Pacific City Sun, March 8, 2024

Officials close Cape Kiwanda parking lot to speed construction

Together, Tillamook County and its project team have created a plan that will allow the Kiwanda Corridor Project’s first project, the Cape Kiwanda Parking Lot Reconstruction, to still come in on-time and on-budget, but it will mean a total closure of the parking lot, a closure that went into effect on March 4. Officials say that with a busy summer season upon the Pacific City and surrounding areas, the reconstruction of the lot is well underway. That said, it has been met with a few proverbial bumps in the road: extreme weather delays, a slide on Sandlake Road, material lead times, and minor but unforeseen design changes that happen to any construction project. Still, they say members of the project are committed to finding the best solution to these challenges.

Officials say the parking lot at Cape Kiwanda was closed on March 4 for the following reasons:

• The Sandlake Road closure has significantly increased construction trucking haul routes for earthwork. By temporarily closing the parking lot, onsite earthwork will be stockpiled, which will reduce the transport of soil and aggregates to and from the site. Therefore, the closure results in project efficiency for earthwork and mitigates lost time to the schedule since the landslide event.

• Since demolition began for improvements to Dorymen’s Way, additional design and construction efforts have been required to stabilize portions of the existing boat ramp sidewalk and bulwark that have been significantly undermined through coastal erosion. The result will be a safer and more resilient boat ramp and sidewalk to access the beach.

• Unforeseen conditions were encountered with the project survey monumentation, resulting in design and construction adjustments by the project team.

• Full closure now will make full operation by peak summer season achievable.

Speaking to the Pacific City-Nestucca Valley Chamber of Commerce on March 5, Tillamook County Commissioner Doug Olson said that while the Sandlake Road closure played a part in the delay, the biggest issue was an error in the design related to water runoff.

“A big part of it had to do with elevation

of runoff and survey marker and those kinds of things,” Olson said. “For example, up until this project, when it rained the water ran across the parking lot and ran down along the edge of the boat ramp and to the beach and into the ocean. And that’s why the boat ramp kept getting eroded year after year after year.

“This is putting in an underground, normal drainage system like you have in any parking lot of Fred Meyer or Safeway or at schools. It’s sloped and goes down into a catch basin and then goes down into the sanitary and storm sewer system of (Pacific City Joint Water-Sanitary Authority) and gets treated like any other runoff. But, there was some errors made so they have to go back.”

In spite of the closure, county officials said that efforts are being made to continue safe beach access. This means that all public access to the beach will continue to be maintained, including boat launching activities via Dorymen’s Way; limited parking will be made available during Oregon’s Spring Break for no charge; additional parking will become available by May as the north side of the lot is completed (again, free to park until the lot is fully operational); safe pedestrian access to the beach is encouraged along the Pelican Brewing sidewalk; and additional signage and “Getting Around” resource maps will be placed throughout the area.

Pacific City Boat Launch (60 parking stalls including space for large, motorized vehicles); Bob Straub State Park (60 parking stalls with direct access to the beach); and Pacific City Turnaround (20 parking stalls and a quaint walk across the Beachy Bridge to local shops and food).

The County says it is working closely with Visit Tillamook Coast, other Pacific Northwest destination management organizations, Pacific City-Nestucca Valley Chamber, and local government agencies to ensure this closure is broadly communicated and other areas for parking and beach access are known and publicized. Officials say these intermittent closures are the best move for project completion and create the least disruption to our very beloved, and also populated, Cape Kiwanda. They say other parking options are: Nestucca Valley Community Alliance Skatepark (55 parking stalls and only a 10-minute walk to Cape Kiwanda);

The Cape Kiwanda Lot Reconstruction includes what officials describe as a much-needed demolition of the existing restrooms; a new restroom building and connecting sidewalks located much closer to the beach; repaving / grading of the parking lot and Dorymen’s Way with upgraded stormwater management systems; pedestrian-only pathways; civic overlook; upgraded refuse and recycling; EV charging stations; information kiosk; safe routes for drop-offs, pedestrians, bikes and the free Pacific City Shuttle; and the trailhead for the future Multi-Use Path. The parking lot reconstruction is the first part of Tillamook County’s KCP to be built.

The design team has also incorporated infrastructure for future wayfinding

connections to the five other project elements of the KCP. More information on the overall KCP can be found on the project website: https://tillamookcoast. com/southcounty/kiwanda-corridor/.

The project is being funded by County transient lodging taxes, day-use revenues from Pacific City parking lots, and grants from state agencies.

The KCP connects multiple County properties and supports the development of other public spaces with a thoughtfully programmed design that disperses crowds, creates opportunities for equitable outdoor play and education, and promotes stewardship of Pacific City and its natural resources as a whole.

The six project elements include:Cape Kiwanda Parking Lot, Jensen Property, Nestucca Valley Community Alliance Park, Multi-Use Path, Webb Park, and the Shorepine Village Boardwalk.

For more information, please contact Rachel Hagerty, Tillamook County Chief of Staff, at rachel.hagerty@ tillamookcounty.gov.

