Cannon Beach gazette. (Cannon Beach, Or.) 1977-current, September 08, 2017, Image 5

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Cannon Beach gazette., September 08, 2017, Page 5A, Image 5

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Newspaper Page TextSeptember 8, 2017 | Cannon Beach Gazette | cannonbeachgazette.com • 5A An unsung hero of Oregon’s Beach Bill J uly 6 marked the 50th anniversary of the 1967 date when then Oregon Gov. Tom McCall signed HB 1601 into law, establishing Oregon’s coastline and its beaches as public land for all people to enjoy. Though accolades mostly beneﬁ ted McCall, State Treasurer Bob Straub is also known within the ranks of HB 1601 supporters. But, little recognition is given to the lesser -known men and women who were part of Oregon’s Legislature, committees and organizations to save Oregon’s beaches from land sales and privatization. There was Associated Press reporter Matt Kramer, whose articles, which appeared in almost every newspaper in Oregon, kept the public abreast with the ongoing, and often heated, battle over Oregon’s beaches. It was Kramer, who coined HB 1601 the “beach bill” through his reporting. And, Gov. Oswald West set the stage for being the ﬁ rst gov- ernor to start the process of keeping Oregon’s beaches public by getting his 1913 bill passed. Yet, when Oregon became a state in 1859, its belief was that what the state owned, the state could sell. In 1872, the Legislature authorized the selling of dry-sand land to private citizens. However, controversy and concern grew within the state since the beaches were an important form of coastal transportation from north to south along the coastline. Therefore, in 1899, the Legislature declared the beach land from the Columbia River to the south border of Clatsop County a public highway. Not to downplay Govs. West’s and McCall’s deﬁ ning moments to have the foresight to protect Oregon’s beaches for future genera- tions — the beaches had already set a precedent for being a recreational playground and there was, of course, the doctrine of customary rights — and both governors were known to be proactive environmentalists of Oregon’s natural landscape. Driving force Still, there was one other. A man who was a driving force and key to starting the legislative process in saving Oregon’s beaches against burgeoning abuse and misuse by developers and property owners. His name was Dr. Robert Bacon. GUEST COLUMN Lawrence Bitte (left) and Bob Bacon (right) take a stroll on Gear- hart Beach between 2007 and 2008 for the documentary ﬁ lm “Politics of Sand.” REBECCA HERREN Bacon, a professor of anatomy at the University of Oregon Medical School since 1955, was an environ- mentalist. During his ﬁ rst trip to Ore- gon for an interview with the school, he was in awe of Oregon’s beauty, remarking that a slope of Douglas ﬁ rs where the biggest trees he’d ever seen and the campus gardens were the “most beautiful in the United States, except possibly for Duke.” He described the snow on Mount Hood as dazzling white and the sky as a National Geographic blue. I met Bacon during an event at the Seaside Aquarium in 2005. His wife, Sue Daniel, accompanied him. I knew Daniel through her time as a board member of Friends of Haystack Rock, and it was by Daniel’s prompting I volunteered with the Haystack Rock Awareness Program for a couple of seasons. It was about this time that Bacon’s name became synonymous with the Beach Bill among us locals. Bacon was a low-keyed, nonpo- litical kind of man, whose intro- duction into politics began when a young biochemistry student named Lawrence Bitte approached him about an incident that happened with his aunt and uncle at a family gathering in Cannon Beach. His aunt, Betty Wilson, complained to Bitte of being told they could not use the area where they were picnicking and were ushered out of the “private” section in front of the