualVisits or contact their local provider. Adventist Health is a faith-based, nonprofit integrated health system serving more than 80 communities in California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington. Its workforce of 32,900 includes more than 23,600 employees, nearly 5,000 medical staff physicians, and 4,350 volunteers. Founded on Seventh-day Adventist heritage and values, Adventist Health provides what it describes as “compassionate” care in 20 hospitals, more than 280 clinics (hospital-based, rural health and physician clinics), 15 home care agencies, seven hospice agencies and four joint-venture retirement centers. For more information, visit AdventistHealth.org.
David Yamamoto
Tillamook County Commissioner
A True Friend to Tillamook County Citizens
“Real Problems - Real Solutions” *Covid 19 Response *Public Safety *Ocean Windmills *Linn County Lawsuit *Carbon Cap & Trade *Economic Development *Emergency Preparedness *Tourism, Transient Lodging Tax *High Speed Fiber Internet to the Home Visit David Yamamoto’s webpage and Facebook to find his responses to these problems
www.dave4bocc.com “Let’s keep David. I have known and worked with David at the local and state level on important issues to Tillamook County over many years even when he was not a Commissioner. I have found him to be fully engaged in the issues important to Tillamook County. He cares deeply about the County and works hard to help make Tillamook County the best it can be. He’s got more work to do. Let’s keep him.” Mark Labhart, Former Tillamook County Commissioner “Commissioner Yamamoto has demonstrated his commitment to this County and those of us that live here. I support him in his candidacy to continue his important work as a Tillamook County Commissioner. “ Susan Amort, Neskowin; President, Pacific City Nestucca Valley Chamber of Commerce
Commissioner David Yamamoto
"Tillamook County will desperately need a commissioner with experience to help guide it through the challenging times ahead. I can unequivocally state that Commissioner Yamamoto leads his opponent in experience, competence and disposition necessary to serve with the Board of County Commissioners." Bill Baertlein, Tillamook County Commissioner “David is an extremely hard worker and supports a balanced approach in managing our natural resources. He sees both the details and the big picture. He has made an excellent Commissioner.” Doug Olson, Pacific City; Chair, Tillamook County Budget Committee
Paid for by the Committee to Elect David Yamamoto
Page 9 • Pacific City SUN • May 8, 2020
“I am thrilled to endorse David Yamamoto for County Commissioner. David and I have worked together on emergency preparedness for several years. He is a very thoughtful listener who is committed to the people and issues of Tillamook County.” Marge Jozsa, Neskowin; Former CEO Rinehart Clinic in Wheeler; President, Board of Directors, South Tillamook County Emergency Volunteer Corps “Accessibility to David is one of his hallmarks, as well as his willingness to listen.” Alex Sifford, Neskowin
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Nestucca Valley Presbyterian Church
Because of COVID-19, our building is closed and normal worship services have been suspended. Please visit our website: nestuccavalleypc.org for information regarding weekly sermons from Reverend Ben Dake, along with other updates from our congregation.
Photo courtesy of Kiwanda Hospitality
KIWANDA HOSPITALITY has served up some 3,300 meals for its furloughed employees as part of its outreach efforts to its out-of-work staff. The company has also paid forward $3,000 in grant funds from Pacific City-Nestucca Valley Chamber of Commerce and $2,400 in refunded advertising money from the 2020 Tillamook Coast Visitor Guide to purchase food for South County Food Pantry. Above, employees Patrick Clarke and Gigi De Solis prepare meals.
A Giving Spirit Prevails Despite closures and hardships, tourism businesses continue their usual community generosity The COVID-19 pandemic has all but shut down the tourism industry on the Oregon Coast and throughout the state: more than 80 percent of the county’s 2,350 tourism employees have lost their jobs; hotels have locked their doors; most restaurants’ kitchens sit idle, except for the few doing takeout; charter boat companies have empty boats; retail stores are closed unless they have an online sales channel. And yet, despite these hardships, tourism businesses continue to serve their communities in generous ways. This is a short list of the outpouring of support coming from restaurants and hotels; many more are helping locals in their time of need. In South County, the Grateful Bread in Pacific City is continuing its “Grateful Grub” program, but now serving many more people. Owner Robyn Barcoft told the Sun that the program, which began two years ago, has grown from delivering meals to three families a week to serving 175 to 225 people a week through the restaurant’s drive-thru. Open 2:30-3:30 p.m., Thursday through Sunday to anyone in need, “Grateful Grub” offers a complete meal including a main dish, salad, bread and dessert. The program is funded by customer donations as well as a commitment by Grateful Bread staff to volunteer their time during Grateful Grub hours. “We’re able to get it to a lot more (people by going to a drive-thru model),” Barcroft said, who added that she plans to create a nonprofit within a couple of weeks so people can give tax-deductible contributions. She added that even once the COVID-19 crisis abates, she plans to continue the drive-thru Grateful Grub outreach. “People are very, very grateful,” she said. “(As thanks), we’ve gotten flowers, we’ve been called angels. It makes us feel great. I’ve owned (Grateful Bread) 19 years and been here 29 years so it’s nice to be able to give back to the community.” Grateful Bread is also making donations to both South County Food Pantry in Pacific City and Pass It On Ministry’s Food Pantry in Beaver. That effort, too, is helped