Photo by Tim Hirsch

OSU leads effort to expand ocean oxygen monitoring sensor use

By MICHELLE KLAMPE Oregon State University

Oregon State University researchers are leading an effort to refine the design and expand use of oxygen monitoring sensors that can be deployed in fishing pots to relay critical information on changing ocean conditions to the fishing industry.

The new project, a collaboration with industry and Tribal partners, is funded by a three-year, $1.2 million Ocean Technology Transition grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The dissolved oxygen sensors, initially developed by Oregon State researchers to learn more about how hypoxia, or low oxygen, is affecting crabbing in the Pacific Northwest, have reportedly shown to be an effective tool for crabbers and fisheries managers. Versions of the sensors have drawn interest from other fisheries and are now used by the lobster industry on the East Coast.

“This sensor has proven to be a vital and innovative tool for collecting important data about changing ocean conditions in areas that matter most to our local partners,” said Jessica Garwood, an assistant professor in Oregon State’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences and the project’s principal investigator. “This project is really about scaling up this technology so that it can be implemented and adopted more widely across the region and potentially globally.”

Under the grant, the researchers seek to refine the sensor design and expand its capabilities to provide intuitive, near real-time information to the fishing community and fisheries managers to guide decisions about where and when to place pots or pull them up.

Hypoxia is a low-oxygen condition that poses a significant threat to a wide range of marine animals, with major impacts on the ecosystem and the economy, including tourism and the seafood industry.

The Dungeness crab fishery is an important economic driver across the West Coast of the United States. In Oregon, it is considered the most valuable single-species fishery, bringing in $33 million to $75 million a year, according to the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission.

Oregon now has a “hypoxia season,” much like the wildfire season, that takes place in late summer. When oxygen levels get low enough, crabs and other marine organisms that are place-bound, or cannot move away rapidly enough, die of oxygen starvation.

Oregon State researchers first developed the sensor concept more than a decade ago in response to concerns from local crabbers who were pulling up pots full of dead crabs that had been caught in hypoxic dead zones and wanted advice on where they might have better success.

“It was a really effective research tool, and it gave the crabbers information they wouldn’t have had otherwise, but the process was slower than we wanted it to be. The fishing

community had to wait for me to compile the data to get an overall picture of the region,” said Francis Chan, a marine ecologist and director of the Cooperative Institute for Marine Ecosystem and Resources Studies at OSU’s Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport. He is a co-investigator on the new effort.

“Now we’re in a position to turn this tool into something that could be as commonplace as a fish finder. We can put it into the hands of the people out working in the ocean, while also collecting important ocean data every day.”

Wide adoption of the sensors by fishers and fisheries management groups also presents an opportunity to glean a significant amount of new information, over a larger area, about changing ocean conditions, said Jack Barth, a co-investigator on the project and special advisor to OSU’s Marine and Coastal Opportunities program. Barth and Chan worked together with local fishers to launch the initial sensor project.

“What we really want are weekly or even daily underwater maps, where you can start to see patterns of how hypoxic areas grow and move around in the ocean,” Barth said. “From a sensor attached to a crab pot that travels through the water column and rests on the seafloor, you can gain a vast amount of information. That information is multiplied when more and more sensors are in use.”

NOAA’s Integrated Ocean Observing System Ocean Technology Transition program supports the transition of emerging marine observation technology from research to operation. With funds from the program, the OSU team will work with its industry, Tribal and government partners to develop a lowcost sensor that collects and shares data in an automated and easy to use way, such as an app

with notifications.

“People are really good at interpreting data when they have exposure to that data, and this is information they want,” Garwood said. “If the fishing community has access to data about ocean conditions, they will develop a sense of, ‘Oh, when I see this, that means it’s fine to drop my pots here.’ And we will be grateful for what they teach us in the process.”

Data also will be collected and made available to researchers through the Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems or NANOOS, where it will augment other coastal ocean data already being collected and be made available to researchers across the globe.

The team is working with the Salem-based Sexton Co. to manufacture up to three rounds of prototypes of the sensor for testing by the fishing community. Jeremy Childress, the company’s CEO, originally worked on the sensor project as a graduate student at Oregon State.

Also on the project’s research team are Kipp Shearman of Oregon State and Jan Newton and Roxanne Carini of the NANOOS team at the University of Washington. Fishing industry partners include commercial and charter fishermen in Port Orford, Newport, and Brookings, and the Tulalip Tribe in Washington.

Also providing input on the project is an advisory group with members from Quinault Indian Nation; the Quileute Tribe; the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission; the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission; and the Environmental Monitors on Lobster Traps and Large Trawlers program at the NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center.

Project leaders are also open to working with additional ocean users who are interested in getting involved with the sensor project.

THE CREW of an Oregon crab boat deploys temperature sensors in crab pots off the central Oregon coast, 2009, as part of the Scientist and Fishermen Exchange program sponsored by Oregon Sea Grant.

Photo courtesy of Gregg Kleiner/Oregon Sea Grant

Coast to receive more than $13 million for

The Oregon House of Representatives passed the Emergency Housing Stability and Production Package on March 4. Key housing infrastructure investments proposed by State Representative David Gomberg (D-Otis) were included in the legislation, delivering more than $13 million in funding to Oregon coastal communities.

