CCP121

Officer Sophia Lucero Named City of Brookings 2025 Employee of the Year

FROM THE CITY OF BROOKINGS

When Officer Sophia Lucero steps into her role as a Brookings Police Department’s Community Resource Officer, her focus is simple: meet people where they are, listen, and help them take the next step forward.

That approach is one of the reasons Lucero has been named the City of Brookings’ 2025 Employee of the Year.

Lucero joined the Brookings Police Department in September 2021 as a Patrol Officer, bringing experience from the Del Norte Sheriff’s Office, the Yurok Tribal Police Department, and Del Norte Probation. In October 2022, she transitioned into the role of Community Resource Officer (CRO), a position centered on outreach, collaboration, and connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with services and support.

The mission of the CRO program is to engage community stakeholders to address homelessness, reduce its impacts on individuals and families, and lessen the effects on the broader community. The position is designed to be outreach-driven rather than enforcement-driven, with an emphasis on trust-building, problem-solving, and coordination with partner agencies.

As CRO, Lucero works directly with individuals who are chronically homeless and, for those willing to accept assistance, helps connect them with housing and appropriate resources. She collaborates with organizations including Curry Community Health, the Oregon Department of Human Resourc-

es, the Social Security Administration, the Veteran’s Administration, Oregon Coast Community Action, Adapt, St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, the Brookings Food Bank, and Brookings CORE Response. She also serves as a resource to patrol officers when they encounter individuals in need of support services.

Brookings Police Chief Kelby McCrae said Lucero’s work reflects the department’s commitment to community-focused policing. He shares, “Her calm demeanor, professionalism, and genuine compassion have made a meaningful difference—not only for the individuals she works with, but for the community as a whole.”

Lucero holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching, maintains Intermediate Certification with the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), and serves as both a Field Training Officer and Defensive Tactics Instructor. Her background has helped shape an approach that balances accountability with empathy.

City Manager Tim Rundel said Lucero’s impact extends beyond her specific assignment.

“Sophia represents the very best of City employees,” Rundel said. “She leads with empathy, builds strong partnerships, and works every day to improve quality of life for our residents.”

Employee of the Year nomination ballots echoed those sentiments, highlighting Lucero’s calm and respectful demeanor, her fairness, and her ability to build trust with individuals facing complex challenges. Several comments noted the respect she

has earned through consistency and compassion.

“Sophia has made an incredible impact in our community,” Public Works Director Anthony Baron said. “Her presence and outreach efforts have helped address ongoing challenges in our parks and public open spaces in a way that is respectful, effective, and supportive of both staff and community members.”

For Lucero, the work is about connection and long-term progress.

“I enjoy being able to interact with people from all walks of life in a manner other than traditional law enforcement,” she said. “I understand everyone’s situation is unique, and being able to understand those differences is vital to building trust and helping people access the services they need.”

She focuses on helping individuals set short- and longterm attainable goals, providing mentorship and support where gaps exist.

“It’s challenging work,” Lucero said, “but it’s also incredibly fulfilling. Seeing collaborative efforts lead to lasting improvements in someone’s quality of life makes it all worthwhile.”

City officials say Lucero’s recognition as Employee of the Year reflects the City of Brookings’ values of service, collaboration, and community care.

The City congratulates Officer Sophia Lucero on this well-deserved honor and thanks her for her continued dedication to the Brookings community.

Connected Senior Program

Launches in Brookings to Support Digital Literacy for Older Adults

BROOKINGS, OR – Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative and its broadband subsidiary, Beacon Broadband, are pleased to announce the launch of the Connected Senior Program in Brookings beginning Wednesday. February 18, 2026, at 1:00 pm for eight consecutive weeks. The program will be offered at no cost to participants in partnership with Southwestern Oregon Community College and hosted at the college’s Brookings campus.

The Connected Senior Program is designed to help older adults build confidence using technology that supports everyday needs such as accessing healthcare services, communicating with family, managing finances online, and navigating essential digital tools. The Brookings program builds on the success of earlier Connected Senior classes held elsewhere along the south coast, expanding access to digital literacy education for seniors throughout the region.

“This program is about more than learning how to use devices or the internet, it’s about helping seniors stay connected, informed,

and independent,” said Keith Buchhalter, Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative Member Services and Marketing Manager. “By partnering with Southwestern Oregon Community College, we’re able to bring these resources directly into the Brookings community in a familiar and supportive setting.”

Classes will take place at the Southwestern Oregon Community College Brookings campus and will offer hands-on instruction in a welcoming, small-group environment. Participants will receive guided support tailored to their individual skill levels, with a focus on practical, real-world applications.