Page 10 • Pacific City SUN • May 8, 2020
by community contributions. “People give me money (and)…I’ll buy produce like oranges and apples and cases of potatoes and (give them to the food banks),” she said. Barcroft has even gone the hot meal route as she recalled donating a significant number of individual lasagna and macaroni and cheese dinners to Pass It On Ministries’ food pantry. And she’s brought hot soup to the South County Food Pantry as well. The Pelican Pub and Kiwanda Hospitality businesses in Pacific City are also paying forward help they’ve received — and more. The Nestucca Ridge Family of Companies, together comprised of six businesses, each received $500 from the Pacific City-Nestucca Valley Chamber of Commerce for a total contribution of $3,000. Plus, thanks to a resolution by Tillamook County Commissioners, they also received a $2,400 refund on advertising placed in the 2020 Tillamook Coast Visitor Guide. And they used all of that to buy food for the local food bank. Pelican Brewing/Kiwanda Hospitality CEO Jim Prinzing said that, via the restaurant’s bulk buying power, they were able to purchase a greater amount of food at a better price than may have been available to the pantry on their own. In addition, when Pelican Brewing, together with their other lodging and restaurant enterprises, elected to close, they donated much of their in-stock perishable goods to the local food pantries. “It was thousands and thousands of dollars of goods that need to go somewhere,” Prinzing said. “We first allowed our staff to pick up (goods)…and the rest of it we donated to the food banks. We know that food insecurity is a big issue. It’s something we’re trying to support at every opportunity we can.” For her part, Pelican Brewing and Nestucca Ridge Development co-owner Mary Jones offered thanks to the original source of the funds that allowed them to buy the food for the pantry. The $500 grants from the Chamber came from a $50,000 award from Tillamook County to be used for tourism-related projects. “We are thankful that the commissioners and the Chamber went to the effort to help people in our area,” she said. “It’s a great thing they did, and we appreciate it very much. We’re trying to pay it forward.” And with a vast majority of its 400 employees furloughed, Pelican Brewing has also put forth considerable effort to
take care of their own by offering a hot meal seven days a week to employees and their families. As of May 6, the company had served about 3,300 meals out of Pacific City and have been serving 100 to 140 meals per day. More recently it has expanded the program to its Cannon Beach location where it is averaging about 60 meals a day. “Our goal has been to do everything we can to keep our employees whole and their families supported,” said Prinzing. “Resources are limited right now, but this is one of the ways we found to do that.” And Jones says the program has the added benefit of giving the organization a way to put some employees back to work. She added that while for some it’s a financial help, for others it’s just about reducing the chance for exposure to the virus. “A lot (of employees) are really hurting especially because unemployment is not easy to get,” she said. “We’ve tried hard to keep everyone’s spirits up and sent a daily message to everyone on the team.” In central county, Fishpeople Seafood in Garibaldi donated 1,200 cases of seafood products, such as salmon jerky, to school districts Photo courtesy of Robyn Barcroft/Grateful Bread wherever they have stores, including Tillamook. IN THE WAKE OF COVID-19, the Grateful Bread Restaurant Pacific Restaurant in Tillamook & Bakery has been serving up 175 to 225 meals a week to has given away $200 worth of gift those in need as part of its “Grateful Grub” program. cards every week since closing in mid-March. All they ask is you share “Generosity and kindness have always a photo of their takeout food on Facebook been a hallmark of the hospitality and or Instagram using the hashtag #isupporttourism industry,” said Nan Devlin, touredsmallbusiness. ism director for Visit Tillamook Coast. “In And in north county, Manzanita grogood times and bad, that remains true cery stores Little Apple and Fresh Foods, here in Tillamook County.” both reliant on visitor spending, have a “It just amazes me how people step donation fund for those having difficulty up when there’s people that need help,” buying groceries for their families. Cloud said PCNV Chamber board member Doug & Leaf bookstore started a gift certifiOlson. “This is probably one of the best cate program to distribute books to local places I’ve lived where people step up to families. help when there’s a problem.”
“David honestly cares about what is best for the future of Tillamook County. He has long-term vision for how to protect our area while effectively dealing with our daily businesses, industry, and tourism.” -
Nicole Twigg, Pacific City
Looking Back
A collection of 59 stories and more than 200 historical photos featuring the people, places and events of Tillamook County. AVAILABLE AT: Rowboat Gallery, Tillamook County Pioneer Museum, Stimulus Espresso Cafe, Cape Kiwanda RV Resort, Pacific City Hardware, Garibaldi Museum and Chester’s Thriftway
Nestucca River Country AVAILABLE NOW AT:
Cape Kiwanda RV Resort Marketplace PC Supply & Hardware Tillamook Pioneer Museum Chester’s Market Rowboat Galley Garibaldi Museum
Formally endorsed by:
This virus struck without warning, and our recovery will be difficult. Now is the time for innovative and proactive leadership! As your County Commissioner I will stand up and fight for our future, and help prepare us for the next emergency. I am running for Commissioner because I care about our community and the environment we live in. Now is the time to come together and build an encouraging future for local people, families, and businesses. This election will be decided on May 19th, and I ask for your vote so that together we can bounce back and make Tillamook County better.
