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Free kids art session planned at North Lincoln County Historical Museum

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Kids of all ages are invited to this summer’s Art at the Museum from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, July 13, at the North Lincoln County Historical Museum, 4907 SW Highway 101 in Lincoln City.

Guests will be invited to paint and draw historical and cultural artifacts and pictures. A new craft workshop will also be featured.

All art supplies are provided for the free program by the Mildred and Marie Children’s Fund.

Parents/guardians must accompany their children.

What: Art at the Museum

Where: The North Lincoln County Historical Museum (NLCHM)

When: Saturday, July 13, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Cost: .Funding by the Mildred and Marie Children’s Fund

Contact: NLCHM 541-996-6614 – 4907 SW Highway 101, Lincoln City

Realtors unite to H.E.L.P. homeless families bowl over education obstacles

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The Lincoln County Board of Realtors will host two fundraising bowling events in August to benefit Lincoln County School District’s H.E.L.P. Centers.

The Homeless Education and Literacy Project (H.E.L.P.) works with area homeless kids and families to eliminate barriers related to school attendance and success.

Events will take place Sunday, Aug. 11, at Olde Line Lanes in Lincoln City, and Sunday, Aug. 18, at Muggly’s in Toledo. Signup sheets are available at these locations, or call a realtor for more information or to schedule a pick-up of your donations.

Committee member contacts:

Lauren Hahn at Taylor & Taylor Realty, 502-333-4334; Michael Kessinger at Emerald Coast Realty, 415-342-4851; or Lynlei Gilleo, Executive Officer, Lincoln County Board of Realtors, Lincoln County Multiple Listing Service, 2403 NW Highway 101, Suite I; Lincoln City OR  97367; 541-994-4949; https://www.lincolncountyrealtors.com/

$1.5 million in lottery bonds to enhance Lincoln City Cultural Plaza

Lincoln City Cultural Plaza

A $1.5 million State lottery bond allocation for the Lincoln City Cultural Plaza revitalization project will help redevelop 2 1/2 acres with sidewalks, gathering places, public art, vendor amenities, parking and landscaping.

“We were looking for $600,000. We didn’t get it. We didn’t get it because I asked for more,” Rep. David Gomberg announced tonight before a standing throng of community supporters and project donors at a packed news conference at the Cultural Center. “And, in that budget that we passed, is 1.5 million dollars.”

The “game-changing” seven-figure fiscal support, added to an early investment by the City of Lincoln City and individual donations to the $1.8 million Cultural Plaza Campaign, puts the project on a fast track for construction in 2020, Gomberg said. The investment was approved as part of the Oregon State Budget with just hours to spare after the Senate reconvened Saturday.

“The Lincoln City Cultural Center is about more than the visual and performing arts,” Gomberg said. “It is about supporting the retirement community and tourism. And, it is about enhancing our blossoming art industry.”

The Cultural Plaza funding request was included in the budget as part of five projects approved by the Cultural Advocacy Coalition. Other projects to be funded include Oregon Nikkei Center ($500,000), High Desert Museum ($250,000), Cottage Theatre ($375,000) and the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts ($1.5 million).

“Converting the parking lots and playgrounds at the iconic DeLake School into a modern cultural plaza will benefit the entire community. I was pleased to advocate for this transformative funding,” Gomberg said.

Design highlights at the facility at 540 NE Highway 101 include a meandering roadway for the west lawn, an outdoor classroom on the east side, and a permanent location for the community Christmas tree. The LCCC Board of Directors, under the guidance of landscape architect Shapiro Didway, has taken the project from inception to design over the past 18 months.

“We are so thrilled and thankful for the support of the State of Oregon, the Cultural Advocacy Coalition and all the legislators who helped bring this investment to Lincoln City,” LCCC Board President Greg Berton said. “Most of all, we thank Rep. Gomberg, who has been such an amazing champion for Lincoln City and the Cultural Center.”

The capital construction funds will come from the Cultural Resources Economic Fund (CREF), which include lottery-backed bonds, as well as General Fund dollars and appropriations through the Department of Administrative Services. The money will be available for project reimbursement in spring 2021.

Because the project is in design and State funds will not be available for two years, the Cultural Plaza Campaign’s fundraising activities will continue as planned, officials said. The committee is selling commemorative bricks, and will offer more naming opportunities in the coming months.

“This is such amazing news,” Board Treasurer and volunteer Project Manager John Colliers said. “It will give us the financial backing we need to complete design and engineering, find our contractor and prepare for construction in 2020.

