Pacific City Sun, March 24, 2023

The recently reopened Pacific City Skatepark now boasts double the area for skateboarders to showcase their skills

High Skates Action

Pacific City Skatepark now boasts double the area for skateboarders to test their skills

By TIM HIRSCH of the Sun

Skateboarders of all abilities now have a completed skatepark right here in Pacific City to develop their skills and show off their moves with Lincoln City’s Dreamland Skateparks finishing Phase 2 of the long-planned for facility. The completion of the second phase doubled the size of skatepark, which reopened to the public on Saturday, March 18.

Now boasting approximately 8,000 square feet of skateable area, the park offers something for all abilities. While the original bowl is more appropriate for experienced skateboarders, the new shallower ones located to the west and to the north, offer features suitable for beginning and intermediate boarders.

The approximately $225,000 Phase 2 addition is being funded by money raised at last year’s Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic, a Tillamook County Transient Lodging Tax grant of approximately $74,000, and in-kind donations.

The park is located at Nestucca Valley Community Alliance’s developing community park, just southeast of Tillamook County’s Cape Kiwanda parking lot.

NVCA President Lisa Macy-Baker told the Sun she’s excited about the new features — especially the transitions afforded between beginning and intermediate skating bowls. Pointing at the one at the north, she noted how it transitions from a shallow bowl to one a bit deeper.

“It’s pretty cool,” she said. “It’s a great area for development.”

One feature in the other new bowl is variety in skating surfaces.

“(This second phase) opens up the park,” Macy-Baker added. “It creates more space for advanced skaters and allows them to do a lot more outside that initial bowl, and the different sections allow for developing skaters. It’s a park for skaters of all abilities now.”

Danyel Scott, co-owner of Dreamland Skateparks, echoed Macy-Baker’s comments about the

see SKATEPARK REOPENS, page 4

The recently reopened Pacific

Skatepark now boasts double the area for skateboarders to test their skills.

Photo by Tim Hirsch

PACIFIC CITY now has an 8,000 square foot skatepark that features both deep and shallow bowls, which developers say makes it great for skateboarders from beginners to more advanced.

THE NEW BOWL on the north side of the skatepark (above) features two different distinct depths making it ideal for beginning to intermediate skateboarders.

Photo by Tim Hirsch

How the TLT works. And Where it comes from.

By Nan Devlin, Executive Director, Tillamook Coast Visitors Association

We’ve heard a lot about the TLT (transient lodging tax), ever since Tillamook County implemented a county-wide 10% tax on January 1, 2014, after a successful ballot measure in November, 2013. The TLT was an answer to a problem local drivers well knew —county roads had been rated as the worst in the state. Several business owners in the tourism industry had been encouraging the county to establish a lodging tax for 10 years; when roads were in need of more repairs than the county budget could afford, the tax became a necessity.

What may be confusing for many is how the TLT works. And it works differently for incorporated towns than it does for unincorporated areas. Let’s start with the towns because several have had a city lodging tax since the 1900s.

Lodging tax in incorporated areas

Manzanita, Wheeler, Rockaway Beach, Garibaldi and Tillamook all had lodging tax in place at least 25 years ago. The tax averaged 7 percent, and those monies went into the general budget.

After 2003, a new Oregon statute (ORS 320.300 to 320.365) established new uses of lodging tax: Any new, or increase, in lodging tax was subject to a 70/30 split. The 70% must be used for tourism-related facilities and/or tourism promotion. The 30% could be used for general budget or whatever the city deemed appropriate. The rest of the cities in the county implemented lodging tax after 2003 and all funds were subject to the 70/30 split.

South Tillamook County candidates invited to address public at April 4 Chamber meeting

By CHELSEA YARNELL for the Sun

• Convention, conference or visitor center, or tourism information office

• Tourism agency (such as Tillamook Coast Visitors Association)

• Operation of the all the above

• Tourism promotion, including conducting strategic planning and research necessary to stimulate future tourism development

• Tourism-related facility, defined as:

• “Other improved real property that has a useful life of 10 or more years and has a substantial purpose of supporting tourism or accommodating tourist activities.”

It’s this last sub-point of “other improved real property” that has given the county the ability to provide tourism-related facilities grants, which since 2015, has put more than $6.5 million into the community.

Where does the TLT come from?

The vast majority of the money the county collects comes from unincorporated areas, including those areas in-between the cities. Here’s the “by location” report for 2022, provided by the county (“various online” is from online booking sites, such as AirBnB or VRBO):

The Pacific City-Nestucca Valley Chamber of Commerce is inviting South County candidates on the May 16 special election ballot to attend their meeting on Tuesday, April 4.