“This housing crisis isn’t just a Portland problem,” said Gomberg. “We need new housing in all corners of this state, and infrastructure investments like these are going to help small communities like mine tackle the big projects they’ll need to start building.”

Coastal housing investments in the Package include $900,000 to Tillamook Family Counseling Center, Inc. for Tillamook transitional recovery housing purchase; $274,057 to the City of Tillamook for improvements for JonesKnudson Apartments; and $2,709,000 to the City of Manzanita for water and stormwater infrastructure for residential housing development.

Additional investments are $640,000 to the City of Toledo for water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure improvements, as well as a traffic study and road

improvements along Sturdevant Road to support a new apartment complex; $1,900,000 to the City of Florence for water, sewer and wastewater infrastructure for four blocks of cityowned property to be developed; $3 million to the City of Lincoln City for a booster pump station for Spring Lake housing development; $900,000 to the City of North Bend for stormwater and sewer collection system upgrades for Gloria Dei site development and water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure improvements for Maple Leaf development; $3 million to the City of Siletz for wastewater treatment plant upgrades;

“Cities like mine need these kinds of investments to meaningfully contribute to closing the gap in our state’s housing production shortfall,” said Will Worman, Mayor of Siletz. “Simply put, funding for critical infrastructure projects like our wastewater treatment facilities allows us to not only unlock new lands for housing development, but to do so without unduly burdening existing ratepayers.”

The Emergency Housing Stability and Production Package is now awaiting signature by Governor Tina Kotek.

A controversial Habitat Conservation Plan for State Forests that will reportedly reduce timber harvests by 34 percent and is expected to result in billions of dollars of lost revenue for the next 70 years was narrowly approved by a divided Board of Forestry on March 7.

Hampton Lumber says the agency and the Board realized back in January 2023 that the draft HCP would drastically reduce harvest levels and fail to meet the agency’s own objectives. They say that after a year of public comment on the draft plan and growing alarm and frustration among the counties, taxing districts, businesses, residents, and several Board of Forestry members, Department of Forestry staff didn’t deviate from their initial plan.

“No alternatives were ever explored,” said Randy Schillinger, CEO of Hampton Lumber.

“There was no reflection, no amendment, no compromise and no consideration for communities and jobs.” In the end, the Board was split 4-3 in favor of the HCP as drafted.

“A few will celebrate passage of this HCP, but anything that excludes and harms this many people is not a win for Oregon,” said Schillinger. “We want to be clear that we want a balanced approach to management of our State Forests. We value biodiversity, wildlife habitat, and water quality,” he said. “However, the amount of forestland arbitrarily set aside in “no touch” zones by ODF is too excessive and has not been well explained or defended. These excessive set-asides are the primary reason harvest will decline, and they are not necessary to accomplish ecological goals.”

Harvest levels on state forests are expected to continue to drop and regional timber supply will tighten further.

“More forest sector businesses, large and small, will certainly suffer and shutter as a result,” said Schillinger.

The Governor has indicated that she’ll try to cobble together some funds for the counties to compensate them for the revenue losses that will hammer their budgets. That money, if it materializes, would be akin to the federal Secure Rural Schools program that has attempted, and unfortunately failed, to alleviate the economic fallout from the shutdown of the federal forests 30 years ago.

The counties affected by this HCP have noted that harvest volume is the true engine that generates economic benefit for their communities. Communities desperately

need funding for essential services, and they need productive forest management and economic opportunities. When harvests decline, the economic impact of lost work in the surrounding communities is even greater than the loss of direct revenues to the counties. Those losses tear at the fabric that holds communities together.

“While many have lost faith and trust in the process, we cannot withdraw from the conversation,” said Schillinger. “There is too much at stake. Maintaining what forest sector infrastructure remains in northwest Oregon will require ODF now to work to maximize the harvest volume allowed under the HCP.”

A benefit of an HCP is that it provides assurances that ODF’s harvest plans can be implemented. With those assurances in hand, ODF should be able to meet the harvest targets it sets for itself.

“If the agency falls short of its own goals going forward, the public should know why,” said Schillinger. “It will be critical that forest sector workers, counties, and taxing districts remain engaged to ensure ODF does not fall short on its promises under this HCP.”

Hampton Lumber says state forests remain critical to sawmilling infrastructure in northwest Oregon and to the production of wood products for society. Oregon grows and manufactures much needed, carbon-friendly building materials from some of the most sustainability managed forest resources on the planet. The wood produced in northwest Oregon helps shelter millions of people throughout the region year after year.

“This sector and all who depend on it deserved better today,” said Schillinger. “And we will need more consideration and support going forward.”

Hampton Lumber is a fourth-generation, family-owned company headquartered in Portland. With more than 80 years in the sawmill business, Hampton operates sawmills in Oregon — including one in Tillamook, Washington, and British Columbia and markets wood products all over the world. Hampton also manages a wholesale and lumber export division and numerous reload and remanufacturing facilities throughout the U.S. All of Hampton’s forestlands are certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), an independent, nonprofit organization that promotes sustainable forest management. SFI certified forests play an important role in water conservation, wildlife habitat, and climate solutions.

