FIRESIDE FRIDAYS
Art, Music & Spirits
Each Friday evening in October, join us at Headlands for a special series of complimentary events at our warm and inviting lodge.
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
PURVEYOR RECEPTION
Wine tasting, Headlands lobby
NIBBLES & NOSH HAPPY HOUR
Explore our new happy hour menu at Meridian Restaurant & Bar available daily 3 pm to 5 pm.
33000 Cape Kiwanda Drive, Pacific City
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FALL will be the center of attention during Cape Kiwanda Marketplace’s first Pacific City Fall Festival Oct. 18-20. The weekend event will include vendors, live music, a dory boat hayride, complimentary hot drinks, and more.
Embracing Autumn
By TIM HIRSCH of the Sun
As the weather takes a turn toward crisp, cool mornings and thoughts turn to pumpkins and the fall harvest, it’s time to embrace the change in season. And what better way to do that than with a little celebration?
Enter the Pacific City Fall Festival, an inaugural event planned for Oct. 18-20 that will feature 26 vendors, fall décor aplenty, live music and even a dory boat ride pulled by a tractor. Held in the parking lot of Cape Kiwanda Marketplace, the event will also feature a chance for kids to explore a fire engine courtesy of Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District, play corn hole and get their face painted by the Nestucca High School Cheerleading team, who will also sell cotton candy and popcorn.
Complimentary hot chocolate, hot cider and smores will also be served. Plus, there will be beer- and wine-tasting opportunities thanks to Pelican Brewing, PC-Pour and other local providers.
range of items including glass blowing, photography, paintings, custom metal work, health and beauty products, and more. Food will include hot dogs, sliced pizza and cotton candy.
MATT MITCHELL will provide music from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19.
“We think it will be something fun for the community to participate in,” said Mark Dunn, general manager of Hart’s Camp and Cape Kiwanda RV Park. “Our participating vendors are all local, coastal vendors that really embrace the coastal lifestyle.”
Fall Festival vendors will feature a wide
Looking Back
A collection of 59 stories and more than 200 historical photos featuring the people, places and events of Tillamook County.
Participating vendors include Pelican Brewing Co, Peruvian Hands LLC, Old Milk House Studio, Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District, PC Pour, North Wind Botanica, True Native, Sarah’s Treasures & Gifts, Pronto Pup, Hancock Photography LLC, Creative Crafters, Mitchell Wine Group, Handcrafted Wine, Gemini Wine, Woodsmen, Beaver Customs, Cap’n Coconut, Chelsea Sharar, and Erik Haglund, Lawson Paul Design.
Setting the tone during Saturday’s activities will be the music of Matt Mitchell, who will bring his storytelling to the celebration 1-4 p.m. on Oct. 19. Mitchell, who lives full time out of an imported Japanese bus, describes his songs as equal parts clever, quickwitted and heartbreakingly confessional, (oftentimes all at once), translating well both in attentive listening rooms and rowdy rock halls.
“We’re really trying to have a nice community-supported event,” Dunn said.
“I’d really like to try to make this a big event and learn from it so we can continue to do better each year after. I think it’s something the kids will appreciate.”
For more information, contact Cape Kiwanda RV Park at 503-965-6230.
Cape Kiwanda Marketplace hosts its inaugural Fall Festival, Oct. 18-20 TILLAMOOK COUNTY’S HISTORY!
AVAILABLE NOW AT: Pacific City Hardware, Bear Creek Artichoke, Lucky Beach, Chester’s Market, Nestucca Creamery, Tillamook Pioneer Museum
Photo
Tim Hirsch
Courtesy photo
Oct
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A CANDIDATES’ FORUM during the Pacific City-Nestucca Valley Chamber of Commerce meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 1 provided locals a chance to hear from candidates running for a variety of local offices. Pictured above are, l-r, Tamra Perman, running for Tillamook PUD Board of Directors, Zone 1; Andy Davis, (D-Astoria), candidate for Oregon House of Representatives District 32; Tillamook County Sheriff Josh Brown, who is running for reelection; Maile Samek, also running for Tillamook PUD Board of Directors, and Cyrus Javardi, (R-Tillamook), District 32 Representative candidate.
TPUD Board candidates share their visions
By TIM HIRSCH of the Sun
South Tillamook County voters got the chance to hear about the aspirations, goals and experience of those running in local political races — including the Tillamook County Sheriff (unopposed), Tillamook PUD Board of Directors (Subdivision Zone 1, South Tillamook County), and Oregon House of Representatives (District 32) — during an Oct. 1 Pacific City-Nestucca Valley Chamber of Commerce forum on Oct. 1.
First up at the forum was current Tillamook County Sheriff Joshua Brown, who was originally elected in 2020 and sworn in the following January. Brown, whose law enforcement experience consists of a career entirely at the Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office and began in 2004 when he served a s volunteer for the jail, said his priority “continues to be the health and well-being of the sheriff’s office and the community that we serve.”
In a question-and-answer period, amongst the issues raised was traffic enforcement along Sand Lake Road.
“That’s one of probably 50 areas that we get phone calls and requests for more traffic enforcement,” he told the Chamber crowd.
“I am actually very familiar with Tierra Del Mar. I know the patterns of when the Sand Lake users come in. The problem is (that without) a traffic team where we have a deputy that can actually be designated to just do traffic enforcement, (the) deputy (assigned to that area) has to take emergency calls.”
TILLAMOOK PUD, ZONE 1
In the race for Tillamook PUD Board of Directors, Zone, 1, which serves South Tillamook County, forum attendees heard from incumbent Tamra Perman, who was appointed when Doug Olson resigned last year to become a Tillamook County commissioner and her challenger, Maile Samek.
In her introductory remarks, Samek highlighted her experience as a substitute teacher at Nestucca Valley School District, as well as her work on vacation rental management and as a real estate broker.
“I would be honored to represent South County,” she said. “I love the PUD. I love what it does as far as community grants, low income assistance, high school and college programs.”
She added she wanted to serve PUD to help it prepare for future energy needs.
For her part, Perman said, if elected, she would continue her efforts to connect with the community and the organizations that “work together to keep our power economical and reliable.”
She said one of her favorite parts of her role on the TPUD Board of Directors is its commitment to the community.
“From PUD’s standpoint, you just don’t get much more intimate connection than your electricity,” she said.
In the Q and A that followed, the candidates fielded questions ranging from the availability of electric car charging stations to the importance of energy provided to TPUD by a contract with the Bonneville Power Administration to the possibility of alternative sources of electric power.
Perman noted that it’s amazing how much the charging station at the TPUD office gets used, while Samek said that she’d like to see more stations.
“I know with the increase in electric vehicles, the demand for energy will go up,” Samek said.
Because of this, she suggested looking at alternative forms of energy to help address energy needs.
In answering a question on the current source of power for TPUD, Perman pointed to the vital role BPA power plays as they provide the vast majority of the power for TPUD.
“There’s a lot of talk about alternative energy or other forms of energy, but none of
PACIFIC CITY JOINT WATER-SANITARY AUTHORITY NOTICE OF BOARD VACANCY
Effective April 10, 2024, Pacific City Joint Water-Sanitary Authority (PCJWSA) is accepting applications for the unexpired term of Board Position #4 to begin immediately. Applications are available at the PCJWSA office located at 34005 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City, Oregon 97135 or on line at www.pcjwsa.com. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applicants must be an elector of the Authority, live within the boundaries of PCJWSA and be willing to attend scheduled meetings. For more information, please call 503-965-6636.