“These are the people who oversee the management and operation of our important local service districts (and set rates and tax requirements) for our schools, public safety and utilities,” Chamber Treasurer Doug Olson said. “ Come meet them and ask a few challenging questions. Remember, they work for us.”

The meeting, open to the public, will commence at noon with lunch available for purchase.

While the format will not be an official forum, candidates are still invited to introduce themselves and answer a few questions from the audience.

“If they need to get elected, they need to tell people why they should vote for them,” Olson said.

Several boards have members up for

election. As of publication, there are five South County contested races.

For Nestucca School Board: (Position 1) Phil Hurlimann, Joseph A. Boyd, and Norman Loveland; (Position 2) Sherry Hartford and Wally Nelson; (Position 3) Greg Woods and Diane Boisa; and (Position 4) Russ Sanders and Zachary Best.

For Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District: (Position 1) Shelley Dickson and Dwaine McClintock.

Additional South County Board positions are also up for election, but currently are uncontested.

Yet, Olson encourages those candidates to still attend the Chamber meeting.

“You’re going to need somebody to vote for you, even if you don’t have an opponent,” said Olson. “You need to tell people who you are.”

Candidates interested in participating can RSVP to Olson at: dougolsonoregon@outlook.com.

The meeting will be held at the Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City.

New OCVA program to ask tourists to support environmental nonprofits

The Oregon Coast Visitors Association is now accepting applications from environmental stewardship nonprofits for a new coastal tourism-generated funding stream.

disadvantaged groups

• Organizations that have weighed uncertainty, potential negative impacts, unintended consequences, and foreseeable risks of intended or ongoing programming

Above table shows locations the TLT is derived from. “Various online” refers to booking sites, such as AirBnB and VRBO. Below shows the type of lodging TLT comes from. Short-term rentals (“single family” category) are largest driver of TLT.

Nonprofit organizations offering environmental stewardship programming on the Oregon Coast are invited to apply to receive funding through this pilot project. Through visitor-facing donation systems, OCVA will allow visitors to support organizations actively working to protect and restore the coastal environment.

“This system will create a pathway for tourist dollars to directly support organizations doing important restoration and conservation work on the Oregon Coast, which will in turn benefit visitors,” says Finn Johnson, OCVA coastal tourism resiliency coordinator.

Strong applicants will demonstrate a commitment to:

• Conserving and/or restoring Oregon Coast ecosystems in accordance with accredited science-based best practices

• Programming that aligns with local social and ecological contexts on the coast

In 2014 when the 10% county lodging tax went into effect, cities raised their lodging tax to 9%, with the remaining remainder going to the county: 90% stayed with the city, 10% to the county.

Lodging tax in unincorporated areas

Since Tillamook County did not have a lodging tax until 2014, neither did unincorporated areas. As a result, the entire 10% from unincorporated areas goes to the county, where it is subject to the 70/30 split: 30% to roads (public works budget), 70% to tourism-related facilities and/or tourism promotion.

How the 70% can be used

The 2003 Oregon statute also spelled out in specific terms how the 70% could be used:

What’s also interesting is where the TLT comes from by lodging type: in 2022, 70% comes from short-term vacation rentals (STRs). Unlike city of Seaside (1,200 hotel/motel rooms) and Lincoln City (2,100 hotel/motel rooms), all of Tillamook County has just 782 hotel/motel rooms.

As you can see from the numbers above, without the lodging tax from STRs – and this is true of both cities and unincorporated areas – roads would probably still be rated the worst in the state, cities would be scrambling to provide services, and our businesses would not have survived three years of a Covid pandemic.

For more information on TLT, including a list of tourism-related facilities grants, go to: https://tillamookcoast. com/industry and scroll to financial reports.

• Transparent measurement and accounting practices of the impact of funded programming (including measuring greenhouse gas emissions and/or sequestration)

• A commitment to empowering local people, including those from historically

continued from page 2

To be considered eligible, an applicant must be: a 501c(3) nonprofit organization; working on the Oregon Coast; and working to implement policies and practices that will benefit wildlife, nature, or the global climate.

To apply to be considered as the funding recipient for these new programs, fill out the form available by visiting https:// docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe uIEErO43Tqqb83qWEYzN4WP70rfZ_ K9ETuldvbNUagvoSVA/viewform.

The Oregon Coast Visitors Association is the official Regional Destination Management Organization for the entire Oregon Coast as designated by the Oregon Tourism Commission (dba Travel Oregon). OCVA inspires travel and strengthens collaboration to create and steward a sustainable coastal economy.

OCVA has the honor of working with coastal communities to align partnerships, destination development projects, and destination marketing with the vision of creating “a coastal utopia for all.” This includes coastal stakeholders, new and returning visitors, and the natural resources that make these coveted experiences so magical.