Razor clam harvesting closed on Central Coast

The Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife recently announced that razor clam harvesting has closed from Cascade Head (north of Lincoln City) to Seal Rock State Park (north of

Wildlife.

for elevated levels

the marine biotoxin domoic acid. Razor clam harvesting remains closed for elevated

of the marine biotoxin domoic acid from Cape Blanco (north of Port Orford) to the California border.

Razor clam harvesting is open from the Washington border to Cascade Head and is open from just south of Seal Rock State Park to Cape Blanco.

Crab, mussel and bay clam harvesting are open along the entire Oregon coast. ODA will continue to test for shellfish toxins twice per month, as tides and weather permit.

Reopening an area closed for biotoxins requires two consecutive tests with results below the closure limit. For more information on recreational license requirements, permits, rules and limits, contact Oregon Department of Fish and

For closure details, call ODA’s shellfish biotoxin safety hotline at 800-4482474, the Food Safety Division at 503986-4720, or visit oregon.gov/ODA/ programs/FoodSafety/Shellfish/Pages/ ShellfishClosures.aspx.

DORY-CAUGHT

Spring into Game Action

By TIM HIRSCH of the Sun

Aday of family fun and excitement will usher in Oregon’s Spring Break on Sunday, March 24, when the Kiawanda Community Center hosts a game day and laser tag course. Organizers are promising what they describe as a “delightful array of board games” ready for play thanks to event cosponsor, Fiddlesticks, a toy store located in the Shops at the Village, 34950 Brooten Rd., Pacific City. Board game play, set for 11 a.m.-4 p.m., will include both classic games and new features. And participating in this portion of activities is free.

A second portion of the March 24 gamefocused fun, will be in the Faye Jensen Hall, from 1-2:30 p.m. where a laser tag course will be set up for what organizers say will be an “adrenaline-pumping experience.” For $10, participants of all ages can enjoy the spirited experience, which is being set up by Crossfire Lasertag of Salem.

“It’s an opportunity to create lasting memories while enjoying spirited competiton,” said Amanda Graves, event

coordinator for Kiawanda Community Center. “Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to kick off your Spring Break with a day of laughter, friendly competition, and community spirit. We look forward to welcoming you at Kiawanda Community Center for a day of wholesome entertainment.”

Graves added that part of the concept behind the event is to show the community that the center can serve as a fun place for a birthday party and events such as lasertag can be a fun option as part of that.

“We don’t have all these recreational businesses (like lasertag), so it’s amazing how we can transform KCC to meet those needs,” added Emily Wenrick, board member of KCC.

And Graves was complimentary of the support that Fiddlesticks has provided.

“Fiddlesticks has been a great support for our programs this year at Kiawanda Community Center. For example they’ve stared a regular (once every two weeks) “Mommy and Me” group on Thursday mornings from 8:30-10 a.m.”

For more information, kiawanda.com where you can also find the full calendar of upcoming KCC events.

AFTER A DECIDEDLY wet and cold winter, the signs of spring are beginning to shine some hope for brighter things to come in Pacific City as this March 1 photo of a rainbow over the town’s “hill” attests to. This year, spring officially begins on March 19.

Photo by Tim Hirsch

Tracking Ocean Movement

Science on Tap presentation, set for March 13, to focus on tracking animals in the ocean

By TIM HIRSCH of the Sun

An opportunity to learn about tracking fish in Oregon, sip on some award-winning beers, and dine on fine pub fare awaits coastal dwellers and visitors on March 13, when the Pelican Brewing Co., together with the Nestucca, Neskowin & Sand Lake Watersheds Councils hosts a Science on Tap presentation titled “Ocean Trackers: movement, migration and growth of animals in the ocean.”

Tillamook PUD

Presented by Jessica Miller, professor in Fisheries and Wildlife at Oregon State University and head of the Marine & Anadromous Fisheries Ecology Program, the free event, which starts at 6 p.m. at Pelican Brewery’s Pacific City brewpub, will give attendees the chance to learn about the research Miller uses to understand animal movement around the ocean and how environmental variations influence their growth and survival. She will also discuss marine heatwaves and their effects on marine populations.

Miller’s research interests include the evolution of life history diversity and mixing and migration in marine and anadromous populations. Through collaborations, she has combined field

and lab studies, biogeochemistry, and genetics, to address basic questions in marine and fisheries ecology as well as provide information critical for management and conservation efforts.

For questions about this upcoming Science on Tap presentation, contact Pelican Brewing by visiting pelicanbrewing.com or Nestucca, Neskowin and Sandlake Wastersheds Council by navigating to nestuccawaters.org.