John Wesely, Authority Manager
those are in any way going to compensate for what BPA’s efficient power supply is,” Perman added. “Down the road, there’s legislation that is potentially looking at impacting that, but it is certainly down the road. And, (BPA-supplied hydroelectric power is) a beautiful form of energy. In my career, I’ve had the chance to work within alternative energy examples, and, often, their footprint is very large and efficiency is very low. There’s a lot to be learned. It’s all about making the best data-driven decisions that we can with what we have available.”
In response, Samek offered, that while hydro is still the top provider, she wants to investigate alternative energy sources in her drive for TPUD to be prepared for the energy demands of the future.
“I think we do need to plan ahead and with energy use going up,” she added. “I’ve been following what they’re doing in Newport, and, the ocean power there. I don’t think it’s up yet, but I think it’s awesome as long as it doesn’t impact our fisheries and our oceans and environment.
“I know development is out there happening, and I’d love for TPUD to be on the forefront and be prepared. We’ve got hydroelectricity. There is a lot of talk about dams. It’s scary to think that’s going to be the sole provider of our energy. As a board member, I’d like to be a part of (planning and preparing for the future) and listening to all of your excellent ideas.”
The Chamber forum continued with presentations and a Q and A featuring Oregon House of Representative District 32 candidates Cyrus Javadi (R-Tillamook) and Andy Davis (D-Astoria), which will be reported in Part 2 of this story, scheduled to be published in the Oct. 18 edition of the Sun. Also look for coverage on Tillamook County Measure 29-180, a $24.4 million general obligation bond proposal (over 16 years) that would pay for an update to the county’s public safety emergency system.
Low Tide High Tide
(at Nestucca Bay)
Photo
Tim Hirsch
Tales of the Sea
to Stimulus Coffee + Bakery on Oct. 19
Three of the best known of the many fisherpoets who perform each February at the annual FisherPoets Gathering in Astoria will showcase their literary talents on Saturday, Oct. 19, 4-6 p.m. at Stimulus Coffee + Bakery, 33105 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City.
The evening of poetry will feature former merchant seaman and West Coast “knuckle-dragging deck ape” Geno Leech together with Bristol Bay salmon fisherman Jon Broderick and West Coast crabber and trawler Rob Seitz.
Leech, Seitz and Broderick know what they’re reciting about. Their long experience working in canneries or on seiners, gillnetters, trollers, trawlers, crabbers, long-liners, tugs, tenders, salvage ships or dredges provides each of these fisherpoets the fodder and grist for distinctive performances describing both the pleasure and the tedium of commercial fishing. They say its singular characters, peculiar challenges and close calls have kindled honest, refreshing poetry and song.
FISHING AND FISHERMEN will be lauded at Stimulus Coffee + Bakery in Pacific City when the FisherPoets will appear on Saturday, Oct. 19. They will perform their fishing related poetry at this free show from 4-6 p.m.
Beyond Astoria, Leech, Seitz and Broderick have, between them, performed at scores of festivals and events from Kodiak, Alaska to Rockland, Maine — including the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada; the People’s Poetry Gathering in New York City; the Working Waterfront Festival in New Bedford, Massachusetts; the Seattle Folklife Festival and the Alaska World Arts Festival in Homer, Alaska. For more information about the FisherPoets, visit fisherpoets.org.
Time to Head for High Ground
Tillamook County wide earthquake and tsunami drill set for Oct. 17
The public is invited to join thousands of people who will “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” on Oct. 17 at 10:17 a.m. in the 2024 Great Oregon ShakeOut.
Tillamook County is taking it to the next level with a county-wide tsunami evacuation drill. In the event of an earthquake, the shaking is the tsunami warning. For those in the tsunami zone, all are encouraged to participate in the drill by evacuating the area and walking to an assembly area.
Those not in a tsunami area, should “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” They should bear in mind that an earthquake can damage or destroy buildings. The advice is to plan ahead to be safe.
BE PREPARED, NOT SCARED
Organizers say that participating is a great way for families or organization to become better prepared to survive and recover quickly from a big earthquake or tsunami.
Why is “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” important to practice? Officials note that, in the event of a subduction zone earthquake, there may only be seconds available for individuals to protect themselves in an earthquake before strong shaking knocks people down, or something falls or hits them. Practicing helps all be ready to react.
Do you know your evacuation route for the tsunami? Do you know how long it will take you to WALK there? What if you aren’t at home – do you know the evacuation route in other areas? Do you have a Go-Bag ready? You need to walk because when a real earthquake strikes, roads may not be drivable.
If you are not sure of your route, you can go to the Tillamook County Emergency Management webpage at https://www. co.tillamook.or.us/emergency-management for links to maps for your area.
Photo by Tim Hirsch
Courtesy photo
Rolling Out the Welcome Mat
Cape Kiwanda Parking Lot reconstruction complete including new gender neutral restroom
By TIM HIRSCH of the Sun
The long road to a new oceanfront parking lot for the visitors and residents of Pacific City and beyond took its final bow on Friday, Sept. 27 when Tillamook County officials, together with key players in the planning and construction of the 55,000 square foot lot at Cape Kiwanda, took part in a celebratory ribboncutting ceremony.
With all but a few greenery plantings remaining in the project, the public is now welcome to make full use of all the
amenities available — features that include a new public restroom with ADA design features, benches and picnic tables, outdoor showers and foot wash stations, bike racks, a 3,600 square foot overlook, utility improvements, underground stormwater management, enclosed plank storage for the beach access ramp, garbage facilities, six EV charging stations, five motorcycle spaces, and all new signage.
In addition to the new gender-neutral public restrooms, site furnishings, low lighting and pedestrian pathways, other
details of the completed project have been left hidden to the eye: the incorporation of infrastructure for future wayfinding connections to the five other project elements of the KCP. This includes real-time parking sensors, the aforementioned EV charging stations with enough power for more connection-points as needed, and the referenced underground stormwater management system that improves the current run-off from the new parking lot and is stubbed-out for future connections to the Kiwanda Corridor Project system.
“This is not just a parking lot reconstruction,” said Tillamook County Chief of Staff Rachel Hagerty, speaking at the ribbon-cutting. “It’s a whole project of a lot of different amenities — some of which didn’t exist here before.”
Funding for the project came from several sources — most notably revenue from Tillamook County’s transient lodging tax and from day use passes from the Cape Kiwanda parking lot. Other money sources included Tillamook County Public Works bike/pedestrian funds, and ODOT and OPRD state grants.
“It was a complex project and there were many hands that made it successful,” Hagerty added. “All things considered, I think we did a pretty darn good job. The team was strongly supported by the engagement of several county departments and extensive partnerships with local and state agencies and community groups and members.”
Also speaking at the festivities were Tillamook County Commissioners Doug Olson and Mary Faith Bell. Olson took time to explain the background of the funding
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— a background that saw transient lodging receipts grow from an anticipated $1 million to almost $8 million annually. And, Bell said “Bravo” for a job well done.
“I’m thrilled to be here with all of you who worked so hard to make this happen,” Bell said. “In particular, I want to thank Rachel Hagerty, who has been the project lead on this and worked tirelessly on this project for years. I am thrilled with the way we have been able to invest TLT dollars into facilities, into our community and improve the community for everyone.”