“Reliable broadband is only part of the equation,” said Bill Gerski, Vice President of Marketing & Sales at Beacon Broadband. “Digital literacy is essential to ensuring our communities can fully benefit from connectivity. The Connected Senior Program helps bridge that gap and reflects our commitment to serving all members of our communities.”

The Brookings program

represents another step forward in addressing the digital divide along Oregon’s south coast, particularly in rural and aging communities where access to technology training can be limited. Through continued collabora-

tion with local partners, Beacon Broadband and Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative are committed to expanding digital inclusion efforts across their service territory.

How to Sign Up For your free registration, please call Southwestern Oregon Community College at (541) 813-1667 or email CurryFirstStop@socc.edu

DAILY

• Daily Meal, 11:15 a.m.

– 12:30 p.m., Chetco Activity Center, 550 Chetco Lane

WEDNESDAYS

• T’ai Chi, Chetco Activity Center: 9:00 am – 10:30 am and 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm.

• Line dance lessons, Elks Lodge. Membership not required. All donations welcome and appreciated, $2 minimum from all dancers. 11:30-12:00 absolute beginners (new), 12:00 – 1:00 pm improver, 1:00-2:00 pm intermediate.

• The Walking Group, Azalea Park: 11:00 am. Meet by Capella by the Sea. If raining meet at Brookings Harbor Shopping Center by the barbershop. For information 541-412-8664.

• Cribbage Club, Wild Rivers Pizza: 5:30 pm.

• Afterschool Program, Chetco Library: 1:30 pm –4:00 pm. School aged kids are welcome to come by the library for a free snack and to hang out, work on homework, or craft using supplies from the Maker cart.

THURSDAYS

• Bridge, Chetco Activity Center: 12:15 pm. Closed on Thanksgiving.

• Widows and Widowers Coffee Clique, Community Center, Airport Way, Gold Beach: 10:30 –11:30 am.

• Easy Flow Yoga, Chetco Library: 5:30 pm. A beginners’ yoga class that includes standing positions. For this class it is recommended that

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

participants be able to comfortably get up and down from the floor.

• Rowdy Creek String Band (open rehearsal), Chetco Library: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. A friendly open rehearsal for acoustic string instrument players. Not a string instrument player? Drop in and listen.

• Checkmate Corner, Chetco Library: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm. A weekly chess club for players of all ages and skill levels. Can’t bring your own set? Extra game boards are available.

• Recreational Table Tennis, 102 Park Street, Brookings: 6:30 pm. Love a good rally? Join us. For intermediate players who enjoy fast, friendly matches and great company. Bring your paddle and hope to see you soon.

FRIDAYS

• Bingo, Chetco Activity Center: 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm. Closed Friday after Thanksgiving.

• The Walking Group, Azalea Park: 11 am. Meet by Capella by the Sea. If raining meet at Brookings Harbor Shopping Center by the barbershop. For information 541-412-8664

• Pinochle and other card games, Chetco Activity Center: 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm

• T’ai Chi, Chetco Activity Center: 9:00 am – 10:30 am.

• Threads, Hooks, & Needles, Chetco Library: 10:30 am. A fiber arts club for knitters, sewers, and more. Bring your latest project and connect with other fiber artists

over light refreshments in the Makerspace.

• Teens Teach Tech, Chetco Library: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Drop by the Library Annex with your device or tech questions and get help from a trained Cyber-Senior Technology Mentor. Our mentors are young people who have been trained to teach technology to older adults and are standing by to help with your smart phone, iPad or computer. This free service is presented in partnership with Harmony & Me Music.

SATURDAYS

• Men’s Club Golf, Salmon Run Golf Course: 900 am. Friendly team and individual play. Prizes, laughs, good food and drink. $65 annual fee (includes OGA membership). All skill levels welcome. For info call: Bob K. 701-269-7822.

• Saturday Shuffle: Magic the Gathering and more, Chetco Library: 1:00 pm. Stop by the library every week for Saturday Shuffle, where players can bring their favorite deck and play Magic: The Gathering. Gamers of all kinds are also welcome to bring their favorite card or board games from their own collections, or browse the library’s games, and find a crew to play with.

• Saturday Storytime, Chetco Library: 10:30 am. Stories, songs, and games for young children.

MONDAYS

• Line dance lessons, Elks

POLICE BLOTTER

Lodge. Membership not required. All donations welcome and appreciated, $2 minimum from all dancers. 11:30-12:00 absolute beginners (new), 12:00 – 1:00 pm improver, 1:00-2:00 pm intermediate.