Skatepark reopens a week ahead of schedule

new space being ideal for less advanced skateboarders, but she also noted that the different surfaces offer a more eclectic skateboarding experience.

“There’s quite a bit more diversity for beginner and intermediate (skateboarders),” she added.

The completion of the second phase was completed a full week ahead of schedule despite the challenging weather the area has experienced over the winter months. Construction began on Feb. 1, when the park temporarily closed, and was originally scheduled to be finished by March 27.

“It did create a challenge for them but they worked their tails off,” Macy-Baker

said. “They had some tarps and temporary rain shelters that allowed them to pour (concrete). And they got it done.”

But the project was also a long time in coming.

“We’ve been working for the community of Pacific City for almost 11 years,” Scott said. “It’s about 2,000 square feet bigger than what we envisioned years ago. Being able to accomplish to accomplish an 8,000 square feet skate park in a quaint community like Pacific City is phenomenal. (Credit goes to) Moment Surf Co., Pelican Brewing Co, the community, and Nestucca Valley Community Alliance. Everyone came together to make this (happen).”

Data courtesy of Tillamook County

Protecting the Plovers

Beach-goers asked to respect roped-off nesting areas to safeguard the threatened shorebird, March 15 - Sept. 15

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and federal U.S. Forest Service are reminding visitors to the Oregon coast that it is plover nesting season — visitors can help recovery efforts for the threatened western snowy plover by sharing the beaches March 15 to Sept. 15.

Sensitive plover nesting areas will be roped off or identified by signs with rules and limits, such as staying on the wet sand, to help protect the small shorebirds and their exposed nests during this crucial period. One such area here in South Tillamook County is the beach at Sitka Sedge State Natural Area/South Sand Lake Spit.

THE BEACH AT SITKA SEDGE STATE NATURA AREA is amongst the areas that have been roped off to protect nesting snowy plovers.

Plover beaches remain open to foot and equestrian traffic below the high-tide line on wet, packed sand throughout the nesting season. Officials say this ensures that plover nests, eggs and chicks are kept safe. All other recreation on plover beaches is prohibited on both wet and dry sand, including walking a dog (even on a leash), driving a vehicle, riding a bicycle, camping, burning wood and flying kites or operating drones.

The small birds nest on open sand along Oregon’s beaches. Nests, and especially chicks, are well-camouflaged. Scientists say that during the nesting season, human disturbances can flush adult plovers away from their nests as they attempt to defend their young. Left alone too long, or too often, eggs or chicks can die from exposure, predators or people.

“We’re making great strides in reversing the decline of this species,” said Cindy Burns, Siuslaw National Forest wildlife biologist. “But it takes all of us, so we urge people to do their part to understand nesting season rules and to share the beach this spring and summer.”

Recreation restrictions occur in designated plover management areas: small stretches of beach along the coastline where plovers nest or might nest. These areas combined make up about 40 miles of Oregon’s 362 miles of shoreline.

“Visitors have access to hundreds of miles of beaches that have no seasonal restrictions,” said Laurel Hillmann, ocean shore specialist for Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. “By planning your trip, you can enjoy the coast and help protect these special birds.” More information on the snowy plover,

including detailed maps of nesting sites, can be found by visiting oregon.gov/ plovers and on the Siuslaw National Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ siuslaw/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd518707

NEW PLOVER ACTIVITY

The increase in plover numbers may result in nesting occurring in new or historical nesting sites. For example, visitors to Sand Lake Recreation Area may see small roped off areas near the lake’s inlet to protect active nests, and may encounter plovers on the beach. Beachgoers are encouraged to protect these birds by restricting recreation activities to wet sand areas, avoiding roped off nesting areas, packing all trash out and keeping dogs on leash.

HISTORY OF PLOVER PROTECTIONS

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed western snowy plovers as a threatened species in 1993, when officials counted only 55 breeding adults. The numbers of breeding adults have steadily increased since then, from 107 in 2003 to 508 in 2022.

Several land managers oversee beach activity for plover protection, primarily the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). Habitat loss from invasive plants — as well as human disturbances, including litter and discarded food scraps that attract predators — have contributed to the birds’ decline. The Oregon Dunes Restoration Collaborative, saveoregondunes.org, is working with land managers on a restoration strategy and to raise public awareness about the need to restore the dunes ecosystem for western snowy plovers, rare plants and animals and the unique recreation opportunities offered here.