For her part, Nan Devlin, director of Tillamook Coast Visitors Association, credited Tillamook County for their commitment to making the area livable
for residents and a good vacation spot for visitors.
“I would like to thank everyone but also for the wisdom of our county government,” she said. “This is the only county in the state that is practicing community-based tourism and investing the lodging tax into the county. I’m always proud to say that when I go to state conferences.
“I’d also to say thanks to Jeff Schons and Mary Jones because when this project started, we got noticed in late February/early March (that) all the parking was going away. And, they called (and asked) can you help us get a free parking space across the street by the Doryland Pizza, and I said ‘yes.’ So, they took care of getting more parking in while
A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY celebrating the completion of the Cape Kiwanda Parking Lot reconstruction took place Friday, Sept. 27.
RACHEL HAGERTY, Tillamook County Chief of Staff, spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Photos by Tim Hirsch
this project was going. I’m so thankful. It really helped the businesses around here.”
And Devlin’s appreciation also stretched to those that don’t call Tillamook County their full-time home.
“I’d also like to thank the visitors. Without them paying the lodging tax, this wouldn’t have happened. The lodging tax is being invested over and over every year into the county. It makes me very proud to work with this county.”
Another long-time player in the development of the project is Jeremy Strober, who in the early genesis of what later became the Kiwanda Corridor Project, was a member of the county’s Tourism Advisory Committee. Strober currently serves on the board of directors for both the Kiawanda Community Center and the Pacific City-Nestucca Valley Chamber of Commerce, is a realtor for Windermere Real Estate and owns and operates Heartfelt Hospitality. In his comments at the ribboncutting ceremonies he recalled how rough the bathroom facilities were in 2006 when he first moved to the area.
“Many (people) referred to the old bathrooms as worse than prison facilities — that’s to state how far we’ve come,” he said. “This is a great example of what can be done with the investment of tourism tax dollars back into our community, back into infrastructure, and (back into) facilities that maintain the balance. We’re working hard to maintain the balance between visitors and resident alike.
“It’s also a great example of the guts — being willing to invest the money in this — even at the risk of maybe disappointing some of the other areas of our county. We have to start somewhere. I’m really glad that we started here with this investment in the beginning. I want to say thank you to (Tillamook) County for having the guts to do it. Thank you to all that worked so hard to make this happen, and thanks to Jeff and Mary — for their support of this parking lot.”
Following the official ribbon cutting, which followed dignitaries’ comments and was held adjacent the new restroom facilities, the Sun spoke to Mary Jones to get her take.
“The whole project is awesome. but the bathrooms were so needed for so long,” she said. “They’re so beautiful for a county rest area. It’s nice to get this finally done. It was a big project — bigger than I ever imagined when we first started talking about it.”
The milestone represents the first of six project elements to be built as part of the KCP — the Cape Kiwanda Parking Lot, Jensen Property, Nestucca Valley Community Alliance Park, Multi-Use Path, Webb Park, and the Shorepine Village Boardwalk. It is also an accomplishment that is nearly two decades in the making — integrating Cape Kiwanda’s Master Plan, the Pacific City|Woods Parking Management Plan, the Wayfinding Plan, the county’s acquisition of the Jensen Property,
and incorporation of the Nestucca Valley Community Alliance Park and Shorepine Village Boardwalk into a cohesive project.
Key players of the parking lot
reconstruction included the Consor design team, including Nick McMurtrey and Matt Emmett; The Saunders Company, including Glen Whitney and Chris Dunmire; Tillamook County, including Sarah Absher, Rachel Hagerty, Jasper Lind, and Chris Laity; Visit Tillamook Coast, including Nan Devlin; the Parking Advisory Committee, and the community at large.
For more information on the overall KCP, visit https://tillamookcoast.com/ southcounty/kiwanda-corridor/ or contact Rachel Hagerty at rachel.hagerty@ tillamookcounty.gov.
NAN DEVLIN, director of Tillamook Coast Visitors Association, addresses the crowd.
TILLAMOOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER Mary Faith Bell, above, and Jeremy Strober, below, spoke at the event.
It Was a Swell Time
Ideal
surf
provided great conditions
for 25th annual running of the Cape Kiwanda Longbaord Classic
By TIM HIRSCH of the Sun
The surf was up and the sun was shining overhead for two days of camaraderie and competition in the waters off Pacific City when the Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic returned for its 25th annual event Sept. 21-22.
Started in 1998 by Bob and Michelle Ledbetter, the CKLC has grown to an event that this year hosted more than 235 competitors hailing from Oregon and beyond.
The event got started off with a celebratory party on Friday evening when participants picked up swag bags, reveled in the sounds of Groundswell and the inaugural showing of a commemorative video produced by Nate Holstedt at NH Films and sponsored by Moment Surf and Pelican Brewing.
On Saturday, the action turned to the surf with competition in 14 divisions.
“Clear skies, offshore winds, and a solid 4 to 6 foot swell greeted the contestants in the morning heats,” wrote Jeff Mollencop, owner of event sponsor Moment Surf in an official blog post. “Unbelievable surfing went on throughout the day, but it was these early morning rounds that were able to take advantage of the stellar conditions that really stood out.”
And the finals on Sunday also boasted ideal surf conditions and, according to Mollencop, “amazing surfing.”
“Every heat was so closely contested that it was a complete surprise when the winners were announced during the awards ceremony,” he added.
“The surfing was terrific from all divisions,” said event organizer Lisa Macy-Baker. “We had some very close heats that went down to the wire. It was exciting.”
Finals winners were: Taylor Christie (Women’s 18-29), Kate Barattini (Women’s 30-39), Hana Perlee (Women’s 40-49), Jeannine Mackie (Women’s 50-59), Michael Wedemeyer (Men’s 18-29), Sean Fagan (Men’s 30-39), Dane Perlee (Men’s 40-49), Brian Noji (Men’s 50-59), Michael Zeeman (Men’s 60+), Cameron Tara Baker (Girl’s 13-17), Anneliese Akretch (Girl’s 12 & under), Baker Stewart (Boy’s 12 & under), and Lachlan Meyer (Boy’s 13-17).
For more information on the Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic, visit capekiwandalongboardclassic.com. Complete results are available at https://liveheats.com/events/243851.
“We had (the right) combination of everything — good weather, great waves and a good vibe,” Macy-Baker said.
MORE THAN 235 COMPETITORS took to the surf fo the Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic, Sept. 21-22 in Pacific City. Winners were: Taylor Christie (Women’s 18-29), Kate Barattini (Women’s 30-39), Hana Perlee (Women’s 40-49), Jeannine Mackie (Women’s 50-59), Michael Wedemeyer (Men’s 18-29), Sean Fagan (Men’s 30-39), Dane Perlee (Men’s 40-49), Brian Noji (Men’s 50-59), Michael Zeeman (Men’s 60+), Cameron Tara Baker (Girl’s 13-17), Anneliese Akretch (Girl’s 12 & under), Baker Stewart (Boy’s 12 & under), and Lachlan Meyer (Boy’s 13-17).
Photos by Tim Hirsch
Travel Fun For All Abilities
Coast
By TIM HIRSCH of the Sun
The scenic beauty of the coastal areas of Pacific City, South Tillamook County and the county at large draws people from all kinds of places, all walks of life, and even all abilities.