THE HISTORY OF TILLAMOOK COUNTY!
Save Our Shoreline PAC (SOSPAC)
“The election of David McCall to County Commissioner Position #2 would provide change in leadership, perspective and priorities. Protecting our shoreline is important – we need leaders who understand it is fundamental to the wider prosperity and well-being of County residents.” - SOSPAC, Tierra del Mar “We need a commissioner who listens. Dave McCall understands and supports the value of community service organizations. We need real attention to environmental concerns and more than lip service on sustainable tourism and affordable housing. Dave McCall has the experience and temperament to move Tillamook County forward. He is unafraid of innovation and makes data-driven decisions after taking all perspectives into account. He does not blindly follow the interests of the Chamber of Commerce.” -
Karen Reddick Yurka, Manzanita
Page 11 • Pacific City SUN • May 8, 2020
inbrief
continued from page 5
Tillamook County Commissioners discussed the possibility of opening up Cape Kiwanda — at least to recreational dory fishing — during a Board of Commissioners briefing on Tuesday, May 5 but ultimately took no action. Prominent in the discussion was the concept of keeping the county’s Cape Kiwanda Parking lot closed but allowing the recreational dory fleet to return to action. As of press time, only commercial dory fishing was allowed. The discussion during the conference call meeting on reopening access to the recreational fleet but keeping it closed to other recreational uses revolved around an issue of fairness in respect to additional users such as surfers, kayakers, and beach goers. Kirk Barham, park manager for the Oregon Parks and Recreation District’s Cape Lookout unit, said he didn’t support opening up the parking lot or the beach to public parking. He said that with such an opening, he feels the popular attraction would get inundated by visitors and people wouldn’t have enough space for proper social distancing. And in response to the commissioner’s idea of opening up the beach ramp to recreational dories, he said that his concern was that ORPD isn’t an agency that designates one recreational use higher than others. As a solution, Commissioner David Yamamoto suggested that dory boats could be parked at the otherwise closed county parking lot rather than on the beach so as not to give dory operators preferred status on the beach compared with kayakers and surfers. Further discussion on the matter is expected during the week of May 11-15.
Tides
(at Nestucca Bay) Low Tide Height High Tide Height
May 8
8:20 am -1.7 ft 8:11 pm 1.8 ft
1:12 am 2:34 pm
8.7 ft 6.7 ft
May 9
9:08 am -1.7 ft 8:58 pm 2.1 ft
1:53 am 3:30 pm
8.6 ft 6.5 ft
May 10 9:58 am -1.6 ft 9:49 pm 2.5 ft
2:36 am 4:27 pm
8.2 ft 6.3 ft
May 11 10:49 am -1.1 ft 10:46 pm 2.8 ft
3:22 am 5:27 pm
7.7 ft 6.0 ft
May 12 11:44 am -0.6 ft 11:54 pm 2.9 ft
4:12 am 6:31 pm
7.2 ft 5.8 ft
May 13 12:43 pm -0.2 ft
5:10 am 7:35 pm
6.4 ft 5.8 ft
May 14 1:13 am 2.9 ft 1:43 pm 0.2 ft
6:18 am 8:34 pm
5.8 ft 5.9 ft
May 15 2:33 am 2.7 ft 2:41 pm 0.6 ft
7:35 am 9:22 pm
5.4 ft 6.0 ft
May 16 3:42 am 2.2 ft 8:52 am 3:33 pm 0.8 ft 10:01 pm
6.2 ft 6.3 ft
May 17 4:36 am 1.7 ft 9:59 am 4:19 pm 1.1 ft 10:34 pm
5.2 ft 6.6 ft
May 18 5:20 am 1.1 ft 10:57 am 4:59 pm 1.3 ft 11:04 pm
5.3 ft 6.8 ft
May 19 5:58 am 0.6 ft 11:47 am 5:35 pm 1.6 ft 11:31 pm
5.4 ft 7.0 ft
May 20 6:33 am 0.1 ft 12:33 pm 6:10 pm 1.8 ft 11:59 pm
5.6 ft 7.3 ft
May 21 7:07 am -0.3 ft 1:16 am 6:44 pm 2.1 ft
5.7 ft
May 22 7:41 am -0.6 ft 12:27 am 7:18 pm 2.3 ft 1:57 pm
7.5 ft 5.8 ft
May 23 8:17 am -0.8 ft 12:57 am 7:53 pm 2.6 ft 2:39 pm
7.6 ft 5.8 ft
team that was recently re-established by Commissioner Yamamoto and Commissioner Baertlein. Skaar: Yes. The exceptionally large number of tourists who flood this area create a need for greater law enforcement presence. I understand that the cost of this is a challenge that would need to be addressed. McCall: Definitely. Yamamoto: As liaison to the Sheriff’s Office, I have been able to add additional deputies, reinstate Tillamook Narcotics Task Force, and we are on the cusp of again providing 24/7 patrols throughout Tillamook County. As I mentioned above, the parking management plan will provide funding for additional deputies who will be dedicated to South County. Public safety is my #1 priority for the County… especially South County.