“But the community needs to know that in order to secure these funds, we promised $250,000 in individual donations — and we’re only halfway there. We’re asking for your continued support as we transform this property.”

For information on the Cultural Plaza, call the LCCC at 541-994-9994 or head to lincolncityculturalcenter.org/plaza.

Cultural Plaza Project

Designed in cooperation with landscape architect Shapiro Didway, the Lincoln City Cultural Plaza project will create a pedestrian-friendly envelope around the building, with safe and attractive spaces at every entrance. Other features include:

•  A meandering path that will be ADA compliant as well as convenient for vendor vehicles;
•  New patios on the south and east, in the most protected and sunny locations;
•  An outdoor classroom for activities like raku kiln firing and children’s classes;
•  Dedicated spaces for public art installations, immediate and in the future;
•  Gathering places with seating and decorative paving, including a custom-built location for the annual community Christmas tree;
•  Adequate lighting for evening use, throughout the parking and pedestrian areas; and
• Redesigned traffic flow and parking area, with islands and other upgrades required by city code.

Early Support

Lincoln City Police Log June 7-27

Lincoln City Police Crime Log

The Lincoln City Police Dispatch Daily Desk Log is a public record of police calls. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Friday, June 7

Crash – 1:22 a.m. – Best Western Landmark Inn, 4430 SW Highway 101 – Daniel J. Schwarz (12/3/62) taken into custody after a traffic stop at Inn at Spanish Head. Schwarz was charged with failure to perform duties of a driver, resisting arrest, criminal mischief and reckless driving.

Trespass – 9:51 a.m. – Lincoln City Sporting Goods – Caller reported Benjamin Pasciyo is behind the business. Pasciyo was gone upon officer arrival. Subject is trespassed and will be cited if located.

Shoplifting – 12:50 p.m. – McKay’s Market – Juvenile in custody for shoplifting. Cited to appear and released.

DUII – 1:08 p.m. – 1831 SW Highway 101 – John R. Tatom (8/16/63) appeared to be passed out in a vehicle. Tatom taken into custody after test were performed.

Found Property – 8:38 p.m. – Taft High School – Officer found black laptop bag with two cameras inside.

Saturday, June 8

Assault – 3:38 a.m. – Reported assault at South Shell station. Victim denied medics and suspect left prior to officer arrival.

Fraud – 4:53 p.m.  Victim received phone bill for two iPhone’s he did not order.

Crash – 5:25 p.m. – SE Highway 101 & SE East Devils Lake Road – Multiple vehicle crash blocking the road with injuries. One passenger transported to SNLH. One driver cited for failure to maintain lane and careless driving.

Shoplifting – 8:48 p.m. – Rite Aid – Theft from store reported.

Sunday, June 9

Found Property – 12:05 a.m. – SE 32nd St. – Cell phone found and brought to LCPD.

Criminal Mischief – 12:25 a.m. – 1266 SW 50th St. – Caller reported damage to all four tires while parked at LC Collective.

Monday, June 10

Theft – 10:02 a.m. – 4503 SW Beach Ave. – Theft of checks from home.

Disturbance – 12:48 p.m. – 1303 NW 20th St. – Caller advised that his mother was threatening his brother with a knife. Naz A. Lauenstein-Kinman (10/18/73) arrested and transported to Lincoln County Jail for menacing.

Assisting Outside Agency – 6:45 p.m. – SNLH – Report of an abandoned vehicle at hospital.

Protective Custody – SW 50th St. City parking lot – Caller reports needing medical attention. Taken into protective custody and transported to SNLH for evaluation.

Theft – 9:42 p.m. – 1035 NW Harbor Ave. – Theft of LGV20 cell phone, large basket with faux leather handle, white, black and pink blanket, sunglasses and Black Anker speaker.

Tuesday, June 11

Theft – 10:56 a.m. – McKay’s Market – Seiji M. Button (7/15/96) cited and released for theft.

MIP – Taft High School – Report of non-student in school refusing to leave. Juvenile taken into custody and referred for MIP and transported to responsible adult.

Suspicious Activity – Taft High School – Student refusing to let school search backpack.

Wednesday, June 12 

Drugs – 10:12 a.m. – Taft High School – Minor in possession of marijuana.

Theft – 10:15 a.m. – Taft High School – Theft of a phone.

Disturbance – 10:37 a.m. – Josephine Young Park, SW 65th St. – Caller stated a drone was harassing her and her husband, then the owner started yelling at them.