Amongst those who have now experienced the wonders here is Houston Vandergriff, a young man with Down syndrome who has traveled all over the world as a travel photographer.
Houston and his mother, Katie, who globe-trot together under the name of Downs and Towns, visited the area in mid-September thanks to the welcome mat put out by Dan Haag of Visit Tillamook Coast. The duo sat down with the Sun on Sept. 12 to share their journeys as well as their praise of how welcoming the area is to people of all abilities.
“(Haag) invited us to come out here and just showcase some of the things that Oregon is doing in accessible travel,” Katie said. “They rolled out the red carpet for us to be able to come and experience the Tillamook Oregon Coast. We’ve had an amazing week.”
She said a big part of what made it special is the effort to make the area accessible to all.
“It seems like accessibility is a real important factor in the tourism and lifestyle here in this area,” she said. “For us, what benefits us the most, is when there’s a variety of ways to present information. Sometimes auditory works well; sometimes visual works well. What (Tillamook County has) done with the signage here for points of interest, that’s all done very well, For us, as travelers, it works for us.”
Their specific experiences here included perusing the Cape Kiwanda tidepools, where they witnessed an example of the area’s open arms to those with physical challenges.
“There was a family there — consisting of a baby, two sisters, a mom and a grandpa — and the grandpa was in one of the accessible wheelchairs,” Katie said. “They were there finding starfish together in the tidepools.
Without that accessible wheelchair that would never have been possible. That was a special moment.”
Other highlights included visiting Proposal Rock in Neskowin, a morning watching dory boats come in at Cape Kiwanda, dining at Pelican Brewing and Doryland Pizza, visiting the Tillamook Air Museum and the Tillamook Cheese Factory, and taking the walk to the top of Cannery Hill at Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge. They had seemingly endless praise not just for the welcome mat, but for the scenery, too.
“We saw lots of birds and a few mice (at the Refuge), and we saw one bird swoop down and catch a mouse,” Katie relayed. “The wildflowers were in full bloom, and we could see in all directions from the lookout.
“The first night we were here, we were at Manzanita beach, and it was just a glorious sunset. We were out there almost to ourselves. (Later), we went to Haystack Rock at sunset. It was a little more crowded there, but I think the sunsets on the west coast are just incredible. We don’t have anything like that in Tennessee. It’s just magical here.”
She even offered a tonguein-cheek comment that made a statement about just how much Houston enjoyed the sweet tastes of Tillamook Ice Cream.
“I think Houston may be willing to give up being a travel photographer for being an ice cream taster,” Katie said.
“Cheese, too,” Houston added. “So good.”
Though travel photography had always been something that made Houston who he is, it wasn’t until Katie and Houston attended a professional photography course at the University of Houston that they discovered that his condition could be a real asset to his career.
It was during that three-year course, when, while taking a class on the business side of photography, the instructor, who has a brother with Down syndrome, encouraged the Vandergriffs to take advantage of what makes Houston unique.
“He encouraged us to really
lean into (the fact Houston does have Down syndrome). He (said) ‘That’s a real niche that can make a difference.’ So that’s where Downs and Towns was born.”
Part of their success story is not just the ability to sell photographs, but that, in doing so, they’ve been able to serve as advocates for those with Down syndrome and other physical, or intellectual, challenges.
“It’s turned into a really cool advocacy platform,” Katie explained. “There’s a lot of people who have family members with a disability that are afraid to travel, that are afraid to get out of the comfort of what’s familiar to them.
I think when people see that it’s possible then that really opens a lot of eyes and a lot of doors for us.”
Part of her message is that it’s not so much a disability as it is a different ability.
“With Houston, sometimes his speech is not always clear, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have something to say” she said. “Quite often, when there are disabilities, there’s also super abilities — things that are a benefit of that particular condition, whatever that may be. Somebody who may be deaf may be so much more perceptive.”
“We are so impressed with the success of your entire area to be inclusive and accessible,” Katie said.
“You have an incredible part of the country, and it is so nice to share.
To be able to travel independently and to also be accepted is important for us. I think that what is happening here is just done very well.”
For more information about Downs and Towns, visit downsandtowns.com.
TRAVELING PHOTOGRAPHER HOUSTON VANDERGRIFF, of Downs and Towns, recently visited Pacific City and Tillamook County during a trip organized by the Tillamook County Visitors Association.
HOUSTON VANDERGRIFF visits with Dan Haag (above) of Visit Tillamook Coast during his tour of Tillamook County. Below, he enjoys Cape Kiwanda with his mom, Katie.
Courtesy photos
refreshing and balanced profile with an abv of 7.4 percent.
Pelican Brewing unveils newest IPA
West Coast IPA is the latest signature release from Pelican Brewing
Pelican Brewing Company recently announced their newest year-round beer, Pelican West Coast IPA, an addition to the brewery’s lineup that Pelican says embodies the essence of the West Coast with every sip. Pelican West Coast IPA has an abv of 7.4 percent and features what brewers describe as the crisp clean finish that Pelican beers are known for. Offering notes of sweet citrus and pink grapefruit, complemented by a hint of subtle lime zest, Pelican officials say the beer delivers a refreshing, balanced profile perfect for your next pour.
“Pelican West Coast IPA highlights the fantastic flavors of Centennial and Ekuanot hops, grown right here in the Pacific Northwest,” explains Pelican Brewmaster Darron Welch. “Evolving from more than 25 years of experience producing American IPAs, our new ‘Westy’ emphasizes an inviting hop aroma, crisp refreshing flavors and a clean snappy finish.”
Oregon Humanities Conversation Project will be presenting a talk at the South Tillamook County Library, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City, on Oct. 14 at 5 p.m. The talk, titled “Does Nature Have a Purpose in Our Lives?” will be given by Ruby McConnell. Oregon Humanities states that “Oregonians have long struggled to balance cultural, political, and values-based differences tied to our use of land and
Pelican’s brewpubs and breweries, all positioned on the West Coast shoreline, make the West Coast IPA a fitting addition to their year-round offerings.
Pelican says its release of Pelican West Coast IPA showcases the brand’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and its connection to the region. The new IPA is available at all Pelican locations and select retailers throughout Oregon and beyond.
Born at the beach in 1996, Pelican Brewing Company is Oregon’s only beachfront brewpub and one of the state’s most decorated craft breweries with more than 450 awards. It operates three coastal brewpubs in Pacific City, Cannon Beach and Siletz Bay, as well as a production facility and taproom in Tillamook. Pelican Brewing beers can be found at any of their locations, as well as in stores across Oregon, Washington and Idaho. For more information, visit pelicanbrewing.com.
As we enter an age of accelerating environmental change and scarcity, it is important to understand what drives these differences.” The conversation will explore attitudes and assumptions about the importance of the environment in peoples lives and how those shape perception of environmental issues and policies. Reservations are required - call 503-8424792 to reserve a spot.
now
WEST COAST IPA is the latest release from Pelican Brewing, which will join their year-round beer line up. The company says the beer delivers a
Courtesy photo
Calendar Events of
ARTIST OF THE MONTH RECEPTION
Oct. 4, 5-7 p.m. Bay City Arts Center, 5680
A St., Bay City. Eric Sappington and Brittany Sheffield. Free and open to the public. Visit baycityartscenter.com or call 503-377-9620.
‘WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?’
Oct. 4 & 5, 6:30 p.m. and Oct. 6, 2 p.m. TAPA Barn Community Playhouse, 1204 Ivy, Tillamook. For tickets, visit tillamooktheater.com.