What would you like to see done to better fill the housing needs of South Tillamook County? Kruebbe: I was part of the Tillamook County Housing Commission that met in the final quarter of 2019. Housing is a difficult situation to remedy but not impossible. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) which, in layman’s terms, are mother-inlaw units that can be built to specifications according to local jurisdictions and special districts are permissible in what’s called the urban growth boundary of Tillamook County, but current owner occupancy requirements would need to be removed. Skaar: As a member of the Tillamook County Housing Commission, I know there is no easy fix. The commission is working closely with a local business owner who is developing housing to understand the issues specific to South County and find solutions to them. Specifically, there is a work group exploring short-term property tax abatement, another work group reviewing zoning code, and conversations are being planned with special districts. We must find ways to reduce costs for those who will build workforce housing. McCall: Throughout Tillamook County, we need to look at all opportunities and solutions, and choose the ones that best fit the community and the community’s needs, and ACT. In many areas, especially South County, I think that Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s, or so-called “mother-in-law apartments”) could provide additional housing, while not impacting the “feel” of the community nor overloading the infrastructure already in place. Providing reductions in property taxes and/or systems development charges (SDC’s) if the units are used for long-term rentals (or immediate family members) is another way we can get this rolling. A lot of ideas have been thrown around; we need to take action and break ground on solutions! Yamamoto: We have hired a housing coordinator who is working on several projects in Tillamook County. I have been pushing a project here that could provide 200+ workforce housing units and again we are getting push back from the State. Our land use laws need to be more flexible to allow rural counties to provide needed housing while still protecting our forests and farms. I am working closely with Community Development and the State to get needed changes to our land use laws.
In what ways would you support the Pacific City-Nestucca Valley Chamber of Commerce? The Pacific City-Woods CAC?
Kruebbe: I would support the Chamber of Commerce by encouraging them to have workshops on how local businesses can attract customers, support fund-raising events that benefit the local art galleries and support local community artists. I have attended the “Birding and Blues” festival, the “Your Art’s Desire” event in February, and have kayaked the Nestucca River. I believe in and am supportive of the PCNV Chamber of Commerce’s mission, too, and I support the mission of the Pacific City-Woods CAC. Skaar: I am pleased that in the county budget we have been able to provide TLT funding in support of the chamber and would continue to make that funding available. Additionally, I believe being present and active in the chamber and the CAC are vital activities for a county commissioner. McCall: Many of the volunteer organizations in South Tillamook County play important roles in the representation of residents. The Chamber has been quite effective in representing many of the business interests, and I support their continued actions in that role, including continuing funding from TLT funds for efforts that benefit groups of businesses in the area. I would also like to see an increase in the representative roles of other organizations, like the CACs, but also including groups like the Neskowin Women’s Club, the Watershed Council, the Lion’s Club, or the Neskowin Community Association, for example. Through the televised transmission of regular BOCC meetings, the commissioners can provide a valuable opportunity for community organizations to report on their activities, increasing membership and support for them, while recognizing the contributions these organizations make in their communities. Yamamoto: Being an unincorporated community, both the PC Chamber and the PC-Woods CAC provide a needed voice to the Commissioners. Our Chamber is one of the most active in Tillamook County and the Commissioners have funded it with $50K in TLT funds to promote its activities. As an advisory committee to the Commissioners, the CAC provides needed input on land use issues important to the community and our Community Development Department provides much needed support to the CAC. In what ways, if any, would you support efforts to increase emergency preparedness in South Tillamook County? Kruebbe: The county needs an effective emergency preparedness team that will provide a sense of safety for the community that involves its citizens. With the potential departure of the current Emergency Manager Lieutenant Gordan McCraw, if elected to County Sheriff (likely), then the recruitment of a new Emergency Manager will be a priority of the County. As your potential new County Commissioner, I possess the breadth of knowledge as a former first responder and as a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). Emergency Management is in my DNA. I survived the worst natural disaster in United States History to that time, Hurricane Katrina and a month later Hurricane Rita. I possess the real-world experience
and the practical experience to lead the county and find a replacement for which we have big shoes to fill. Skaar: As a member of the TC4 group in Tillamook County, I have been pleased to see the growth of the South County Emergency Volunteer Corps. This group has made amazing strides. As a commissioner, I would advocate for funding for this group, participate in community meetings and planning sessions, and ensure that county-wide emergency planning is increased. McCall: It took me two years before Bay City won a grant to place signs and “blue lines” around the City. Since I’ve been on City Council, we’ve increased our annual funding for Emergency Preparedness five-fold. We’ve procured and are filling storage containers with emergency supplies, like tarps, blankets, water treatment equipment, and MREs, while we build and train a network of “block captains” to organize their own neighborhoods, with our support. This is the same pattern I would pursue throughout South Tillamook County, empowering people to prepare themselves, while organizing community support from the BOCC. Yamamoto: I am on the executive board of South Tillamook County Emergency Volunteer Corp, and we are providing much needed leadership to assist South County communities to develop plans enabling emergency preparedness. Tillamook County just provided needed TLT funding to STCEVC to promote its activities. I do need to provide a shout out to Marge Josza for her leadership and support of this group. What’s the most important ability that you would bring to the table for the Board of Commissioners and the people of Pacific City and South Tillamook County? Kruebbe: I bring diverse real-world experience and proven community leadership qualities that are unmatched in my competition. I bring true non-partisanship as I am not affiliated with a political party. My hope is that I can help to bring balance to an out-of-balance Commission that has traditionally not been balanced. I bring a common sense and small government attitude that I believe citizens will appreciate. I believe people need the government to stay out of their business where they have no business being. I am the candidate that truly is for the people, by the people, and of the people. Skaar: I am a strong communicator, a good listener, a skilled facilitator and a fierce advocate. I will use these skills to expand my knowledge of South Tillamook County and ensure fair and balanced representation for all parts of the county. McCall: Innovation and Action. We need to not only “think outside the box,” but also have the strength and vision to take action, with sustainability in mind. When we can do that as a community, we all benefit. Yamamoto: Being from South County, I have a special connection with the communities and am an ardent supporter of the entire area. We have special problems here having no incorporated communities and special attention must be provided to make sure South County is not left behind. While I am Commissioner to all of Tillamook County, I have been able to pay special attention to the area and bring many needed projects to South County.