Erin Skaar to host ‘Meet the Candidate’ event

Tillamook County Commissioner Erin Skaar, who is seeking reelection this May for County Commissioner Position #1, a four-year term, is hosting a “Meet the Candidate” event on Monday, March 18, 4-6 p.m., Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Light refreshements will be served. Skaar was first elected to the post in November 2020. As of press time, three

additional candidates had filed to challenge her in the election: Jeff Spink, Thomas J. Fiorelli, and Bruce Lovelin. Candidates have until March 12 to file for the May 21 primary. If no candidate receives a majority of the votes (50 percent + 1 vote) for this office, the two candidates who receive the highest number of votes in the primary are nominated and move to the November general election.

accepting applications for the 2024 College Work Program!

Local high school seniors pursuing higher education after graduation are eligible to apply. The applicant selected would work at Tillamook PUD during summer and school breaks.

Photo courtesy of Oregon State University

Taking the Open Road

By TIM HIRSCH of the Sun

After approximately three months of closure, Sandlake Road just south of Tierra Del Mar is open once again, but as a one-way road controlled by temporary signal lights. The road, which connects Pacific City with Tierra Del Mar had suffered a large landside in early December and been closed ever since.

The road opened at approximately 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6. To craft the short-term, one-way solution, a specialty design and build firm was hired, who built a series of “benches” that repeat every five feet for a total of 20 feet where soil nails were driven in. Finally, it was covered with a steel grid and then further secured with a sprayable concrete that not only adds structural strength but protects the steel from the weather. The total cost of the project was $800,000 — including $118,000 invested for preliminary engineering for the long-term fix. This was to ensure that the short-term fix was compatible with the eventual, permanent

solution, Chris Laity, director of Tillamook County Public Works told the Sun

The breakdown of the rest of the cost was $579,000 for the soil nails structure and excavation, $83,000 for the signals, and $20,000 to purchase used concrete barrier rails.

The opening was pushed up from what was anticipated in early March thanks to improving weather. Because the short-term fix was finished earlier than originally thought, the county is currently renting the signals while waiting for the ones they purchased to arrive.

Laity said the project did also widen the shoulder a bit, which he hopes will make for a safe environment for pedestrians and bicyclists.

“We expect people to walk and ride their bikes through here,” he said. “The nice thing is we widened that out. We actually opened the ditch up and then we graded it and added some rock so that if somebody is in there and the light changed, they can get out of the way real easy. And it’s such a short distance. Hopefully, that will all work out pretty well.”

Oregon’s Marine Reserves program stengthened

The Oregon Senate passed House Bill 4132, which builds on the success of Oregon’s marine reserves program, with wide bipartisan support on March 6. Based on the recommendations from the 10-year review study conducted by Oregon State University, the bill calls on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to create a management plan for Oregon’s five marine reserves that will continue to protect the Oregon coast, a vital economic and cultural hub for the state.

“This bill builds on the findings of the Marine Reserves Program by communicating vital scientific research back to communities to ensure collaboration between coastal stakeholders – yielding informed policy decisions in the future. This is the Oregon way,” said Senator Dick Anderson (R - Lincoln City), who carried HB 4132 on the Senate floor.

The bill also directs ODFW to work with tribes, fisheries, and local communities to make sure that the scientific work being done on the reserves incorporates regional knowledge and is usable for the communities on the coast.

“Oregon’s marine reserves are so important to the long-term health and stability of our beautiful coast. This bill is going to help this program stay flexible and adaptive, which is especially important as our coastal communities navigate the uncertainties of climate change,” said Senator Janeen Sollman (D - Hillsboro), chair of the Senate Energy and Environment Committee.

The Oregon House of Representatives previously passed the bill on March 4. Supporters at the House say the bill, which passed unanimously, represents a significant step forward in the state’s commitment to ocean conservation, stakeholder collaboration, and sustainable management of marine

resources.

“It’s been a decade since we’ve established marine reserves off our Oregon Coast,” said Rep. David Gomberg (D-Otis), chief sponsor of the bill. “And while they have been invaluable in our understanding of changing ocean conditions and consequent impacts on our fisheries and natural environment, I’m heartened to see my colleagues support legislation like this that will strengthen the program, facilitate better engagement with tribal communities and our fisheries, and truly carry out ocean conservation the Oregon way.”

Since the establishment of Oregon’s five marine reserves in 2012, these protected areas have served as both educational resources and scientific laboratories, providing invaluable insights into the dynamics of our coastal ecosystems. With the 10-year assessment conducted by scientists at Oregon State University and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, recommendations were crafted to enhance the effectiveness of the program and included in HB 4132.

“This bill will bolster monitoring efforts, enhance adaptive management strategies, and support innovative scientific research aimed at addressing the challenges posed by a changing climate,” said Rep. Khanh Pham (D-Portland). “Importantly though, it does it in a way that truly centers stakeholder collaboration with our ocean users and tribes. That’s key.”

HB 4132 reportedly received wide bipartisan support, including support from every coastal legislator.

Legislators say the enactment of HB 4132 signifies Oregon’s continued leadership in marine conservation and underscores the legislature’s commitment to safeguarding its coastal environment in a robust and collaborative manner.

THE SANDLAKE ROAD section north of Pacific City that was closed due to a landslide reopened as a one-lane road with alternating traffic controlled by signal lights on March 6.

Photo by Tim Hirsch

FRIDAY GAME NIGHT

Calendar Events of

March 8, 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.