Fraud – 2:53 p.m. – 1727 NE Lee Pl. – Caller states someone opened a Pacific Power account in their name.

Thursday, June 13

Warrant – 12:23 a.m. – South Shell – Alan Michael Lewis (10/3/83) taken into custody on Linn County warrant for failing to appear on forgery charges.

Interfering with Public Transport – 2:48 a.m. – Chinook Winds Casino – Male and a female contacted at bus shelter in front of casino. Both provided false information. Jaysin Shelby Miller (7/13/97) taken into custody for ID theft, false info and resisting arrest. Corey John Brooks (12/25/79) taken into custody for false info, ID theft and two warrants out of Multnomah County for aggravated assault and menacing. Both transported to Lincoln County Jail.

Disturbance – 5:18 a.m. – 562 SE Neptune Ave. – Disturbance in street. Officers made contact with the group and requested medics for evaluation.

Theft – 12:08 p.m. – Chinook Winds Casino – Theft of casino ticket for $525.51.

Found Property – 6:34 p.m. – 1015 SW 51st. – Caller requested officer after pinging Samsung S9 via app to location.

Fraud – 9:12 p.m. – Safeway – Fraudulent credit card used.

Friday June 14 

DUII Crash – 3:54 a.m. – Captain Cook Inn, 2626 NE Highway 101 – Caller reported suspicious vehicle and occupants outside of hotel who were not guests. Officers made contact and noticed vehicle sustained heavy damage with missing hood. Jes Hunter Lewis (2/10/93) taken into custody for DUII and reckless driving. Also arrested was Ryan Logan Binks (9/10/92).

Warrant arrest – 5:06 a.m. – Captain Cook Inn – Binks contacted at hotel forMunicipal warrant for theft. Binks cited and released.

Found Property – 5:28 a.m. – 1501 NW 40th Pl. – Clothes found on the beach. Officer made contact with the owner of clothes. She had tried to dispose of them in the ocean. She has been advised to come pick them up.

Armed Robbery – 9:20 a.m. – 4659 SW Highway 101 – Report of armed robbery at Bank of the West. Investigation ongoing.

Follow Up – 11:59 a.m. – 3015 NE Yacht Ave. – Possible Native American skull seized, ongoing investigation.

DUII – 11:28 p.m. – SE 8th St. & SE Port Ave. – Christopher W. Angst (10/24/73) arrested for DUII.

Saturday, June 15 

Restraining Order Violation – 9:21 a.m. – 1724 NW 37th St. – Miguel Borvosa Avila (11/1/93) suspect in investigation.

Theft – 11:18 a.m. – Mo’s Restaurant – Report of stolen cell phone.

Sunday, June 16

Disturbance – 12:21 a.m. – Chinook Winds Casino – Report of casino security having trouble with some patrons on the main gaming floor. Douglas A. Loucks (6/21/75) cited and released for harassment.

Assault – 3:05 a.m. – 1585 SE 19th St. – Son assaulted caller and left on foot. Probable cause warrant issued on Seiji M. Button (7/15/96) for assault and criminal mischief. Button located, taken into custody and transported to Lincoln County Jail.

Theft – 7:17 a.m. – McKay’s Market – Shoplifters left store without paying for deli items.

Criminal Mischief – 12:26 p.m. – 2690 NE Yacht Ave. – Car window shattered.

Hit and Run – 3:13 p.m. – 869 SW 51st St. – Forrest M. Locke (12/17/97) suspected of crashing his Jeep Cherokee into a gray minivan and fleeing the scene. Multiple eyewitness accounts.

Theft – 7:35 p.m. – Safeway – Kajsa Garrison (9/9/00) cited and released for theft and trespassed from Safeway.

Monday, June 17

Follow Up – 1:08 a.m. – Chinook Winds Casino – Miguel Borvosa taken into custody for restraining order violation and transported to Lincoln County jail.

Assisting Outside Agency – Douglas K. Thompson (4/1/58) Thompson taken into custody for failure to register as a sex offender.

Found Property – Flares turned into LCPD that were found on road.

Fraud – 4:31 p.m. – 3109 NE 26th St. – Possible identity theft reported.

Stolen Vehicle – 4:23 p.m. 7035 NE Neptune Dr. – 5 x 8 black utility trailer stolen from property.

Tuesday, June 18

Criminal Mischief – 7:28 a.m. – Game Over Arcade – Juvenile broke open a number of machines to get the quarters.