TUESDAYS

• Brookings-Harbor Garden Club Work Party, 10:00 am – 11:30 am, Brookings Botanical Garden. Come see how you can help.

• Bridge, 12:15 pm, Chetco Activity Center

• Line Dancing, Brookings Elks Lodge, 6 pm – 8 pm Donations requested.

• Storytime, Chetco Library: 10:30 am. Stories, songs, and simple crafts for young children.

• Tween Club, Chetco Library: 3:30 pm. Youth ages 10-13 are welcome to hang out and explore new interests and activities every week.

• Pinochle and other card games, Chetco Activity Center 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

• Amateur Radio Net check-ins, Gasquet Net: 6:30 pm on 147.18, DN Amateur Radio Club: 7:15 pm on 146.88. If you are a licensed Ham Radio operator, join us. You do not have to be a member of the Del Norte Amateur Radio Club. Find out what is happening around the area. Registration recommended, but team signups are allowed the day of if space allows.

JANUARY 21

• Brookings Rural Fire District monthly meeting,

The police blotter is an excerpt of a public record of incidents as reported by law-enforcement agencies. All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are innocent until proven guilty. The information printed is preliminary and subject to change. For a list of missing items found in the Brookings area, you can visit the police services page of the city of Brookings website at www.brookings.or.us/134/police-services and follow the link near the bottom of the page.

23:21 97865 Shopping Center Ave, fire

01/08:

Friday 01/09:

17:26 96603 W Harris Heights, criminal tres-

17:51 97958 Court St, dispute/fight 18:16 Shopping Center Ave, traffic crash 21:20 405 Mill Beach Rd, dispute/fight • 22:32 1143 Chetco Ave,

Brookings Fire Department: 9:30 am.

• Comic Quest Book Club, Chetco Library: 4:00 pm. A new comics and illustrated-book club for tweens and young teens. Meetings include fun, creative activities related to the book of the month.

JANUARY 23

• Online Safety with Dave Christie, Chetco Library: 12:00 pm. Join local computer expert Dave for a practical online safety class that teaches you how to recognize, prevent, and respond to common computer and phone scams—including what to do if you’ve shared information, sent money, or allowed someone into your device. Enjoy light refreshments or bring a brown bag lunch to savor while you learn.

JANUARY 24

• Teens Teach Tech, Chetco Library: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Drop by the Library Annex with your device or tech questions and get help from a trained Cyber-Senior Technology Mentor. Our mentors are young people who have been trained to teach technology to older adults and are standing by to help with your smart phone, iPad or computer. This free service is presented in partnership with Harmony & Me Music.

JANUARY 26

• Azalea Quilters Guild monthly meeting, Driftwood Estates Club House 16063 Driftwood Lane: 5:30 pm.

JANUARY 28

• Craft & Connect with Kim, Chetco Library: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. This month, join local artist Kim for a step-by-step

• 16:23 631 Chetco Ave, telephone harassment 18:05 97864 Payne Rd, illegal fireworks Saturday 01/10:

• 0:57 Railroad and Mill Beach, juvenile problem

art workshop. Theme and project to be announced. Please note, these workshops are designed for crafters 18+. Spots limited. Registration required. • Look-Back Book Club, Chetco Library: 5:30 pm. Teens and adults are invited to read the classic books from their childhoods and dare to ask: how do they hold up now? For January, the group will read and discuss Island of the Blue Dolphins, by Scott O’Dell.

JANUARY 30-31

• Escape Room—Mission Z, Chetco Library: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. The library is turning the River Room into an Escape Room. Sign up with your team and see if you can solve this zombie-themed puzzle in an hour or less. Due to scary elements, this escape room experience is recommended for people 14 and older. Spots limited. Call or visit Chetco.librarycalendar. com to sign up.

JANUARY 30

• Bingo, Brookings Elks Lodge, 800 Elk Drive: 11:00 am. Early Bird - 3 games for $3. Regular13 games for $11. Lunch available for $10. Free screen when a non-perishable item is donated for the Brookings food bank.

JANUARY 31

• BookTok Book Club, Chetco Library: 1:00 pm. Every final Saturday of the month, adults are invited to read and discuss the books going viral on social media. This month, the group is reading and discussing Before the Coffee

• 9:13 Hwy 101 and Carpenterville Rd, threats

• 9:53 446 Oak St, disorderly conduct 12:07 350 5th St, traffic crash

• 2:31 Railroad and Alder, traffic crash • 3:09 405 Railroad St, criminal trespass 12:09 Mill Beach, juvenile problem

• 13:21

• 12:26 17529 Longacre Loop, fire alarm

lawmakers

Lawmakers around the nation are considering

BY: SHAANTH NANGUNERI Oregon Capital Chronicle

As legal battles threaten the viability of state laws that prevent federal immigration agents from covering their faces, Oregon lawmakers on Tuesday took a major step toward entering the fray themselves.

