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Hoyle, Despain spar at Coos Bay Forum BY BRANDON SUMMERS The World

Oregon’s U.S. House of Representatives candidates for District 4, Val Hoyle and challenger Monique DeSpain, sparred at a luncheon forum hosted by Bay Area Chamber of Commerce at Coos Bay Mill Casino on Wednesday, Oct. 9. DeSpain, a former U.S. Air Force colonel, called herself a “servant leader” and said this year’s election is “about necessary change.” “We’re not getting what we need from our current congresswoman,” she said. “We don’t have anyone standing up for us in Washington D.C. People who live and work here are sick and tired of the disfunction in

Washington D.C. and tired of corrupt, self-serving career politicians who fail to deliver results, results we can feel.” Asked how they would alleviate the state’s housing shortages, DeSpain said she would “make every effort I could to get government out of the way,” including reducing regulations and permits. Hoyle touted her achievements in Congress in addressing this problem. “I’ve brought money back to each community to pay for programs the community prioritizes,” she said. “For instance, we brought $4 million to North Bend to invest in workforce housing.” She added, “My job is to make sure our taxpayer Please see FORUM Page 3

South Coast Health Equity Coalition making City Of Coos announces positive gains with reproductive justice project Bayvolunteer committee openings

BY BRANDON SUMMERS The World

South Coast Health Equity Coalition earlier this year launched its Reproductive Justice Project. An aim of the effort is to help communities better understand the difference between access to reproductive health care and reproductive justice. “We have abortion rights in our state and we have wellness exams and that kind of stuff, but the justice side of it is, okay, so now that we have these things, how do we make sure that people know we have these resources? How do we make sure they have insurance that can cover these resources? And making sure they can get to their appointments when they need to, whether it’s through transportation vouchers or setting up rides. Just looking at the actual need and ﬁlling it,” explained Zaria Hamilton, Reproductive Justice & GenderAfﬁrming Care Advocate. The project started mainly

because Coos County and Curry County, both served by the Coalition, were losing vital services, said Coalition Director Jayden Ruff.

The Coalition, through its partnership with Southern Oregon Coast Pride, was already navigating local health care systems to help communities

provide “afﬁrming gender alternatives” beyond the typical doctor’s ofﬁce visit. Please see JUSTICE Page 3

Port of Coos Bay board receives intermodal port project update

BY BRANDON SUMMERS The World

Oregon International Port of Coos Bay Board of Commissioners on Oct. 15 received an update on the Paciﬁc Coast Intermodal Port project from Port of Coos Bay Executive Director Melissa

Cribbins. “Primarily, at this moment, we’re waiting on some funding decisions from the federal government,” said Cribbins. “We expect those within the next few weeks.” The project has three outstanding grants awaiting decisions, added Cribbins.

“It’s a little bit of a black box when it comes to being able to actually ﬁnd out where the grants are in the process,” said Cribbins. “What we’re hearing right now is before the end of October on at least one of them, and the other two shortly after that.” A company has also been

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engaged to do community engagement work for the project, Cribbins informed the board. Of four consulting ﬁrms interviewed, Portland-based JLA Public Involvement was selected. “They are currently in the process of scheduling interviews. They expect to do about 50 stakeholder interviews down here, in the area,” said Cribbins. “They’re putting some materials together to provide information to the stakeholders that have been contacted.” Cribbins said she’s had the question asked of her a few times, “Haven’t there already been a lot of community meetings about this?” “Of course there have been,” she said. “This is frankly the next step. This is having an outside party come in and ﬁnd out from people what their questions are, what their concerns are, and what they’re excited about, about the project, in a nutshell.” Port of Coos Bay staff has already had a kickoff meeting Please see PORT Page 3

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City of Coos Bay is seeking volunteers to fill positions on the Design Assistance Team, Parks Commission and Budget Committee. Applications are available from the City Manager’s Office at City Hall, by calling 541-269-8912, or on the City’s website at www.coosbayor.gov/government/ boards-commissions/committeeapplication. Applications will be accepted in the City Mangers Office through 5 p.m. on Oct. 25. Applicants will be contacted to schedule interviews with the City Council. The Design Assistance Team acts as an advisory body to the City of Coos Bay Community Development Department, Planning Commission, City Council, and Urban Renewal Agency. Members may include any person possessing interest in furthering the betterment of historic, cultural, architectural, natural or artistic resources in the Coos Bay area. Applicants should have knowledge and expertise in one of the following areas: local history, art, graphics, or interior design, and architecture. There are three terms expiring on Dec. 31. The Parks Commission is comprised of one City Councilor, one Planning Commissioner, and remaining positions are filled by interested persons. Membership, if possible, should include a landscape design professional, landscaping business professional, design professional, parks management professional and a bicycle or pedestrian enthusiast with subject matter expertise. Applications must be a resident of the City of Coos Bay or own property in the city. The Parks Commission meets once a month. There are four terms expiring on December 31, 2024. Budget Committee applicants must be a resident of the City of Coos Bay, and they are appointed by the City Council for three-year terms. The meetings are held in May at 6 p.m. There are three terms expiring on Dec. 31.

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