Hit and Run – 12:12 p.m. – North Ace Hardware – Caller reports his 2017 Chevy Colorado was damaged at location.

Domestic – 6:15 p.m. – Report of a juvenile assaulting her parents. Juvenile referred to courts for harassment.

Theft – 8:04 p.m. – McDonalds – iPhone stolen at location. Apple Store advised victim photos were being taken with the phone.

Wednesday, June 19

Warrant Arrest – 3:59 a.m. – Gabriel J. Mata (4/14/76) taken into custody for warrant out of Salem for failure to appear.

Theft – 7:11 a.m. – Service Master, 4075 NW Logan Rd. – Items taken and parts off of trailers missing.

Fraud – 8:29 a.m. – 3350 NE Highway 101 – Bank account accessed and money withdrawn.

Domestic – 8:53 a.m. – 1123 SW 51st St. – Caller reported her son assaulted her.

Fraud – 11:29 a.m. – 2328 NE Holmes Rd. – Caller reported fraudulent checks were deposited into his bank account.

Theft – 11:37 a.m. – 95 SW Highway 101 – Caller reported theft of two cell phones from his vehicle.

Thursday, June 20

Welfare Check – 10:42 a.m. – 2020 SE Highway 101 – Multiple reports of a male behaving strangely. Male wearing torn pants, no shoes and a hospital bracelet was having a conversation with someone who wasn’t there. Transported to SNLH.

Disturbance – 11:02 a.m. – 4009 SW Highway 101 – Report of a disturbance in room and two 911 hang-up calls.

Theft – 1:02 p.m. – 3510 NE Highway 101 – Deposit bag and money from register stolen.

Friday, June 21

DOA – 4:33 a.m. – 145 SE Mast Ave. – 911 report of an unconscious male. Kevin J. Wilda (3/27/56) deceased. Pacific View Memorial notified.

Criminal Mischief – 9:53 a.m. – 3780 SE Spyglass Ridge Dr. – Graffiti near the gates to The Pit, on batting cages and near door.

Found Property – 10:05 a.m. – 1102 SW Coast Ave. – Found white Samsung Galaxy Express 3. Taken to LCPD for safekeeping.

Theft – 11:14 a.m. – 1430 SE Highway 101 – Report of White van driving off without paying for $20 in gas.

Criminal Mischief – 2:01 p.m. – 1797 SE 14th St. – Caller reported a male subject was upset that the water was off in the area and damaged his van.

Restraining Order Violation – 7:54 p.m. – Chinook Winds Casino – Caller reports her sister violated restraining order in showroom of casino. Caller and sister were in verbal dispute prior to calling 911.

Sex Offense – 10:05 p.m. – 4031 NW Highway 101 – Officer approached location about possible female runaway from Gresham.

Saturday, June 22

Crash – 3:25 p.m. – Groth Gates, 2614 SE Highway 101 – Two vehicle rear -end crash. Medical responded to evaluate for injury.

Theft – 3:42 p.m. – 95 SW Highway 101 – Stolen cell phone.

Found Property – 5:23 p.m. – D River Wayside – Unfired bullet found and turned in to LCPD.

Runaway Located – 1132 SW 14th St. – Juvenile female taken into custody as she is a runaway from DHS custody.

Trespass – 9:38 p.m. – 4814 SE Highway 101 – Rocky Donovan Gonzalez (3/24/86) taken into custody on PO detainer after reports of him harassing bar customers while intoxicated. Taken to Lincoln County Jail.

Bite – 10:22 p.m. – Chinook Winds Casino – LCPD requested for dog bite at the casino.

Sunday, June 23

Assisting Outside Agency – 10:29 a.m. – Walgreens – Manager advised of a strange female outside upsetting customers. Robyn R. Austin (3/19/93) transported to Lincoln County jail on detainer.

Crash – 10:56 a.m. – 3200 NE Highway 101 – Vehicle struck a bicyclist going through turn lane. No injuries.

Crash – 12:01 p.m. – 2891 SW Highway 101 – Three vehicle non-injury crash.

Theft – 5:15 p.m. – Candyland, 1806 NE Highway 101 – Caller reports three males came in and stole sodas. Left on skateboards and scooters.

Disturbance – 9:03 p.m. – 1108 SW 15th St. – Report of loud music, yelling and screaming. Multiple attempts to contact, turns down music and won’t open the door. Probable cause written for disorderly conduct.

