August 24, 2018 | Cannon Beach Gazette | cannonbeachgazette.com • 5A
Visitor volume dips on Oregon Coast
Tourism
spending at an
all-time high
By Brenna Visser
Cannon Beach Gazette
At the height of summer,
it is easy to believe every Or-
egonian has found their way
to the Oregon Coast.
But while figures from
the 2018 Oregon Travel Im-
pact report show tourism
spending has increased, the
number of visitors staying
in hotels and rentals dipped
slightly on the Oregon Coast,
dropping about 1.3 percent
between 2016 and 2017. The
decline on the North Coast
was 1.7 percent.
The pattern contrasts with
the state overall, where visi-
tor volume increased by 2.2
percent, according to the
study by Dean Runyan Asso-
ciates.
Flattening visitor volume
should not be seen as an issue
for the tourism industry, said
Leon Aliski, the company’s
project manager. Total des-
tination spending grew 2.2
percent to nearly $2 billion
on the Oregon Coast in 2017.
On the North Coast alone,
visitor spending on accom-
modations increased from
$190 million to $197 million
in one year.
Many local lodging op-
erators have yet to feel any
impacts from fewer visitors,
with many reporting 2017 as
an exceptional year.
So how does spending
continue to grow when the
COLIN MURPHEY/THE DAILY ASTORIAN
Paul and Rosalie Lankow, tourists from Hillsboro, enjoy
the cool weather in Seaside as people set up for the annual
volleyball tournament on the beach.
number of people booking
rooms is stagnant?
Aliski said it indicates
higher room rates and more
expensive transportation costs.
In the last year, room rates in-
creased by 4.4 percent.
“If they are spending
more because a room costs
more and gas costs more,
and maybe they are spend-
ing more on restaurants, then
you can have more spending
without actually having more
people there,” Aliski said.
Ideally, the industry
would seek higher occupan-
cy and growth in room rates
simultaneously, Aliski said,
but seasonal dips on the
coast make this a challenge.
With high demand, it is often
easier to increase room rates
during the peak season than
to entice visitors to travel
during the off-season when
occupancy rates are lower —
even with lower room rates,
he said.
Higher rates for hotel
rooms could be having a
discouraging effect for some
visitors, said Marcus Hinz,
of the Oregon Coast Visi-
tors Association. But part of
the stagnation may just be a
sign new lodging is not being
built to match growth, with
many small towns, like Can-
non Beach, already built out.
“When you look at the
coast’s rate compared with
the rate of growth in Port-
land, one might think we’re
not doing well,” Hinz said.
“But Portland is building
new hotels left and right;
they have more rooms online
to be booked, which would
add to a rate of growth. On
the Oregon Coast, I can only
name one new property to
come online in the last year.”
Hinz also noted that
day-trippers contribute to
general tourism growth but
are not accounted for when
looking at room nights.
Linea Gagliano, commu-
nications director for Travel
Oregon, said the dynamic
could also point to a different
type of traveler. The growth
in spending suggests the vis-
itors who are here are desti-
nation travelers, who often
travel in large groups, for
longer periods of time and
spend more on accommo-
dations and local businesses
during their stays. The coast
has also seen international
visitors increase by 5.9 per-
cent in recent years — anoth-
er group which tends to stay
longer and spend more.
“What matters to us is that
businesses are getting visitor
spending, and we are seeing
that,” Gagliano said.
Whatever the factors may
be, the numbers could be
pointing to the region reach-
ing a certain capacity during
peak summer months, Aliski
said.
“If they are running at a
high occupancy at peak sea-
son, then the opportunity for
growth is not going to be
during the time period when
most people are choosing to
be (on the Oregon Coast),”
Aliski said. “There’s plenty
of capacity to grow the in-
dustry, but maybe just not in
the peak time of the year.”
This view is in line with
efforts already in motion by
Travel Oregon and the Ore-
gon Coast Visitors Associa-
tion to focus marketing dol-
lars on encouraging travelers
to visit – and pay for a room
– in the off-season.
“Any substantial growth
is going to come from the
off-season,” Hinz said.
Two arrested on U.S.
Highway 26 with meth
The Daily Astorian
Two people were arrested
Tuesday, Aug. 14, on U.S.
Highway 26 after more than
half a pound of methamphet-
amine was located in a car.
An Oregon State Police
trooper pulled over a white
Lexus near the southeastern
edge of Clatsop County just
after 7 p.m. The drugs were
found by a drug-sniffing dog.
Travis David Carow, 40,
and Jessica Marie Stinnett,
39, both of Astoria, were ar-
rested and charged with de-
livery of methamphetamine
and possession of metham-
phetamine.
Forest Grove man arrested
after Highway 26 chase
By Jack Heffernan
The Daily Astorian
A Forest Grove man was
arrested on a host of charges
Monday, Aug. 20, after al-
legedly leading police on a
car chase in the southeastern
part of Clatsop County.