‘THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN’
Oct. 4 & 5, 7 p.m. and Oct. 6, 2 p.m. NCRD Performing Arts Center, 36155 9th St., Nehalem. To purchase tickets, visit riverbendplayers.org.
NHS FOOTBAL VS VERNONIA
Oct. 4, 7 p.m. Nestucca High School, 34660 Parkway Dr., Cloverdale. Wear pink for breast cancer awareness. Free admission.
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE
COLLECTION DAY
Oct. 5, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tillamook Transfer Station, 1315 Ekloff Rd., Tillamook. Visit tillamookcounty.gov/solid-waste.
NHS VOLLEYBALL VS GASTON
Oct. 5. Nestucca High School, 34600 Parkway Dr., Cloverdale. JV 5 p.m. Varsity 6:30 p.m. Free admission.
TRIVIA NIGHT
Oct. 5, 5-6:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Free admission. Must be 21 or over. Play trivia. Sign-up at PC-Pour.com.
NVS HARVEST FESTIVAL
Oct. 5, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Neskowin Valley School, 10000 Slab Creek Rd., Neskowin. Vendors, live music, kids’ activities, beer garden, food truck, and more. Visit neskowinvalleyschool.com
2024 CULTURAL, OF COURSE!
BENEFIT GALA
Oct, 5, 5:30-8 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. LCCC fundraiser with dinner, wine pull, live auction, and live music. For tickets, visit lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.
SOUND BOWL SUNDAY
Oct. 6, 6:30 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Visit kiawanda.com.
KIDS KARATE
Oct. 7, 4 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Life skills and beginner martial arts for ages 6-12 years old. $25 sign-up fee; $50 per month. Call 971-910-1188.
TUESDAY STITCHERS
Oct. 7, 4-9 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Community of people who make things for others. All levels welcome. $6 admission. Call 503-965-7900.
PACIFIC CITY WALKING WONDERS
Oct. 7, 9 & 11, 10 a.m. Meet at Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Visit https://tillamookcountywellness.org/move-well/walking-groups/ or contact coordinator Kathy at katystar7@hotmail. com or 503-801-7448 (text).
TUESDAY STITCHERS
Oct. 8, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Community of people who make things for others. All levels welcome. $6 admission. Call 503-965-7900.
NHS VOLLEYBALL VS FAITH BIBLE
Oct. 8. Nestucca High School, 34660 Parkway Dr., Cloverdale. JV 5 p.m. Varsity 6:30 p.m. Free admission.
SOUTH TILLAMOOK COUNTY LIBRARY CLUB BOARD MEETING
Oct. 8, 7 p.m. South Tillamook County Library, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City.
TILLAMOOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
Oct. 9, 9 a.m. Tillamook County Courthouse, 201 Laurel Ave., Room 106. Also available via teleconference live video at tctvonline.
com or teleconference at #971-254-3149, conference ID: 736-023-979 (listen only). For agenda, visit tillamookcounty.gov.
SOUTH TILLAMOOK COUNTY
LIBRARY STORYTIME
Oct. 9, 3:30 p.m. South Tillamook County Library, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City. Co-hosted by David and Theresa. All ages invited. Call 503-965-6163.
PACIFIC CITY YOUTH KARATE
Oct. 9, 4 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Life skills and beginner martial arts. Ages 6-12. $25 sign-up fee; $50 per month. Call 971-9101188.
NESTUCCA RURAL FIRE PROTECTION
DISTRICT BOARD MEETING
Oct. 9, 4 p.m. Hebo Fire Station, 30710 Hwy. 101 S., Hebo. Call 503-392-3313.
BOXING CLASS
Oct. 9, 5 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Boxing skills and cardio-strength training for ages 12 and older. $10 fee. To register, email pacificcityboxing@gmail.com.
NHS SOCCER VS CLATSKANIA
Oct. 9, 6 p.m. Nestucca High School, 34660 Parkway Dr., Cloverdale. Free admission.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT MOVIE
Oct. 9, 6 p.m. Tillamook County Library, 1716 3rd St., Tillamook. “The Haunting.” Freepopcorn provided. Visit tillabook.org or call 503-842-4792.
MOMMY & ME
Oct. 10, 8:30-10 a.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Free event hosted outdoors by Fiddlesticks Toys. Call 971-533-6545.
BIRD WATCHING EXPLORIENCE
Oct. 10, 9-11 a.m. The Villages Open Space, Lincoln City. Easy guided bird watching tour. Free and no registration required. Call 541996-1274.
TAI CHI
Oct. 10, 10:30 a.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. $10 per class/first class free. Call 503-5100588.
PARTNERS IN EDUCATION MEETING
Oct. 10, 5:30 p.m. Early Learning Center, 30720 Hwy. 101 S., Hebo. Nestucca Valley School District parents meet to discuss updates and plans for grades PreK-8. All are welcome.
FRIDAY NIGHT GAMES
Oct. 11, 2-7 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Use PC Pour’s board games or bring your own. Must be 21
or over. RSVP at PC-Pour.com.
NHS FOOTBALL VS KNAPPA
Oct. 11, 7 p.m. Nestucca High School, 34660 Parkway Dr., Pacific City. Cowboy theme. Free admission.
HOME PREPAREDNESS: HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM FIRE
Oct. 12, 9 a.m.-noon. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Hosted by Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District. Call 503-392-3313.
SOAP MAKING WORKSHOP
Oct. 12, 2-3:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Learn how to make your own shea butter soaps. $35 fee includes instruction, supplies, and first beverage. Reservation fee of $20 holds your spot. Minors must be accompanied by adult. Sign-up at PC-Pour.com.
BINGO
Oct. 12, 5-6:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Play Bingo with others - free. Must be 21 or over. RSVP at PC-Pour.com.
LINE DANCING CLASS
Oct. 12, 7 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Classes begin with a lesson then dancing. $10 fee. For more information, contact Kris Rooke, 425-894-4111.
SPEED BOAT RACES
Oct. 12 & 13. Devils Lake, Lincoln City. For more information, visit DLakeOregon.com.
KIDS KARATE
Oct. 14, 4 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Life skills and beginner martial arts for ages 6-12 years old. $25 sign-up fee; $50 per month. Call 971-910-1188.
OREGON HUMANITIES
CONVERSATION PROJECT
Oct. 14, 5 p.m. South Tillamook County Library, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City. Does Nature Have a Purpose in Our Lives? Exploring Our Relationship to the Land. Free and open the public. Visit tillabook.org or call 503-9656163.
NESTUCCA VALLEY LIONS CLUB MEETING
Oct. 14, 6 p.m. The Lion’s Den, 34510 Parkway Dr., Cloverdale. Email nestuccavalleylions@ gmail.com.
PACIFIC CITY WALKING WONDERS
Oct. 14, 16 & 18, 10 a.m. Meet at Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Visit https://tillamookcountywellness.org/move-well/walking-groups/ or contact coordinator Kathy at katystar7@ hotmail.com.
TUESDAY STITCHERS
Oct. 15, 10-3 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Community of people who make things for others. All levels welcome. $6 admission. Call 503-965-7900.
SOUTH COUNTY FOOD PANTRY
Oct. 15, 12:30-6 p.m. Nestucca Valley Presbyterian Church, 35305 Brooten Rd., Pacific City.
