Thank you, and congratulations to the Univ of Oregon’s Master of Landscape Architecture program for the enlightening presentation on Saturday (Jan 18) at St Mary by the Sea in Rockaway Beach. Entitled: Coastal Futures, a panel of students led by Ignacio Lopez Buson, an Asst Professor of Climate Change Resilience at U of O, focused on a range of climate-related issues facing coastal communities. (NOTE: See link below to the Pioneer’s story about this NCCWP presentation.)
It was great to have students research and present factual information about climate change, drinking water, and deforestation, specifically as they relate to Rockaway Beach. The graphics and models were also insightful and very helpful. Equally great was the number of local residents that came out to learn more about the issues affecting their future quality of life. Over 90 people attended in person, plus 30 more via zoom.
Even though they were invited, it was quite notable and surprising that none of the Rockaway Beach City Council members attended this learning session. Surprising because politicians rarely miss a free opportunity to eat, shake hands, and hear what the voters have to say. Notable because it was such a fabulous opportunity to learn, especially from young people as they learn about the world they are inheriting.
I hear the reason that City Councilors did not attend was because a few of the people working to host the students were on the wrong side of a recent LUBA land use appeal before the City Council However, last Saturday’s opportunity to learn had nothing to do with this appeal. Ex parte reasons simply don’t apply here. Rather, it appears to be an excuse to avoid anyone raising issues about wetlands, drinking water, and climate change.
And yet, these City Councilors are the ones elected to find solutions to problems citizens raise. How can good decisions be made without and until all relevant information is presented and made available? Saturday’s presentation by dedicated students was a missed learning opportunity for the City Councilors; it shows they are listening to the wrong people and getting bad advice. We need as much good information as we can get, especially from neutral sources that don’t have a stake in the outcome.
Ron Byers
Tillamook
