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Planned Parenthood affiliates in Oregon map out long-term strategy  • Oregon Capital Chronicle

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Planned Parenthood affiliates in Oregon map out long-term strategy  • Oregon Capital Chronicle


Planned Parenthood in Oregon is restructuring its advocacy and public policy arm to set the stage for expanding and bolstering reproductive health care access in the years to come.

Officials from the state’s two Planned Parenthood affiliates, Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette and Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon, said Tuesday they are planning a new advocacy organization with 10 to 20 staffers. The new organization will replace Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon, which is the lobbying and public policy organization that advances the organization’s work. 

The change coincides with record demand for abortion services. Planned Parenthood health centers throughout Oregon have seen a nearly 50% increase in demand since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. The court’s decision didn’t restrict abortion access in Oregon, but allowed other states, including Idaho, to ban or restrict abortion access, prompting pregnant people to travel from out of state to seek care in Oregon.

Planned Parenthood’s clinics will continue their current operations. Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette has clinics in the Portland area, Bend, Ontario and Vancouver and Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon serves people in Eugene and Medford. 

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Planned Parenthood officials said the organization is the largest abortion in Oregon, but they didn’t immediately have the total number of abortions performed last year. In 2023, the Oregon Health Authority preliminary data shows that nearly 8,940 abortions were performed in the state, up from more than 8,670 in 2022. 

Planned Parenthood also offers other services, like testing for sexually transmitted infections and screenings for breast and cervical cancer. Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette provided nearly 6,800 abortions in fiscal year 2023, and dispensed emergency contraceptives nearly 9,900 times. The organization, which also serves patients in southwest Washington, had nearly 56,000 patient visits. Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon served nearly 14,000 patients in fiscal year 2023. 

The new advocacy organization and changes will not go into effect until after the November general election. The new organization does not yet have a name.

“The purpose is to continue all of that important advocacy work around advocating for and protecting abortion rights and sexual reproductive health care rights,” Dr. Sara Kennedy, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette, said in an interview. “We’re adding just really a sharpened focus on how the Planned Parenthood affiliates keep their doors open to continue to care for the patients who need us most in Oregon.”

The current advocacy organization has three employees. The new organization’s staff of up to 20 will include field staff, public policy representatives and support staff. Planned Parenthood officials will first hire a chief of external affairs to strengthen statewide communications and its advocacy work at all levels of government, including state agencies like the Oregon Health Authority and local entities. That chief of external affairs will be announced first, they said.

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“This is really a structural change that we had to make to ensure that we could build a bigger, bolder team and so and bigger, bolder advocacy,” said Amy Handler, CEO and president of Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon.

Planned Parenthood clinics primarily serve low-income people and those enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan, the state’s Medicaid plan. 

It’s not clear how much of the increase in demand is from out-of-state patients. Kennedy said Planned Parenthood doesn’t ask patients where they are coming from, though, in general, providers know patients fly and drive in from all over the country, including Idaho. 

“We are working to try to build out our operations and be able to increase access, both for the rural and remote Oregonians, and also for folks traveling from across the border,” Kennedy said. 

Planned Parenthood is working on an analysis that will continue through the end of the year to determine where to open new clinics based on where access is limited and where it would benefit people the most to have new centers or services, Kennedy said. In general, she said, areas in Oregon that have limited providers and access include coastal areas and eastern Oregon outside of Ontario.

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“The North Star is how do we continue to do that for patients and grow and expand?” Kennedy said. “That’s where we’re going. We are going to be bigger and stronger and trying to expand, to see even more people. That’s the whole point of all of this.”

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Oregon Lottery Pick 4 results for March 1

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The Oregon Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at March 1, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Pick 4 numbers from March 1 drawing

1PM: 4-1-6-1

4PM: 6-5-5-6

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7PM: 2-1-9-9

10PM: 6-2-5-4

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Oregon Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 7:59 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 7:59 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Pick 4: 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. daily.
  • Win for Life: 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Megabucks: 7:29 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Oregon editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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Editorial: A legislative ‘solution’ that only creates more loopholes

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Editorial: A legislative ‘solution’ that only creates more loopholes


Legislators are bypassing a straightforward solution that would help ski resorts and other recreational providers stave off lawsuits claiming minor negligence and instead are overcomplicating the picture, the editorial board writes. Lawmakers should follow the example of other states rather than create its own path.



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6 Friendliest Towns to Visit on the Pacific Coast in 2026

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6 Friendliest Towns to Visit on the Pacific Coast in 2026


From Mount Baker’s soaring backdrop to the hillside village of Oceanside with its hidden tunnel beach, the Pacific Coast’s best moments often come in small-town America. Each waterfront has its own mix of boardwalks and marina sunsets, whether you’re strolling the sand in Brookings or catching the last light in Fort Bragg. Add in Victorian mansions, occasional Mediterranean-style flourishes, and that storybook, salt-air atmosphere that feels tailor-made for seaside fun. Below are the 6 friendliest towns on the Pacific Coast.

