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About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (April 27, 2011)
Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, Ore. Wednesday, April 27, 2011 Page A-7 Carlos’ Restaurante celebrates 15 years By Darcy Wallace IVN Staff Writer Fifteen years ago, Carlos’ Restaurante came to Cave Junction followed by a second location in Winston, Ore. a year later. In 2011, the Mexican restaurant is still in business, with many cooks and staff staying on for nearly ten years. According to restaurant owner Carlos Jaime, the eatery is still modi- fying and refining its menu, trying to keep its original recipes fresh. “We don’t stop; we always try to keep improving [our recipes],” Jaime said. “It’s the same with our business when we remodel the restaurant during the winter. We try to keep up with things.” Along with a familiar menu, Jaime said the Zircón Azul tequila, distributed at the Cave Junction liquor store, is locally owned and reg- istered organic. He called this part of the “team- work” between the restaurant and local busi- nesses that have supported the employees. “It’s not just us; it’s the whole town that has helped us for 15 years to stay in business,” Jaime said. One of the differences Jaime highlighted was the fact that after 15 years, the restaurant has retained many of the same employees who have become permanent Illinois Valley resi- dents. “When you come from a big city to a small town…you make a lot of friends,” Jaime said. “They become your friends. They’re not customers anymore. We see them every day, we know their names and we know who they are.” Jaime said one of his main cooks, Raphael Martinez, has been with the restaurant for the entire 15 years. Bartender Sherry Patton, he said, is another 15-year veteran at Carlos’ Res- taurante. Others have stayed on for nine or ten years, sometimes starting out as dishwashers and graduating to higher positions. “We have a lot of stories,” Jaime added. “But mainly I want to thank everybody. It’s a never-ending business. You’re always learning something. You have to keep coming up with new ideas.” (Photo by Stacy Byrne, Illinois Valley News) Carlos Jaime of Cave Junction has been serving the Valley since 1996. Commissioners cover range of topics from Frontier, Perpetua and mass gatherings Continued from A-1 (Photo by Dan Mancuso, Illinois Valley News) Bob Ziller presents a slide show during the the joint meeting Monday, April 25 at the county building. Due to frustration with the service levels of Frontier’s internet and phone service, Ziller is leading a campaign to improve service. After the Frontier presentation, many residents focused on the proposed mass gathering ordinance, which would increase regulations on mass gathering with events having between 100 and 3,000 people. A separate proposal concerning structure fees is also under consideration. Most remained calm when asking about proposed new restrictions that they felt would make it more difficult for organizations hosting annual large events, such as the Hope Mountain Barter Faire, an annual event produced by an independent nonprofit. The Barter Faire website, www. hopemountainbarterfaire. org, includes safety recommendations and requirements for guests. Valley resident Cathy Backstiegel said she already Selma cleans up, shows pride Continued from A-1 “I was from a community where the chamber was very effective,” Bryan said. “They were proactive in getting grants to [build] tourism, bring in businesses, create jobs and clean up. I think there are a few reasons why that hasn’t happened here, a culture or mind-set that people don’t want things to change or grow. Others who moved here probably didn’t want a community bringing in so many tourists.” Bryan said she has seen many people spending time raising awareness for one specific charity or nonprofit, only to ignore all the businesses and nonprofits as a whole. Some nonprofits have applied for grants or other funding, but missed out on funding that could have directly benefited received a new application for the Barter Faire with much more stringent requirements in place. Yet Commissioner Hare said the mass gathering ordinance had not yet been drafted. Backstiegel worried that the 1,000-feet provision could unfairly hinder the many guests who come from outside the area and need to camp overnight during the three-day event. “We work hard to make sure this is a safe event,” Backstiegel said. “We want to work with [the county]. I think we can comply with safety and health concerns without more regulations.” Valley residents in support of the Barter Faire said they wanted public input before any new requirements were put in place, but noted that they would work with the county to find common ground. But soon things became heated when resident Mark Seligman strongly questioned Hare about the proposed restrictions, to the point Hare could not finish sentences. Hare left the meeting as Seligman’s tone escalated. Other audience members supporting the Barter Faire stressed that they wanted to work together with the county to help the board of commissioners understand the Illinois Valley. “I agree we need to address noise complaints,” said resident Mary Birmingham. “We should look at community standards and establish a friendly community dialogue.” Other residents brought up recent pesticide use by Perpetua Forests Co. and hoped commissioners would bring up their concerns at the state level. Library Landscape Work Day Selma. Bryan said the business alliance was discussing whether it was possible to incorporate the town of Selma for future grant applications. “Very little of the funding has actually gone to Selma,” Bryan said. But some minds may be changing; before the Selma clean- up, business owners agreed on possible solutions, such as putting out signs along Hwy 199 to let people know what’s available. In meetings, other Selma business owners shared what they needed and how they could fill each other’s needs. “What’s interesting is the sense of urgency businesses have felt,” Bryan said. “There were no egos, posturing or power trips. They understand the priority is, let’s get this community cleaned up and help each other out.” Please mark your calendars for Saturday April 30th and plan to join us as we complete the Library Landscape. We will be planting and spreading mulch. Bring your favorite garden tools. Wheel barrows, rakes and shov- els. Wear sturdy work shoes and gloves. Lunch will be provided, so please RSVP to 592-3289. Free Movie Night Sponsored by the IVLL MAY 6TH AT THE COUNTY BUILDING Show Times are 5:00pm & 7:00pm Donations are welcome at the door. Snack Bar will also be available 0501 Any questions call Shelly Davis 541-415-1718 or Karen L. 541-592-9427 Come Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the Official Grand-Opening of Dos Gringos featuring Altered States Food & Drink Specials ALL DAY Music begins at 6:30 0126 0494 0297 541-592-2200 • 131 N. Redwood Hwy