SUNSET BAY WALK
Oct. 15, 4:30-6 p.m. Netarts Basin Boat Rd. Educational stroll along Netarts Bay and beach. Free and open to the public. To register, visit netartsbaywebs.org.
OPEN MIC POETRY
Oct. 15, 5 p.m. South Tillamook County Library, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City. All ages invited to read a poem or listen. Visit tillabook. org or call 503-965-6163.
SCIENCE ON TAP
Oct. 15, 6 p.m. Pelican Brewery, 33180 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Josh Rist presents Cedar Creek Hatchery: Past, Present & Future. Free and open to the public. Visit nestuccawaters.org.
TILLAMOOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
Oct. 16, 9 a.m. Tillamook County Courthouse, 201 Laurel Ave., Room 106. Also available via teleconference live video at tctvonline. com or teleconference at #971-254-3149, conference ID: 736-023-979 (listen only). For agenda, visit tillamookcounty.gov.
PACIFIC CITY YOUTH KARATE
Oct. 16, 4 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Life skills and beginner martial arts. Ages 6-12. $25 sign-up fee; $50 per month. For more information, call 971-910-1188.
ADULT COLORING HOUR
Oct. 16, 5 p.m. South Tillamook County Library, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City. Increase focus, release stress, and let creativity flow. Visit tillabook.org or call 503-965-6163.
BOXING CLASS
Oct. 16, 5 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Boxing skills and cardio-strength training for ages 12 and older. $10 fee. To register, email pacificcityboxing@gmail.com.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT MOVIE
Oct. 16, 6 p.m. Tillamook County Library, 1716 3rd St., Tillamook. “Carnival of Souls.” Free - popcorn provided. For more information, visit tillabook.org or call 503-842-4792.
TAI CHI
Oct. 17, 10:30 a.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. $10 per class/first class free. For more information, call 503-510-0588.
NHS VOLLEYBALL VS COLUMBIA CHRISTIAN
Oct. 17. Nestucca High School, 34660 Parkway Dr., Cloverdale. JV 5 p.m. Varsity 6:30 p.m. Free admission.
PACIFIC CITY JOINT WATER-SANITARY AUTHORITY BOARD MEETING Oct. 17, 5 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Call 503-965-6636.
CELTIC SERIES
Oct. 17, 9 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Daimh. Tickets $20-$35. For more information, visit lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.
NESKO WOMEN’S CLUB MEETING
Oct. 18, 11:30 a.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. For lunch reservation, call Cathy at 541-6223104.
THE TRUTH ABOUT CORVIDS: CROWS, RAVENS, JAYS & MAGPIES
Oct. 18, 1 p.m. Tillamook County Library, 1716 3rd St., Tillamook. Videos, stories, and info about corvids. Free and open to the public. Visit tillabook.org or call 503-842-4792.
School,
Slab Creek Rd., Neskowin. Vendors, bakery cafe,
Photo by Vicky Hirsch
Oregon State Parks to increase camping, parking and reservation fees for 2025
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is increasing its camping, parking and reservation fees to keep pace with the rising cost of utilities, operations and maintenance.
Most of the increases range from $2 to $5 depending on the fee.
Reportedly, the park system has experienced record visitation as well as the impacts of rising costs and inflation. Utility costs, for example, have increased by 28 percent over the last four years, but most fees have remained the same. Depending on the fee, the last increase was anywhere from seven to 15 years ago for base fees.
“We know that raising fees by any amount can be challenging for visitors, and we don’t make this decision lightly. We try to keep costs and fees as low as possible to minimize the impact while still fulfilling our commitment to stewardship and recreation,” said OPRD Director Lisa Sumption.
OPRD will increase its base camping fees this month for the first time since 2017. The increase applies to all camping reservations for 2025. Starting on Oct. 15, all reservations made for 2025 stays will include the fee increase.
Increases in base rate by site type are: $2 increase for misc. sites (includes teepees, meeting halls and other facilities); $3 increase for tent sites (includes horse tent sites, horse group sites, group tent) and primitive sites (includes overflow, fly-in and walk-tosites); $4 increase for RV sites (includes full hookup, electrical, horse RV and group RV sites); and $5 increase for cabins and yurts (includes rustic, mini, totem, and deluxe sites)
Seasonal rate increases were adopted in 2020. The seasonal adjustments will be added to the new base rates. As in previous years, summer rates are $2 more for tent sites, $3 more for RV sites and $5 more for cabins/yurts.
OPRD will also increase its reservation fee from $8 to $10 per site starting Jan. 1, 2025. This fee has not been increased since 2010.
Also next year, daily parking permit fees will increase from $5 to $10 at the 25 parks that charge a fee for day-use parking. Parking permit fees were last
PACIFIC CITY MOVIE NIGHT
Oct. 18, 3:30 p.m. South Tillamook County Library, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City. Movie TBD. Visit tillabook.org or call 503-965-6163.
FRIDAY NIGHT GAMES
Oct. 18, 4-7 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Use PC Pour’s board games or bring your own. Must be 21 or over. RSVP at PC-Pour.com.
ARTIST OPENING RECEPTION
Oct. 18, 5 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Stretch by High Fiber Diet. Visit lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.
HALLOWEEN OUTDOOR
MOVIE NIGHT
Oct. 18, 6-9 p.m. Godspeed Park, corner 3rd St. and Del Monte Ave., Tillamook. Familyfriendly. Scavenger hunt, games, costume contest and screening of “Monster House.” Free admission. Call 503-842-2472 ext. 5945.
PACIFIC CITY FALL FESTIVAL
Oct. 18 & 19, noon-5 p.m. and Oct. 20, noon4 p.m. Cape Kiwanda Marketplace, 33315 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Dory boat hayride, food trucks, pumpkin patch, face painting, live music and more. Visit DiscoverPacificCity.com/FallFestival.
ROCKFISH AND HE CHANGING OCEAN
Oct. 19, 10 a.m.-noon. Netarts Community Club, 4949 Netarts Hwy. W., Tillamook. Guest scientist Dr. Leif Rasmuson. Free and open to the public. To register, visit netartsbaywebs. org.
THE STORIES WE TELL: MYTH AND SCIENCE ON A RESTLESS COAST
Oct. 19, 3:30 p.m. North County Recreation District, 36155 9th St., Nehalem. Presented
increased in 2009. The annual parking permit and the two-year permit fees remain the same at $30 for the annual permit and $50 for the two-year permit.
Starting on July 1, 2025, OPRD will expand the 25 percent out-of-state surcharge for RV campsites (required by state law) to all site types for outof-state campers. New camping rate ranges replace the existing ones. These ranges set the lowest and highest fees that OPRD can charge over time. It gives OPRD’s director the ability to change fees in the future as needed. The last rate range update was adopted in 2018.
OPRD has three main sources of funding: a little less than half comes from constitutionally dedicated lottery funds, about 15 percent comes from recreational vehicle license plate fees and roughly 35 percent comes from park fees from visitors. OPRD is not funded by taxes.
OPRD does offer a few resources and programs to help increase access to Oregon State Parks.
Most Oregon State Parks offer free day-use parking. Current exceptions include 25 parks (visit https://stateparks. oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=visit.day-use for the list).
OPRD also has special access passes for free camping and day-use parking permits for: Oregon foster parents, guardians and parents who have adopted Oregon foster children; U.S. veterans with a service-connected disability; and active duty U.S. military on official leave.