Members of the House Committee on Judiciary heard testimony Tuesday from civil liberty and immigrant rights advocates about a new bill: the Law Enforcement Accountability and Visibility Act, introduced by Rep. Farrah Chaichi, D-Beaverton. Lawmakers in states including Michigan, New York, Washington, Tennessee, Illinois and Massachusetts are weighing similar pieces of legislation, and Portland’s city leaders are also considering a facial covering ban for law enforcement.

“There’s a question whether you can tell the feds what to do, but we want anyone practicing law enforcement in the state of Oregon to abide by these rules,” Chaichi told her colleagues. “And if the feds don’t abide by these rules, at the very least, we know our locals are not the masked people you see outside.”

The legislation would empower individuals to

sue public agencies for damages, attorney fees or a court order when the law is violated, creating “non-criminal” tools for local and state law enforcement to investigate individuals wearing masks when they have enough cause to suspect someone is impersonating a law enforcement officer, according to a Tuesday memo. The bill would come with a 90-day implementation phase, allow for medical or undercover operation exemptions and require every law enforcement agency operating in the state to have a public policy regarding facial coverings that “generally prohibits masking.”

Tackling federal agent masking was a key priority of House Democratic legislative leadership, but it remains to be seen whether such a bill would survive legal challenges citing the U.S. Constitution’s supremacy clause. The section allows for federal laws to supersede conflicting state ones and provides a significant level of criminal immunity for federal officers based on a landmark 1890 U.S. Supreme Court precedent. Supporters of such masking laws, however, say that face coverings stymie efforts at accountability when individuals impersonate agents and ultimate-

ly result in fewer people, including crime victims, cooperating with any law enforcement agency.

Chaichi’s proposed legislation comes after two Oregon state lawmakers last August announced they would introduce a constitutional amendment that requires voter approval aimed at stopping what they called “secret police.” That would likely require a resource-intensive push to get the ballot measure over the finish line, while

A staffer for Rep. Tom Andersen, D-Salem, told the Capital Chronicle on Tuesday that his constitutional ballot legislation is close to being finalized, but that the representative supports Chaichi’s bill as well. Andersen and Rep. Cyrus Javadi, D-Tillamook, announced their legislation after masked federal agents in Beaverton

apprehended a father last July outside his child’s preschool, part of a shift by the federal government which historically held off immigration enforcement in areas such as hospitals, houses of worship and schools.

An unnamed spokesperson for the Homeland Security Department previously told the Capital Chronicle in a statement responding to the duo’s bill that such pieces of legislation stoke dangerous

ment

“When our heroic law enforcement officers conduct operations, they clearly identify themselves as law enforcement while wearing masks to protect themselves from being targeted by highly sophisticated gangs like Tren de Aragua and MS-13, criminal rings, murderers, and Please see MASKING Page 5

Auditions for Four Old Broads at The Chetco Playhouse

Auditions for the latest production at The Chetco Playhouse will be taking place this month! Four Old Broads, written by Leslie Kimbell, has performance opportunities for older community members. Auditions will take place at the Chetco Playhouse on January 30 and 31, at 6 PM. Performances are planned for weekends between April 10-26, with rehearsals every Monday-Thursday starting on February 9. Four Old Broads premiered at the Winder Barrow Community Theatre in Winder, Georgia in March 2017 under the direction of Léland Downs Karas. The first professional production premiered at Centre Stage Greenville in Greenville, South Carolina in September 2017.

The Story

Retired burlesque queen Beatrice Shelton desperately needs a vacation – and NOT another trip up to Helen, Georgia to see that “precious little German village for the umpteenth time.” A Sassy Seniors Cruise through the Caribbean may be just the ticket if she can just convince her best friend, Eaddy Mae Clayton, to stop praying and go with her. Unfortunately, things have not been very pleasant at Magnolia Place Assisted Living since Nurse Pat Jones began working there. The newest resident, Imogene Fletcher, is suddenly losing her memory. Maude Jenkins is obsessed with her favorite soap opera and planning her own funeral. Sam Smith, retired Elvis impersonator, keeps trying to bed every woman in the building. A mystery unfolds with

laughter as the gals try to outsmart the evil Nurse Pat Jones and figure out why so many residents have been moved to “the dark side,” what exactly IS that mysterious pill, and what happened to Doctor Head? Hilarity ensues as Imogene goes undercover and Maude enters the Miss Magnolia Senior Citizen Pageant to throw Pat off their trail. If they can solve the mystery, they may make it to the cruise ship after all.

