Friday, January 2, 2026 | Vol. 50, Issue 1
www.cannonbeachgazette.com
Weber raises alarm over family courts WILL CHAPPELL Gazette Editor
Cannon Beach year in review HRAP welcomed puffins in April.
WILL CHAPPELL Gazette Editor
Cannon Beach saw an eventful year in 2025, perhaps most notably as construction began on a new city hall in midtown and police station at the south end of the city. Voters also restricted the city’s ability to borrow money in May elections, and a full slate of arts, cultural and historical events See YEAR IN REVIEW, Page A3
Annual Sandcastle Contest was held in June.
Ex-Mayor Sam Steidel passed away on January 12.
Following voluminous constituent feedback about poor outcomes in Washington County family court, Oregon State Senator Suzanne Weber is working to raise awareness about the issues in the system. Weber said that she believes family court judges are given too much authority and that the special courts may need to be abolished in favor of letting regular courtrooms handle the cases, though she acknowledged that somebody else will have to take up the cause after her time in the legislature concludes following 2026’s short session. “It has to be something that someone will take up in the long session and carry through, but at least we’ve done the groundwork to be able to express the concern we have for our children,” Weber said. “Because It’s not only our children right now and what is happening to them, it’s how it’s affecting their futures.” Family courts are administered by individual states but regulated by numerous federal laws that See WEBER, Page A4
HRAP director reflects on 2025 PIERCE BAUGH V for the Gazette
As 2025 comes to a close — and as the world moves deeper into the third decade of the 21st century — there is much to reflect on. For the Haystack Rock Awareness Program (HRAP), 2025 was a year defined by endurance. At the beginning of the season, HRAP had to contend with a poacher. A man staying at a local hotel was found collecting mussels during low tide. After being informed by HRAP staff that poaching is illegal and given the relevant regulations, he continued to do so. Police were contacted, but the man returned the following day and attempted to collect mussels again. The situation eventually escalated, and the man was cited and barred from returning. It was also another difficult year for Cannon Beach’s black oystercatchers. The birds failed to raise chicks again this season. After a third nesting attempt, eggs hatched but were later preyed upon. Black oystercatchers nest close to public areas, making them highly visible to visitors. HRAP monitors the birds closely and uses their presence as an opportunity for public education. Black oystercatchers are classified as a species of concern and are considered an indicator species — meaning their struggles can signal broader environmental health issues. “So that was pretty traumatic,” said Lisa Habecker, director of HRAP. “Visitors get to see them regularly, and we call them our soap opera birds — like, ‘What’s happening in the trials and tribulations of the black oystercatchers today?’” Despite the challenges facing local wildlife, Cannon Beach also saw a surprising visitor this year.
A kingfisher — a bird known for its bright blue and orange plumage — has taken up residence in the area, an unusual choice for a species that typically inhabits rivers, lakes and estuaries rather than ocean shorelines. “It’s quite unusual to have one at the ocean,” Habecker said. “In fact, nobody’s ever heard of a kingfisher here before.” In addition to wildlife monitoring, HRAP expanded its public safety role this year by partnering with local lifeguards during king tide events. King tides, the highest tides of the year, typically occur between November and January. HRAP members assisted lifeguards by educating visitors about water safety and helping keep people out of hazardous areas. “That’s been a really great partnership,” said HRAP member Jenny Gooldy. “Helping keep people safe and aware of all the hazards during king tide.” “We had over 150 people collectively between November and this past king tide that we spoke to about water safety and assisting the lifeguards,” Habecker added. Looking ahead, HRAP is actively recruiting volunteers, particularly for the busy summer season. Opportunities include joining the Beach Interpreter team, participating in community science projects, and supporting partner organizations. The volunteer program is open to all ages, with a junior volunteer option available for those under 18. No minimum time commitment is required, and training is provided. Volunteers are required to complete a simple background check. “We’re all looking forward to getting the season started again,” Habecker said. “Our team members are chomping at the bit.”
The newly constructed Legacy Place will exclusively serve residents of the new Spruce Point Apartment Complex.
Spruce Point construction underway in Manzanita WILL CHAPPELL Gazette Editor
Work is well underway at the new Spruce Point apartment complex in Manzanita and on pace to bring 60 new affordable apartments online by next fall. The project is being led by Home First Development Partners and supported by a $21.4 million grant from Oregon Housing and Community Services, as well as grants from
the Tillamook County Affordable Housing Grant program. Construction crews broke ground on August 12, after the property was cleared of trees and a new street, Legacy Place, which intersects with Necarney City Road between Clipper Court and Pine Ridge Lane, constructed to serve the development. The 60 apartments will be spread across three three-story buildings and two two-story
buildings, and the complex will also feature a community center with a leasing office and community area, common courtyard with a nautically themed playground and 96 parking spots. There will be 14 one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments, 23 two-bedroom, one-bathroom, and 23 three See SPRUCE POINT, Page A2