This month, OPRD will open public comment on a proposal designed to give OPRD’s director more flexibility to decide which parks charge for day-use parking. The proposal would require day-use parking permits at all parks unless otherwise noted. The director would have the authority to waive the permit requirement as needed. There are no plans to charge at all parks, and OPRD says it would consider any changes carefully.
OPRD also says it will continue to explore options in the future that reduce cost as a barrier while earning needed revenue to maintain our parks and manage congestion.
by author Bonnie Henderson. Oral history of earthquakes and tsunamis on Pacific NW Coast. $10 at the door.
THE FISHERPOETS
Oct. 19, 4-6 p.m. Stimulus Coffee + Bakery, 33105 Cape Kiwanda Dr. Pacific City. Gathering that celebrates the art and soul of fishing through poetry, stories and music. For more information, visit fisherpoets.org.
PICTIONARY
Oct. 19, 5-6:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Play Pictionary with others - free. Must be 21 or over. RSVP at PC-Pour.com.
‘MURDER AT THE RUTHERFORD HOUSE’
Oct. 19, 6 p.m. Pacific Restaurant, 205 Main Ave., Tillamook. Interactive murder mystery four course dinner. Fundraiser for TAPA. Visit TillamookTheater.com or call 503-812-0275.
HALLOWEEN PET FASHION SHOW
Oct. 19, 6 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Prizes for top three pet/partner teams. Entry fee $20; audience $15. To register, contact Lee Ann, 541-921-3242.
LINE DANCING CLASS
Oct. 19, 7 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Classes begin with a lesson then dancing. $10 fee. Contact Kris Rooke, 425-894-4111.
NESTUCCA VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD MEETING
Oct. 21, 6:30 p.m. Nestucca Valley Jr/Sr High School, 34660 Parkway Dr., Cloverdale.
To have your event added to the Sun’s calendar, email information to tim@pacificcitysun.com
Drone footage provides insight into gray whales’ acrobatic feeding behavior
By MICHELLE KLAMPE Oregon State University
Drone footage captured by researchers in Oregon State University’s Marine Mammal Institute is offering new insight into the acrobatics undertaken by gray whales foraging in the waters off the coast of Oregon.
The whales’ movements, including forward and side-swimming, headstands and the use of “bubble blasts” change as the whales grow, said Clara Bird, a researcher in the Marine Mammal Institute’s Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Laboratory.
Using drone footage captured over seven years, Bird quantified the gray whales’ behavior and their individual size and body condition. She found that the probability of whales using these behaviors changes with age.
Younger, smaller whales are more apt to use forward swimming behaviors while foraging. Older, larger whales are more likely to headstand, a head-down position where the whale is pushing its mouth into the ocean floor. The probability of whales using these behaviors changes with age.
“Our findings suggest that this headstanding behavior requires strength and coordination. For example, we often see whales sculling much like synchronized swimmers do while they are headstanding. It is likely this behavior is learned by the whales as they mature,” said Bird, who led the research as part of her doctoral dissertation. “We have footage of whale calves trying to copy this behavior and they’re not able to do it successfully.”
The findings were just published in two new papers authored by Bird and co-authored by Associate Professor Leigh Torres, who leads the GEMM Lab at Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport.
Since 2015, Torres and her research team have been studying the health and habits of the Pacific Coast Feeding Group, a roughly 200-member subgroup of whales who spend their summers feeding off the coast of Oregon, Washington, northern California and southern Canada, rather than traveling north to the Arctic as most of the 19,000 gray whales in the Eastern North Pacific population do. These whales face elevated exposure to human activities in some locations, including boat traffic, noise and pollution, while they feed in the shallow waters along the Pacific Northwest Coast.
“It’s been an amazing journey of discovery over the last 10 years learning about how cool these gray whales are. They are underwater acrobats, doing tight turns, upside-down swimming and headstands,” Torres said. “We have now connected these
behaviors with the habitat, size and age of the whale, which allows us to understand much more about why they go where they go and do what they do. This will help us protect them in the long run.”
The new study shows that whales are changing foraging tactics depending on the habitat and depth of the water they are in. For example, they are more likely to use headstanding when they are on a reef, because their primary prey, mysid shrimp, tend to aggregate on reefs with kelp, Bird said.
The researchers also investigated why the gray whales perform “bubble blasts” – a single big exhale while they’re underwater that produces a large circle pattern at the surface.
“While it was thought that bubble blasts helped gray whales aggregate or capture prey, our study shows that bubble blasts are a behavioral adaptation used by the whales to regulate their buoyancy while feeding in very shallow water,” Torres explained. Larger, fatter whales were more likely to bubble blast, especially while performing headstands. The bubble blasts also were associated with longer dives, supporting the hypothesis that the behavior helps whales feed for a longer period of time underwater.
“It is just like when we dive underwater, if we release air from our lungs, then we can stay underwater more easily without fighting the buoyancy forces that push us back toward the surface,” Bird said.
Together, the two papers provide new insight into how whales’ size affects their behavior and the role social learning may play in whales’ adoption of these behaviors, she said.
“Because these whales are feeding close to shore, where the water is shallow and we can capture their behavior on video, we’re able to really see what is happening,” Bird said. “To be able to study the whales, in our backyard, and fill in some answers to questions about their behavior, feels very special.”
The paper on the gray whales’ foraging tactics was published in the journal Animal Behaviour. Co-authors of that paper include K.C. Bierlich, Marc Donnelly, Lisa Hildebrand and Alejandro Fernandez Ajó of the GEMM Lab in the Marine Mammal Institute; Enrico Pirotta of the University of St. Andrews and Leslie New of Ursinus College in Pennsylvania. The paper about the bubble blast behavior was published in Ecology and Evolution. Additional co-authors were Bierlich, Hildebrand, Fernandez Ajó, Pirotta and New.
The Marine Mammal Institute is part of Oregon State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and is based at Hatfield Marine Science Center.
A GRAY WHALE performs a bubble blast, depicted by the ring of bubbles on the surface, while foraging off the coast of Oregon.
Photo courtesy of GEMM Lab Oregon State University
One Final Mural
Historical Society completes final planned mural in Downtown Cloverdale
By SALLY RISSEL for the Sun
The Tillamook County Historical Society has completed its project of installing 12 large historical photo murals on buildings in Cloverdale.
The Nesko Women’s Club donated the funds for the last mural, a reproduction of a 1907 photo that highlights two women fishing on the Nestucca River at Howser Rapids at Blaine. One woman is school teacher Grace Craven. Most of the historical pictures were taken by Clyde Hudson, who documented early life in Tillamook County. The photos are part of the Lorraine Eckhardt Collection. Eckhardt has donated copies from her extensive collection to the Pacific City Library. They are available for purchase as a donation to the library.
Small town main streets are disappearing all over our country. The TCHS felt this project would highlight the history of Cloverdale, founded by Earl Ray in 1884. Along with the placement of murals, a walking tour brochure was developed. The idea is to give all an opportunity to enjoy the half-mile loop/walking tour while viewing 12 historical photo murals and reading information about each mural. The brochures are available in the stores in Cloverdale and at the Pacific City Library.
TCHS is thanking Carol Johnson for designing the brochure. Tillamook Travel, Oregon Coast Visitors Asssciation, Tillamook County Historical Society and Nesko Women’s Club helped fund the murals. Cloverdale merchants were generous in allowing the murals to be placed on their businesses.