Business & Services Directory BOOKS
Discover the History of South Tillamook County!
AVAILABLE AT: Cape Kiwanda RV Resort Marketplace Chester’s Thriftway PC Supply & Hardware Tillamook Pioneer Museum Powell’s Books
CARPET Full Service or Cash ‘n Carry!
Ken Martin’s Carpet Co.
“covering “Covering 3333 NW HWY. 101 the coast the Coast LINCOLN CITY from Waldport Netarts” fromtoWaldport Since 1981! to Pacific City”
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Want References? Just Ask Your Neighbor!
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Page 12 • Pacific City SUN • May 8, 2020
Bring your trucks and save big bucks!
FITNESS “Service Even After The Sale”
Date
Commissioners share their visions for South County
Bamboo • Laminate • Vinyl
Commissioners discuss possibility of reopening Cape
Vinyasa Yoga Mondays & Wednesdays 4:30-5:30pm Fridays 9:30am Private Classes available Classes held at Kiawanda Community Center
“Service Even Full Service orAfter CashThe ‘n Sale” Carry!
By SALLY RISSEL for the Sun
with mesh designed so the fish head can get through and then get caught by the gills when it tries to back out of the net. Farmers set nets on their river pastureland and leased land to others to run a set-net on posts on the shore. The decision to close the river to commercial gillnetting was very contentious. The locals felt the decision was very political and led by sports fishermen in urban areas. Jay Taylor’s book “Persistent Callings” has a well-documented account of the period leading to the ruling. There are very specific regulations dealing with both hook and fly fishing.
Small fishing boats and bank fishers are starting to appear along the Nestucca River this month. There is an excellent return of both winter and summer hatchery-raised steelhead. The Big Nestucca is very popular for fall and spring Chinook and steelhead run as well as native cutthroat trout. The Nestucca River is 57 miles long and begins in the Coast Range near the edge of Yamhill County. The river’s headlands start in the dense forest, before meandering through green pastures and small towns. The first town is Blaine, then Beaver, Hebo, Cloverdale, Woods, and Pacific City. The mouth of the river is 2.5 miles south of Pacific City. The Little Nestucca enters into the Big Nestucca near the bay. Native Americans depended on the river fish for their substance. The abundance of fish Photo courtesy of Sally Rissel made catching the THIS 1915 GILLNET BOAT was restored by Keith Delaney and took part in large salmon relathe 1998 Dory Days parade. tively easy with nets, even from canoes. To review them, check with ODFW’s Early settlers used seine nets, which Nestucca River fishing regulations for produced large catches for themselves updates. Drift boats are ideal for fishing and later to sell to the cannery at the the river, but many boat launching sites mouth of the Nestucca. The cannery are not open yet, and there are limited could process more than 12,000 cans of salmon a year. Early settlers used gillnets bank fishing accesses. There are many local fishing guides to provide a beautito commercial fish. A gillnet is a wall of ful day on the river. netting that hangs in the water column
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Want References? Just Ask Your Neighbor!
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3333 NW HWY. 101 LINCOLN CITY
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Struggling With Cancer?
You Don’t Have To Do It Alone! Facing Fate with Faith, a Bible devotional
SUN
written by two sisters who have each faced multiple cancer battles, shares their incredible journey of how God has strengthened them in their fight against this dreadful disease.
in Pacific City The next issue of the Pacific City Sun hits stands May 22. Call 503-801-5221 to reserve space for your business.
Ad Deadline is May 18.
When you feel like there is nowhere to turn and you don’t know where to find the comfort in the Bible, this guide written by sisters who have experienced cancer together will point you in the right direction. Regardless of your stage or progression of disease, you can find messages intended just for you. Facing Fate with Faith reminds you that you are not alone.
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Page 13 • Pacific City SUN • May 8, 2020
“Service Even After The Sale”
ABOVE, FISHERMEN hoist the day’s catch of salmon caught on the Nestucca River during a time when a local cannery was in operation.
Ken Martin’s
Professional Installation or Cash ‘n Carry!
