MAYOR'S MESSAGE Don't Miss the Bay Area Home Show: Three Days of Inspiration, Activities, and Local Connection Next weekend, I encourage everyone to stop by and enjoy one of our community’s great local events—Oregon’s Bay Area Home Show, taking place April 24–26, 2026, at Pony Village Mall. This three-day event is packed with activities for the whole family, including demonstrations, drawings, food, and more. It’s a wonderful opportunity to gather ideas, connect with local businesses, and celebrate all the ways we make our houses feel like home. I’m especially proud to share that the City of Coos Bay will be well represented, with dedicated staff from every department in attendance. Whether you have questions about water quality, public safety, building projects, or future planning, you’ll find knowledgeable team members ready to help. Representatives from Administration, Water Quality, the Police Department, and the Fire Department will be there, along with our Building Official, Library staff, and team members from Engineering and Planning. This is a great chance to meet the people who serve our community every day and learn more about the work they do on your behalf. Be sure to stop by the City’s booth—not only to connect with staff, but also to enter our daily raffle drawings for a chance to win fun prizes throughout the weekend. The event kicks off Friday, April 24, with Opening Day from 4:00–6:00 p.m., followed by the Chamber After Hours Mixer from 5:00–7:00 p.m. Saturday is Family Day, offering fun and engaging activities for all ages, and Sunday will honor our veterans, first responders, and seniors in recognition of their service and contributions to our community. Please take a moment to stop by, say hello, and get your questions answered. We look forward to seeing you there and hope you enjoy this fantastic community event. -Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos Bay