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Published By Your City Hall |
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During this week’s City Council meeting, we had some good discussions about our parks and transportation options in our community. Some of the details of those discussions feel important to share, as they speak to the impact that we as individuals can have on our community, including most importantly creating connections and engagement. A great example of the impact of individuals is the recent financial support to get the Mingus Pool boiler replaced, which opened the facility back up to the many swimmers who regularly enjoy their pool time. We are beyond fortunate that each one of the individuals who donated funds saw beyond self and to the greater good of the community. We all have the capacity to bring something of value forward for the betterment of all. A contribution can come in many forms: financial, time, expertise, or even something as simple as approaching each day with kindness and sharing that with those you meet.
Another example of bringing something of value forward was shown by those who participated in the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Bay Area Brigade/Hwy 101 Cleanup this past Saturday. It was a horribly rainy day and a very small group of people showed up to lend a hand to clean up the Hwy 101 corridor. This small-but-mighty band of warriors gathered over 30 bags of garbage. This coming Saturday, Oregon Bay Area Beautification (OBAB) will be meeting at the Marshfield Pioneer Cemetery in preparation for the upcoming Memorial Day holiday. You might consider putting on some gloves and helping OBAB clean up the cemetery grounds. I’ve also shared in the past another opportunity that individuals can regularly help with keeping the community free of garbage: the Adopt One Block project. With this project, an individual can sign up online to regularly clean up their preferred block. The project can provide the necessary tools needed to complete this regular task.
 A very insightful comment was made by Councilor Matthews during our discussion about the safety and use of City parks. Essentially, he noted that parks have an intended use – recreation. Families and children, couples, and individuals regularly use the parks in our community to experience the outdoors, to play, and to get more movement in their lives. There are also those in the community who are using the parks for unintended use. Councilor Matthews made this distinction between intended and unintended use. He further shared that if we all made it our goal to increase intended use of the parks, the unintended use will organically shift and be reduced.
We can also support the businesses and organizations that are working hard in our community. Frequent the businesses that you value. Support the organizations that provide valuable services to the community. There's a chance to do just that this weekend. Plan to attend Celebrity Family Feud at the Egyptian Theatre this Saturday from 2-4 p.m. This fun afternoon will have three teams completing to showcase their wisdom on local topics. This free event, organized by the United Way, intends to highlight and fundraise for organizations supporting children in foster care. Staff from the cities of Coos Bay and North Bend, along staff from Oregon Department of Human Services local office, will compete for bragging rights on being the most well-versed in Coos County knowledge.
I also wanted to thank the volunteers who came to the first National Ride Your Bike to School Day. On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, a group of over thirty adults and children gathered at the Coos Bay Library with their bikes and helmets, backpacks, and smiles, and made the journey to the Lighthouse School. This coordinated effort, on a perfectly sunny day, is just another example of bringing what you can forward for the greater community good. Those kids, and likely all of the adults, enjoyed some healthy exercise and companionship, which kept them energized for that day and likely beyond. New friends were made and opportunities identified. A special thanks also to the City’s public safety departments – Police and Fire – who ensured the safe travel of this large group bicyclists. And thank you to all of those who were driving on the streets that morning, for giving more space, time, and patience while these kids rode their bikes to school.
Finally, one last thing we can all do is to vote. Most, if not all, should have received their ballots. Please take this opportunity to voice your preference for each of the items on the ballot, the results of which shape what tomorrow looks like in Coos County.
-Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos Bay
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 The City of Coos Bay turns 150 this year. The official term for this is Sesquicentennial but we’re just calling it a Big Party - all summer long!
From May to October, events happening all over the city will be part of the big birthday celebration. And it all culminates with a Block Party Bash the weekend of the City’s official birthday, Saturday, October 26th. The Visitor & Convention Bureau has a list of all events.
