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COVID-19 Relief............................ PAGE 2 Update On Schools. . ....................... PAGE 8

December 30, 2020

Serving Lincoln City Since 1927

Construction tax waiver created for fire victims

$1.50

Business grants Holiday Funding distributed MAX KIRKENDALL newsguardeditor@countrymedia.net

MAX KIRKENDALL newsguardeditor@countrymedia.net

The Lincoln County School District (LCSD) announced this week that application forms are ready to download from their website for anyone who is interested in applying for a waiver from the Construction Excise Tax to rebuild after the Echo Mountain Complex fires.

The LCSD board passed the resolution for the tax that is effective immediately.

The Construction Excise Tax is a one-time surcharge on new construction that goes directly to the local school district. Representative David Gomberg, the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners and LCSD have been working to create a waiver for this tax for several months.

“I want changes to help us re-build and recover as soon as possible. And I want to be ready should a larger and more consequential natural disaster arrive on the coast,” Rep. Gomberg said back in October.

There are pre-qualifications that must be met in order to be eligible for this waiver. Criteria from the Board resolution includes: - The home being replaced was damaged by the Echo Mountain Complex Fire in September of 2020.

- The homeowner requesting the building permit owned and occupied the property at the time of the fire.

- The home must be the homeowner’s

Angels Anonymous donates to fire victims COURTESY PHOTO

Board members of Angels Anonymous accept checks from Jennifer Whitmyer, Executive Director of Lakeview Senior Living. The checks came from the Angel Tree Auction, a virtual event held by Lakeview on Dec. 14th to benefit Angels Anonymous and their work with the victims of the Echo Mountain Fire. The Angel Tree Auction raised $2,000. From L-R: Teresa Simmons, Roger Sprague, Mike Roy, Beverly Cohen, Mike Holden, Dawn Bredimus, Jennifer Whitmyer and Selah-Elaine Belleque (representing Lakeview Senior Living), with Lori Affolter in the front.

Earlier this month, Lincoln County approved a plan to hand out $900,000 in relief funds to small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The county announced last week that those funds have been awarded to qualifying businesses.

This grant was created to assist businesses during the COVID-19 epidemic and was made possible through Lincoln County using Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act funding distributed by the State of Oregon.

The CARES Act, is a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by the U.S. Congress and the President in March.

“Support was also received from the Oregon Coast Community College Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Northwest Oregon Works (NOW) and local Chambers,” Lincoln County leaders announced last week. “We greatly appreciate their support in making these funds available to assist Lincoln County businesses.”

Representatives from the SBDC, NOW and the City Managers of Newport, Yachats, Waldport, Lincoln City and Toledo assisted Lincoln County in determining awards to individual businesses. Lincoln County received a total of 323 applications and awarded 220 applicants with the grant.

The county set a maximum of awards

Online shopping COVID-19 vaccine doses arrive in Lincoln City Now available!

See WAIVER, Page A7

MAX KIRKENDALL newsguardeditor@countrymedia.net

As the COVID-19 vaccine is being shipped out across the United States to frontline healthcare workers, Samaritan Health Services has announced they have administered vaccinations to all five of its hospitals, including Samaritan North Lincoln in Lincoln City.

Samaritan’s first vaccination took place Dec. 18 at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis.

Then on Dec. 21, Samaritan Health Services began giving the COVID-19 vaccine to frontline health care staff at Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital (SNLH) in Lincoln City and Samaritan Pa-

communities, and to continue on our mission during this pandemic.”

The first vaccine was provided by Pfizer and the two hospitals have also received a supply of the Moderna vaccine. Shots are being given to frontline staff with priority determined by

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a matrix based on employees’ work location and their patient contact, according to Mary Jo Kerlin, Samaritan marketing and communications strategist.

“The vaccination is not mandatory, but thus a majority of employees have opted to receive the shot,

with approximately 225 shots to be administered at SNLH before the end of the year,” Kerlin said. “Among the first to receive vaccines are providers who see patients in the hospital, nursing and clinical staff who

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Check out our online-only community education schedule!

Dr. Darrell Prins was the first Samaritan employee to receive a COVID-19 vaccination in Lincoln County. The shot was given

by SNLH Employee Health Nurse Tricia Welling. cific Communities Hospital (SPCH) in Newport.

“We’re at a point now where we can see light at the end of the tunnel,” said

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Doug Boysen, president and CEO of Samaritan. “I want to thank the entire Samaritan team for their efforts to be there for our patients and

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December 30, 2020

Vaccine doses continue to trickle into Oregon MAX KIRKENDALL newsguardeditor@countrymedia.net

Oregon recently exceeded 100,000 cases of COVID-19 and recorded over 1,300 virus related deaths. Despite the consistent increase, Governor Kate Brown and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) remain optimistic the coronavirus spread is slowing.

During a Dec. 22 press conference, Gov. Brown was joined by OHA Director Pat Allen to update Oregonians on COVID-19 vaccine distribution, financial relief and more.

“It’s really, really tough to be heading into a time where traditional celebrations are once again hindered by the virus,” Gov. Brown said. “Every single family that has lost a loved one to this virus and every Oregonian that has suffered emotionally, financially or physically from COVID-19, I want you to know that you are in my thoughts.”

Gov. Brown said there is light at the end of the tunnel however, and nearly 4,500 healthcare workers in Oregon have received the COVID-19 vaccine so far. Oregon received the full 35,100 doses of the Pfizer vaccine allocated by the federal government and distributed doses to 16 hospitals across the state last week.

“I’m grateful for the healthcare workers who have been heroes throughout this pandemic,” Allen said. “It’s fitting, truly, that they are the ones among the first to be vaccinated who will light the path for all of us to follow out of this dark terrible forest that is the coronavirus pandemic.”

In addition to the Pfizer vaccine, Allen said the Western

States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup now recommends the Moderna vaccine after confirming it as safe and effective. An issue with distributing the Pfizer vaccine is the need to store in freezing temperatures. But according to OHA, the Moderna vaccine does not need to be stored at those temperatures. Allen feels this gives the state an advantage to easier distribution, especially to more rural areas.

Over 12,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine arrived in Oregon this week and the state is expecting an additional 25,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Later in the week, Allen said over 72,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine are due to arrive in Oregon.

By the end of the month, OHA expects to have received over 92,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 97,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine. However, Allen said these allocations are often ever-changing due to supply and demand across the United States.

“That means we have to be prepared for months of limited supplies and the need to prioritize who gets the vaccine and when,” Allen said.