Monday, June 24

DUII – 2:17 p.m. – SW 50th St. & SW Highway 101 – Earlier report of intoxicated driver leaving Chinook Winds. Officer flagged down by citizen with complaint of listed vehicle nearly running them off the road. Vehicle located, traffic stop performed and Curtis D. Bosworth (12/15/82) taken into custody for DUII. Cited and released.

DUII – 1:33 a.m. – SW 32nd St. & Highway 101 – Juvenile driver taken into custody for DUII and transported to LCPD. Cited and released.

Assisting Outside Agency – 3:14 p.m. – Benjamin M. Noffsinger (8/26/79) taken into custody on warrant out of Lincoln County for contempt of court.

Assisting Outside Agency – 11:04 p.m. – Safeway – Darrel G. Richards (6/7/68) taken into custody for violation of no contact order release agreement. Richards was transported to Lincoln County Jail.

Tuesday, June 25

Theft – 3:06 a.m. – 2522 NW Mast Ave. – Missing property after allowing a guest to stay for a couple days.

Found Property – 9:20 a.m. – D River Wayside – Public Works brought in sunglasses, a Good Sam card and a black iPhone to LCPD.

Suspicious Vehicle – 11:08 a.m. – SE 3rd St. public parking – Vehicle parked with plate that returns unable to locate. VIN is obstructed and can not be ran.

Fraud – 1:54 p.m. – Bi-Mart – Fraudulent request to fill a prescription.

Theft – 4:29 p.m. – Motel 6 – Prescription medication stolen/misplaced.

Assisting Outside Agency – 4:53 p.m. – LCPD – Enrique Omar Mejia (7/8/91) turned himself into police station for Lincoln County misdemeanor warrant. Cited and released from LCPD.

Theft – 6:08 p.m. – Chinook Winds Casino – Victim reports her ticket was stolen.

Assisting Outside Agency – 10:36 p.m. NE 14th St. & NE Oar Ave. – Michael J. Burk (10/2/86) taken into custody and transported to Lincoln County jail for felony out-of-state warrant.

Extra Patrol Request – Olivia Beach – Multiple complaints of transients coming onto properties and going through trash and recycling bins.

Criminal Mischief – 8 a.m. – 2430 NE 14th St. – Bank of post office boxes for apartment complex broken into and damaged.

Disturbance – 1:33 p.m. – B Nails, 4079 NW Logan Rd. – Caller reported another female customer was screaming and threatening her. Amber M. Sirotak (3/16/82) was taken into custody and transported to LCPD then taken to Lincoln County Jail for disorderly conduct.

Hit and Run – 1:57 p.m. – NW 14th St. & Highway 101 – Vehicle struck traffic light pole and left scene.

Thursday, June 27

Suspicious Vehicle – 5:23 p.m. – White 1995 Ford Explorer was left parked in roadway with door open. Officer responded and vehicle towed by Care Care.

Found Property – 10:22 p.m. – Citizen requested we keep a green notebook in safekeeping for her until she gets out of jail.

Statewide fire season officially takes effect on all ODF protected lands

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Fire season is officially in effect on all Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) protected lands.

The announcement comes after the ODF Northwest Oregon and North Cascade protection districts declared fire season July 1. ODF’s Southwest Oregon District was the first to declare fire season June 1.

ODF protects more than 16 million acres of private, county, state and federal land.

Fire season is declared at the local district level, with restrictions intended to help prevent human-caused wildfires. Declarations are based on the National Fire Danger Rating System as well as other local factors, such as weather and conditions on the ground.

Fire season generally runs through October and ends based on local conditions.

For residents within ODF’s 12 fire protection districts, the arrival of fire season means the end of unregulated outdoor debris burning, a leading cause of wildfire.

While permits to burn may be issued in some areas, debris burning is generally prohibited throughout the summer due to increased wildfire risk. Violators burning without a permit will be cited and held liable for fire suppression costs.

Other public use fire restrictions are also in effect in several areas. The use of fireworks, tracer ammunition and exploding targets are illegal within ODF protection boundaries, as well as other state and federal lands.

Campfires, the mowing of dry, cured grass, cutting and welding, power saw use and other spark-emitting activities are regulated at the local level, depending upon the conditions and fire danger.

For example, during low fire danger, mowing may be allowed all day. However, during moderate, high and extreme fire danger mowing may be restricted to early morning or prohibited until conditions improve.

ODF encourages the public to stay informed of current fire restrictions by visiting the agency’s Fire Restrictions & Closures website or calling their local ODF or protective association office.