Celebrations include
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Mayfly Festival (May 18, 11 am - 3 pm, Mingus Park)
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July 4th Celebration & Fireworks (July 4th, Mingus Park and Boardwalk)
- July Wine Walk (July 5, 5 pm-7 pm, Downtown and Coos Bay Village)
- Bloody Mary Walk (July 6, Downtown)
- Film Presentation of Historic Coos Bay at the Historic Egyptian Theatre (July 6, Egyptian Theatre)
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Oregon Coast Music Festival (July 13-27, multiple venues)
- Dolphin Playhouse's presentation of “The Hollering Place Radio Show- Celebrating the 150 Year History of Coos Bay” (July 12-14 and 19-21, The Dolphin Playhouse)
- National Night Out (August 6, 6-9 pm, Ed Lund Park in Empire and Eastside Park in Eastside)
- Coos Art Museum 40th Anniversary (August 11, 11 am-5 pm , Coos Art Museum)
- Blackberry Arts Festival (August 24 9 am-6 pm and August 25 10 am- 4 pm, Downtown)
- Bay Area Fun Festival, with Cruz the Coos and Prefontaine Memorial Run (September 21-22, Downtown)
- Blowout Birthday Party (October 26, Coos Bay Village, Coos History Museum and Front Street)
Did you know that Coos Bay and the Empire District are filled with Historic Homes? Take a Self-Guided Driving Tour of the Historic Homes of Coos Bay and Empire as you help us celebrate Coos Bay’s 150th Birthday!
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CBPD Sergeant Completes Basic Tactical Operations School
 The Coos Bay Police Department is proud to announce that Sgt. Chris Rule has successfully completed the Basic Tactical Operations School held at Camp Rilea during the week of April 29 - May 3, 2024. This intensive training course, spanning over 40 hours, equips law enforcement officers with essential skills and knowledge to handle critical situations effectively.
The course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of basic tactical operations theory and practical proficiency in common tactical procedures. Throughout the course, Sgt. Rule and fellow participants delved into various areas, including:
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History and Philosophy of SWAT: Understanding the origins and principles of specialized tactical units.
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Liability Issues: Navigating legal considerations and minimizing risk during tactical operations.
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Use of Force: Learning appropriate force levels and de-escalation techniques.
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Team Movements: Practicing coordinated movements in high-risk scenarios.
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Diversionary Devices: Familiarization with flashbangs and other distraction tools.
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Hostage Operations: Strategies for resolving hostage situations safely.
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High-Risk Warrant Service: Executing search warrants in dangerous environments.
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Tactical Casualty Care: Providing medical aid under fire.
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Officer Down Procedures: Responding to injured officers in the field.
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Chemical Munitions Familiarization: Handling and deploying chemical agents.
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Operations Planning and Development: Creating effective tactical plans.
Additionally, Sgt. Rule had the opportunity to engage in tactical debriefs led by experienced team members from across the state. These debriefs provided valuable insights and real-world examples, enhancing Sgt. Rule’s tactical decision-making abilities. The training will undoubtedly serve Sgt. Rule well in his role as Patrol Sergeant for the Coos Bay Police Department as well as a team leader on the Coos County Emergency Response Team.
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Building Safety Month May 2024 – Week 2
Preparing a Building Safety Plan
 Week 2 of Building Safety Month 2024 focuses on how building safety impacts our everyday life and highlights the things we can do at home to stay safe. Here we share fire and water safety tips and home maintenance best practices, how to prepare for a disaster, how to plan ahead to limit damages to buildings from natural hazards in your community, and how to be more sustainable to ensure a cleaner and greener tomorrow.
Modern homes and buildings incorporate the latest building codes and are designed to minimize the possibility and effects of fire and other risks. While building safety professionals help maintain this system, there are preventative tasks that all contribute to occupant health, occupant safety, and security and overall sustainability (more on this in the last section).
Here are a few brief fire safety tips:
- Put a smoke alarm on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area, and inside every bedroom.
- Test each smoke alarm regularly. Keep batteries fresh by replacing them annually.
- Make an escape plan so everyone knows how to get out fast. Pick a meeting place outside the home where everyone will meet.
- Portable heaters need their space. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away.
- Keep all items that can burn away from your home, clean leaves from your gutters, and clear dead leaves and branches from shrubs and trees.
According to FEMA, one of the most cost-effective ways to safeguard our communities against disasters is to adopt and follow hazard-resistant building codes – not only are causalities reduced, but the cost of building damage is also reduced during a disaster. Beyond that, it's an individual, family, and community responsibility to know which disasters you're at an increased risk for along with how to mitigate those risks by leveraging tips and building codes specific to each disaster. Review these simple, life-saving tips in the resources below, and visit Ready.gov for specific tips on dealing with earthquakes, extreme heat, floods, home fires, hurricanes, tornados, wildfires, and more.
- Develop a family action plan and share with everyone in your family, so you will know where to go if an evacuation is called.
- Review at least two exit routes from your home or neighborhood to a designated meeting place for your family.
- Create a disaster supply kit that will allow you to remain in your home after a disaster or for use after evacuating to a safer location. Be sure the necessities in your kit are fresh and restored as necessary.