Oregon State Police at-
tempted to locate a black
Mercedes with a Hawaii li-
cense plate Monday morn-
ing. After eluding officers in
Banks, the car was spotted
traveling westbound on U.S.
Highway 26.
A trooper followed the car
until it pulled into the Bak-
er’s General Store parking lot
just east of Elsie. The trooper
attempted to block the car,
but it accelerated, made a
U-turn and turned east onto
the highway. After chasing
the car for about a mile with
lights and sirens, the trooper
ended the pursuit.
Another trooper set up
spike strips on the highway
about 15 miles east in Wash-
ington County. After hitting
the strips, the car’s speed in-
creased to over 80 mph. But
the driver’s side tires became
flat about 1 1/2 miles later,
forcing the car to stop.
When police approached
the car, they attempted to
arrest Logan Ikaika Franco,
30. He allegedly resisted ar-
rest, and troopers used a stun
gun on him. After the arrest,
troopers recovered a large
chunk of cash and suspected
methamphetamine.
Franco was taken to the
Washington County Jail and
faces charges of driving un-
der the influence of intoxi-
cants, attempting to elude,
resisting arrest, reckless driv-
ing, possession of metham-
phetamine, delivery of meth-
amphetamine and driving
while suspended.
Franco was convicted ear-
lier this year of attempting to
elude and reckless endanger-
ment stemming from an in-
cident in Yamhill County. In
addition to the new charges,
he also faces an alleged pa-
role violation.
CANNON BEACH POLICE LOG
Aug. 3
Six incidents of overnight camping
are reported.
3:00 p.m., W. Monroe: Subject
entered residence. Nothing was
reported taken.
11:56 p.m., Highway 101: Police
assist other agencies with a motor
vehicle accident at MP 32.
6:57 p.m., N. Exit: Police respond to a
report of a man yelling at a woman.
Unable to locate.
Aug. 4
5:18 p.m., Delta Beach: Two beach
fires are located and advised to ex-
tinguish.
Two incidents of overnight camp-
ing are reported.
ing are reported.
Aug. 5
Eight incidents of overnight camp-
ing are reported.
5:57 p.m., Indian Beach: A woman
who broke her ankle was assisted
off the beach and transported to
Providence Seaside Hospital.
Aug. 6
Five incidents of overnight camp-
5:36 p.m. Ocean Shore: Caller reports
two dogs on their own for over an
hour on the beach. Prior to police
arrival, a surfer emerged from the
water to say the dogs belong to him.
4:24 a.m., 1400 block S. Hemlock: Po-
lice respond to a report of a subject
attempting to enter someone’s hotel
room. There were no signs of forced
entry. Subject unable to be located.
Aug. 7
2:22 p.m., Tolovana Wayside: A
person was arrested for violating
an order of protection.
Nine incidents of overnight camp-
ing are reported.
2:56 p.m., Tolovana Wayside: A
subject was arrested on a warrant.
M U N I C I PA L M E M O
AUGUST 2018
MEETINGS
City Council Regular Meeting
City Council Work Session
Design Review Board
Planning Commission
Five incidents of overnight camp-
ing are reported.
12:28 p.m., W. Second Street: A child
was bitten by a dog.
8:07 p.m., 3500 block Pacific: A per-
son living in their RV is warned of
local ordinances.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
MAYOR: Sam Steidel
COUNCILORS: Mike Benefield,
Nancy McCarthy, Brandon
Ogilvie and George Vetter
CITY MANAGER: Bruce St. Denis
Of Interest…
SEPTEMBER 2018
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Is published monthly by the City of Cannon Beach
163 E. Gower Street • P.O. Box 368 • Cannon Beach, OR 97110
(503) 436-1581 • Fax: (503) 436-2050 • TTY (503) 436-8097
Aug. 8
7:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING, August 7, 2018
• City Manager introduced the new City Attorneys from Beery Elsner & Ham-
mond, LLP: Ashley Driscoll and Mallory Beebe;
• Appointed Mike Morgan to serve on the Tourism & Arts Commission;
• Approved the FY 2018-19 Community Grants;
• Clatsop County Assistant County Manager presented the details and an-
swered Council questions of the recently adopted Clatsop County Transient
Lodging Tax Ordinance;
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION, August 14, 2018
• Recology Western Oregon presented the annual report and rate increase;
• Public Works presented the schedule for maintenance of the city parking
lots;
• Discussed changes to the zoning ordinance for consideration at the Septem-
ber 4 th City Council meeting.
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD – The Design Review Board met August 16, 2018 and
discussed:
DRB 18-04, Eileen Nordquist, Major Modifications to Cannon Beach Commu-
nity Church, 132 E Washington St. for construction of a garden/storage shed
and removal of four trees. Approved with Conditions
PLANNING COMMISSION - The Planning Commission met July 26, 2018 and
discussed:
ZO 18-01 and CP 18-01, Foredune Management Plan Amendments. Contin-
ued to the August 23 meeting.