BEACHCOMBING EXPLORIENCE

March 8, 3 p.m. Meet at SW 33rd St. beach entrance, Lincoln City. Hunt for gemstones, agates, petrified wood and more with local expert. Free and no registration required. Visit ExploreLincolnCity.com or call 541-996-1274.

‘CRIMES OF THE HEART’

March 8 & 9, 7 p.m. and March 10, 2 p.m. NCRD, 36155 9th St., Nehalem. Tickets $10-$25. Visit riverbendplayers.org.

SPEED-FRIENDING EVENT

March 9, 1 p.m. Tillamook County Library, 1716 3rd St., Tillamook. Limited number of seats available. Registration required. Visit tillabook.org or call 503842-4792.

OPEN MIC NIGHT

March 9, 5:30-8 p.m. Bay City Arts Center, 5680 A St., Bay City. Register for your 7 minutes of stage fame. For more information, visit baycityartscenter.com.

TRIVIA NIGHT

March 9, 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.

CENTRAL COAST JAZZ ALLIANCE

March 9, 6-8 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Night of hard bop and modern jazz. Tickets $15 at the door. Visit kiawanda.com or call 503-965-7900.

6TH ANNUAL BULLS & BRONCS

March 9, 7 p.m. Tillamook County Fairgrounds, 4603 3rd St., Tillamook. Bulls & Broncs show, food vendors, intermission entertainment and more. Tickets $35. Visit tillamookfair.com.

BULLS & BRONCS RODEO

AFTER PARTY HOEDOWN

March 9, 8 p.m.-midnight. Tillamook Elk’s Lodge, 1907 3rd St., Tillamook. Live music by Sweetwater. $10 mechanical bull rides. $5 admission or present your rodeo ticket stub for entry. 21 and over event.

39TH ANNUAL GARIBALDI CRAB RACES

March 9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and March 10, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Old Mill, 210 3rd St., Garibaldi. Races, prizes and food. Adults $5 and $2 kids 6-12.

BATIK WORKSHOP

March 10, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Bay City Arts Center, 5680 A St., Bay City. Wax resistant fiber dying. $30 tuition - supplies provided. RSVP to hope.montgomery04@ gmail.com. Call 731-592-1737.

NATURE PRINTING CLASS

March 10, 1-3:30 p.m. Burkhardt Gallery, 34394 Hwy. 101 S., Hebo. Make art from leaves, feather, and other found objects. Practice hand printing and with an etching press. $45 fee. To register, email burkhardtmab@gmail.com or call 503-812-9866.

NESTUCCA VALLEY LIONS CLUB MEETING

March 11, 6 p.m. The Lion’s Den, 34510 Parkway Dr., Cloverdale. FEmail nestuccavalleylions@gmail.com.

NESTUCCA VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD MEETING

March 11, 6 p.m. Nestucca Valley High School, 34660 Parkway Dr., Cloverdale.

ALL THAT JAZZ

March 11, 7 p.m. Seventh Day Adventist Church, 2610 1st St., Tillamook. Monday Musical Club of Tillamook presents Lacey Hawkins. Free admission - open to the public. Visit mondaymusicalcluboftillamook.blogspot. com or call 503-812-8580.

PACIFIC CITY WALKING WONDERS

March 11, 13 & 15, 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).

STITCHERS QUILTING GROUP

March 12, 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. Email scnutting@gmail.com or call 503-801-0702.

PACIFIC CITY JOINT WATER-SANITARY

AUTHORITY BOARD MEETING

March 12, 5-7 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Call 503-9656636.

MOVIE NIGHT

March 12, 6 p.m. Tillamook County Library, 1716 3rd St., Tillamook. Free showing of “Indiana Jones and the

Dial of Destiny” - rated PG-13. All ages welcome. Visit tillabook.org or call 503-842-4792.

SOUTH TILLAMOOK COUNTY LIBRARY CLUB BOARD MEETING

March 12, 7 p.m. South Tillamook County Library, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City.

TILLAMOOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING

March 13, 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.

SOUTH TILLAMOOK COUNTY LIBRARY STORYTIME

March 13, 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.

NESTUCCA RURAL FIRE PROTECTION

DISTRICT BOARD MEETING

March 13, 4 p.m. Hebo Fire Station, 30710 Hwy. 101 S., Hebo. Call 503-392-3313.

PACIFIC CITY YOUTH KARATE

March 13, 4 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Life skills and beginner martial arts. $25 sign-up fee; $50 per month. For more information, call 971-910-1188.

SCIENCE ON TAP

March 13, 6-8 p.m. Pelican Brewing, 33180 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Jessica Miller presents “Ocean Trackers: Movement, Migration and Growth of Animals in the Ocean.” Free admission and open to the public.

MOMMY & ME

March 14, 8:30-10 a.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Free event hosted by Fiddlesticks Toys. Call 971-533-6545.

TAI CHI

March 14, 10:30 a.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Volunteer led for all ages and levels. For more information, call 503510-0588.

DORY DAYS COMMITTEE MEETING

March 14, 6 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Volunteers and helping hands needed.