Oregon has also begun administering the vaccine to residents and staff of long-term care facilities. OHA reported that 10,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine have been distributed so far statewide as Gov. Brown noted the care facilities have been among the hardest hit by the pandemic.

“It feels really good to be able to start these vaccinations with the hope that these folks can reunite with their families once again and feel safe from the virus soon,” Gov. Brown said.

STOCK PHOTO

State health officials last week they expect to receive nearly 200,000 doses of the COVID-19 by the end of 2020.

Gov. Brown also noted that daily case counts have tapered off a bit lately. The state is attributing some the decrease to the twoweek freeze and additional safety restrictions that Gov. Brown said ‘blunted the virus surge.’

“Thanks to the decisions you, and the majority of Oregonians continue to make, we are slowing the spread of this disease,” Gov. Brown said. “While our case counts are still up, we are avoiding many worse case scenarios. This is proof that we determine how the next few months play out while we work to swiftly distribute the COVID vaccine far and wide across the state.”

Both Gov. Brown and Allen encouraged Oregonians to continue following safety guidelines and to rethink their Christmas and New Years plans.

“Don’t let the memories of this holiday turn into painful regrets because of a careless gathering

that led to a tragic outbreak,” Allen said. “We can enjoy each other’s company without being in each other’s presence. We can celebrate the season together in different locations. We can show we care about one another be keeping each other safe and healthy.”

Financial Relief Oregon held a special session this week to address several financial needs that have been caused by the pandemic. The state passed legislature for a $800 million package that will provide relief for tenets and landlords, keep roofs over people’s heads by extending the eviction moratorium and provide support for restaurants and bars.

Gov. Brown said they also passed a wildfire relief package.

“I called for a special session because it is absolutely critical we get the help to Oregonians who have made the necessary

sacrifices to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Gov. Brown said.

Gov. Brown also acknowledged the $900 billion pandemic relief package that passed through the United States Congress last week that includes direct stimulus payments to Americans. The bill includes $600 to individuals making up to $75,000 per year and $1,200 to couples making up to $150,000, with payments phased out for higher incomes. An additional $600 payment will be made per dependent child, similar to the last round of relief payments in the spring of 2020. There is also a $300 per week jobless benefit that will be distributed to individuals on unemployment, which will last until March 2021. “(Both packages) will help carry us through the coming months as we continue to gain traction with our vaccine campaign,” Gov. Brown said.

The next steps on that vaccine campaign includes widening distribution of the vaccine to people over 75 and essential workers.

Gov. Brown noted on Tuesday that educators and various school staff members will be at the top of the list in Oregon’s next round of vaccines.

“Our kids need to know they are number one, and we are doing everything we can to get them back in our classrooms,’ Gov. Brown said. “This pandemic has shown us the hard truth that in person instruction is so much more than what we take for its face value. School is where our kids connect with their community, it’s where many kids get meals and much needed support from caring adults.”

Police Blotter The police blotter relates the public record of incidents as reported by the Lincoln City Police. All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information printed is preliminary and subject to change.

LINCOLN CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

MONDAY, DEC. 21 7:06 a.m. Crash, 3011 NE 28th St. Report of a two vehicle non-injury, non-blocking crash on NE 28th.

5:05 p.m. Extra Patrol, 3616 NW Jetty Ave. Caller reported that packages were taken off her porch. She did not want to make a police report, requesting extra patrol.

9:25 p.m. Extra Patrol, 724 SE Inlet Ave. Caller reported a

red Kia Soul frequently parks in front of her mailbox. Mail carrier has been unable to deliver mail to location due to vehicle parked in the way. Requesting extra patrol during the day.

9:44 p.m. Domestic Assault, 2530 NE 31st St., Lincoln Village Apartments. Caller reported male and female screaming at location. Female arrested and charged with domestic violence assault. She was transported to Lincoln County Jail.

stolen include blue/grey bin with three drawers, two black/ yellow bins with tolls and a satellite finder.

4:01 p.m. Theft, 2320 NW Jetty Ave. Victim reported that his vehicle was broken into last night and tools were taken.

TUESDAY, DEC. 22

6:22 p.m. Animal, 1500 SE East Devils Lake Rd., Outlet Mall. Officer received report from security that a pitbull may have attacked someone. Officer responded, located victim at Carter’s who said the dog bit her hand.

4:09 a.m. Theft, 2735 NW Inlet Ave., Starfish Manor Hotel. Caller reported his work vehicle was broken into sometime during the night. Items

6:58 p.m. Warrant Service, 600 Blk SE Keel Ave. Subject cited and released on a Lincoln County warrant charging Harassment and Criminal Mis-

chief. Also cited for giving false information to a police officer.

7:16 p.m. Missing Person, 1531 SE Oar Ave., Renew Consulting. Caller reported subject walked off from the facility. The person has schizophrenia and diabetes. Also has a history of drug seeking behavior. Subject later returned home.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 23 11:05 a.m. Driving While Suspended, 1550 SE East Devils Lake Rd. Subject taken into custody for Driving While Suspended after a traffic stop.

Cited and released for DWS and driving uninsured.

11:57 a.m. Fraud, 1000 SE Hwy 101. Caller reported a counterfeit $20 bill.

11:09 a.m. Arrest, 606 SE Coast Hwy, Newport. Subject charged on Coffee Creek warrant for delivering heroin. Also charge with possession and distribution of meth. Transported to Lincoln County Jail.

Second subject charged with elude, reckless endangering and reckless driving. Subject lodged at Lincoln County Jail.

12:54 p.m. Found Property, 801 SW Hwy 101. Subject found a phone. Brought it to LCPD.

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6:56 p.m. Follow Up, 260 SE Oar Ave. Subject cited and released for DUII and reckless driving.

9:56 p.m. Assist on Arrest, 800 SE Hwy 101. Firearm taken to Lincoln City Sporting Goods on consignment it came back as stolen.

THURSDAY, DEC. 24 1:37 p.m. Animal, NE 64th St., Beach Access. Victim reported that he was bitten by a german shepherd.

2:49 p.m. Disorderly Conduct, 3565 NW Hwy 101.

Multiple reports of an intoxicated male laying in the street stopping traffic. Officer responded, subject requested an ambulance. Male cited and released for disorderly conduct and left with the ambulance.

3:07 p.m. Theft, 2148 NW Lee Ave. Reports of theft of half a tank of gas by siphoning over the past week.