Photo courtesy of OPRD

On the Hunt for Easter Fun

Annual Easter Egg hunt to give youngsters chance at 1,200 candy-filled eggs on April 8

By TIM HIRSCH of the Sun

For a little Easter-themed fun, youngsters can hop on over to Nestucca Valley K-8 School on Saturday, April 8 for a morning filled with candy-filled eggs, photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny and an encounter with local firefighters.

In what has become a longstanding tradition, the event’s main event will be an 11 a.m. egg hunt, held this year on the soccer field at the school. But organizers urge this caution — don’t be late as the search for an estimated 1,200 eggs is expected to start on time. And the field is expected to be cleaned of the candy, coins and merchant coupons that will fill the eggs within 15 minutes.

Open to children in preschool through the 4th grade, the event will get started at 10:30 a.m. when families are encouraged to arrive with camera at the ready for photos with the Easter Bunny. There will also be a chance to visit with staff and volunteers from the Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District and check out one of their engines. And kiddos can also put their hands around one of the district’s fire hoses and put out a “mock” (painted) fire on a plywood house.

Once that warm-up is over, it will be time for the children to line up for the mad dash for treat-filled eggs. Volunteers will be dividing the soccer field in half, with kids ages 1-5 on one side and youth 6-10 on the other. Parents may assist the younger set.

“It works out great,” said co-organizer Teresa Smith. “We’re going to make sure there’s lot of eggs in each field.”

Participating children will also be treated with a special gift bag provided by the Lions.

“If the children go see the Easter Bunny, we’ll ensure each

child will have something to take home,” Smith added. “The Lions Club is happy to bring this event to the community. The Lions Club enjoys doing this and doing something for our community because our motto is: “We serve,” and this is just another way of us serving the community. It gives the children something special to look forward to.”

The Lions Club will also host a table where community members can find out about membership and its many activities such as its Sight and Hearing Program.

For more information about the event, contact the Nestucca Valley Lions Club at nestuccavalleylions@gmail.com.

The NESTUCCA VALLEY LIONS CLUB’S annual Easter Egg Hunt returns Saturday, April 8 at Nestucca Valley K-8 School. Festivities, which begin at 10:30 a.m., will be held at the school’s soccer field.

Photos by Tim Hirsch

March

Calendar Events of

GRAPE VINE ART

March 25, 2-3:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine

Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Create your own decorative piece using grape vines with Bare Moon Farm. $40 fee includes instruction, supplies, and first beverage. Sign-up at PC-Pour.com.

NESKO WOMEN’S CLUB

COLLLECTIONS & TREASURES SALE

March 25, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Philanthropic Fundraising Event.

JOHN STOWELL & DMITRI MATHENY

March 25, 7 p.m. Bay City Arts Center, 5680

A St., Bay City. Advance tickets $20 - purchase at baycityartscenter.com. Tickets at the door, $25. For more information, email baycityartscenter@gmail.com.

TRIVIA NIGHT

March 25, 5-6:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Free admission. Must be 21 or over. Test your trivia knowledge. Sign-up at PC-Pour.com.

TREES OF THE

TILLAMOOK FOREST WALK

March 25, 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tillamook Forest Center, 45500 OR-6, Tillamook. Easy stroll seeking diverse tree species and learning their benefits. Free admission. For more information, visit tillamookforestcenter.org or call 503-815-6800.

FESTIVAL OF ILLUSIONS

March 25, 7 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Magician and variety artist Carisa Hendrix. Tickets $15-$30. For more information, visit lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541994-9994.

PANCAKE & BURNT SAUSAGE

BREAKFAST

March 25, 8-11 a.m. Netarts Fire Hall, 1235 5th Street Loop, Netarts. All-you-can-eat. Adults $10; kids $5. To-go options available. For more information or to make a donation, visit netartsoceansidefire.org.

BEACHCOMBING EXPLORIENCE

March 25, 8 a.m. SW 33rd St. access, Lin-

coln City. Hunt for agates, petrified wood, gemstones and other coastal treasures with a local expert. Free and no registration required. For more information, visit ExploreLincolnCity.com or call 541-9961274.

BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS

March 25, 7 p.m.and March 26, 2 p.m. NCRD Performing Arts Center, 36155 9th St., Nehalem. Tickets $20-$25. For more information, visit riverbendplayers.org.

TREES OF THE TILLAMOOK FOREST WALK

March 26, 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tillamook Forest Center, 45500 OR-6, Tillamook. Easy stroll seeking diverse tree species and learning their benefits. Free admission. For more information, visit tillamookforestcenter.org or call 503-815-6800.

MARIA MULDAUR AND HER RED HOT BLUESIANA BAND

March 26, 4-7 p.m. White Clover Grange Hall, 36590 Hwy., 53, Nehalem. Fundraiser for Neah-Kah-Nie school district music program. Tickets available at TicketTomato.com.