The Forest Service has announced that the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Northwest Forest Plan amendment is now expected in November. This decision follows a meeting of the Northwest Forest Plan Federal Advisory Committee held Sept. 25-27 in Stevenson, Washington.
Reportedly, the three-day meeting proved pivotal in ensuring the forthcoming DEIS accurately reflects the FAC’s comprehensive recommendations. After in-depth discussions with the FAC, the Forest Service opted to revise portions of the DEIS to better align with the committee’s consensus recommendations.
“Last week’s meeting was a critical step in our amendment process,” said Jacque Buchanan, regional forester for the Pacific Northwest Region of the Forest Service. “By thoroughly discussing and interpreting the FAC’s recommendations, we’re ensuring the DEIS reflects the needs of our forests, Tribes, and communities. It is vital that we get this amendment right because it will guide the management of millions of acres of forest land for years to come.”
Key topics addressed during the meeting included climate change adaptation, sustainable economic opportunities for rural communities, and greater Tribal inclusion in land management planning and implementation.
“The management of our national forests is of keen interest to many in the Pacific Northwest,” said Susan Jane Brown, co-chair of the FAC and Principal and Chief Legal Counsel of Silvix Resources. “Ensuring the climate-smart amendment to the Northwest Forest Plan reflects the best available science, including Indigenous knowledge, is essential. While progress was made, the Committee identified some areas that need further refinement before the amendment is ready for public review and comment.”
The Forest Service’s decision to take
additional time to refine the DEIS highlights its commitment to delivering a thorough draft that best represents Tribal, FAC, and public input.
The FAC, a diverse 20-person group representing Tribes, local communities, environmental organizations, industry, and academia across Northern California, Oregon, and Washington, unanimously advanced a comprehensive set of recommendations for updating the Northwest Forest Plan. In the Stevenson meeting, the Committee examined the Forest Service’s efforts to incorporate those recommendations into the draft amendment.
“The Committee’s 192 consensus recommendations send a clear message to the Forest Service: the status quo isn’t working,” said Travis Joseph, co-chair of the FAC and President of the American Forest Resource Council. “Modern, proactive stewardship is critical to addressing 21st-century challenges. We, like the public, are eager to review the DEIS and are committed to working with the agency to ensure this amendment results in meaningful change for Tribes, rural communities, and the health of our forests.”
The DEIS is expected to be published in the Federal Register in November, initiating a 90day public comment period. This will provide an opportunity for all interested parties to shape the future of forest management in the Pacific Northwest.
The Northwest Forest Plan is a comprehensive plan for administering parts of federally managed lands in California, Oregon, and Washington. The plan was designed to protect old-growth forests and critical habitat for the northern spotted owl, while also providing for forest products, water quality, recreation and other uses.
For more information, visit https://www. fs.usda.gov/goto/r6/nwfpfac, https://www. fs.usda.gov/r6/reo/, or https://www.fs.usda.gov/ r6.
Tillamook County Library adds World Book Online to online resources
The Tillamook County Library recently announced the addition of World Book Online to its online resources. Now, students, parents and educators can access this premier reference database from the library or from home. All that is needed to access World Book Online from home is a library card. World Book Online is accessible 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, and all pages are easily translated into more than 100 languages.
Patrons can visit the library website at tillabook. org, navigate to the E-Resources menu and click the World Book link.Young children will find ageappropriate content related to the core foundation
skills of learning letters, and early math concepts. Students will find thousands of easy-to-read articles packed with illustrations, videos, interactive maps, and a wealth of educational games and activities. Parents and teachers are expected to appreciate the pre-designed lesson plans and worksheets for promoting student learning at home and in the classroom.
“The library is always listening to what community members want and need ,and we see this as a chance to help local families and teachers with everyday learning,” said Danielle Meininger, systems librarian at Tillamook County.
For more information, please visit tillabook.org.
Photo courtesy of Sally Rissel
CLOVERDALE’S newest mural depicts teacher Grace Craven fishing at Howers Rapids on the Nestucca River. It is based on this Clyde Hudson photo from April 1907.
A Century of Fish Management
Science on Tap to feature Cedar Creek Fish Hatchery during Oct. 15 talk at Pelican Brewing’s Pacific City pub
An opportunity to learn about the 100-year history of the Cedar Creek Fish Hatchery is around the corner thanks to the return of the Science on Tap Series.
The series, which is sponsored by Nestucca, Neskowin and Sand Lake Watersheds Council, returns Tuesday, Oct. 15, 6-8 p.m., at Pelican Brewing’s Pacific City pub with a talk featuring John Rist, manager of Cedar Creek Fish Hatchery.
In addition to a discussion of the hatchery’s first century, Rist will discuss projects that Cedar Creek is currently working on, as well as their planned future endeavors.
Rist, who has been stationed at Cedar Creek as its hatchery manager since 2015, began work with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, which manages the hatchery, in 2007 after earning his associate’s degree in fisheries management at Mt. Hood Community College. Prior to being stationed at Cedar Creek Hatchery, Rist worked at several hatchery facilities throughout the state of Oregon and Washington including Cascade, Marion Forks, Carson National (Wash.), Bonneville, Rock Creek, Big Creek and Klatskanine.
JOSH RIST will speak at a Science on Tap event at Pelican Brewing in Pacific City on Tuesday, Oct. 15, from 6-8 p.m.
A second Science on Tap event is planned for this fall for Nov. 6 when Flynn Delaney, field and data scientist for Tillamook Estuaries Partnership will discuss technology TEP utilizes to accomplish restoration and monitoring work. For more information about the work of the Nestucca, Neskowin and Sand Lake Watersheds Council, visit nestuccawaters. org.
KCC to host seasonal pop-up Barre Blast classes
Looking to elevate your fitness routine?
If that’s on your agenda for exercise, a seasonal pop-up class featuring a Barre workout and Wall Pilates could be the ticket for a fitter you. The new class will be hosted by Kiawanda Community Center, 34600, Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City, on Sundays, starting Oct. 6 and running through Oct. 27. Led by instructor Lisa Jan Cohen, organizers say the dynamic sessions will invigorate your body and bring a sense of joy to your wellness journey. They also say the classes will offer a unique blend of fluid movements designed to help you fine-tune your muscles while minimizing impact. The classes are accessible for all fitness levels.
“Movement and Meditation offer a
wonderful way to engage your body in a fun and supportive environment,” said Amanda Graves, event coordinator at the Kiawanda Community Center. “These classes are not only effective but also create a sense of community as participants share in their fitness journey together.”
Barre Blast is a fusion of ballet-inspired movements, strength training, and stretching that sculpts participant’s body and improves posture. It allows participants to utilize the wall for resistance and support and focus on core stability and alignment with gentle, yet challenging, exercises.
The cost is $10, and spaces are limited. For more information and to sign up, contact the instructor at lisajcohen@me.com.
Indulge in relaxation with a restorative massage or a rejuvenating facial at Tidepools Spa & Wellness. Locals are invited to enjoy this special offer Mondays through Thursdays. Offer ends March 20.
Share Your Thoughts!
Submit your letter to the editor on community-related issues and concerns for Pacific City Sun’s ‘TalkBack’ section. It’s your chance to share your thoughts on issues related to the community. 350-word limit. Send letters via email to: tim@pacificcitysun.com
Courtesy photo