FRIDAY, DEC. 25 12:18 p.m. Trespass, 4031 NW Hwy 101. Subject trespassed from North Shell on Oct. 1 and returned. Subject arrested for Trespass II and transported to Lincoln County Jail.

December 30, 2020

3

TheNewsGuard.com

Feature: One voice trying to change the world DAVID RUPKALVIS Staff Writer

Jessica Garcia’s life changed forever six years ago when she was violently sexually assaulted in her own home. After surviving the attack, she quickly realized the worst of it wasn’t over when she tried to go to the hospital.

What followed was an ordeal Garcia believes no one should have to endure. So, she’s trying to change it. And she just might succeed.

Garcia has already made big strides thanks to a partnership with State Rep. David Brock Smith’s office. In 2019, House Bill 2375 passed the legislature and was signed into law by Gov. Kate Smith.

The law requires district attorneys and hospitals to have a plan to treat sexual assault survivors or a plan to quickly transfer them to a facility that does.

Garcia pushed for the law because she felt the way she was treated after her rape was an ordeal no one should have to experience.

To understand, one has to go back to 2014. Garcia remembers meeting a man at a local business and agreeing to have a drink with him.

After one glass of wine, the two went to her house. While things were great at first, the man, Lorenzo Ignacio King, quickly changed and violently attacked and assaulted Garcia for hours.

Once he left, Garcia was like many assault survivors. “After I was assaulted, first, I didn’t want anybody to know,� she said. “I was embarrassed. When I went to the hospital, I didn’t want anybody to know. At first, I wanted to say my ribs were broken.�

A nurse at the hospital knew differently after seeing obvious signs of trauma, including bite marks and extensive bruises. “That’s when I found out

they don’t do our kits,� Garcia said.

At the Brookings facility, she was told to get a rape kit done, she had to drive to Grants Pass or Coos Bay. Garcia almost left it there, but a friend convinced her to fight back, even if it was only so others wouldn’t have to run into King.

After thinking for a few minutes, Garcia decided to do what she thought was best and drove to Crescent City, Calif., 30 minutes from Brookings. At the time, it made sense because Crescent City is much closer than Grants Pass or Coos Bay. “What I think is a problem is maybe someone should tell you if you cross state lines, you have to talk to the police there, too,� she said.

Over the next 16 hours, without sleep and without food and water, Garcia told her story over and over to the Brookings police, Curry County Sheriff’s Office, Crescent City police, Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office and a nurse advocate. “You need to be able to do this one time, so you can get as much out as you can,� she said. “It was a nightmare from one end to the other.

It’s a completely humiliating experience.�

But it was only starting.

After a 12-hour standoff where he injured himself seriously, police eventually arrested King. He was flown by air ambulance to a hospital and recovered. “We can give him the best care he can have, but we don’t want to invest in SANE nurses because it’s too expensive,�

Garcia said.

But Garcia survived, and the worst was over. Or so the thought. When King came to trial, Garcia said the nightmare started over again. During the trial, she had to testify in public, in front of her friends, her neighbors and even her pastor, about the

experience she went through.

To top it off, everyone in the courtroom saw blown-up photos of her private parts during the testimony.

After her first day of testimony, Garcia remembered going to the grocery store because her children wanted ice cream. As she pushed the cart around, she saw a man who was at the courtroom that day. She said as he stared at her, and she remembered him seeing close-up photos of her body, she left the cart and ran out.

After the trial, that ordeal continued. For two years, she pretty much locked herself in her home, afraid to venture out. “I would go to the grocery store 10 minutes before closing,� she said. “My kids never got to go to the river. They were raped from the activities they could have been doing.�

Garcia said just living was difficult. While her rapist was locked away for 46 years, she was still not free. “About two years later, I looked at myself in the mirror and said, ‘What are you doing?’� she recalled. “I looked at myself in the mirror and said, ‘Is this going to define you?’�

It was then she started thinking about changing the system. “After this experience, I asked does this just happen in Curry County or does it happen in other counties, too,� she said.

It turns out, most smaller counties have similar issues.

Because it expensive to train and keep Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, many small counties have none. At the time, those counties and their medical facilities had no plans on how to help assault survivors. When she first looked, 15 Oregon counties had no SANE nurses, leaving 500,000 people without that service. “Rape does not discrimi-

nate based on geography,�

Garcia said. “Rape happens in small towns and big towns, so we need care in small towns and big towns. I decided I’m going to devote my time to this.�

That was when Garcia began working to change the laws in Oregon. She had lots of help, pointing to Jaculin Smith, an attorney in Oregon, sexual assault survivor Brenda Tracy and sexual assault reform advocate Leah Griffin.

But the real change was when Garcia got to tell her story to Brock Smith. When Brock Smith and his team got on board, things began to happen.

HB 2375 was filed in the 2019 legislative session. “He and his team, they just took it,� Garcia said. “It passed the committee and went to the House of Representatives. It passed there. It went to the Senate and passed there. It was all unanimous.�

Garcia was even invited to the state capital for the signing ceremony with the governor. The new law went into effect in January, although Garcia admits COVID has delayed some elements of it.

From Garcia’s standpoint, the key element of the law is hospitals cannot turn sexual assault victims away and if they don’t have a SANE nurse, they must provide transportation to and from a location that does.

While Garcia is happy with HB 2375, she is not done.

She is already working with Brock Smith and his team on two new pieces of legislation.

One would require hospitals and police to have pamphlets available that tell sexual assault survivors all their rights. While there are pamphlets available now, many list only a small portion of a victim’s rights.

The second is admittedly

a little more complicated.

Garcia would like to see the state’s Fair Trial Law changed so sexual assault survivors can ask for the courtroom to be cleared of spectators when graphic photos are presented or graphic testimony is going on. All attorneys, jurors and the defendant would be permitted to stay. She said having to go through that in public is nothing short of witness intimidation. “Having strangers in the courtroom looking at your private parts, that’s witness intimidation,� she said. “I didn’t say everything 100 percent because I was so humiliated.�

Garcia said Friday she had just learned Brock Smith had filed the legislation to change the Fair Trial Law. “It needs to be a fair courtroom, but when your body parts are up there, do you really want your neighbors sitting there?� she asked. “It’s intimidating witnesses.�

Garcia said the changes won’t help her, but there are others it will. Regardless of age or gender, sexual assault victims should be allowed to confront their abusers without intimidation, she said. “This is not my story,� she said. “This is every survivor’s story. Think of your mother sitting on the stand with a picture of her vagina. Would you want her neighbors to see her vagina? I don’t want anyone to go through what I went through. I don’t want anyone to sit on the stand like I did.�

While it took years for Garcia to get her life back after being assaulted and testifying, she said she has a focus now. Changing laws in Oregon is a start, but it won’t be the final story. She said she is always coming up with new ideas that could help survivors in the future.