Photo courtesy of Sally Rissel
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hailingourhistory
Gov. Brown updates framework for reopening Oregon
WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER. Based upon the most recent information, we believe the right thing to do is to temporairly close Meridian Restaurant & Bar to help control the spread of COVID-19 and protect our employees, our community, and the greater good. If everyone does their part, this will more likely be shortlived and that is the reason we’ve made this decision—we want to be part of the solution. We miss serving you, but will see you soon.
AT H E A D L A N D S C O A S TA L L O D G E & S PA H EA D LA NDSLO D G E .CO M / M E R I D I AN
@ M E RIDIA NRE STAU RA NTBA R
Governor Kate Brown announced on May 7 new details of her framework for rebuilding a safe and strong Oregon, including new guidance for counties and businesses on the phased reopening process. She said the guidance is the product of a robust engagement process with stakeholders, doctors, health experts, business owners, and local officials to chart a path forward while keeping Oregonians healthy and safe. “Today, thanks to millions of Oregonians following the strict physical distancing orders I put in place, I am happy to say these sacrifices have prevented as many as 70,000 COVID-19 infections, and 1,500 hospitalizations in Oregon,” said Governor Brown. “We are on track in meeting the goals that doctors and public health experts have laid out for us. And that means we now have the opportunity to begin rebuilding a safe and strong Oregon.” By following the Governor’s strict physical distancing guidelines over the past several weeks, it was asserted that Oregonians have successfully flattened the curve of COVID-19 cases. There are now fewer than 100 COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state, and Oregon has reportedly established plans for increasing testing capacity, expanding contact tracing capability, and building reserves of personal protective equipment. Governor Brown emphasized that by taking steps gradually and carefully, and following science and data, Oregon can begin to reopen safely. “But let me be very clear: these choices are not easy; as we reopen parts of our economy, we know and expect that there may be an uptick in new coronavirus cases,” said Governor Brown. “That’s why we have to be prepared in every single corner of the state, because as we’ve seen, an outbreak can occur anywhere.” On May 1, Governor Brown lifted her order delaying non-urgent medical procedures, with safeguards in place for health care workers and patients. On May 5, Governor Brown announced the limited reopening of some outdoor parks and recreation areas. Next week, updated safety guidelines regarding transit, certain child care, summer school, and summer camps and youth programs will be issued. Each step of reopening is contingent on Oregonians following the safety guidelines for each sector.
Governor Brown’s new guidance on reopening calls for the widespread use of face coverings, maintaining physical distance of six feet between individuals as much as possible, and following good hygiene and disinfection practices. PHASE I DETAILS In addition, some counties will be eligible to begin the limited reopening of additional business sectors beginning as early as May 15 if they have demonstrated they have met all prerequisites for reopening. Oregon counties can begin submitting applications on Friday, May 8. Counties must: Show a decline in COVID-19 or have fewer than 5 hospitalizations; have sufficient COVID-19 testing and contact tracing capability; establish plans for the isolation and quarantine of new cases; have the hospital capacity to handle any surge in COVID-19 cases; and have enough personal protective equipment for health care workers. Counties that meet all of the above criteria will be eligible to enter Phase I of reopening on May 15, pending approval of their application by the Governor after recommendations from the Oregon Health Authority. In Phase I, counties can begin the limited reopening of the following sectors under specific safety guidelines: restaurants and bars for sit-down service; personal care and services businesses, including barbers and salons; and in-person gatherings of up to 25 people. Counties must remain in Phase I for at least 21 days before becoming eligible to advance to Phase II. If counties begin to see significant increases in COVID-19 cases or community spread, the Oregon Health Authority will work with local public health officials to evaluate what actions should be taken. Significant growth in COVID-19 spread could necessitate a county moving back from Phase I to a stay-home status. More details on Phases II and III are forthcoming. The Governor also announced that large gatherings such as conventions, festivals, and major concerts and live audience sporting events will need to be cancelled at least through September. She said that restarting events of this size will require a reliable treatment or prevention, like a vaccine, which is many months off. Further guidance on large events is expected from the governor in the coming months.