- Stay tuned to radio, TV and NOAA Weather Radio for official updates and critical lifesaving weather information. Remember, reception is usually best if placed near a window.
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 The Coos Bay Fire Department (CBFD) is bidding farewell to one of their 20-year veterans. Battalion Chief Steve Takis has accepted a position with the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office. He will serve as the Deputy State Fire Marshal for Coos County beginning May 13, 2024.
Steve was hired in January of 2004 as a Firefighter/Engineer. He was licensed as a Paramedic in 2005. In 2016, he earned a BS degree in Business Administration and Fire Administration. Later that same year, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. He was again promoted in 2019 to his current position of Battalion Chief.
Steve has been involved as either the coordinator or administrator of nearly every program within the fire department. Most recently he was in charge of the Regional Hazardous Materials Emergency Response team, Drone team, Personnel Health and Safety, Information Technology, Equipment Inventory and several other areas.
Steve has been an invaluable member of the CBFD management team and has been instrumental in the professional development of the fire department and staff. While the Department will miss his experience and leadership, we are happy for him as he starts a new professional adventure with the State Fire Marshal’s office.
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 Join us at the Library after Storytime on Wednesday, May 15 for a baby/toddler/preschool clothing swap. Bring outgrown children's clothing to exchange. Free. Any clothing left after the event not taken by participants will be given to the Oregon Department of Human Services.
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Drop In Tech Lab at the Coos Bay Library |
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On Friday, May 17 from 2-4 p.m., the Library will be hosting a drop in technology lab. Do you need to know how to access your email on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop? Wanting to move your photos from your smartphone to your personal computer? These are just a few of the questions we can answer. Join dedicated Library staff and tech-savvy volunteers in helping you understand tricky technology.
Note: While we can help answer your tech questions and get you familiar with your devices, we cannot repair broken technology, fix damaged software or help you perform major updates.
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Park Revitalization Open House Invitation
 The Coos Bay-North Bend Rotary Club is inviting the community to the first open house to provide feedback about the revitalization and redesign of Airport Heights Park. Come and hear about the park, how the design will be developed, and share your ideas about what you would like to see for the future of Airport Heights. Bring your thoughts and memories of your favorite parks and help us look toward the future of what Airport Heights Park might become in this exciting process!
Event Details:
May 16, 2024, from 6-8pm
North Bend Senior Center
1470 Airport Lane, North Bend OR 97459
The park is located in the Airport Heights area of North Bend and is owned by the Coos County Airport District (CCAD). In 2022, CCAD signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Coos Bay-North Bend Rotary Club to revitalize the park that served the community for over 60 years. The park currently houses a playground, baseball field, sand volleyball court, basketball court, and tennis court. Rotary is working with a park consulting firm, Ground Workshop out of Portland, to develop a master plan to guide revitalization and redevelopment of the park for the next several years.
This first community meeting will be an opportunity for citizens to meet the Ground Workshop and Rotary Parks Committee teams as well as help guide the park's future. For more information visit the Rotary website or Coos Bay - North Bend Rotary on Facebook.
The Coos Bay-North Bend Rotary Club has been serving the bay area for more than 100 years through community service projects. The organization is made up of business leaders from the Coos Bay and North Bend area. The Memorandum of Understanding for the park is a long-term commitment to continue the work on creating better livability through healthy, outdoor activities and recreation, and to do this by focusing on the future, which is our youth, while providing access for all abilities.
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New Book Club Begins for Women |
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Are you looking to be inspired, empowered, and uplifted? Join our Women's Empowerment Book Club where we read and discuss fiction and nonfiction books that celebrate the achievements and resilience of women from all walks of life. Connect with like-minded individuals, share your thoughts and insights, and be a part of a community dedicated to empowering women. Let’s come together to learn, grow, and support one another on our journey through life! Sign up now online and stop by the Coos Bay Library to pick up your FREE copy of our first book: Feminism is for Everybody, by Bell Hooks. Our first meeting will be Saturday, June 1 at 11 a.m. |
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 Beware the Ides of March! Coos Bay’s own Shakespeare in the Park brings us Julius Caesar! Performed in the outdoor amphitheater of Mingus Park, the production features a brilliant cast of one of Shakespeare’s most revered plays. Shows will be held on Saturdays and Sundays, June 22 - 23 and June 29 -30 at 3 p.m. Green Show begins at 2:30 p.m. Bring a chair or a blanket to sit on the amphitheater’s hillside overlooking the stage.
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