“I really want to work on a training manual for safety personnel to appropriately interview the survivors, so they get as much information as possible,� she said.

She is also hoping to work with others like Griffin to promote federal laws. Griffin has been working with Washington Sen. Patty Murray to push the Survivors Access to Supportive Care Act. If passed, the law would provide the resources to conduct a national survey to identify where gaps are in hospitals nationwide. It would also implement federal standards of care, a grant program to expand access to SANE training, a national task force to address the quality of the exams and a national best-practices clearinghouse so healthcare providers can improve the quality of care.

Garcia admitted it is often difficult to tell her story, but if it helps others, she is willing to. “It is a purpose, it is a mission, and if I don’t sit in front of you, who will listen?� she asked.

Thinking back on the night in 2014 when she was assaulted and the trial that tore the wounds open, Garcia admits is was terrifying and difficult. More than six year later, there are still moments that are very hard. Just last week, she was with her boyfriend when he had to stop near the house where her assault occurred. She admitted is was difficult, but she made it through.

And today, she wouldn’t change her experience. “I would not want to be that Jessica again,� she said, referring to before her assault. “I have a voice. I don’t think people realize how important one voice is. If you assert your voice in a healthy way, and you continue to assert your voice in a healthy way, somebody will listen.�

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Public Notices NG20-163 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF LINCOLN CITY BEST VALUE CONTRACTING COMPETITIVE BIDDING EXEMPTION FOR THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT GENERATOR REPLACEMENT PROJECT Notice is hereby given that the City Council of Lincoln City will hold a public hearing to take oral and written comments on the City’s draft findings in support of an exemption from competitive bidding under ORS 279C.335 for the construction of the Water Treatment Plant Generator Replacement Project.

The City is requesting the exemption from competitive bidding to allow the use of an alternative procurement method that presents an alternative to the traditional low-bid method of contracting. The method known as Best Value or Source Selection awards projects to the contractor offering the best combination of price, technical qualifications, technical approach. The City’s evaluation and scoring of competing contractor’s technical qualifications and technical approach components, combined with comparison of the contractor’s price component will be the basis of award.

The project is located at 317 S Anderson Creek road. The proposed work is to replace the Water Treatment Plant’s existing 400 KW generator with a 800 KW generator, including integrating the generator into the numerous controls. The scope of work incudes constructing a new building, installing the generator, and programming the generator to interface with the plant’s control systems.

The draft findings may also be viewed on Lincoln City’s website at www.lincolncity.org. Copies of draft findings may be obtained at a cost of 30 cents per page.

Public Hearing Information Date: January 11, 2021 Time: City Council Meeting, 6:00 PM* Place: City Council Chambers, 801 SW Highway 101, 3rd Floor Lincoln City, Oregon *(This is a regularly scheduled City Council meeting, and the public hearing will not be the first item on the agenda.) Comments must be submitted in writing by noon on January 8, 2021 to be included in the City Council packet. Written comments received after noon on January 8, 2021 will be provided to City

999

Public Notices

Council at the hearing. Any person may provide oral or written comments to the City Council at the January 11th hearing by attending the City Council Meeting or by attending through Zoom invitation.

Public comments can be submitted to publiccomment@lincolncity.org. Citizens requesting to give public comment via Zoom should email publiccomment@ lincolncity.org no later than 12pm on the meeting day. The request must include the person’s name, subject the person wishes to address, and Zoom screen name intended for use during the meeting.

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NG20-164 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF LINCOLN CITY BEST VALUE CONTRACTING COMPETITIVE BIDDING EXEMPTION FOR THE CITY HALL HVAC CONTROLS UPGRADE PROJECT Notice is hereby given that the City Council of Lincoln City will hold a public hearing to take oral and written comments on the City’s draft findings in support of an exemption from competitive bidding under ORS 279C.335 for the construction of the City Hall HVAC Controls Upgrade project.

The City is requesting the exemption from competitive bidding to allow the use of an alternative procurement method that presents an alternative to the traditional low-bid method of contracting. The method known as Best Value or Source Selection awards projects to the contractor offering the best combination of price, technical qualifications, technical approach. The City’s evaluation and scoring of competing contractor’s technical qualifications and technical approach components, combined with comparison of the contractor’s price component will be the basis of award.

The project is located at 801 SW Highway 101, within Lincoln City’s City Hall building. The proposed work is to replace the existing HVAC mechanical control components with an updated, energy efficient controls network. This work will fulfill a state incentive for energy efficiency.

The draft findings may also be viewed on Lincoln City’s website at www.lincolncity.org. Copies of draft findings may be obtained at a cost of 30 cents per page.

Public Hearing Information Date: January 11, 2021 Time: City Council Meeting, 6:00 PM* Place: City Council Chambers, 801 SW Highway 101, 3rd Floor Lincoln City, Oregon *(This is a regularly scheduled City Council meeting, and the public hearing will not be the first item on the agenda.) Comments must be submitted in writing by noon on January 8, 2021 to be included in the City Council packet.

Written comments received after noon on January 8, 2021 will be provided to City Council at the hearing. Any person may provide oral or written comments to the City Council at the January 11th hearing by attending the City Council Meeting or by attending through Zoom invitation.

Public comments can be submitted to publiccomment@lincolncity.org. Citizens requesting to give public comment via Zoom

should email publiccomment@ lincolncity.org no later than 12pm on the meeting day. The request must include the person’s name, subject the person wishes to address, and Zoom screen name intended for use during the meeting.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT PUD 2020-02 The Lincoln City Planning and

Public Notices Community Development Department has rescheduled a public hearing for the revised project described below. The project has been revised, and these revised plans decrease the number of lots and remove Swell Drive. The Lincoln City Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider the request on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. either via Zoom conferencing. Any person who may be affected is invited

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Guest Services Rep. Graveyard Night Auditor

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Opporunities are available in a variety of fields including: • Allied health • Clerical • Housekeeping • Information services • Management • Nursing • Nutrition services • And much more!

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Bus Drivers

Tillamook County Transportation District (TCTD) is looking for customer serviceoriented individuals to join our team of professional drivers. Training provided along with competitive wages and benefits.