Characters: BEATRICE SHELTON – A former burlesque star with an attitude – Senior Citizen

EADDY MAE CLAYTON – A former nurse and “religious” lady – Senior

Citizen

IMOGENE FLETCHER – The newest resident at Magnolia Place – Senior Citizen PAT JONES – A rude and pushy nurse – 40s–50s MAUDE JENKINS – A funeral and soap opera obsessed frump – Senior Citizen SAM SMITH – Retired Elvis impersonator and Casanova – Senior Citizen RUBY SUE BENNETT – A quiet, romance novel loving nurse – 30s+

For questions, please contact Teri McGregor at (541) 661-2109 http://www.chetcopelicanplayers.org

Mussel harvest reopens from Cape Blanco to California border

secutive tests with results below the closure limit.

For more information call ODA’s shellfish biotoxin hotline at (800) 448-2474, the ODA Food Safety Program at 503986-4720, or visit the ODA Shellfish Food Safety Webpage Contact ODFW for recreational license requirements, permits, rules, and limits.

Wyden, Padilla, Colleagues Lead

Amicus Brief Challenging Republican Attempts to Suppress Mail-In Voting

Pending SCOTUS case could make it harder for millions of Americans to vote by mail

Washington, D.C. –U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Alex Padilla, D-Calif., today announced they are leading their colleagues in filing an amicus brief in Watson v. Republican National Committee, a landmark mail-in voting case that will be argued before the U.S. Supreme Court later this year.

In 2024, the Republican National Committee (RNC) challenged a Mississippi law that allows ballots postmarked by election day to be received up to five days after election day, arguing that this law violates federal law setting the timing of elections.

If the 5th Circuit’s ruling is affirmed by the Supreme Court, vote-bymail in more than a dozen states – including Oregon and California – will be thrown into disarray as huge numbers of voters, particularly rural, military, and overseas voters could be disenfranchised.

“Republicans will stop at nothing in their cru-

sade against vote-by-mail because they’re afraid they can’t win elections on their own merits,” Wyden said.

“The Supreme Court needs to see this case for what it really is: a thinly-veiled attempt at full blown voter suppression by Donald Trump and his far-right fan club. I’m all in to protect the fundamental rights of every American to make their voice heard on election day.”

“Despite Trump and Republicans’ baseless attacks, vote-by-mail remains one of the most effective and secure ways to make sure every eligible citizen can make their voice heard — especially for servicemembers, rural voters, and Americans living overseas,” Padilla said.

“We should be making it easier for Americans to vote, not bowing to Donald Trump’s flagrant attempts to suppress voting rights to cling to power. We are urging the Court to reject this blatant interference with California and other states’

election laws that protect Americans’ fundamental right to vote.”

The amicus brief filing comes just days after the Trump administration’s latest attempt to suppress mail-in voting. Closures and consolidation of U.S. Postal Service (USPS) facilities as well as a recent rule change by the USPS will result in mail less frequently being postmarked on the day it is received. As a result, mail-in ballots received by the USPS near or on election day could receive a delayed postmark and be invalidated.

“Many states, including Oregon, have adopted sensible policies to allow mail-in-ballots to be counted so long as they are postmarked no later than Election Day,” the senators wrote. “The Fifth Circuit’s ruling undermines the viability of these laws and threatens the disenfranchisement of voters, especially those living abroad or in rural areas.”

For years, Wyden has been one of the Senate’s leading advocates on vote-by-mail. Earlier this year he re-introduced his legislation to expand Oregon’s vote-by-mail system nationwide. Wyden and Padilla were joined by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Tim Kaine, D-Va., Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., and Mark Warner, D-Va. in filing the amicus brief.

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“83rd Golden Globe Awards” (TV-PG) — Nikki Glaser is back to host another round of the Golden Globes, and the ceremony is already available to stream in its entirety. Leading the pack in the film category is “One Battle After Another,” while “The White Lotus” inched past the rest with six total nominations to top the TV category. Dame Helen Mirren, who has extensive credits in film and television but won her Academy Award for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in “The Queen,” will be honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award. Meanwhile, for the Carol Burnett Award, the recipient is none other than our Carrie Bradshaw, Sarah Jessica Parker (“Sex and the City”). If there’s any award show that’ll keep you watching this season, it’s this one, so don’t miss it! (Paramount+)

“Zootopia 2” (PG) — The sequel to Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia” (2016) not only brought in more money at the box office than its predecessor, but it also became the highest-grossing film that the company has ever produced. Ginnifer Goodwin reprises her role as lovable bunny cop Judy Hopps, and the satisfyingly sarcastic Jason Bateman is back as fox Nick Wilde. Officially partners now at the Zootopia Police Department, Judy and Nick begin working on a case where they must pursue Gary De’Snake (Ke Huy Quan), a viper who is the first snake to appear in Zootopia in years. During their investigation, they get mixed up with the Lynxley family, a powerful pack of Canada lynxes, and must also prove their innocence to clear their names and avoid becoming fugitives. Out now to rent! (Amazon Prime Video)

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In the Circuit Court of Oregon for the County of Curry In the matter of the estate for Myrna G Rosenbaum, deceased.