Surfsand Motel. The owner of the newly built motel had outlined the dry-sand area in front of the property with drift logs and signs to provide a private beach for its guests. This commer- cial exploitation enraged Cannon Beach residents and visitors alike. A Portland mathematics professor, J. Richard Byrne, wrote a letter to the Highway Commission demanding clariﬁ cation of public rights to the beach. The interpretation given at that time was the public rights access only included the wet sands area be- low high tide, and an inquiry would be launched. Bitte, on the other hand, was preparing a letter to McCall. In the meantime, the controversy in Cannon Beach continued, inciting inquiries into other instances of commercial development along the coast. Not hearing back from Mc- Call, an irritated Bitte made contact with Bacon, who had the reputation of caring about his students. Since Bitte had not received a reply to his letter, Bacon suggested they travel to Salem to express their feelings and try to get clariﬁ cation regarding public rights to the beach. Bitte was unable to attend a hearing on the privatization of Oregon’s beaches because of schedule con- ﬂ icts and sent his wife, Diane, with Bacon instead. Bacon and Bitte’s wife missed the hearing, but were not deterred in their efforts to be heard. They walked to the hearing room where they met Rep. Sydney Bazett and explained to him why they wanted Oregon’s beaches to remain public lands. Bazett encouraged the two to return after lunch and state their case before the committee of about 20 . Bacon and Bitte were the only two who came forward to weigh in on the issue. Bitte’s wife described it as intim- idating — a room of all older men in pinstripe suits and smoking cigars. They both felt the hostility in the room that seemed to be directed at them, said Bacon in a 2005 Seaside Signal interview. Word spread that the hearings on the Beach Bill would contin- ue. Bacon who had no interest in Surfsand owner William Hay’s plans to bring a bit of Hawaii and Florida to Oregon was allowed, what would have become of Ore- gon’s beaches? Would there be miles of beach littered by masses of brightly colored umbrellas and cabana tents? Would there be fences erect- ed, extending to the low-tide line blocking off sections of private beaches? If legislative initiatives and natural resource preservation activities had not been passed during the 108 years since the state’s admission to the Union and the passage of the Beach Bill, could the Beach Bill pass legislation today? The Beach Bill was ap- pealed several times. Judge CANNON BEACH HISTORY CENTER AND MUSEUM Alfred Goodwin, the Oregon Supreme Court judge wrote the 1969 decision upholding politics, traveled across the state on the constitutionality of the Beach behalf of keeping Oregon’s beaches Bill, declaring Oregon’s beaches to public. Together, Lawrence Bitte remain public property. A Cannon and Bacon formed the Citizens to Save Oregon’s Beaches (CSOB). He Beach motel owner sought to have jokingly recalled how the group was the Beach Bill declared unconsti- tutional in an U.S. Supreme Court referred to as the SOB s in the 2009 1994 appeal, and again, the court up- documentary “Politics of Sand.” held the lower court’s decision favor- Bacon remembered many of the ing a doctrine of custom. However, people who helped make the Beach Justice Antonin Scalia noted, “To say Bill a reality. Among them were that this case raises a serious Fifth journalists Matt Kramer, Ken Fitz- Amendment issue is an understate- gerald, Jim Long and media mogul ment. And it is serious in the sense Ancil Payne of King Broadcasting Co . who kept the bill in the forefront that the land grab may run the entire length of the Oregon coast.” of news coverage. Oregon is the only state to have In the documentary, Bacon open public access to its entire showed concern over the Beach