Brookings, Oregon

Aerial Drone Photo Overlooking Brookings, Oregon and the Pacific Ocean on a sunny day

Although easy to overlook at first, Brookings leaves a lasting impression once visited. Located near the southern tip of Oregon’s coast, just six miles from California, it offers long, sandy beaches ideal for beachcombing, swimming, and relaxing—often with fewer crowds thanks to the area’s “Banana Belt” climate. North of town, Harris Beach State Park provides stunning scenery, diverse trails, and a rocky pocket beach perfect for memorable photos. Chetco Point Park surrounds Macklyn Cove with peaceful oceanfront paths, tide pools, a scenic lookout, and picnic areas nestled among rocks.

Within town, you’ll find bars, grills, a brewery, and a charming selection of shops and galleries, including Manley Art Center & Gallery—ideal for a midday break or relaxing after sunset. During summer, Azalea Park hosts free concerts and features a bandshell, sports facilities, and kids’ play areas. Take a photo at Capella by the Sea, a unique wood-and-stone chapel built by film producer Elmo Williams, then cross the Chetco River to Harbor, another delightful nearby community. At Chetco Brewing Company, the beer is proudly “homegrown,” crafted with ingredients from the property—like Irish moss for clarifying—without pesticides, herbicides, or additives, resulting in a crisp, refreshing taste.

Depoe Bay, Oregon

People walking on a sidewalk in front of shops in downtown Depoe Bay Oregon
People walking on a sidewalk in front of shops in downtown Depoe Bay Oregon, via Bob Pool / Shutterstock.com

Perched above the Pacific, Depoe Bay is a charming, compact town famously known as the world’s smallest natural navigable ocean harbor. Marine enthusiasts visit to see this up close, but that’s just part of the appeal. Combining its small-harbor claim with a larger reputation, Depoe Bay is celebrated as the whale-watching capital of the Oregon coast. From March to December, humpbacks, gray whales, and even orcas can be seen along with a variety of sea life. Unlike many locations where whale watching requires tickets, you can often view these giants for free during migration season from the town’s expansive observation deck.

Beyond whale watching, there’s plenty to explore. Visit the Whale Watch Center, or arrange a trip with Dockside Charters and Whale Watching Tours—an ideal gift for nature lovers. The museum at Whale Research EcoExcursions costs less than $5 and is located right at the harbor. Bayfront hotels in Depoe Bay are a popular choice for couples, especially for special occasions like honeymoons. For a rugged shoreline experience, Depoe Bay Scenic Park, next to the iconic Arch Rock Café, provides spots for wading, picnicking, and photography. When it’s time to dine, Gracie’s Sea Hag offers exceptional oceanfront seafood along with a bar and vibrant music scene.

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Fort Bragg, California

Guest House Museum, Fort Bragg, California
Guest House Museum, Fort Bragg, California. Image credit Michael Vi via Shutterstock

About 150 miles north of San Francisco, Fort Bragg feels even more remote—in the best way. The area’s loudest sounds are the soothing waves, and the stars are the only bright lights in the night sky. The air is fresh and crisp, and the streets are pleasantly quiet—thanks to the outdoor attractions that steal the spotlight, from quick dips in the ocean to birdwatching and year-round whale-watching. You can explore Noyo Harbor by kayak from the docks, or take a scenic ride on the Skunk Train (or a rail bike) through meadows and redwoods. For a relaxed day, visit the Glass Fire Art Glass Gallery, stroll the trails at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, then enjoy the sunset at Point Cabrillo Lighthouse, whose beam reaches 15 miles into the sea after dark.

Downtown Fort Bragg offers history walks, wine tastings, pub crawls with local brews, a cooking school, and the Discovery Center featuring a Blue Whale skeleton. Just south, many visitors go to Pomo Bluffs Park, a 25-acre area with benches and interpretive signs along the coastal trail for hiking and biking. Watch fishing boats bring in salmon, Dungeness crab, and abalone, then dine at The Wharf with waterfront views. For more open space, MacKerricher State Park provides wetlands full of birds and seal-watching opportunities, plus nearby Glass Beach, where colorful sea-tumbled glass sparkles like tiny treasures from the ocean.

La Conner, Washington

The waterfront at La Conner, Washington.
The waterfront at La Conner, Washington.