“Ponies” (TV-MA) — Emilia Clarke (“Game of Thrones”) and Haley Lu Richardson (“The White Lotus”) are the leading ladies of this new spy thriller series premiering on Jan. 15. Set in Moscow in 1977, Bea (Clarke) and Twila (Richardson) are two women working as secretaries at the American embassy, and both of their husbands are undercover CIA operatives. When they receive news that their husbands have died in a mysterious plane crash, both women are desperate for answers and agree to start working in intelligence. As the women are gently integrated into the world of espionage, they get closer to figuring out a largescale conspiracy involving the Cold War. All eight episodes are out now to stream. (Peacock)

“People We Meet on Vacation” (PG-13) — Scoot over, “The Kissing Booth” and “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”! I have a feeling this new rom-com that is out now to stream will be Netflix’s next success in the genre. Based on the novel by Emily Henry, it follows best friends Poppy (Emily Bader) and Alex (Tom Blyth), who live far apart from each other but agree to go on one week of summer vacation together for a decade. Although the two couldn’t be more different from each other, one always encourages the other to step out of their comfort zone, all while exploring different parts of the world together. But with the promise of vacations together for 10 years straight, will it be possible to keep the relationship platonic? Watch and see! (Netflix) © 2026 King Features Synd., Inc.

Case Number 25PB08745

Notice To Interested Persons Notice is hereby given that Rebecca J. White has been appointed and has qualified as the personal representative of the estate. All persons having claims against the estate are hereby required to present them with proper vouchers, to Rebecca J White, 38747 West Scio Road, Unit #8, Scio, Oregon 97374, within 4 months after the date of first publication of this notice or the claim may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings in this estate May obtain additional information from the records of\~ Curry county circuit Court. Dated and first published December 10, 2025. 1/21/2026 Pilot 422600

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF CURRY [Probate Department] In the Matter of the Estate of: SHARI KIM HULEN deceased.

Date of Death: September 1, 2024.

Case No. 25PB10785 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that Joseph P. Hulen II has been appointed personal representative of the above-captioned estate. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached, to the undersigned personal representative at Southwest Portland Law Group, LLC, 8455 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Portland, Oregon 97225 within four (4) months after the date of first publication of this notice, or

Masking

From page 3 rapists,” the spokesperson added.

Legal battles loom

In California, meanwhile, lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom passed the nation’s first anti-masking law applicable to federal law enforcement agents, creating a criminal and civil penalty process for alleged violations. Lawyers for the federal government eventually sued the state in November, seeking to halt implementation of the law on the grounds that it unlawfully interferes with federal agents’ duties and prevents them from avoiding being targeted or doxed for their work.

Federal attorneys in their lawsuit also challenged a California law requiring agents to wear visible identification. A judge is set to hear arguments Wednesday for a preliminary order blocking California’s anti-masking law, which was supposed to take effect at the start of the year. California’s attorneys have agreed to pause the law’s enforcement against federal agents until the judge makes a ruling, court records show, but legal experts have expressed doubt that the masking laws will survive in court.

On Tuesday, lawmakers heard from Portland Police Chief Bob Day, who emphasized his support for the agency’s policy preventing it from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement activities. He said that growing confusion prompted by the federal government’s increased presence could affect his own agency’s ability to retain trust. The bureau’s identification policy already requires members to identify themselves by name when responding to a call for service and display their badges and name tags on

the claims will be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative, or Southwest Portland Law Group, LLC, the lawyers for the personal representative. DATED AND FIRST PUBLISHED ON January 21, 2026.

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: /s/ JOSEPH P. HULEN II

Personal Representative

ATTORNEY FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE:

Joseph P. Hulen II 2511 Bermuda Drive, Unit B Killeen, Texas 76549

Tel: 254.446.2621

Lindsey N. Daniel, OSB NO. 192115

Southwest Portland Law Group, LLC 8455 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy Portland, Oregon 97225

Tel: 503.206.6401

Fax: 503.214.8962 lindsey@swpdxlaw.com 1/21/2026 World 422614

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF CURRY

In the Matter of the Estate of: FRANK FINLEY WORTHINGTON, Deceased. Case No. 25PB11192 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Jennifer Volpi has been appointed Personal Representative. All persons having claims against the Estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached, to the Personal Representative c/o Seaside Attorneys, 842 Broadway, Seaside, Oregon 97138,

their outermost garment.