FESTIVAL OF ILLUSIONS

March 26, 7 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Jeff Evans’ Science Magic. Tickets $8-$20. For more information, visit lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.

FESTIVAL OF ILLUSIONS

March 27, 2 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Boredom Busting Ballon Workshop. $10 includes materials and instruction. For more information, visit lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.

SPRING CELEBRATION

March 27, 5:30-7 p.m. Lincoln City Community Center, 2150 NE Oar Pl., Lincoln City. Make a take-home flower plantermaterials provided. For more information, call 541-994-2131.

FESTIVAL OF ILLUSIONS

March 27, 7 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Alex

April

Zerbe the Zaniac. Tickets $8-$20. For more information, visit lincolncity-culturalcenter. org or call 541-994-9994.

PACIFIC CITY WALKING GROUP

March 27, 29 & 31, 10 a.m. Meet at Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. For more information, visit https://tillamookcountywellness. org/move-well/walking-groups/ or contact coordinator Kathy at katystar7@hotmail. com or 503-801-7448 (text).

ROCKAWAY UKULELE ORCHESTRA

Mondays, March 27, April 3 & 10, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Rockaway Beach City Hall, 276 Hwy. 101., Rockaway Beach. New intermediate ukulele group - come and jam together. For more information, email RockawayUkuleleOrchestra@gmail.com.

NESTUCCA VALLEY LIONS

CLUB MEETING

March 28, 4 p.m. The Lion’s Den, 34510 Parkway Dr., Cloverdale. For more information, email nestuccavalleylions@gmail. com.

FESTIVAL OF ILLUSIONS

March 28, 10 a.m.-noon. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Magic Art Studio. $5 per day. For more information, visit lincolncity-culturalcenter. org or call 541-994-9994.

BEACHCOMBING EXPLORIENCE

March 28, 10 a.m. SW 33rd St. access, Lincoln City. Hunt for agates, petrified wood, gemstones and other coastal treasures with a local expert. Free and no registration required. For more information, visit ExploreLincolnCity.com or call 541-9961274.

FESTIVAL OF ILLUSIONS

March 28, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Harmonica Pocket concert. Free admission. For more information, visit lincolncityculturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.

FESTIVAL OF ILLUSIONS

March 28, 7-9 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. The Magical Mr. B. Adult tickets $20, seniors/

students $18, and youth ages 6-18 years old, $8. For more information, visit lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-9949994.

SPRING WHALE WATCH WEEK

March 28-April 2. Migrating gray whales will be spottable up and down the central Oregon coast. Local areas where they may be seen include Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area and Cape Lookout State Park. For more information, visit ORWhaleWatch. org.

FESTIVAL OF ILLUSIONS

March 29, 10 a.m.-noon. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Magic Art Studio. $5 per day. For more information, visit lincolncity-culturalcenter. org or call 541-994-9994.

TILLAMOOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING

March 29, 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 co.tillamook. or.us/bocc.

FESTIVAL OF ILLUSIONS

March 29, 7-9 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Peter Irish, World Champion Foot Juggler. Adult tickets $20, seniors/students $18, and youth ages 6-18 years old, $8 more information, visit lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.

FESTIVAL OF ILLUSIONS

March 30, 10 a.m.-noon. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Magic Art Studio. $5 per day. For more information, visit lincolncity-culturalcenter. org or call 541-994-9994.

FESTIVAL OF ILLUSIONS

March 30, 7-9 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Dr. Delusion’s Illusions. Adult tickets $20, seniors/students $18, and youth ages 6-18 years old, $8 more information, visit lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541994-9994.

EASTER EGG HUNT

8. Nestucca K-8 Soccer Field, 36925 Hwy. 101 S., Cloverdale. 10:30 a.m. start for photos with Easter Bunny and exploring a fire engine. 11 a.m. egg hunt. Preschool through 4th grade. Hosted by Nestucca Valley Lions Club.

SPRING WHALE WATCH WEEK

28-April 2. Migrating gray whales will be spottable up and down the central Oregon coast. Local areas where they may be seen include Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area and Cape Lookout State Park. For more information, visit ORWhaleWatch.org.

PACIFIC CITY WALKING GROUP March 27, 29 & 31, 10 a.m. Meet at Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. For more information, visit https://tillamookcountywellness.org/ move-well/walking-groups/.

Photo by Tim Hirsch

OPEN STUDIO EVENT

March 31, 2-5 p.m. Sitka Center, 56605

Sitka Dr., Otis. Open house and studio tour with opportunity to take part in ongoing community-engagement and participatory project about water. For more information, visit sitkacenter.org or call 541-9945485.

