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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 18, 2017)
7A THE DAILY ASTORIAN • MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2017 Photos by Colin Murphey/The Daily Astorian Dancers entertain the crowd in the Astoria Event Center on Saturday during the Hispanic Heritage Celebration. Celebration: ‘We’re showing our support’ Continued from Page 1A our culture and show that we’re here. We need to remember our heritage, and just remember who we are.” Earlier in the day, several dozen peo- ple associated with Indivisible North Coast Oregon and other regional activ- ist groups rallied in support of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals near the Astoria post office. The program, which is being rescinded by the Trump administra- tion, allowed about 800,000 immigrants who were brought to the United States as children to remain in the country. Indivisible also hosted an “Immigra- tion 101” training session led by the Rural Organizing Project before the heritage celebration. Presenter Keyla Almazan talked about national and statewide issues around immigration and documentation, as well as ways citizens can help and advocate for undocumented members of their community. Laurie Caplan, a co-leader of the Indi- visible group based in Astoria, said it made sense to hold these events on the same day as the cultural celebration. “We’re showing our support,” she said. LEFT: Supporters of DACA get the thumbs up from a driver during a rally Saturday in downtown Astoria to coincide with the Hispanic Heritage Celebration held at the Astoria Event Center. RIGHT: Valencio Gomez entertains the crowd at the Astoria Event Center on Saturday. Several teachers picked up signs and joined Indivisible at the rally. “I see the faces of the kids who are afraid,” said Lisa Barile, a teacher who lives in South Bend, Washing- ton. She traveled to the rally because, beyond the classroom, she is seeing first- hand the fear in her community. In the past several months, ICE has made a number of arrests on the Long Beach Peninsula and around Willapa Bay, where many immigrant and migrant families find employment in the seafood processing and oyster farming industries. “I’m here to support my students and people like them,” said Jenni Newton, an Astoria High School teacher. She partici- pates in activism like the rally when she can, aware that she is setting an example to her students. “I want to show them there’s a peace- ful way to be heard, and that I’m out here for them.” ‘I WANT TO SHOW THEM THERE’S A PEACEFUL WAY TO BE HEARD, AND THAT I’M OUT HERE FOR THEM.’ Jenni Newton | Astoria High School teacher who participates in activism like the rally when she can Astoria Co-op Grocery is planning a new $8 million, 12,000-square- foot location at 23rd Street and Marine Drive. Astoria Co-op Grocery Edward Stratton/The Daily Astorian Schwietert’s Candy & Cones is planning to build a candy store and chocolate-making space in the Fisher Bros. building at 12th Street and Marine Drive. Schwietert’s: Company will use kitchen to supply locations around the North Coast Continued from Page 1A The building’s storefront has been largely vacant for more than a year since the departure of former owner Norm Stutznegger and his company, Pacific Coast Med- ical Supply. Built in 1924, it was the former home of Fisher Bros., a marine supply store. The third floor is still used for office tenants Schwi- etert said would stay. Besides a new coat of paint and signage outside, much of the work will involve restor- ing the first floor to its histor- ical look for the candy store, Schwietert said. “The floors will be open, and you’ll be able to see into the building.” On the second floor will be offices and a choco- late kitchen, complete with a viewing area. Schwietert will use the kitchen to sup- ply locations in Rockaway Beach, Manzanita, Cannon Beach and Seaside. “We are investing in some very large pieces of equip- ment, just to improve how quickly we can make our chocolates,” Schwietert said. “Because right now, we can’t keep up with four stores.” Astoria Co-op: ‘I think of investing in the co-op as truly investing in your community’ Continued from Page 1A Astor Venture LLC at the cor- ner of Marine Drive and 23rd Street for a new store at a cost of about $8 million. About half the money would come from Astor Venture, and the other half from the co-op. A stipulation of the lease with Astor Venture is raising at least $1.5 million from mem- ber-owners by the end of the year, although the co-op hopes to reach $2.5 million, Stanley said. The fundraising drive had $430,000 in the bank when it kicked off Sunday. The co-op is selling 25,000 shares worth $100 each, with a minimum investment of $2,500. Investors receive a 3 percent annual dividend on investments up to $10,000, and 4 percent for larger investments. The store employs about 28 people with a payroll of $800,000, Stanley said. Employment is expected to climb to more than 60 at the new location. “We’re probably looking at 65 people to open this,” Stan- ley said. The co-op has touted the benefits of expansion, from offering more space for shop- pers and a loading dock to take in supplies to being more competitive on pricing and expanding selection. Part of the expansion will be in local offerings. The co-op works with about 30 coastal food pro- ducers, Stanley said. “I think of investing in the co-op as truly investing in your community,” Teresa Ret- zlaff, owner of 46 North Farm and a supplier of produce to the co-op, said in a promo- tional video for the capital campaign. “You’re investing in me as a farmer and you’re investing in my business too. You’re investing in all these small local food pro- ducers. For us, that’s so meaningful.”