Forest operators are required to follow fire season requirements, including providing a water supply, fire tools, spark arresters on equipment, and fire watch. Similar to fire danger restrictions for the public, operators must follow rules under the four-tiered Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) system.

Cultural Plaza project, Delake School development plans to be unveiled

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Cultural Center Plaza

The Lincoln City Cultural Center Board of Directors and Capital Campaign Committee will announce major plans regarding the Cultural Plaza project and Delake School property development tonight at a 6 o’clock news conference at the Cultural Center.

All supporters, including donors and LCCC members, are invited to attend the event, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. at 540 NE highway 101.

Complimentary grilled hamburgers, chips and beverages will be served to the first 100 attendees, and drawings made for a commemorative brick and other prizes.

Community to salute stars and stripes at Gleneden Beach parade

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Vendors will sell crafts, food and specialty items, and the community will celebrate the nation’s birth at 1 p.m. Thursday in the 25th annual Gleneden Beach Independence Day Parade.

The Fourth of July festivities will begin at 8 a.m. with breakfast at the Gleneden Beach Community Club, 110 Azalea St. For details, visit www.glenedencommunityclub.org.

Vendor booths will be located in the parking lot adjacent to Eden Hall and in various locations along the parade route. The vendor fair runs from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Learn more at www.glenedenbeachparade.com.

Runners to mix sand and surf Saturday in annual Ocean’s Edge 5K/10K

Lincoln City’s annual family and pet-friendly Ocean’s Edge 5K/10K will be contested at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, July 6, at low tide on the Pacific Ocean beach sand behind Kyllo’s Seafood & Grill.

Glass floats will be awarded to the top overall male and female runners, and the first 150 participants to sign up will receive $20 off a $100 purchase from Nike Factory Store.

Register by Friday at https://runsignup.com/oceansedge

Oregon Coast Community College students receive senatorial sendoff

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US Senator Jeff Merkley
U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley delivered the Commencement Address to OCCC’s graduates on June 14 at the Newport Performing Arts Center

On Friday, June 14, Oregon Coast Community College celebrated its 31st annual commencement with United States Senator Jeff Merkley delivering the address to a packed house at the Newport Performing Arts Center.

OCCC President Birgitte Ryslinge, Chief Academic Officer Dan Lara, Dean of Students Cindy Carlson, Board of Education Chair Debbie Kilduff and other College leaders conferred certificates and degrees to the graduates.

In summary, the Class of 2019 included the awarding of:

  • Nine Associate of General Studies degrees
  • 28 Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degrees – typically, these students will move on to a four-year Oregon university beginning in the fall, generally entering at junior status, with only two years remaining
  • Two Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer – Business degrees.
  • Four Certificates in Early Childhood Education (ECE). This was the inaugural year of OCCC’s new ECE Program. Check the ECE page on the College website for news about a new Early Childhood Education scholarship program, posted now for students interested in enrolling for the Fall.
  • Seven Associate of Applied Science Degrees in Aquarium Science
  • Two Aquarium Science Certificates
  • 17 Associate of Applied Science Degrees in Nursing
  • 19 Certified Medical Assistant Certificates
  • Eight General Education Development (GED) Awards

Friend of the College

Dr. Birgitte Ryslinge, left, presents OCCC’s Friend of the College award to Dr. Karen Gray, right.

During the Commencement, President Ryslinge presented the fifth annual “Friend of the College” award to the Lincoln County School District, and Superintendent Dr. Karen Gray, in recognition of the many ways in which Dr. Gray and the LCSD are partnering with OCCC to serve students and our communities. Examples include dual enrollment, allowing students to earn OCCC college credits while still enrolled in high school, as well as special projects like the upcoming welding classes to be taught at Taft 7-12, the Port of Toledo, and Waldport.

Aquarium Science

The College’s Aquarium Science Program (AQS) is the only one of its kind in the nation. It offers a two-year degree program as well as a one-year certificate. Almost all the students who pursue the certificate come to OCCC having already earned a four-year degree in biology or the natural sciences. These students come from Oregon as well as from around the country. Some find living space at the Hatfield Marine Science Center thanks to a partnership with Oregon State University.