FESTIVAL OF ILLUSIONS

March 31, 10 a.m.-noon. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Magic Art Studio. $5 per day. For more information, visit lincolncity-culturalcenter. org or call 541-994-9994.

JOUISSANCE: A MOVEMENT PIECE

March 31, 6-8 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Original duet by Jordan Kriston and Chenise Crockett plus featured opening performances by Lincoln City ballet students. Adult tickets $15, youth ages 18 and under are $5. For more information, visit lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.

BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS

March 31 and April 1, 7 p.m. and April 2, 2 p.m. NCRD Performing Arts Center, 36155 9th St., Nehalem. Tickets $20-$25. For more information, visit riverbendplayers. org.

SPRING FESTIVAL CRAFT BAZAAR

April 1, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Neskowin Creek RV Resort, 50500 Hwy. 101, Neskowin. All ages welcome. $5 per table. To reserve spot, call 503-428-3611.

LIVE MUSIC

April 1, 8 p.m. Sportsman’s Pub-N-Grub, 34975 Brooten Rd., Pacific City. Space Mesa and Lunker. For more information, call 503-965-9991.

TREES OF THE

TILLAMOOK FOREST WALK

April 1, 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tillamook Forest Center, 45500 OR-6, Tillamook. Easy stroll seeking diverse tree species and learning their benefits. Free admission. For more information, visit tillamookforestforestcenter.org or call 503-815-6800.

TRIVIA NIGHT

April 1, 5-6:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Free admission. Must be 21 or over. Test your trivia knowledge. Sign-up at PC-Pour.com.

B52-G STRATOFORTRESS

COCKPIT EXHIBIT GRAND OPENING

April 1, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tillamook Air Museum, 6030 Hangar Rd., Tillamook. For more information, email info@tillamookair.com or call 503-842-1130.

ARTIST RECEPTION

April 1, 2-4 p.m. Garibaldi Maritime Museum, 112 Garibaldi Ave., Garibaldi. Sandy Shepard and Laurel Kvale. Encaustic and cold wax exhibit held April 1-29. For more information, call 503-322-8411.

BEACHCOMBING EXPLORIENCE

April 1, 2 p.m. SW 33rd St. access, Lincoln City. Hunt for agates, petrified wood, gemstones and other coastal treasures with a local expert. Free and no registration required. For more information, visit ExploreLincolnCity.com or call 541-996-1274.

APRIL FOOL’S DAY CABERET

April 1, 7-9 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101. A benefit for Family Promise. An evening of song, dance, juggling, improv and good-natured fun. Adult tickets $25, youth $10. For more information, visit ExploreLincolnCity.com or call 541-996-1274.

TREES OF THE

TILLAMOOK FOREST WALK

April 2, 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tillamook Forest Center, 45500 OR-6, Tillamook. Easy stroll seeking diverse tree species and learning their benefits. Free admission. For more information, visit tillamookforestcenter.org or call 503-815-6800.

PACIFIC CITY WALKING GROUP

April 3, 5 & 7, 10 a.m. Meet at Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda

PUBLIC NOTICE

Pacific City Joint Water-Sanitary Authority is recruiting to fill a vacancy on the Budget Committee. The function of the Budget Committee is to hold one or more public meetings, to receive the budget message and budget documents of the Authority, hear public comments on the budget and approve the budget.

Candidate must be a qualified voter of the Authority, a resident of the Authority and be able to attend the budget meeting(s). Applications are available at the Authority Office located at 34005 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City, Oregon and on the web at www.pcjwsa.com. Additional information and applications can be provided by calling the office at 503-965-6636. Applications are due by no later than March 30 at 4 PM.

Dr., Pacific City. For more information, visit https://tillamookcountywellness.org/movewell/walking-groups/ or contact coordinator Kathy at katystar7@hotmail.com or 503-801-7448 (text).

PACIFIC CITY-NESTUCCA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEETING

April 4, noon. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Local community and business matters. Candidates’ Forum.

SOUTH COUNTY FOOD PANTRY

April 4, 12:30-6 p.m. Nestucca Valley Presbyterian Church, 35305 Brooten Rd., Pacific City.

TILLAMOOK COUNTY BOARD

OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING

April 5, 9 a.m. Tillamook County Courthouse, 201 Laurel Ave., Room 106. Also available via teleconference live video at tctvonline.com or teleconference at #971-254-3149, conference ID: 736-023-979 (listen only). For agenda, visit co.tillamook. or.us/bocc.

BIRD WALK: VILLAGES OPEN SPACE

April 7, 9-11 a.m. Villages open space, meet at NE Devils Lake Blvd. past the golf course (look for ASLC sign.) Led by experienced birders. Binoculars and field guides available. Free and open to the public. For more information, LincolnCityParksandRecreation on FB.