Application available online at: http://www.nworegontransit.org/jobs/ transit-driver/ Submit completed application to: Tillamook County Transportation District Attn: Driver Position 3600 Third Street, Suite A Tillamook OR 97141 Fax: 503-815-2834 or email: hr@tillamookbus.com

!

NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY

Back On Market Here is a fixer upper opportunity, Owner started project but did not finish, Just needs the handy touch, Priced to sell

Contact: Doug Pi Telephone: 503-8 Email: dpilant@t MLS#20-1418 $ 219,000

TILLAMOOK PUD

Business Opportunity Beautifully restored large building in the heart of Lincoln City, Can be used for many things, Truly one of a kind, Bring your ideas.

Job Opening

Serviceman – North Tillamook County $57.73 per hour plus benefits

MLS#20-1147 $449,000

Closing date: Open Until Filled

For a full job description, requirements, and the fillable application form, please visit our website at www.tpud.org.

Tillamook Count

The Tillamook Co applications from Ocean Front Ocean & Board Siletz Bay views, of Fine Director craftsmanship throughout, of all p Stone operations fireplace, Designer kitchen, Granite counters, Gas range, Must see!

Tillamook People’s Utility District Shane Stuart, Human Resources Manager P.O. Box 433 1115 Pacific Avenue Tillamook, OR 97141; (503) 815-8637 Email: jobs@tpud.org

TCTD was establ transportation ser routes 7 days per Beach, Salem an 3891 NW Hwy 101 541-994-9111 called Dial-A-Ride Lincoln City 800-462-0197 Tillamook County Website: www.realestatelincolncity.com the NW INDEPENDENTLY OWNED ANDoperates OPERATED All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and is subject to change. throughout Tillam MLS#20-2466 $1,200,000

Tillamook PUD is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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Public Notices to attend and participate in the hearing and present written and/ or oral testimony concerning the project.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting may include electronic or telephonic attendance by members of the Lincoln City Planning staff and other members of the public. For those wishing to testify in person, the public is invited to attend and participate in the Council Chambers, although fewer seats are available due to social distancing requirements. For those wishing to testify remotely, please email testimony to planning@lincolncity.org during the public hearing.

Description of Project This application seeks approval of an 18-lot residential planned unit development for Lincoln Palisades Phase V, along with a tree protection plan. The site consists of approximately 4.88 acres in the Single-Family Residential (R-1-7.5) zone, located at the intersection of NE 55th Pl and NE Wave Ln. (Assessor’s Map 06-11-35-CD-00101). The applicant and owner is Alpha Building Ventures. (FILE PUD 2020-02) Public Hearing Criteria The applicable criteria by which the request will be evaluated by the Planning Commission are Lincoln City Municipal Code Chapter 17.16 Single-Family Residential (R-1) Zone, Title 16 Subdivisions, Chapter 17.52 Supplementary Regulations and Exceptions, and Chapter 17.56 Off-street Parking and Loading Regulations. Appeals to the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) are limited to only persons who have presented written and/or oral testimony at the hearing(s) before the Lincoln City Planning Commission and/or City Council.

The failure to raise an issue at the public hearing(s), in person or by letter, or the failure to provide sufficient specificity to allow the Planning Commission and/ or City Council an opportunity to respond to the issue precludes an appeal to LUBA on that issue.

Unless there is a continuance, if a participant so requests, the record shall remain open for at least seven (7) days after the initial evidentiary hearing.

For More Information A copy of the application, all documents and evidence submitted by or on behalf of the applicant, and applicable criteria are avail-

able for inspection at no cost and will be provided to any person upon request at reasonable cost. A copy of the staff report will be available for inspection at no cost seven days prior to the hearing and will be provided to any person upon request at reasonable cost. The public may view application materials on the City of Lincoln City website at www.lincolncity.org by going to City Departments in left column, selecting Planning & Community Development, then scrolling down to and clicking on Land Use Applications in Process, and finally clicking on PUD 202002 Lincoln Palisades Phase V. Contact David Mattison, Senior Planner, Planning and Community Development, by phone at 541.996.1227, or email at dmattison@lincolncity.org for ques-

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Public Notices

Public Notices

Public Notices

tions.

Planning Commission meetings are televised live on Charter Channel 4 Lincoln City and rebroadcast at various times. They are streamed live on the internet through a link on the City of Lincoln City website, and can also be viewed following the meeting.

The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities.

A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired, for a hearing impaired device, or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities, should be made at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting to Cathy Steere, City Recorder, at 541.996.1203.

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PUBLISHED: December 30, 2020 MAILED: December 29, 2020

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Answers for Last Week’s Puzzle

Answers for Last Week’s Puzzle

CALL A Professional Get it done right – the first time.

MARKETING

For all your Advertising and Marketing needs, Contact Nicole Clarke at The News Guard

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December 30, 2020 December 30, 2020

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OPINION/BIRTH ONLINE POLL Vol. 93 No. 53 USPS 388-100 Published Weekly by Country Media Inc. 1818 NE 21st Street Lincoln City, Oregon 97367-0848

Phone: (541) 994-2178 Fax: (541) 994-7613 www.thenewsguard.com

This week

Last week’s results

Will you get the COVID-19 vaccine when it is widely available?

Do you plan on traveling for the holidays?

q Yes

89% Yes 11% No

q No

Annual Subscription Rates: $60.00 In-County $80.00 out of County

Vote online at thenewsguard.com see how your opinion compares.

Frank Perea II Publisher

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE

Max Kirkendall

OREGON YOUTHLINE

1-800-273-8255 | suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Managing Editor

877-968-8491 | Text “teen2teen” to 839863

Publisher’s Note: Local news a day earlier

Lori Eberlein

Business Manager

Nicole Clarke

Marketing Consultant

Dear Readers,

Kimberly Hagner Graphic Designer

WRITE TO US: Letters are limited to 250 words and will be edited for grammar and spelling and may be edited to remove errors, unsubstantiated or irresponsible allegations or clarity. Letters containing details presented as facts rather than opinion must include sources. Letters not following this policy will not be published. All submissions must include full name, local street address and phone number.

Submissions should be e-mailed to newsguardeditor@ countrymedia.net. By submitting a letter, writers also grant permission for them to be posted online.

Opinions expressed on this page are the writer’s alone and do not represent the opinion of The News Guard or its parent company, Country Media, Inc. ADVERTISING DEADLINES: Advertising: Wednesday, 5 p.m.