“Anytime we bucket all of law enforcement into the same area and the same critique, I think that’s a risk. You have really excellent law enforcement within the state and a lot of really good work being done,” Day said, “but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t certainly look at the importance of identification.”

Michael Abrams, policy counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union’s Oregon chapter, told lawmakers that while the issue exists in a legal “gray area,” he was more confident in Oregon’s law compared to California because it applies across the board to state, local and federal law enforcement agencies. California’s law exempts state law enforcement.

More sanctuary standing

The new legislation from Chaichi also contains several provisions to boost Oregon’s sanctuary laws, which have for decades served as some of the strongest in the nation by blocking state and local law enforcement from collaborating with federal immigration enforcement activities without a court order. Chaichi’s bill memo also calls for prohibiting Oregon state and local employees from cooperating “with federal or another state’s crackdowns on free speech or targeting of protected classes.”

Alongside that provision is another part of the measure which would make public any terms of agreements between local law enforcement in federal joint task forces tackling crime. The bill would prohibit a state or local agency or officer from surveilling or investigating an individual “based on First Amendment activities or protected classes.” It would also outlaw using confidential informants for investigations based on membership in a protected class under state anti-dis-

within four months after the date of publication of this notice, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may\~ obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the Personal Representative, or the lawyer for the Personal Representative, Jeremy Rust. Dated and published on January 21, 2026. Jeremy Rust, OSB No. 094927 Seaside Attorneys 842 Broadway Seaside, Oregon 97138 Attorney for Personal Representative 1/21/2026 Pilot 422683

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

The Curry County Soil & Water Conservation District is holding its regular monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. on January 27, 2026. In addition to routine business, agenda topics include a mid-year General Fund budget forecast update. Other matters may be discussed. The meeting will be held at the Curry Watersheds Partnership office located at 29286 Ellensburg Ave., Gold Beach. The location is accessible to persons with disabilities. An option to join electronically is available. To access the meeting electronically, please contact Tammy Wills at tammy.wills@currywatersheds.org or (541) 247-2755 ext 6. To request an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities, please contact Tammy Wills at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.\~ 1/21/2026 (online 1/191/25) Pilot 422599

crimination laws. The new masking legislation is one of several bills lawmakers hope to pass in response to the Trump administration’s increasingly aggressive deportation crackdown, which prompted at least 1,100 arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Oregon last year. That’s according to immigration advocates and the Deportation Data Project, a public records database from university researchers which has tracked federal detention data from Jan. 1, 2025 to Oct. 15, 2025. While ICE has claimed its crackdowns are catching criminals, recently available data shows that only 32% of people arrested in 2025 had criminal convictions. That’s down from 45% of the people ICE arrested in Oregon in 2024, according to the project. Several Oregon Democrats on Wednesday morning are expected to unveil additional legislation involving immigration issues, such as sensitive data privacy for immigrants, restrictions for state contracts with businesses that support ICE operations and additional resources for immigrants using the legal system. Another bill allowing individuals to sue federal agents in civil court is also set to be considered in the upcoming session.

https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/01/14/ oregon-lawmakers-charge-forward-with-disputed-penalties-for-federal-agent-masking/ Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle.com.

Phoebe Pereda Appointed Mayor

Jim Jollota Appointed City Councilor

The Brookings City Council met in a regular City Council meeting, January 12, 2026, and appointed Phoebe Pereda to fill the position of Mayor, after accepting the resignation of Isaac Hodges.

Pereda, Accounting Specialist for the Chetco Community Public Library District, has lived in Brookings for five years.

Pereda was appointed to the Brookings City Councilor in December 2023. She had previously served on the Budget Committee from February 2022 to December 2023. “I believe that she has the experience and very importantly the connections and leadership qualities to guide Brookings in the right direction as Mayor”, said Councilor Kristi Fulton prior to the appointment.

Over the years she has served her community through youth football and cheer leagues, and at a women’s jail, a juvenile hall and more. Pereda has played an important role in bringing trust in Council to the community.