JOHN GORKA CONCERT

March 14, 7 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Folksinger/songwriter John Gorka. Tickets $20-$35. Visit lincolncity-culturalcenter. com or call 541-994-9994.

NESKO WOMEN’S CLUB MEETING

March 15, 11:30 a.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Guest speaker glass fusion artist Sue Miller. For reservations, contact Cathy at gillinghamcathy@gmail.com or 541-622-3104.

FRIDAY GAME NIGHT

March 15, 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.

SPRING BAZAAR

March 15, noon-7 p.m. March 16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tillamook County Fairgrounds, 4603 3rd St., Tillamook. Craft and merchant vendors, home and spring decor,

food concessions and more. Free entry. Visit tillamookfair.com.

‘CRIMES OF THE HEART’

March 15 & 16, 7 p.m. and March 17, 2 p.m. NCRD, 36155 9th St., Nehalem. Tickets $10-$25. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit riverbendplayers.org.

LUCKY LEPRECHAUN 5K

March 16, 10-11:30 a.m. On the beach near Chinook Winds Casino Resort. 5K out and back race on the sand. $10 entry fee. To register, visit LincolnCity.org/ Departments/Parks-Recreation.

BEACHCOMBING EXPLORIENCE

March 16, 11 a.m. Meet at SW 33rd St. beach entrance, Lincoln City. Hunt for gemstones, agates, petrified wood and more with local expert. Free and no registration required. Visit ExploreLincolnCity.com or call 541-996-1274.

CREATE YOUR OWN WINE GLASS

March 16, 2-3:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Learn to hand decorate 2 wine glasses to take home. $40 fee includes instruction, supplies and first beverage. RSVP at PC-Pour. com.

IRISH HARP CONCERT

March 16, 2 p.m. Tillamook County Library, 1716 3rd St., Tillamook. Sharlys Dugan will play traditional Irish music, step dancing and stories. For more information, visit tillabook.org or call 503-842-4792.

BINGO NIGHT

March 16, 5-6:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Free admission. Must be 21 or over. Play Bingo. Sign-up at PC-Pour.com.

LINE DANCING CLASS

March 16, 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.

WINDERMERE REAL ESTATE

OPEN HOUSE AND IRISH MUSIC

March 17, 1-3 p.m. Windermere Real Estate, 35170 Brooten Rd., Pacific City. Irish music and refreshments. 21+ only. Call 503-483-1133.

NESKOWIN CHAMBER MUSIC

March 17, 3 p.m. Chapel at Camp Wi-Ne-Ma, 5195 Winema Rd., north of Pacific City. Boston Trio. Email neskowinchambermusic101@gmail.com or call 360513-7632. SOUND BOWL SUNDAY

March 17, 6:30 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Visit kiawanda. com.

PACIFIC CITY WALKING WONDERS

March 18, 20 & 22, 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).

STITCHERS QUILTING GROUP

March 19, 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. Email scnutting@gmail.com or call 503-801-0702.

SOUTH COUNTY FOOD PANTRY

March 19, 12:30-6 p.m. Nestucca Valley Presbyterian Church, 35305 Brooten Rd., Pacific City.

SPRING CELEBRATION AND PROPAGATION FAIR

March 19, 5-7 p.m. Lincoln City Community Center, 2150 NE Oar Place., Lincoln City. Make a take-home flower planter - supplies provided. Call 541-994-2131.

NESTUCCA, NESKOWIN & SAND LAKE

WATERSHEDS COUNCIL BOARD MEETING

March 19, 6-8 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Open to the public - in person or remote. Visit nestuccawaters.org for more information.

MOVIE NIGHT

March 19, 6 p.m. Tillamook County Library, 1716 3rd St., Tillamook. Free showing of “Dungeons and Dragons - Honor Among Thieves” - rated PG-13. All ages welcome. Visit tillabook.org or call 503-842-4792.

TILLAMOOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING

March 20, 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.

PACIFIC CITY YOUTH KARATE

March 20, 4 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Life skills and beginner martial arts. $25 sign-up fee; $50 per month. Call 971-910-1188.

TAI CHI

March 21, 10:30 a.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Volunteer led for all ages and levels. For more information, call 503510-0588.

FRIDAY GAME NIGHT

March 22, 4-7 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Use PC Pour’s board games or bring your own. Must be 21 or over. RSVP at PCPour.com.

CANDLE MAKING WORKSHOP

March 22, 5-6:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Create your own personalized candles. $40 fee includes instruction, supplies and first beverage. RSVP at PC-Pour.com.

SPRING CLEANING SALE

March 23, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Rent a table for $20. For more information or to register, visit kiawanda.com or call 503-965-7900;

UKULELE JAM

March 23. Tillamook County Library, 1716 3rd St., Tillamook. 1 p.m. beginners lessons. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Jam. Bring your own instrument or borrow from the library. For more information, visit tillabook.org or call 503842-4792.

PAINT & SIP

March 23, 2-3:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Join guest artist Natasha Ramras for a watercolor Paint and Sip. Course fee includes all supplies, instruction and first beverage. RSVP at PC-Pour.com.