Legals, Community news and listings: Thursday at 12 p.m.

Sports information and Letters to the editor: Friday at noon.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The News Guard, P.O. Box 848, Lincoln City, OR 973670848. Periodicals Postage paid at Lincoln City, OR 97367 and at additional mailing offices. © 2020 The News Guard.

The News Guard has several options for submitting obituaries: • Basic: Includes the person’s name, age, town of residency, and information about any funeral services.

No cost.

• Custom: Choice of length and wording. The cost is $75 for the first 200 words, $50 for each additional 200 words. Includes a small photo at no additional cost.

• Premium Obituary: Often used by families who wish to include multiple photos with a longer announcement, or who wish to run a thank-you. Cost varies based on the length of the announcement.

Beginning January 5th, you’ll be getting your news a day earlier in the News Guard!

What had been our Wednesday newspaper will now publish on Tuesdays. So

Following us on social media is an easy way to keep up with local news. On Twitter, follow @TheNewsGuard, and “like” our Facebook page at facebook.com/thenewsguard.

If you need help activating your website access and E-Paper account, please

contact our customer service department at 541-994-2178 or email admin@countrymedia.net.

If you are not a subscriber to the News Guard, please consider becoming one to support local journalism. You can contact us at the phone

number or web link listed above.

Thank you again for your support.

Frank Perea Publisher frankperea@countrymedia.net

VOICES OF THE COMMUNITY Regulate, Don’t Eliminate I am a vacation home owner in South Beach.

Instead of letting it sit empty I have tinned it into an STR in order to generate some income to defray the many costs associated with home ownership, maintain and improve the property and keep it in good condition so that it’s there in retirement.

You’ve heard many arguments put forward as to why property owners such as us shouldn’t be able to rent out our homes. However, there’s an important point not being put forward loudly enough.

In addition to paying Oregon property taxes, we pay a 10.5% room tax, resulting in an infusion of roughly $11.7 million directly into Lincoln County coffers. If short-term vacation rentals are wiped from existence, how will that hole be filled in Lincoln County’s budget?

I feel the vast majority of Lincoln County taxpayers don’t know how much tax money—taxes they currently don’t have to pay—goes

toward county needs that come from short term rentals.

All Lincoln County residents have to be made aware of this.

You’ve heard many arguments made by the narrowminded about the purported “evils” of short term rentals.

Unfortunately, most of them are long on scare tactics and short on facts.

One example? The money is leaving the state and that’s a reason to close us down.

Here are some numbers generated from a recent economic impact study on how short term rentals would affect Lincoln county if they were banned out right. STR’s generate $11.7 million in revenue to local municipalities. STR‘s generate over 3600 direct jobs for Lincoln County residents. They account for 20% employment in Lincoln County, generating over $192 million in local wages. Let that sink in… This isn’t just about people renting their homes, it’s about a huge section of the community being economically devastated if the opponents continue to spread misinformation to the public.

90% or more of short term

vacation rental owners are decent, rule following homeowners who are exercising their property rights, and are operating legally, and respectfully toward their neighbors.

What’s frustrating about the 15 neighborhoods group is most of the letters they write and the complaints they parrot are issues they have only heard about in other communities, but they’re writing letters in the present tense, as if it’s happening in their own neighborhoods. Today. In over 90% of the cases I can tell you unequivocally it is not.

Opponents claim they want to live in lovely Mayberry-esque communities, and that somehow vacation rentals take away from that.

In order to keep these communities lovely and nice and make them a good place to retire, you need them to have an active tax base that supports the community.

The solution is to regulate, not eliminate, which all entities involved are ready to do, except the 15 neighborhoods group. STR owners and their Management companies, county officials, the licensing

and sheriffs department. All welcome increased regulation and constructive suggestions on how to do so. We have cameras outside our property and monitor our occupancy.

This is just one of the many examples of things that owners are willing to do in order to operate safely, legally, and compassionately toward our neighbors.

Evert resident, no matter your age or occupation, needs to be concerned...because if STR’s were to be banned your life as you know it will change in this county.

I say, Regulate don’t Eliminate!

Kelly Gresh, South Beach

Thank You To Our Community Lakeview Senior Living extends a big THANK YOU to all those who participated in our Angel Tree Auction to benefit the work of Angels Anonymous!

We held a virtual event to keep everyone safe and

socially distant. Thanks to a lot of wonderful people, we raised $2,000 for Angels Anonymous! All the money will go to Angels Anonymous for the good work they do.

Thank you to Samaritan Evergreen Hospice, the Board of Angels Anonymous, Liv & Laney Beauty Boutique, Oceana Family Literacy, Marci’s Bistro and Zest Creperie, Lincoln City Glass Shop, the Congregational Church of Lincoln City, TLC Credit Union, ONR (Orthopaedic & Neurological Rehabilitation), and Lakeview Senior Living for decorating such gorgeous trees.

Thank you to Bear Valley Nursery for donating some lovely trees for this event.

Thank you to Pacific West Ambulance for being our generous sponsor and making this so successful.

Thank you to Angels Anonymous for their work with the people of the greater Lincoln City area. It is an honor to help you help others.

Jennifer Whitmyer Executive Director Lakeview Senior Living

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS St. Peter the Fisherman Lutheran Church

S.W. 14th & Highway 101 541-994-8793 stpeterlc@yahoo.com www.stpeterthefishermanlcms.org

ZOOM Bible Class at 11:00 on Thursday Sunday Worship at 10:30 A.M.

Call the church for the link and the study

All obituary announcements are

placed on The News Guard’s website at no cost.

that week, you’ll receive your newspaper on Tuesday the 5th.

Receiving the paper on Tuesday will give our readers more time to plan their week’s activities and shopping and provide an earlier recap of the weekend’s news.

Everyone is welcome!

LINCOLN CITY CHURCH OF CHRIST

Christ Centered, Bible Directed, Community Caring

Corra Blue English Cicly Harrington and Jericho-Blue English of Lincoln City would like to announce the arrival of their daughter

Corra Blue English.

Corra was born at 2:26 p.m. on December 25, 2020 at Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital. She weighed seven pounds, two ounces and measured 19 inches long.

Celebrating the arrival are grandparents Amanda Harrington of Lincoln City and David Wilkinson of Newport, as well as great-grandparent Trish Callahan of Medford.

