February 7, 2011: First Day Of Filing For Election To Numerous Clatsop County Commissions And Panels

View Calendar And List Of All Open Seats ForMay 17, 2011 Special District Elections

From Oregon Attorney General John Kroger: Be Alert For Phoney Debt Collection Scam

SCAM ALERT: FAKE DEBT COLLECTION SCAMS
February 3, 2011
The Oregon Department of Justice has received several complaints regarding phony debt collection calls. Scam artists pose as debt collectors or law enforcement officers calling about an outstanding debt from an online payday loan. They frequently use fake phone numbers and official sounding business names. They also do their research. Some Oregonians have been tricked into paying nonexistent debt because the scam artist knew personal information about them, including their Social Security number, home address, e-mail, and names of family and personal references..Read Full DOJ Scam Alert

Rupert Murdoch's News Corp.com Unveils "The Daily" Today

Introducing The Daily

First National Daily News Publication Created for iPad Launches today in the Apple App Store
New York, NY, February 2, 2011 - Today Rupert Murdoch, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of News Corporation, unveiled The Daily -- the industry's first national daily news publication created from the ground up for iPad........Read News Corp.com Press Release

Sunset Empire Transit: New Interim Director Finds SET's Finances In Disorder!

By:Chelsea Gorrow - The Daily Astorian - January 28, 2011

(Cindy Howe Photo By: Don Anderson - The Daily Astorian)

*Three weeks ago, in circumstances that haven’t been publicly explained, Howe, the long-serving leader of the district, submitted her resignation.

*Since then, Anderson revealed that managers have found the financial record keeping in disarray.

*One issue being probed is financial. Thursday’s board meeting heard that Howe had apparently signed a $25,000 agreement with New Northwest Broadcasters for radio spots without approval........Read Full Daily Astorian Report

Conservancy Group Purchases Historic SS United States

In a long-anticipated milestone in the effort to save and redevelop the legendary ocean liner SS United States, the SS United States Conservancy will announce that the national nonprofit organization has acquired title to the nation’s historic “ship of state.”
“We are one big step closer to ensuring that this great symbol of American innovation is permanently preserved,” said Susan Gibbs, the Conservancy’s board president, whose grandfather, William Francis Gibbs, designed the legendary liner. “Now that we have secured title, we will accelerate our efforts to redevelop the nation's flagship as a multi-purpose waterfront destination with dynamic hotel, retail, educational and museum offerings. To succeed, we will tap into the same “can-do” spirit and ingenuity that the ship has embodied since her first splash in 1952.”......Read Report

OK, Camp Rilea Gets Reba On August 14, 2011 But What About The 7 Months In Between?

Reba Update: So, The Reba Concert Has Absolutely Nothing To Do With Astoria's Bicentennial And Is Merely A Private Venture Just Using It As A Catalyst, Implies Co-Organizer Paul Mitchell On KAST-AM - "The Profits, If Any, Will Be Disbursed Locally"

Radio Ticket Sales Ads Say Concert Is Sponsored, In-Part, By "Astoria Regatta Concert Associaton"?

Reba Update:A $600,000 Price Tag?



Well, having Reba performing at Camp Rilea in August certainly gives us ample opportunity, 7 months as a matter of fact, to capitalize on Astoria's immediate assets to bolster a little prosperity to the businesses of this 200 year old city by, let's say, developing a "Performing Arts Series every weekend to bring other great talent to the area by involving all our venues in the city, large and small, in a coordinated effort to share the talent and prosperity amongst all our retailers.
And hey! How about an actual regatta and establishing the "John Jacob Astor Bicentennial Challenge Cup" by inviting two or three very competitive sailng classes to a week's elemination series culminating in match races per each class at the end of the week and the final Regatta Celebration events?
You know, it could be a blessing in disguise for Astoria, its businesses, its blessings and its residents and the visitors it will bring.
Daily Astorian Update Says Reba A $600,000 Ticket For 12,000 Showgoers At Camp Rilea

Rhythm & Keys Music Studio: Truly A Gift To Astoria To Add To The Honors Of Its 200th Year

I had the privilege of attending Rhythm & Keys Music Studio's first recital of its first crop of students this past Saturday, January 29th. The studio is at the corner of 10th and Commercial in downtown Astoria.

Now, I must admit I may be a bit prejudiced, as I have an interest here, as someone very special to me is a student there and her progress in just 4 short months, as that is how long this very important opportunity has been open, impressed me greatly and made me very proud of her hard work. There were also five fellow students of varying ages showcasing their hard worked for talents as well.

I congratulate studio owner and instructor Amy Switzer and fellow owner/business mamanger, Van Hansen for having the courage and true desire to bring this great resource for bettering ourselves to Astoria.

Have you ever had the desire to play the piano or learn percussion? This facility and its learning program is open to all ages, as attested to by one of its older students who happens to be 63 years old.

You can contact Amy at, amy@rhythmandkeysmusicstudio.com or call her at 503-505-2819