coastline, with Texas and Hawaii Bill’s continuing battle of being following in suit. And, though it is modiﬁ ed and weakened. CSOB, he the birthright of all Oregonians to said, never supported the 16-foot have open access to all the beaches vegetation line of the Beach Bill. edging its shores, we shouldn’t be- “We wanted it to state a “natural come complacent in this right or take beach line” since the landscape it for granted. Developers, politicians is ever-changing. In a lecture last and private citizens will continue December at the Cannon Beach to threaten and challenge Oregon’s Library, conservationist Neal Maine Beach Bill. noted that the public should keep In 1997, Bacon gave an interview in mind the shoreline and beach are for the 30th anniversary of the Beach transitory, and the Beach Bill was a Bill. About his part, he said it best, political event with no mention of “I taught 4,300 physicians about the ecological processes. structure of the human body, but Crucial trip I felt this (the Beach Bill) was the If Bacon had not taken that cru- most important thing I ever did.” Bacon retired to the coast in 1982 cial trip to Salem, what would have after teaching anatomy for 45 years. been the fate of Oregon’s beaches? He lived in Gearhart until his death Or, if the confrontation with Bitte’s in January 2009. aunt and uncle never happened and OBITUARIES Gary LeRoy Laws June 30, 1939 — Aug. 25, 2017 Gary LeRoy Laws was born in Portland, Oregon, to Burrage and Doris Laws on July 30, 1939. He moved to Seaside at the age of 6, where he attended school and went on to be a student at the University of Oregon. He married his high school sweetheart, Marlene Ordway, in 1958. Gary began his lifelong meat cutting career at Safe- way in Tillamook, then moved to Seaside where he purchased the Ocean Vista Meat Market and set meat cases in small grocery stores throughout town. His meat cutting vocation continued at Reed and Hertig, and con- cluded at Safeway in Seaside in 1988. Gary honorably served in the Oregon National Guard, Seaside Fire Department, Seaside Kids, the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and was an avid sports fan. Gary loved supporting his four children in their school and after school athletics and activities. He rooted for his mighty Oregon Ducks, the Trailblazers, Seahawks, Mar- GARY LAWS iners, and was even known to lend the Oregon State Bea- vers his occasional support. Gary was an accomplished woodworker who constructed a few local houses for resale. In 1987 Gary and Marlene moved to Tolovana Park, where Gary assembled an elaborate workshop for build- ing custom furniture, toys and supplying crafts for their in-home gift shop “Country Giving,” which they operated until full retirement in 2005. They then moved to Cannon Beach. He loved the outdoors, was an active hunter, liked to travel, and was known as a very kind and compassionate person who loved his family, friends and pets. He was a de- voted follower of Jesus Christ and an active member of the Cannon Beach Community Church, where a celebration of life service was held on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017, at 11 a.m., with lunch to follow. Gary is survived by his wife, Marlene; daughters Suzy Rotunna and Pam For- ster; twin sons Troy Laws (wife Debbie) and Todd Laws (wife Cheryl); grandchildren Sean Forster, Kiley Laws, Nick Forster, Kathryn Laws, Caleb Laws, Conor Laws and Mia Rotunna; nephews Randy and Mike Laws; and nieces Neisa Stahly and Trina Sleeman. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Burrage, Doris and stepmother Marga- ret Laws; brothers Bill, Dar- rel and Ron; sister Shirley; and his nephew Scotty. Memorial gifts may be given to the Cannon Beach Community Church. A guest book is available online at www.hughes-ransom.com. PUBLIC MEETINGS Tuesday, Sept. 12 Cannon Beach City Council, 5:30 p.m., regular meeting and work session, City Hall, 163 E. Gower St. Monday, Sept. 18 Cannon Beach Design Review Board, 6 p.m., City Hall, 163 E. Gower St. Thursday, Sept. 28 Ecola Creek Watershed Council, 4:30 p.m., City Hall, 163 E. Gower St. Cannon Beach Planning Com- mission, 6 p.m., City Hall, 163 E. Gower St. Tuesday, Sept. 19 Friday, Sept. 29 Cannon Beach Public Works Committee, 9 a.m., City Hall, 163 E. Gower St. Thursday, Sept. 21 Cannon Beach Parks and Commu- nity Services Committee, 9 a.m., City Hall, 163 E. Gower St. Emergency Preparedness Com- mittee, 10 a.m., City Hall, 163 E. Gower St. Tuesday, Oct. 3 Cannon Beach City Council, 7 p.m., City Hall, 163 E.Gower St. Tuesday, Oct. 10 NEW LISTING NEW LISTING NEW LISTING OWN THE VERY BEST 3632 S Pacific, Arch Cape CAPE COD 596 Antler Rd, Cannon Beach LODGES AT CANNON BEACH 132 E Surfcrest, #D-2, Cannon Beach Oceanfront masterpiece, designed and built by the finest craftsman with the finest materials. CMLS#17-903 $2,295,000 Tina Chapman 503-440-9957 If you are looking for elbow room, this home sits on 2/3 acre and close to the ocean and downtown. CMLS#17-524 $668,500 Karen Meili 503-440-5806 Fully furnished 2 bedroom, w bath townhome with gourmet kitchen, 2 fireplaces. Just 1 block from the beach. CMLS#16-1512 $629,000 Steve Crane 503-440-6310 NEW PRICE NEW PRICE NEW PRICE ALMOST OCEAN FRONT 31921 Cottage Ln, Arch Cape NEW CONSTRUCTION 9370 Dewolf Rd, Manzanita DIFFERENT AND ADORABLE 79917 W Beach Rd, Arch Cape Relax in the hot tub and view the ocean while listening to the waves. FOR DE- TAILS CALL 1-800-784-9541 EXT 575. CMLS#17-1022 $535,000 Jackie Weber 503-440-2331 Thoughtfully designed, light-filled spaces are ample and open with wonderful flow on nearly 1/2 acre. CMLS#17-1093 $378,000 Kate Merrell 503-739-2324 This tidy cottage will make you smile the minute you walk in the door. An easy walk to the sand, this house oozes charm and whimsy. CMLS#17-1108 $350,000 Kate Merrell 503-739-2324 NEW LISTING NEW PRICE NEW PRICE TOOTHBRUSH READY 3621 S Hemlock, Cannon Beach PRIVACY PLUS OCEAN VIEWS Parcel 2, Ray Brown Rd, Arch Cape Adorable free-standing condo comes mostly furnished and turn-key ready. One block to the beach, your beach spot is here. CMLS#17-1230 $325,000 Tina Chapman 503-440-9957 SPECTACULAR OCEAN VIEWS 32 Braeridge Dr, NeahKahNie Building site on .32 acres with all utilities installed, paved roads in gated community. CMLS#16-322 $239,900 Chuck Overton 503-440-2653 Build you beach getaway between Cannon Beach and Manzanita. FOR DETAILS, CALL RECORDING 1-800- 784-9541 EXT 669. NEW PRICE NEW LISTING NEW LISTING CHOICE SPOT 12895 A Street, Nehalem CMLS#17-455 $225,000 Jackie Weber 503-440-2331 Cannon Beach City Council, 7 p.m., work session, City Hall, 163 E. Gower St. Tuesday, Oct. 17 Cannon Beach Public Works Committee, 9 a.m., City Hall, 163 E. Gower St. GREAT LOCATION 160 E Siuslaw St #3, Cannon Beach RELAX, ITS BEACH TIME 401 Cannon Beach Ridge #102, Cannon Beach Just one block to the beach, 3 bedroom condo, 3 fireplaces and a carport. Zoning allows nightly vacation rental. Thursday, Oct. 19 CMLS#16-1644 $272,000 Dana Weston 503-738-2839 Craig Weston 503-738-2838 Adorable, 2 bedroom, one bath condo affords you the best of both worlds, away from it all yet close enough to the sea. CMLS#17-1303 $210,000 Tina Chapman 503-440-9957 Cannon Beach Parks and Commu- nity Services Committee, 9 a.m., City Hall, 163 E. Gower St. Cannon Beach Design Review Board Meeting, 6 p.m., City Hall, 163 E. Gower St. Affordable building site, in quiet coastal town, 2 miles to Manzanita Beach. FOR DETAILS CALL 1-800-784-9541 EXT 777. CMLS#17-1077 $55,000 Jackie Weber 503-440-2331 CANNON BEACH OFFICE GEARHART OFFICE 255 N. Hemlock, Ste. B1 • Cannon Beach, OR 97110 800/676-1176 • 503/436-1027 cannonbeach.withwre.com 588 Pacific Way • Gearhart, OR 97138 800/275-7773 • 503/738-8522 gearhart.withwre.com Serving the Entire North Oregon Coast