Hunter Eugene Schenk

SundayBible Bible Study 9:30 Sunday Study 9:30 AMAM Wednesday Men's support PM Sunday Worship 11 AM and 6 6PM Tuesday Ladies Bible Study 10 AM Tuesday Ladies Bible Study 10 AM Sunday worship 11:00 AM and Thursday 6:00 PM Night Support Group 6 PM

2160 NE Quay Pl, Lincoln City, Or 561 SW 29th, Lincoln City Or 97367 •• 541-996-3320 541-996-3320 97367 www.lincolncitychurchofchrist.org www.lincolncitychurchofchrist.org L52238 L20100

Joshua D. Zantello

www.AEZLawOffice.com 541-994-7350

Lalena Hoffman and Shawn Schenk of Neotsu would like to announce the arrival of their son Hunter Eugene Schenk.

Hunter was born at 7:36 p.m. on December 26, 2020 at Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital. He weighed eight pounds, four ounces and measured 19.5 inches long.

Advertise with Us! Free Quotes • Print • Website • Social Media • Inserts Graphic design services at no additional cost Distribution to the entire Oregon Coast

Call Nicole (541) 994-2178 Email: NewsGuardAds@countrymedia.net Lincoln City’s largest and most trusted news source.

December 30, 2020

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Vaccine From page A1

have close contact with patients, and hospital environmental services staff (housekeepers).”

Hospital executives, managers and other staff who do not have direct patient contact have lower priority for the vaccine, says Kerlin.

The COVID-19 vaccine requires two doses. The second dose for those receiving the Pfizer vaccine must be given within 21 days of the first dose, and the second dose for those receiving the Moderna vaccine is 28 days.

For several rural areas across the United States, there’s a shared concern

Grants

whether or not supplies of the vaccine will be available for local frontline workers. However, that hasn’t been an issue for Samaritan thus far.

“My understanding is that our three-county region (Benton, Lincoln and Linn) has received an adequate supply of vaccine to provide shots to frontline health care workers,” Kerlin said.

Another concern some hospitals have faced is storing the Pfizer vaccine, which requires a extremely cold freezer. Luckily, Kerlin said Samaritan has one of those freezers at SPCH in Newport. The

vaccine can be transported using dry ice. Once it is thawed out, it must be used.

“To avoid waste, we are scheduling our vaccination clinics in a tight timeframe and are able to quickly call in others in line to receive a shot should an opening become available,” Kerlin said.

In Lincoln City the first to receive the vaccine was long-time podiatrist Dr. Darrell Prins. Once COVID-19 vaccines are more widely available, Samaritan said they will work with community partners to vaccinate

subsequent groups including essential workers and those with high-risk medical conditions, and eventually to everyone in Benton, Lincoln and Linn counties, with guidance from the Oregon Health Authority.

COURTESY PHOTO

Dr. Prins, a longtime Lincoln City podiatrist, showing up just before noon on Monday, Dec. 21 to receive the first COVID-19 vaccine at Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital.

From page A1

in three categories based on full time employee levels for a business. For those with up to three full time employees, the maximum was be $5,000; for 4-7 full time employees, the ceiling was $10,000; and between 8-25 full time employees, grants could have gone as high as $15,000.

For category one, Lincoln County handed out 132 awards for $3,035.08 each.

For category two, the county gave out 41 awards at $5,645.74 each. Finally, for

Waiver

category three, the county gave away 37 grants at $6,977.95 each. In total, the county handed out $890,290 as well as 10 partial grant awards totaling to $16,500 for a grand total of $906,790.

“Notification to awardees and those who did not qualify have been made,” county leaders said. “Checks are being issued and all funds (will be) disbursed before the end of the year.”

Some businesses did not meet the grant

qualifications, according to the county.

Common reasons that applications were not funded included: no supporting financial documents, insufficient or illegible financial information to compare 2020 losses to 2019 data, financial profit and loss statements that showed more revenue and/ or net income in 2020 over 2019, business based outside of Lincoln County and multiple businesses under one ownership.

“COVID-19 has had an adverse finan-

cial impact on Lincoln County businesses, and the County is continuing to work with federal, state and local partners to make more assistance available,” the county said.

“Businesses are encouraged to check the County’s website, Northwest Oregon Works, Oregon Coast Community College Small Business Development Center and Community Lending Works for future funding opportunities.”

From page A1

primary place of residence and cannot be a rental or vacation home.

- The home being rebuilt cannot add new or significant additional square footage to the previous residence.

- The homeowner requests the temporary waiver prior to June 30, 2021.

The exclusion is effective immediately upon approval by the Lincoln

County School District Board and Superintendent and expires on June 30, 2021.

The Waiver Request form will be downloadable from the Budget & Finances page and News Items section of the LCSD website at https://lincoln. k12.or.us/our-district/ budget/.

Thank you to All

who make Our Community Strong

Grocery store clerks and stockers

Firefighters Wait staff

Out of state fire crews

Police

Postal workers

Hospital workers

Truck drivers

Food pantry

Churches Taxi delivery drivers

Small business owners

541-994-9111 • 800-462-0197 3891 • NW Hwy 101, Lincoln City • www.realestatelincolncity.com

Have a safe and Happy New Year

Lincoln City’s largest and most trusted news source.

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December 30, 2020

Governor hopes for in-person school in February THE NEWS GUARD

In order to return as many Oregon students to the classroom as safely as possible in the new year, Governor Kate Brown has directed the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Health Authority to implement several new policy initiatives, with the goal of putting more school districts on track to return students to in-person instruction, especially elementary students, by February 15, 2021.

The governor noted in a letter to the agencies that state and federal resources dedicated to school reopening put this goal within reach for school districts, if communities continue to work together to stop the spread of COVID-19 over the next several weeks. About $109 million in CARES Act funds were distributed to public schools in 2020.

The governor also dedicated $28 million for technology and internet assistance for students and schools.

Both the Legislature and Congress have dedicated new resources for safe school reopenings in 2021, including an additional $50 million approved during Monday’s special session to support schools in the transition to in-person instruction.

In addition, the legislature also passed legislation during the special session providing reasonable liability protections for public and private

schools during the remainder of the COVID-19 emergency.

“As 2021 approaches and we look to the remaining school year just over the horizon, it is clear that the greatest gift we can give to Oregon’s children this holiday season is to redouble our efforts to act responsibly and reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. Our students’ learning, resilience, and future well-being depend on all of us,” said Gov. Brown.

