MAYOR'S MESSAGE From Summer to School Zones: Coos Bay Prioritizes Safety for the Season Ahead This past weekend, our downtown came alive with the sights, sounds, and flavors of the annual Blackberry Arts Festival. For two full days, Central Avenue was filled with vendor booths, live music, and delicious food, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. It was wonderful to see so many community members out enjoying the sunshine and soaking up the final days of summer. As we head into Labor Day weekend, it’s a good reminder, schools across our area will be back in session next week. That means children of all ages will be walking, biking, riding buses, and getting dropped off as they return to the classroom. Please be alert and drive carefully, especially near school zones and intersections. Our youngest residents learn from the behavior they observe—let's all set the example of a safe, respectful, and caring community. At this time last year, the City of Coos Bay was entering into a partnership with the Coos Bay School District (CBSD) and ODOT, under their Safe Routes to School grant program, to investigate alternative transportation options to several CBSD schools. Many members of the community participated in the Project Management Team throughout the last year, resulting in four alternative transportation routes to support safe walking and biking to schools: two for Sunset Middle School and two for Marshfield High School and Destinations Academy. This stages the City for the next round of ODOT construction grant funding. Thanks to those who participated in this project. As you enjoy the last long weekend of summer, take a moment to reflect on the history of Labor Day and the important role it plays in our shared American story. And as the school year begins, let’s all do our part to keep our streets safe for students and families. Thank you for helping make Coos Bay a vibrant, thoughtful, and connected community. -Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos Bay