La Conner is a charming town nestled on a delta near the mouth of the Skagit River, and it’s the oldest town in Skagit County. Its historic downtown showcases beautiful architecture from the early 1860s, a period when pioneers like Alexander Underwood, Michael Sullivan, Sam Calhoun, and A.G. Tillinghast settled in the area shortly after the Civil War. Originally named Swinomish, the town was later renamed by John Conner in honor of his wife, Louisa A., following his purchase of John Hayes’ trading post in 1869. This marked the beginning of the town’s first post office and general store on the west side of the Swinomish Slough. With a proud history and a strong focus on preservation, the entire town is proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, La Conner remains a vibrant community that still hosts the Swinomish Tribal Community. It beautifully combines the laid-back charm of a historic fishing village with the lively spirit of a well-loved artists’ colony. It’s also a peaceful wintering spot for graceful swans and Canada geese. Located along the stunning Salish Sea between Seattle and Vancouver, it’s a perfect place to relax and explore. Whether you visit in April for the colorful Tulip Festival or anytime throughout the year, you’ll enjoy browsing charming galleries, chatting with friendly locals, and admiring breathtaking views of Mount Baker reflected in the water. From the cheerful daffodils of March to classic cars and the lively “Brew on the Slough” event in October, La Conner’s welcoming calendar is packed with delightful events. Enjoy its unique boutiques, tasty dining options, and three fascinating museums—making it a wonderful weekend getaway.

Oceanside, Oregon

Oceanside, Oregon, USA. Picturesque seaside village off the beaten track on Oregon's central coast.
Oceanside, Oregon, on Oregon’s central coast.

Oceanside feels wonderfully calming even before you arrive—true to its name, it’s a place that gently reminds you of just how much the ocean influences our world. It offers everything you might hope for: expansive horizon views, a tranquil beach, and a charming oceanfront café where time seems to slow down on purpose. Offshore, the stunning Three Arch Rocks—part of a protected wildlife refuge—anchor the breathtaking scenery. At Maxwell Point, the coastline creates a delightful illusion of distance and scale. During low tide, you can stroll through a tunnel to reach Tunnel Beach, then continue past rocky points to explore a series of secluded coves that feel like a hidden world miles away.

With cozy beach rentals and charming B&Bs, settling into a relaxed rhythm is easy: start your day with breakfast at Blue Agate Cafe, return later for comforting seafood, homemade desserts, and drinks at Roseanna’s Cafe, and wind down beneath the majestic silhouette of the arched rocks overhead. There are so many iconic spots to explore—Symons State Scenic Viewpoint, Lost Boy Beach, and the Short Beach Trailhead—all just a short hike or drive away. And despite its quiet charm, this community remains wonderfully laid-back, nestled into a hillside that feels like a natural amphitheater, offering sweeping views from Oceanside Beach State Recreation Site.

Tofino, British Columbia

 A bird's eye view of Tofino. The community is spread across just a handful of streets
A bird’s eye view of Tofino. The community is spread across just a handful of streets

Stretching from Washington through Oregon and into California, the U.S. “West Coast” continues north into British Columbia. With geography on its side, Tofino is pure Vancouver Island charisma—wild beaches, moody skies, and the real possibility of spotting black bears. With access via a reasonably priced charter flight or a ferry-and-bus combo, it’s surprising that something this rugged and authentic sits so close to Vancouver’s bustle. Start your day at the beloved Rhino Coffee House, then choose your own pace: fishing, kayaking, hiking, or simply sinking into the sands of Tonquin Park, which stretches from wilder Tonquin Beach near the tip to the calmer shoreline around Chesterman Beach.

Home to about 1,400 residents, including many surfers who share a love for whale-watching, Tofino proudly proclaims itself as the end of the Trans-Canada Highway. It offers a cozy selection of campsites, perfect for any adventure. Whether you’re riding the waves or quietly watching gray and humpback whales, just being here feels special — taking in the cedar-scented sea breeze as eagles soar above. Tofino completely avoids the chain-store scene, making it a truly relaxing retreat. Its mild climate features gentle winters and summers that are rarely too hot. For art lovers, Roy Henry Vickers Gallery highlights regional works, while Wolf in the Fog offers inventive, farm-fresh dishes and cocktails in a warm, inviting setting.

These colorful beachside towns greet you with captivating views, crashing waves, and ocean-fresh air—pairing old-world charm with a distinctly modern maritime culture. As varied as Washington, Oregon, California, and coastal British Columbia, they offer a little something for every kind of traveler. From Depoe Bay’s whale-watching scene to Fort Bragg’s wild coastline and Tofino’s surf-town spirit, spotting the ocean’s “friendly giants” is practically part of the itinerary.

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And beyond the water, every slow turn down a quiet street reveals artisan boutiques, local eateries, and weathered cottages with real character. Whether you’re road-tripping the coast, escaping city noise, or overdue for a proper vacation, the blend of local life and wildlife delivers the kind of trip that stays with you. Watch whales from Depoe Bay, kayak Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg, then head north to Tofino for that far-flung, end-of-the-road feeling—without ever losing sight of the sea.



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