AQS graduates are in high demand in the aquarium and zoo industries. Among this year’s graduates are Kate Stanley, who recently secured an internship with Walt Disney World Animal Programs. Robert Nowlan will be continuing his studies at the Exotic Animal Training and Management Program at Moorpark College in California, while Josh Young will be staying closer to OCCC, working as a Life Support Technician for the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

Nursing

With this year’s graduation behind it, OCCC’s Nursing and Allied Health Program has now graduated more than 200 nurses – most of whom are at work today in Lincoln County, helping meet the increasing need for healthcare professionals right here at home.

President Ryslinge congratulates Nursing program graduate Willow Buswell. Jeff Ouderkirk, who has served on the OCCC Board of Education since the College’s founding 32 years ago, is in the background

Small Business Development Center

Also in June, 26 Small Business Management Program Certificates were awarded by the OCCC Small Business Development Center. Over the course of the program, participants learn about business law, changing payroll and human resources rules, innovated emerging marketing techniques, tax law changes, and much more. Any business owner in the county is invited to apply to this program, which features 10 months of workshops and classes plus monthly one-on-one business advising throughout the program. Applications for the 2019-20 year are available now at oregoncoastcc.org/sbdc.

Apply Now

Registration is open now for the Fall 2019 term at Oregon Coast Community College, serving students with facilities in Newport, Lincoln City, and Waldport. Explore the College’s new and improved website, at oregoncoastcc.org, to learn more.

The College and the LCSD continue to partner on the innovated “Grow Your Own Teacher” program, in which students can earn the bulk of a four-year teaching degree right here at home – excepting nine months at Western Oregon University – and enjoy job placement assistance and preferential hiring treatment here in Lincoln County upon completion. The College is also excited to grow its Early Childhood Education Certificate Program as it enters its second year this Fall, helping meet a profound need that is felt throughout Lincoln County while providing students with valuable skills for careers in that growing field.

Follow OCCC on Instagram or Facebook, @occcsharks, online at oregoncoastcc.org, or call the College at 541-867-8501.

Gomberg: Legislative wrap-up and town halls

The 2019 Legislative Session ended early Sunday evening, just a few hours before the constitutional deadline.

The news of late has focused on drama in the Senate. But I believe history will record that in 2019, the Legislature took bold and meaningful steps to address major issues facing Oregon. Here are a few examples:

Golden Man
The Golden Man atop the Capitol dome

Kids and Schools: A major effort was designed to improve school performance and support pre-school children’s programs. To pay for it, Oregon will tax our largest businesses half a percent on sales. Health care, fuel, and groceries will be excluded as will any company with less than a million dollars of activity.  I worked to make sure our smaller businesses, dairies, and fishermen were not taxed.

PERS: We sent new revenue from the Lottery and $100 million from the General Fund to the PERS Fund. We refinanced that fund. And we now will require public employees to contribute a small amount to that account. Without immediate action, we were told increasing pension costs would require service cuts and terminating 5000 teachers by 2025.

Family Leave: Starting in 2023, Oregonians will be able to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave to help a new baby, sick child or spouse, or aging parent. The money will come from a fund similar to unemployment insurance. I worked to allow small employers to opt out or to provide reimbursements if they can’t find replacement workers.

Housing: The Committee I co-chair allocated new dollars to affordable housing. Apartments and duplexes will be allowed in residential neighborhoods for cities over 25,000. Rent control and changes in no-cause evictions were approved. I opposed the rent control bill believing most of our landlords are small “mom and pops”, not big companies, and this measure would cause many to stop renting or raise prices.That measure did pass both chambers.

Juvenile Justice: Measures were passed changing how some young offenders are classified as adults and sent to prison.

Diesel Emissions and Oil Trains: Safety standards for trains and limits for diesel trucks were adopted. The diesel measure only applies in Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington Counties and doesn’t require engine transitions until 2025.

Health Care: A task force was created to study health care reform and a single-payer system to reduce costs and encourage early treatment.

Election Reform: A measure was passed to restrict electronic petition sheets. I opposed it. A measure was also passed to provide free postage on election ballots envelopes. I thought the $3 million cost could be better spent on other projects and voted no.

Referrals: The legislature sent a proposal to Oregon voters to allow limits on campaign contributions. You will also be voting on a proposed increase in cigarette and vaping taxes. Money would be used to help avoid or reduce tobacco addictions. Our district suffers the highest rate of smoking in Oregon – particularly among pregnant women.  This effects our health and health care costs for everyone.

Additionally, the final budget bill passed each session funds special projects around the state. This year, that includes proposals supporting wildlife rehabilitation at Oregon Coast Aquarium, a new dam in Newport, emergency earthquake preparation in Neskowin, and improvements for the Lincoln City Cultural Center.