Edge Cable to resume drilling of cable landing in 2021
Danell Boggs, LCSW Behavioral health clinician manager
Karen Sheelar, LPC intern (Under supervision of Valerie Bundy, LPC)
Some of our heroes don’t wear scrubs! Our behavioral health heroes don’t often wear scrubs, but they do provide much-needed support for our patients, staff and the community. These days, they are seeing patients via telehealth, either on the phone or by computer videoconferencing. They can help with a wide variety of issues, from anxiety, increasing stress, chronic pain and insomnia to substance use disorders. Our behavioral health staff is a key part of our integrated health care team. Please join us in sharing appreciation for our behavioral health providers who are tirelessly working to protect and care for the health of our of community #ourheroeswearscrubs #behavioralhealthcareheroes
COVID-19 Nurse Advice Line 503-842-3940 Se habla Español
801 Pacific Avenue • Tillamook 503-842-3900 • 800-528-2939 • TTY 800-735-2900 www.tillamookchc.org
Facebook/Edge Cable’s efforts to construct a cable landing for its Jupiter Submarine Cable System on lot 3200 in Tierra Del Mar has fallen short of the timeline mandated by the conditional use approval by Tillamook County Commissioners. The conditional use approval had mandated that construction activities were to be completed during the Jan. 1 to March 15 timeline and, if needed, April 7-30. In a letter addressed to Tillamook County Planning Director, Philip Grillo of Davis Wright Tremaine, legal counsel for the project, noted that all construction activities were stopped on April 30. In explaining the process so far, he noted that the drill pipe had snapped on April 28 approximately 500 feet from the bore hole exit point and 480 feet from the entry point. He said the project will be demobilized because it took
through April 30 to recover the broken pipe and secure the drill hole, related equipment and the site. According to Grillo, no environmental damage was caused by the breakage nor did it harm any workers. In a May 5 letter to community members, Community Development Director Sarah Absher said that the demobilization process would take about a week and that work is scheduled to resume January 2021. That, though, didn’t sit well with community member Ed Ruttledge, who has been an outspoken opponent of the project. In a May 6 memo to Tillamook County Commissioners, he said he objected to the director’s actions noting that it was his belief that demobilization should have been construed as part of construction activities and thus should have happened in the Jan. 1-March 15, April 7-30 timeline.
Bible-Based Worship! Pacific Coast Bible Church
Sorry, due to the COVID-19 health threat, no services will be held until further notice.
35220 BROOTEN ROAD, PACIFIC CITY • 503-965-7222
Page 14 • Pacific City SUN • May 8, 2020
PacificCoastBibleChurch.com
SEAFOOD MARKET
Photo courtesy of Oregon State University
FOLLOWING research conducted during the foraging season in 2016, 2017, and 2018, researchers have found that gray whales’ health declined following a period of relatively poor upwelling — an ocean condition that brings colder, nutrient-rich water closer to the surface — compared to previous years.
Monitoring program reveals changes in gray whale health By MICHELLE KLAMPE Oregon State University Three years of “health check-ups” on Oregon’s summer resident gray whales shows a compelling relationship between whales’ overall body condition and changing ocean conditions that likely limited availability of prey for the mammals, a new study from Oregon State University indicates. Researchers from the Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Laboratory at OSU’s Marine Mammal Institute used drones to monitor 171 whales off the Oregon Coast during the foraging season between June and October in 2016, 2017 and 2018. They found that the whales’ health declined following a period of relatively poor upwelling — an ocean condition that brings colder, nutrient-rich water closer to the surface — compared to previous years. “What we see is this compelling relationship between the oceanographic processes that control the quality and quantity of available prey and whale health,” said Leigh Torres, an assistant professor with the Marine Mammal Institute and the lab’s director. “This research gives us an inclination that changes in ocean conditions might be causing skinny whales.” The findings may also provide insight into the unusual gray whale die-off event that occurred in 2019 along the Pacific Coast, Torres said. More than 200 gray whales were reported dead between Mexico and Alaska last year, including six in Oregon. Many of the deceased whales appeared to be in poor body condition, meaning they looked skinny. The study was just published in the journal Ecosphere. The paper’s lead author is Leila Soledade Lemos, who recently completed her doctorate at Oregon State and worked with Torres in the GEMM Lab. Most gray whales migrate from breeding grounds in Mexico to feeding grounds in the Bering and Chukchi seas between Alaska and Russia, where they spend the summer. The Pacific Coast Feeding Group, as Oregon’s gray whales are known, spend the summer months feeding in coastal waters of Oregon, as well as northern California, Washington and southern Canada. Torres and her team conduct “health check-ups” on the whales using drones to capture images and nets to capture fecal samples — two methods that provide researchers a lot of information in a noninvasive way, reducing stress on the whales. Lemos used images captured by the drones to calculate the whales’ Body Area Index. The BAI is similar to the Body Mass Index, or BMI, in humans, because both allow for comparisons among individuals despite differences in length and height. The Body Area Index is a measurement that allows researchers to compare changes in individual whales as well as the population as a whole during the course of the feeding season and from year to year. The fecal samples help researchers
determine a whale’s hormones, sex and diet. Gray whales typically arrive on the foraging grounds on the skinny side, then in ideal conditions will bulk up over the course of the summer in preparation for migration and breeding. “With this research, we’re trying to understand more about the health of the whales and how it varies throughout the foraging season and from year to year,” Torres said. “Once we establish a baseline for whale body condition, we can start to see what is healthy and what is not and why.” The researchers often encounter the same whales multiple times in a season, or from one year to another, and have gotten to know their markings and features well enough to spot the whales by the names they’ve been assigned, such as Spray, Knife and Clouds. “The first year the whales looked really fat and healthy. But after 2016, the whales were really skinny. You could see their skeletons,” Lemos said. “For these whales, body condition is strongly related to food availability. It is also related to when they invest in reproduction.” The researchers noted nine pairs of mothers and calves in 2016, but only one pair each in the two following years. Calves had the highest Body Area Index numbers, followed by pregnant females. Lactating females had the lowest BAI and the most depleted body condition. Overall, the whales’ body condition deteriorated after poor upwelling conditions between 2016 and mid-2018. In 2016, the whales’ mean BAI was 40.82, while in 2017 it was 38.67; 2018 was similar to 2017, at 38.62. The poor upwelling may have caused a shift in the availability or quality of zooplankton, the whales’ primary prey. But the impact of the changing food supply really became noticeable a year after the poor upwelling condition began. “There was a one-year lag, or carryover, between the lack of prey in 2016 and the whales’ body condition the next year,” Torres said. One of the whales that died during the 2019 event had been observed and catalogued in previous years by Oregon State researchers. The study highlights the value of monitoring whale health over time, Torres said. The researchers now have four years of data on Oregon’s resident whales and hope to continue monitoring them to better understand health patterns in the population and how they connect to changing ocean conditions. The research was supported in part by the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Science and Technology Ocean Acoustics Program; Oregon Sea Grant; and the OSU Marine Mammal Institute. Lemos received funding from Brazil’s Science Without Borders Program and its National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq).