ZO 18-03, Tree Removal Ordinance Amendments. Continued to the August
23 meeting.
Of Interest…
Don’t Miss This!
The Annual Community Grant Potluck is
Thursday, September 6th at 6pm
Chamber of Commerce Community Hall
Bring your favorite dish to share
The following awards will be presented:
ORGANIZATION AMOUNT
Cannon Beach Academy
$9,146.68
Cannon Beach Arts Assoc. #1
$3,880.83
Cannon Beach Arts Assoc. #2
$7,679.50
Cannon Beach Chorus
$1,538.83
Clatsop CASA
$2,766.67
Clatsop Community Action
$7,165.00
Clatsop Community College
$2,695.68
Coaster Theatre
$4,836.00
Lower Columbia Hispanic Council
$1,695.83
North Coast Food Web
$1,635.00
Seaside Hall
$1,250.83
South County Community Food Bank
$2,626.67
The Harbor
$8,250.33
Tolovana Arts Colony
$15,607.14
Wildlife Center
$4,225.00
TOTALS
$74,999.99
Haystack Rock Awareness Program
Beach Volunteers Wanted!
Do you enjoy being outside and sharing your love
of Haystack Rock? No experience necessary – we
train! Families welcome.
Please contact: Lisa Habecker, Education &
Volunteer Coordinator 503.436.8064, habecker@
ci.cannon-beach.or.us
Attention:
Candidates filing for the offices of
City of Cannon Beach
MAYOR OR CITY COUNCILOR
If you are interested in running for the positions
of Cannon Beach Mayor or City Councilor you are
almost out of time! August 28, 2018 is the last day
for local (city) candidates to file their declaration of
candidacy (SEL 101) and candidate signature sheets
(SEL 121) with the City Elections Official. Please
contact Colleen Riggs, riggs@ci.cannon-beach.or.us
or 503.436.8052) for information.
Requirements
Any resident of the City of Cannon Beach who is
registered to vote in Cannon Beach, Clatsop County
may file to become a candidate for City Council,
provided they have lived here at least one year prior
to the election.
Terms/Conditions of Office
The Mayor and City Councilors are elected for a
four-year term (unless completing a partial term)
which begins with the first meeting in January fol-
lowing the election. You will be expected to attend
City Council meetings, which typically occur twice
monthly. Members of the Council may serve a maxi-
mum of two four-year continuous terms.
How to File
Please make an appointment with the City Elec-
tions Official (Colleen Riggs) to review the process.
The City Elections Official will confirm your eligi-
bility (active, registered voter) with the County Elec-
tions Office prior to reviewing the process with you.
The City of Cannon Beach follows the state guide-
lines and the City Elections Official will give you the
forms and review the process with you.
Step 1: File Prospective Petition
Step 2: Collect Signatures
Step 3: Submit Signature Sheets
Campaign Finance Reporting Requirements
All campaign finance reporting is handled at
the Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division. If
you have questions regarding Campaign Finance,
please contact the Oregon Secretary of State Elec-
tions Division at 503-986-1518 or www.oregonvotes.
org
Statement of Economic Interest/State Reporting
Requirements
All persons holding office in the City of Cannon
Beach are required to file a Statement of Economic
Interest with the Oregon Government Ethics Com-
mission. The annual reports must be filed electroni-
cally by April 15th every year of the incumbency of
the elected official. Information will be requested
concerning sources of income, property, busi-
ness interests and gifts related to the office. Civil
penalties may be imposed for failure to file, or for
insufficient information. For additional information
or sample forms, information can be found on the
Oregon Government Ethics Commission website
- www.oregon.gov/OGEC or by contacting the Com-
mission at (503) 378-5105.
Voter’s Pamphlet
Candidates are to file directly with the County
Elections Official with the filing candidate statement
and required fee.
Important Dates
August 28, 2018 - Last day for local (city) candi-
date to file declaration of candidacy (SEL 101) and
candidate signature sheets (SEL 121) with City Elec-
tions Official for offices filled at general election.
August 31, 2018 - Last day for city candidates to
file withdrawal of candidacy. (SEL 150)
September 10, 2018 - Last day for local candidate
who files candidacy with County Clerk to file can-
didate statement for County Voters’ Pamphlet with
County Clerk’s office. ($25.00 fee)
September 14, 2018 - Materials submitted
(candidate statements and measure arguments) for
County Voters’ Pamphlet become public record and
available for public inspection.
November 6, 2018 - Election Day!
You may also visit the County website for informa-
tion and forms www.co.clatsop.or.us , under Services
select Clerk/Elections .
City Hall will be CLOSED
Monday, September 3rd
in observance of Labor Day