Sadly, this session will also be remembered for confrontation, walk-outs, and threats. Oregon was in the national and international news. And not in a good way.

Twice, Republican members of the Senate left the building in order to deny a quorum and stop all business. In response, the Governor issued an order for the state police to locate the missing Senators and return them to the Capitol. The Senate President directed that missing Senators be fined $500 per day since they were being paid and receiving per diem while absent. One senator responded with threats of violence against the police if they attempted to apprehend him. Finally militia groups scheduled a rally at the Capitol. The Oregon State Police issued warnings of a credible threat and all business was cancelled. The Capitol was locked down.

The issue was opposition to a measure which would limit the emission of greenhouse gasses by businesses in Oregon.

Oregon farmland
I fought for changes to Cap and Trade to benefit our coastal communities

That is a simple explanation of a large and complex proposal. In recent newsletters, I have described in detail the Cap and Invest bill. I also outlined the steps I took to mitigate the effects the measures would have on small businesses, family farms, dairies, fishermen, our local mills, and most importantly, rural residents.

  • “Rep Gomberg made a number of important proposals to support our Dairy and Agricultural families. We look forward to working with him more during the 2020 short session.” Tammy Dennee, Oregon Dairy Farmers
  • “David engaged early and often to offer changes that helped rural and coastal communities.” Representative Karin Powers, Co-Chair, Joint Carbon Committee.

Early last week the Senate President announced that the Cap and Invest measure lacked enough Democrat votes to pass in the Senate and was “dead”.

Ultimately, the Senators returned and in the final two days, expedited the process to conclude most pending business and budgets. That’s the good news. But I worry that something important has been lost.

No matter how you feel about the issue, all of us should be concerned when your government is closed by threats of violence. Esquire magazine observed: “People with guns have involved themselves in a legislative dispute … and one session of a state legislature was cancelled because of it. Roll that around in your head for a while and see where you end up.”

When confrontation, ultimatums, and threats of violence replace conversation, negotiation, and principled compromise, all Oregonians lose.

The Oregonian Newspaper editorialized, “As a whole, the state voted in a Democratic supermajority and a governor who made no secret of their plan to push for a carbon bill several years in the making to address climate change.”  When one side wins an election, does the “minority party” have a duty to show up and argue their cause, or can they walk away and crash the entire governmental process?

I still believe that Democrats and Republicans can work together to benefit all parts of the state. It’s hard. But it is attainable. I believe in win-win scenarios. Some people may win more and others less. But I believe in outcomes where everyone wins something.

As I said before, ultimately the Cap and Invest measure failed for lack of Democratic votes and not because of a Republican walk-out.

I want to close by thanking the House Republicans for showing up each and every day. I know they too were frustrated. I know it was hard for them. But they continued to represent their constituents in the Capitol, seeking accommodations and amendments, or simply voting no. It wasn’t easy and they have earned both my gratitude and my respect.

Veterans budget carry
Carrying the Veterans Department budget on the House floor

Three Town Hall Events Coming to House District 10

I’m pleased to announce three town hall events in Lincoln and Tillamook Counties in July. The public is invited to this series of community forums to ask questions, share concerns, and review the recently concluded legislative session. Further town halls will be scheduled in Yamhill and Polk Counties later this summer.

I’ve worked hard to regularly visit every corner of our sprawling district. Interacting with people – listening to people – is the best part of my work as a local legislator. The 10th House District ranges from Tillamook and Cape Mears in the north, to Yachats in the south and inland to Sheridan and Grand Ronde. The schedule for the events is as follows:

Mid Lincoln County Town Hall

Sunday, July 7

Newport Library, McEntee Meeting Room

35 NW Nye St, Newport, OR 97365

1:30 – 2:30pm

 

Southern Tillamook County Town Hall

Monday, July 8

Kiawanda Community Center, Faye Jensen Hall

34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr, Pacific City, OR 97135

6:30 – 7:30pm

North Lincoln County Town Hall

Saturday, July 27

Driftwood Library Community Room

801 SW Hwy 101 Ste 201, Lincoln City, OR 97367

11:30am – 12:30pm

Those wishing to share their legislative concerns but unable to attend any of the events are encouraged to email me at [email protected]. I can also be reached in my Salem office at 503-986-1410.

Warm Regards,

Representative David Gomberg
House District 10

email: [email protected]

phone: 503-986-1410
address: 900 Court St NE, H-471, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/gomberg