By Cara Mico, Assistant Editor Deb Simmons, the sole mayoral candidate for the City of Manzanita, held a listening session September 15, 2022 where she outlined her three major goals as mayor; a solid vision created by the City Council, a clear plan within that vision regarding livability and short term rentals, and a transparent budget that outlines how to…
Author: Cara Mico, Assistant Editor
I'm a bit of a mess tbh, biologist, designer, author, alien and AI enthusiast, I'm doing my best, or at least 80% of what might be my best.
Unite Oregon, Humble Beginnings, and Participatory Budgeting come together for climate listening session
By Cara Mico, Assistant Editor Unite Oregon is a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that community voices are heard at the tables where decisions are made. In 2021, they started a Climate Justice Listening Session Tour that crossed Oregon where they facilitated discussions around climate justice in communities that are most at risk including communities of color, low income communities, and…
The Truth about the Economics of Logging
By Cara Mico Economist Ernie Niemi presented at the North Coast Communities for Watershed Protection (NCCWP) monthly educational series in “The Truth about the Economics of Logging” during an Online Event on September 13, 2022. Mr. Niemi broke down the true cost of logging and how to rethink forestry. Ernie specializes in applying the principles of cost-benefit analysis, economic valuation,…
Deb Simmons already working towards visioning in lead up to November Mayoral election in Manzanita
By Cara Mico Deb Simmons is the only candidate running for Mayor of Manzanita, I spoke with her to discuss her goals and vision for the City. She was recently asked by an anonymous city leader to conduct research about the issues around short-term rentals in Manzanita. From her discussions with residents she found that often short-term rentals tear livability…
Brad Mayerle is running for Manzanita City Council
By Cara Mico Brad Mayerle is running for Manzanita City Council. I met with Mr. Mayerle to discuss his platform as well as learn more about him and his background. Mr. Mayerle attended Lewis and Clark College where he received an undergraduate degree in Political Science. After realizing that wasn’t the career path he wanted, he enrolled at OHSU for…
Mark Kuestner running for Manzanita City Council, looks to update comprehensive plan and work towards sustainability
By Cara Mico, Assistant Editor Mark Kuestner is running for Manzanita City Council. He was kind enough to sit down with me to discuss his platform, his background, and his hopes for the future of Manzanita. Originally from Ohio, Mr. Kuestner moved to Oregon in the 90s and worked at Reed College in the rare book library and archival. He…
Manzanita Moving Forward with City Hall Plan; Town Hall Meetings, Survey
By Cara Mico, Assistant Editor The City of Manzanita city hall was evacuated over three years ago because of mold issues that remain today. The evacuated space was not meant to be a permanent home for city staff; the city police are located in a separate building and are still using that space. For well over 30 years, the city…
Linda Kozlowski runs for reelection to Manzanita City Council; Growth Management as Key Priority
By Cara Mico, Assistant Editor Linda Kozlowski has been on the City Council of Manzanita since 2006 and she’s running for re-election this year for another four year term. I met with her to discuss her platform, what she sees as important for the future of Manzanita, and what she sees coming in the near future for the village. Kozlowski…
Building personal, community, and regional resilience with emergency preparedness
By Cara Mico The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), and the Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay (EVCNB) are non-profit organizations dedicated to building personal, community, and regional resilience and emergency preparedness. During emergencies, EVC and CERT help first responders to organize a response at designated assembly areas where medical care and supplies can be…
Nehalem Bay Transportation System Plan Draft is almost complete, get your feedback in now
By Cara Mico, Assistant Editor Oregon’s transportation network is fair to middling with a national ranking 25th for cost effectiveness and condition. We’re a bit higher than average for poor bridge condition and pretty abysmal for fatalities but it’s possible that our fatalities are weather and congestion related. The score for road condition is favorably skewed by the overall good…