EASTER EGG HUNT

April 8. Nestucca K-8 Soccer Field, 36925 Hwy. 101 S., Cloverdale. 10:30 a.m. start for photos with Easter Bunny and exploring a Nestucca RFPD fire engine. 11 a.m. egg hunt. Preschool through 4th grade. Hosted by Nestucca Valley Lions Club. For more information, nestuccavalleylions@ gmail.com.

BINGO NIGHT

April 8, 5-6:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Free admission. Must be 21 or over. Free Bingo. Sign-up at PC-Pour.com.

HELICOPTER EASTER EGG HUNT

April 8, 11 a.m. Hadley Field, 955 N. Main Ave., Tillamook. Hosted by Living Water Fellowship. Separate fields for age groups, eggs delivered by helicopter, hot drinks, Easter Bunny and prize giveaways. For more information, visit livingwatercoast. com.

STORYTELLER: ALTON TAKIYAMI-CHUNG

April 8, 2 p.m. Tillamook County Library, 1716 3rd St., Tillamook. Asian folk tales from many countries as well as legends from Hawaii. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit tillabook.org or call 503-842-4792.

CARRYING THE MAIL FOR THE NORTH COAST DOCUMENTARY

April 8, 3:30 p.m. NCRD Performance Center, 36155 9th St., Nehalem. Homestead - the Life and Times of Mary Gerritse, who delivered the mail by horseback in Tillamook County. $10 at the door. For more information, email info@nahalemvalleyhistory.org.

EGG HUNT IN THE HANGAR

April 8, 10 a.m.-noon. Tillamook Air Museum, 6030 Hangar Rd., Tillamook. Egg hunt at 10 a.m. Face painting, balloon animals and the Easter Bunny. For more information, email info@tillamookair.com or call 503-842-1130.

LINCOLN CITY HALF MARATHON

April 8, 8:45 a.m.-noon. Starts and finishes and Taft High school’s track, 3780 SE Spy Glass Ridge Dr., Lincoln City. Half marathon, 10K, 5K and Kids’ Run. For more information or to register, visit RunSignUp. com.

To have your event added to the Sun’s calendar, email information to tim@pacificcitysun.com

Schubert L. Moore

Nov. 30, 1941Feb. 26, 2023

Schubert L. Moore was born on November 30,1941, in Dallas, Texas where he also grew up. He is survived by his wife Joani and sons Patrick and Joshua and his grandchildren Jordan, Cameron, Rowan and William, as well as a large community of friends. Schubert passed peacefully in his sleep just before midnight on February 26.

During a family trip to the Pacific Northwest, Schubert experienced the lush forests and fruit orchards. He told his parents that he was living in the wrong place and needed to move to the northwest. He graduated from high school in 1959 and headed off to North Texas State University. He postponed beginning his teaching career and worked for several years at Frito Lay. In 1969, he fulfilled his childhood dream of living in the northwest and moved to Yamhill, OR where he began teaching.

During the 1980s, Schubert took a break from teaching and worked for Tektronix starting in manufacturing and then moving up to human resources and then eventually as a recruiter. After completing graduate work at

Portland State, he taught English at Portland Community College.

In 1995, he moved to Pacific City. He loved fishing and was the Captain of the dory the Wild Goose, which he fished out of for 13 years. He helped Linfield College learn about dories, and wrote several fiction titles, a children’s book and many columns for the Headlight Herald.

Nestucca Valley Presbyterian Church

SPRING WHALE WATCH week returns March 28-April 2 when trained volunteers will be stationed at 17 sites along the Oregon Coast in an effort to help visitors spot the traveling cetaceans.

Spring Whale Watch Week returns for spring break

Oregon State Parks will host Spring Whale Watch Week in person along the Oregon Coast Tuesday, March 28 through Sunday, April 2.

Every year thousands of gray whales pass through Oregon’s waters in the spring on their journey home from the calving lagoons in Mexico, and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department invites visitors to the coast to see them.

Trained volunteers will be stationed at 17 sites to help visitors spot whales, share information and answer questions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. The sites are some of the best places to watch for whales on the Oregon Coast. Though Cape Kiwanda has, in pre-Covid times, been one of the staffed sites, it will not feature ORPD volunteers during the Spring Whale Watch Week.

Friday: Bible Study Class, 10:00-11:00 AM

Sunday: Worship Service, 10:00-11:00 AM

Please visit our website for information regarding updates regarding Covid-19, along with information about the livestream of our weekly worship services. nestuccavalleypc.org

CHOICES!