Groceries and Gift shop Homemade Fudge Custom-Smoked Fish Ice Cream • ATM
OPEN EVERY DAY!
We’ve Got You Covered!
Extensive line of sweatshirts, t-shirts, beachwear and more
Sorry, RV Park and pool are temporarily closed
Deli To Go Cheeseburgers Deli Sandwiches Chicken Strips & More
33305 Cape Kiwanda Drive • Pacific City, OR 97135 www.capekiwandarvresort.com • 503-965-6230
PIZZA! Mediterranean Thai Chicken Chicken Bacon Doryland Deluxe Dorio Meat Lovers Pesto Chicken Supreme
Gluten-free items available
SANDWICHES & SNACKS! Bread Sticks & Sauce Tater Barrels
Chowder Bread Bowl
OPEN EVERY DAY FOR TAKE OUT ORDERS ONLY OPEN EVERY DAY • 11:30AM TO 8 PM
(Pork, Chicken or Beef)
Located at Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City
503-965-6299
33315 CAPE KIWANDA DR. PACIFIC CITY
Dial-A-Ride is FREE when riding to catch the bus to work, shopping or to the doctor Door-to-Door service available for Pacific City, Cloverdale, Hebo, Beaver, Neskowin and Tierra Del Mar
We’re Operating Normal Hours For COVID-19 information, visit tillamookbus.com. Advance reservations recommended and can be scheduled up to two weeks in advance. Service on Dial-A-Ride is scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
To schedule rides, call 503-815-8283 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For more details, visit tillamookbus.com.
Page 15 • Pacific City SUN • May 8, 2020
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SAHHALI SHORES 2Bed/3Bath Huge Views! .38ac lot adjacent to the Wildlife Refuge / private!
Pacific City E IC CED R P DU RE
PE SA ND LE IN G! NESTUCCA RIDGE DOWNTOWN GEM 2 MASTER SUITES 3 Bed, 1.5 Bath+ Bonus loft. Fantastic ocean/rock views! 3 Bed/3 Bath Impeccably Beamed vaulted ceiling and 4 Bed / 4 Bath custom home/ maintained. Two master upgraded Milgard windows open floorplan/chef’s kitchen suites. Move-in Ready!
2.5AC OCEAN VIEW 2 Bed / 2 Bath with a massive 1500sf shop. Diamond in the rough with views!
Neskowin MLS 20-70
$235,000
PACIFIC SUNSET LOT .14 acre above the tsunami zone! Close to beaches and ammenities. Build today! Pacific City MLS 19-1622
$52,500
NANTUCKET SHORES LOT Beautiful breathtaking panoramic ocean views. Premier gated community. Pacific City MLS 19-1671
$265,000
GREAT COASTAL VIEWS Great location, out of tsunami zone yet close to amenities of Pacific City. Pacific City
MLS 20-57
$79,000
FRACTIONAL DEEDED OWNERSHIP / ENJOY WORRY FREE VACATIONS....FOR LIFE! CALL TODAY FOR MORE DETAILS AND PRICING ON 3 BED/3 BATH FULLY FURNISHED
4 WEEKS PER YEAR!
The Cottages at Cape Kiwanda
CALL FOR 18 OCEANFRONT COTTAGES... 3 Fantastic Floor Plans all units CURRENT PRICING & INVENTORY are luxuriously appointed!
Real Estate with a Reason PANORAMIC VIEWS Ocean & River View Lots Becky Kirkendall
Principal Broker / Owner
503.701.1103 Becky@
ShorepineProperties.com
Mary Jones
Shae Lambert
Principal Broker
Real Estate Broker
503.550.7194
503.703.8299
Mary@
ShorepineProperties.com
Shae@
ShorepineProperties.com
Erin Fouchè
Colleen Hofer
Real Estate Broker
Real Estate Broker
503.510.8043
360.513.7632
Erin@
ShorepineProperties.com
Colleen@
ShorepineProperties.com
Real Estate with a Reason is at our core. We believe in meaningful transactions. We value our communities, clients, and the obligations those relationships require. We regularly donate a portion of our profits to charitable organizations both national & local.
LOT #39 or #40.....$ 99,900 LOT #20................ $169,500 • Fabulous clubhouse for owners • Fitness equipment • Indoor heated pool & jacuzzi • 9-hole putting course
www.PacificSeawatch.com