BROWNSMEAD FLATS CONCERT

March 23, 3 p.m. Tillamook County Library, 1716 3rd St., Tillamook. Acoustic band will play traditional and original Crabgrass music (bluegrass with maritime flavor.) For more information, visit tillabook.org or call 503-842-4792.

PICTIONARY

March 23, 5-6:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Show off your drawing skills (or lack thereof). Free. Sign-up at PC-Pour.com.

FESTIVAL OF ILLUSIONS

March 23, 7 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Fly Through Time with Leapin’ Louie. Tickets $9-$17; free for children 5 and under. For more information, visit lincolncity-culturalcenter.com or call 541-994-9994.

LINE DANCING CLASS

March 23, 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.

SPRING WHALE WATCH WEEK

March 23-31. Watch gray whales migrating back north after wintering in the south. Ideal spotting areas in South County at Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area and Cape Lookout State Park. For more information, visit ORWhaleWatch.org.

A Talented Trio

Boston Trio will bring their traditional and contemporary repertoire to the Chapel at Camp Wi-Ne-Ma on March 17

Acclaimed for their superb sense of ensemble and wondrous balance, the Boston Trio will bring their virtuosic and profound talents to the Neskowin Chamber Music series on

Sunday, March 17.

The group, which is known for its exceptional and daring performances of the standard and contemporary repertoire, will take the stage at 3 p.m. at the Chapel at Camp Wi-Me-Ma, 5195 Winema Rd., Cloverdale.

“Whenever this trio plays, drop everything and go hear them!” hailed the Boston Globe on the occasion of the Boston Trio’s Tanglewood debut at Ozawa Hall.

Violinist Irina Muresanu, cellist Jonah Ellsworth, and pianist Heng-Jin Park each have distinguished careers as soloist, recitalist, chamber musician, and have appeared with major orchestras and premier music festivals throughout the United States and Europe. Park, the founder of the Boston Trio and founder and Artistic Director of Halcyon Music Festival, made her solo debut with the Boston Pops at the age of 15. Muresanu, who has appeared as soloist and chamber musician throughout the United States, Europe and Asia, is the recipient of top prizes at the Montreal International Competition and the Washington International competition. Ellsworth has performed as soloist with the Boston Symphony, Akron Symphony, Boston Philharmonic, Jacksonville Symphony, Johnstown Symphony, as well as appearances at Verbier and Marlboro music festivals.

During the last two seasons, the Boston Trio performed at the prestigious Newport Classical Music Festival (including a piece by Stacy Garrop which was commissioned for the trio by Newport Classical), the Sanibel Music Festival, the Halcyon Music Festival, the Community Concerts at Second (Baltimore, Maryland), the Feldman Chamber Music Society (Norfolk, Virg.), the Charleston Chamber Music Society (Charleston, W. Virg.) and Park International Center for Music (Kansas City), among others. Recent highlights for the Boston Trio include performances at Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall, the Maui Classical Music Festival, the Virtuosi Concerts (Winnipeg, Canada), the Clark Memorial Library UCLA, University of Maine at Collins Center, University of

Maryland, Neskowin Chamber Music Series (Ore.), Flagler Museum (Palm Beach, Florida), the Chamber Music Society of Williamsburg (Virg.), the Kalliroscope Gallery (Mass.) and Gold Coast Chamber Players (Calif.), and several performances of Beethoven’s Triple Concerto with the Boston Philharmonic.

The Boston Trio, who say they are passionately committed to furthering the exposure and performances of new music, have premiered several works written for and dedicated to them.

The group has been invited to perform on numerous prestigious music series including the Celebrity Series of Boston, Seiji Ozawa Hall in Tanglewood, Chamber Music Society of Utica, Gualala Arts Chamber Music Series, “First Monday” series at NEC, Bay Chamber Concerts in Rockport (Maine), Harvard Musical Association, Concerts at the Point, Brigham Young University, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Howland Chamber Music Circle, University of Arkansas, Merkin Hall, and nationally televised performance at Belgrade Music Festival at Kolarac Foundation Hall in Serbia. The Boston Trio has released several acclaimed recordings. Their latest one titled “Elegy and Blue” was released by the Centaur label.

Actively involved in the education of the next generation of musicians, the Boston Trio has held mini-residencies at the Dickinson College (Penn.), Gordon College (Mass.), and Luther College (Iowa). The trio members have coached chamber music at Tanglewood Institute of Music, Harvard University, and MIT, and served as Ensemble-in-Residence at the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and at the New England Conservatory. The Trio is committed to bringing chamber music to a broader community through outreach activities at public schools and assisted living centers. The Boston Trio’s individual members serve on the faculties of the New England Conservatory, the University of Maryland, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and are in demand as master class teachers throughout the United States, Asia and Europe.

Tickets for the March 17 Neskowin Chamber Music show are available at the door ($30 for adults, $10 for youth – cash or check). For more information, visit neskowinchambermusic.com/.

BOSTON TRIO will bring their virtuosic and profound talents to the Neskowin Chamber Music series on Sunday, March 17. Concert time is 3 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Boston Trio