“Each and every Oregonian must do our part now to be disciplined and vigilant, to socially distance, wear facial coverings, avoid large gatherings, and follow other necessary public health requirements. The alternative is for Oregonians to remain at risk from the disease for far longer, and for perhaps 90% of Oregon’s students to continue on the unpromising path of spending the remainder of their school year locked out by this virus from their classrooms and youth activities where they best learn, grow, and find connection, safety, and support.”

In her letter to ODE and OHA, the Governor directed the state agencies to continue to partner with school districts, educators, and communities in decision-making processes grounded in sound science and public health and safety, with the goal of preparing more Oregon schools, especially elementary schools, to return to in-person instruction by February

15, 2021.

With educators and school staff to be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccinations, the Governor also directed the agencies to work with schools to provide on-site, rapid testing as a safeguard to quickly address symptomatic individuals and those with potential exposure to COVID-19.

In addition, Oregon’s school metrics, the measures of local community spread of COVID-19 that guide when it is appropriate to open schools for in person instruction, will be advisory rather than mandatory, effective January 1. Moving forward, decisions to resume in-person instruction must be made locally, district by district, school by school.

In addition to schools continuing to adhere to required health and safety protocols and working in close consultation with their local public health authority in understanding and considering the metrics, teachers, school staff, parents and students should be engaged in this decisionmaking process to allow schools to make the best choice for their community and their students.

Many states, including Washington, have advisory metrics.

“As our neighbors to the north have demonstrated, this does not mean schools can resume in-person instruction without regard for COVID-19 spread in the community, but instead should carefully consider

COURTESY PHOTO/LINCOLN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Gov. Kate Brown announced last week that Oregon school districts will now be tasked with deciding whether or not to return to in-person instruction, as opposed to the state metrics. the metrics in their local context, the needs of students and families, and readiness to implement health and safety protocols,” Gov. Brown said. “As we move into a new year, we must all rise to the challenges that COVID-19 presents and prioritizing our children is most urgent.”

Finally, consistent with ongoing updates to the ODE and OHA Ready Schools, Safe Learners guidance, the Governor directed the agencies to review the guidance to ensure that all necessary health and safety procedures and protocols are included to

allow students the maximum access to in-person instruction in keeping with health and safety standards, including any updates to Oregon’s school metrics, based on scientific data and evidence. In order to give school districts time to plan for any changes, this review will be completed by January 19, 2021.

Any proposed updates to Oregon school metrics will be reviewed by the Governor’s Medical Advisory Panel and the Healthy Schools Reopening Council in January.

Pacific Power to lower customer bills in 2021

THE NEWS GUARD

More than 600,000 Pacific Power customers in Oregon will see welcome relief when their electric bills go down an average of approximately 5.2 percent in January 2021.

The rate reduction is the result of decisions issued Dec. 18 and Oct. 30 by the Oregon Public Utilities Commission following a rigorous regulatory review of the company’s applications filed earlier in the year. In addition to lower energy bills, customers will benefit from cleaner energy and a more resilient energy grid as they usher in a new year.

“Pacific Power’s top priority during this difficult time is to keep prices low while

providing Oregon customers with safe and reliable electricity and supporting their desire for more clean energy to power their homes and businesses,” said Stefan Bird, president and CEO of Pacific Power. “The commission’s decisions demonstrate the customer benefits derived from years of innovation and system investments the company has made since our last general rate review in 2013 to improve service, give customers more tools to manage their energy use and increase the amount of renewable power available to them through a more resilient transmission system.”

In the last three years alone, the company has made multi-billion dollar investments in renewable energy and grid upgrades that

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Save on your next grocery purchase of $50 or more* with your Club Card & this Savings Award.

*Use this Savings Award on any shopping trip you choose at any Oregon Safeway or Albertsons store and S.W. Washington stores serving Clark, Wahkiakum, Cowlitz, Skamania, Walla Walla and Klickitat counties by 1/5/21. This $10.00 Savings Award excludes purchases of Alcoholic Beverages, Fluid Dairy Products, Tobacco, US Postage Stamps, Trimet Bus/Commuter Passes, Money Orders, Container Deposits, Lottery, Gift Cards, Gift Certificates Sales, All Pharmacy Prescription Purchases, Safeway Club Savings, Safeway or Albertsons Store Coupons and Sales Tax. One Savings Award redeemable per household. COUPON CANNOT BE DOUBLED. Online and in-store prices, discounts, and offers may differ.

significantly increase the amount of lowcost renewable energy resources that serve customers.

These long-term investments are contributing to immediate rate reductions and decarbonization that are projected to save customers several hundred million dollars over the life of the investments. More than half of the 2021 rate decrease is the result of lower fuel costs and increases in federal production tax credits that result from the company’s new renewable energy investments.

The decisions, which take effect Jan. 1, 2021, also include: Benefits from pioneering an expanding new western energy market that allows utili-

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ties across the West to access the lowest-cost energy available in near real time, making it easy for zero fuel-cost renewable energy to go where it is needed. The Western EIM reduces customer costs while simultaneously decarbonizing the grid.

Innovative new rate programs to help our customers reduce their costs and a new, flattened rate structure that allocates costs among energy users in a more equitable and transparent manner.

A new mechanism to allow Pacific Power to recover incremental wildfire mitigation and vegetation management costs over the coming years to reduce wildfire risk.

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Prices in this ad are effective 6 AM Tuesday, December 29, 2020 thru Tuesday, January 5, 2021 (unless otherwise noted) in all Safeway or Albertsons stores in Oregon and S.W. Washington stores serving Wahkiakum, Cowlitz, Clark, Skamania, Walla Walla and Klickitat Counties. Items offered for sale are not available to other dealers or wholesalers. Sales of products containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine limited by law. Quantity rights reserved. SOME ADVERTISING ITEMS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN ALL STORES. Some advertised prices may be even lower in some stores. On Buy One, Get One Free (“BOGO”) offers, customer must purchase the first item to receive the second item free. BOGO offers are not 1/2 price sales. If only a single item purchased, the regular price applies. Manufacturers’ coupons may be used on purchased items only — not on free items.

Limit one coupon per purchased item. Customer will be responsible for tax and deposits as required by law on the purchased and free items. No liquor sales in excess of 52 gallons. No liquor sales for resale. Liquor sales at licensed Safeway or Albertsons stores only. ©2020 Safeway Inc. or ©2020 Albertsons LLC. Availability of items may vary by store. Online and In-store prices, discounts and offers may differ.

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