Relax & choose from over 50 winesplus our unique selection of Craft Beer, Cider & Bubblies! And don’t frogetour delicious lite bites!

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Choose from over 100 bottles of specially curated wines

April Hours (Thurs-Sun 2-7pm)

33310 Cape Kiwanda Drive

(2 Doors down from Pelican)

Pa c ific

org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_ whaleWatching

An estimated 18,000 gray whales are expected to swim past Oregon’s shores from late March through June as part of their annual migration back toward Alaska. The end of March is the beginning of this migration and timed perfectly for spring break.

The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about the whales.

4/21 5pm

Make Body Balm4/22 2pm

OR just swing by, relax or play Jenga, Yahtzee, Chess, Connect 4…

*Sign up at www.pc-pour.com

“Spring is a great time for whale watching because the gray whales are usually closer to shore on their return trip, typically around a mile or so out, and the weather is a little warmer for visitors,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride.

A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online on the official event webpage: https://oregonstateparks.

All Whale Watch Week visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, to bring binoculars and to follow beach safety guidelines such as remaining out of fenced areas, knowing the tide schedule and keeping an eye on the surf at all times. Visit https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beachsafety/ for a list of safety tips.

For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visit oregonstateparks. org.

The 2023 Electrical Lineworker Program Scholarship is open now to apply.

Two scholarship opportunities are available for Tillamook County students graduating high school in 2023.

For more information, visit www.tpud.org/news-community/electrical-lineworker-program-scholarship/ or stop by the Tillamook PUD office Applications are due by 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2023.

College Work Program College Work Program

The 2023 College Work Program is now open for Tillamook County students graduating high school in 2023 to apply. Selected applicants work at Tillamook PUD during school breaks.

Photo courtesy of OPRD

New Name, Familiar Faces

Sand + Cedar Realty features the experience of realtor Courtney Fields and her husband Sandro Ortego

By TIM HIRSCH of the Sun

There’s a new name in real estate — Sand + Cedar Realty — but the faces behind the new endeavor are no strangers to marketing properties and serving clients to the area.

After more than a decade in Pacific City real estate, Courtney Fields, together with her husband Sandro Ortega, branched out to form the new company after having bought out the Rob Trost Real Estate office location. The new company now occupies the space Rob Trost had been in, a fully-equipped office at the Shops at the Village in downtown Pacific City.

Together, the duo brings loads of experience to the new company. Fields has been working in real estate here, first at Shorepine Properties and more recently at Rob Trost Realty, for 12 years. And Sandro, who has also had his real estate license for the last couple of years, brings a strong building and construction background.

Sand + Cedar Realty focuses on the South Tillamook County area with an emphasis on Pacific City, Neskowin and Cloverdale but, Fields and Ortega also intend to list some properties further north and south.

As they work to build their new brand, they are promising to offer a high level of service to their clients whether they be locals, second-home owners, or investors, and whether they’re listing a property or helping buyers find their dream home.

“If you just take good care of your clients and always do the right thing, then success will follow,” Fields said. “I get a lot of satisfaction out of working with people and helping them find the thing that’s just right for them or helping to sell.”

She also said her focus is doing what’s right for the customer. And Ortega concurred, adding their focus is on building a relationship with their clients.

“The trust (from our clients) comes because we want to help in every way we can,” he said. “We’re looking out for their best

Rob Trost Real Estate

interests.”

One thing unique about their services is Ortega’s background in the building trade. He says that pays dividends when clients are looking for land and need to know about what size building will fit on the property and how setbacks might affect their building plans.

“I’m happy to go out with them and go through blackberry bushes if need be,” he added.

Fields experience with short-term rentals is also key. She also says she enjoys working with investors.

“That’s been a fun segment to help people that are more numbers driven look at investment-type properties and help them build wealth,” she said.

The duo also sees this area as more than a home for their business.

“We feel like this is our forever community,” Ortega said. “We absolutely love everything about it.”

Sand + Cedar Realty is open seven days a week, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., at 34950 Brooten Road, Suite A-1 in the Shops at the Village complex. Their listings can be viewed at ilovetheoregoncoast.com, and they can be reached by phone at 503-483-1151.

The History of Tillamook County!

Looking Back

Company, Headlands Lodge

Photo by Tim Hirsch

Gorgeous View Lot with plans for custom Townhome to be built. Enjoy the expansive views of the ocean, Nestucca River, Pacific City and Haystack Rock from your sunny hillside home in desirable Pacific Seawatch. Plenty of space for everyone with a primary suite and office (or 2nd bedroom) on the main floor and two extra bedrooms downstairs. Pick your finishes to make this dream home uniquely yours or stay with what is planned.