After Pereda was sworn in, and her Council seat declared vacant, the Brookings City Council held interviews and appointed Jim Jollota to serve the remainder of the term for Councilor position #2. Jollota is a Software Engineer, he has volunteered with the Brookings Elks Lodge, Nature’s Coastal Holiday and owns a local business with his wife. Jolotta has lived in Brookings for over three years and brings his well-rounded background to the City Council. Council President Anthony Martin added, “he can bring some fresh ideas to the Council.”

Implementing Trump’s tax law to cost Oregon $114 million in SNAP investments

By: Mia Maldonado

Oregon Capital Chronicle

The Oregon Department of Human Services says it needs $114.6 million from the state’s general fund to fill gaps in its 2025-27 budget because of cuts and other changes to federal food assistance.

The long-awaited funding request comes after Oregon lawmakers in 2025 set a two-year budget days before President Donald Trump signed a major tax and spending law in July that drastically changed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, by adding work requirements, limiting benefits for noncitizens, creating more eligibility checks for people enrolled in the program and increas-

ing the administrative cost burden for states.

The timing left lawmakers scrambling to respond to unforeseen budget changes affecting the one in six Oregonians who rely on SNAP.

The department’s funding request has support from Gov. Tina Kotek, who on Tuesday reflected on the results of her 60-day food emergency during the government shutdown that left thousands of Oregonians without access to their SNAP benefits. She directed $5 million to Oregon’s statewide food bank network and $1 million to the nine federally recognized tribes in Oregon. The state received a $6 million match from Oregon Disaster Funders Network.

“We acted quickly to

help get emergency food to families, restore SNAP benefits as soon as the courts allowed, and support the community organizations that step up every day to feed people,” Kotek said in a statement. “That leadership saved lives — and it sets the standard for how Oregon will continue to respond.”

Despite the state’s quick response to the disruption of benefits, Oregonians are already seeing the impacts of the new federal law.

“We have households who saw reduced benefits because of changes in utility cost calculations, legal asylees and certain refugee populations lost SNAP eligibility entirely and work requirements expanded from six counties to all 36 counties across the state — increasing verification compliance demands on both clients and the state,” said Nate Singer, the agency’s eligibility program director.

Singer, alongside other Oregon Department of Human Services staff, gave lawmakers a breakdown of what federal SNAP changes may cost Oregon ahead of the 2026 legislative short session.

Agency says work requirements will increase staff demand

The agency is requesting $13.8 million to address the work requirement changes under the law.

The federal law tightens restrictions on who qualifies for exemptions from the SNAP work requirements. For example, it removed exemptions for former foster youth, unhoused individuals and veterans and adults ages 50 to 65. It also narrowed benefits for noncitizens.

The requested amount would support IT system upgrades, outreach and staff resources to manage an increased workload for staff who process applications and determine household benefit levels.

Oregon now has to split SNAP benefit costs with feds

The agency is requesting $39 million for the 202527 budget cycle to invest in improving the state’s SNAP payment error rate.

SNAP benefits previously were 100% federally funded, but the new law requires any state with a SNAP payment error rate above 6% to pay between 5% and 15% of benefit costs beginning October 2027. Oregon’s error rate in 2024 was 14%, and it’s mostly because of people not reporting their incomes on time and receiving either too much or too little in benefits, Singer said.

The agency has con-

sulted with states with low error rates and experts to make a plan to lower its own and minimize its financial liability, Oregon Department of Human Services Deputy Director Dana Hittle told lawmakers.

“The resulting plan focuses on the operational basics, such as call center performance management of teams, improving training for staff and communications to clients, as well as integration of artificial intelligence and other technology solutions to streamline and improve processes,” Hittle said.

It would need an estimated $450 million in the 2027-29 budget if the state’s error rate doesn’t improve.

Administrative cost sharing

The agency is requesting $54 million to cover the increase in SNAP administrative costs the state must pay from 50% to 75% beginning October 2026. This amount is meant to cover the change in the 2025-27 budget cycle.

The agency is requesting $142 million for the 202729 budget cycle.

“This means a significant increase in general fund obligations just to maintain core operations for us,” Singer said.

“These are your eligibility, workers that process and do hearings, call centers, customer supports, our vendor contracts, system

maintenance — all these areas shift the cost from the federal government to the states significantly

Investing in SNAP card security

To address increasing reports in electronic benefit transfer SNAP cards, the state will seek $7.1 million from the general fund to support transitioning SNAP cards to chip-enabled cards to strengthen security against skimming and fraud.

There’s been more than 10,600 instances of validated theft of benefits worth $4.1 million since 2023, according to the agency.

“At its core, this budget request is about helping Oregonians meet their basic needs, food on the table and access to health care and services,” Hittle said. https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/01/13/ implementing-trumps-taxlaw-to-cost-oregon-114million-in-snap-investments/

Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle.com.