99W Red Light Cameras Now Active
The new red light and speed camera at the intersection of Villa Road and Oregon 99W is now issuing tickets to drivers who speed or run red lights.
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The City of Newberg installed the camera in October. It initially issued warnings to drivers who exceeded the posted speed limit of 35 mph or entered the intersection after the light turned red. City Manager Will Worthey stated that the camera allows for speeds up to 10 mph over the limit before issuing a violation.
During the trial period, from Oct. 7 to Nov. 6, the Newberg-Dundee Police Department (NDPD) issued 75 red-light warnings and 474 speeding warnings. Of these, approximately 16% were mailed to Newberg addresses, according to NDPD spokesperson Brian Hagen.
Fines for driving 11 to 20 mph over the speed limit, a Class C traffic violation, average $165. Running a red light, a Class B violation, carries an average fine of $265.
Rosmarino Wins Second Consecutive OpenTable Award
For the second consecutive year, Rosmarino Osteria Italiana is the only Oregon restaurant on OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants of the Year list.
“I want to take a moment to deeply thank our team for always providing a remarkable experience to our guests and maintaining Rosmarino’s high standards,” owners Dario and Sheena Pisoni wrote in an Instagram post. “Thank you for making Rosmarino your favorite spot to feel at home.”
The OpenTable Top 100 is based on over 14 million verified diner reviews, with rankings reflecting the percentage of five-star reviews, alerts set, reservations made in advance, and overall capacity usage.
Learn more about Rosmarino Osteria Italiana at the restaurant’s website.
Area Wines Win Big Internationally
Two local wineries have earned prestigious accolades in the wine industry.
Dundee’s Drouhin Oregon Roserock 2022 Pinot Noir ranked No. 6 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2024, while Newberg’s ROCO Winery 2013 RMS Brut Delayed Disgorgement 10-Year Sparkling Wine claimed the top spot on Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Wines of 2024.
“These honors are a testament to the Willamette Valley’s unparalleled quality and dedication,” said Morgen McLaughlin, executive director of the Willamette Valley Wineries Association. “The diversity and excellence reflected across the AVAs are remarkable.”
Other local wines recognized by Wine Spectator include Bergström’s Ribbon Ridge La Spirale Vineyard Pinot Noir (No. 34), Lavinea’s Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills (No. 52), and Domaine Roy & Fils’ 2022 Pinot Noir Dundee Hills Incline (No. 74).
Joining ROCO on Wine Enthusiast’s list are Cho Wines’ 2018 Blanc de Noirs Sparkling Pinot Noir (No. 32), Corollary Wine’s 2019 X-Omni Blanc des Blancs Sparkling Chardonnay (No. 36), and Domaine Serene’s 2015 Vintage Brut Sparkling Wine (No. 40).
“The future of Willamette Valley sparkling wines isn’t just bright—it’s here,” said Michael Alberty, Wine Enthusiast’s Oregon wine reviewer.
City of Newberg Makes $1M Available for Local Affordable Housing
The City of Newberg announced up to $1 million in funding for affordable housing development through its Construction Excise Tax (CET) program.
The CET program, funded by a 1% residential and 1.5% non-residential tax on new developments, ended collections on April 1, 2023. According to Community Development Department Planner Leanne Wagener, this is the final round of CET funding and the largest available to date.
“This is an exciting opportunity to support affordable housing in Newberg,” Wagener said. “We hope to see strong applications.”
Funds are available to nonprofits, for-profits, and individuals involved in affordable housing projects or services. Applications are due by April 1, 2025.
Learn more at the City of Newberg website.
Two Suspects Arrested After High-Speed Chase in Newberg
A high-speed police chase in Newberg ended in a crash on Nov. 18, leaving a bystander seriously injured and a Hillsboro father and son facing multiple felony charges.
The incident began with reports of gunfire during a suspected road rage altercation near Highway 99W and 11th Street in Dundee, according to the Newberg-Dundee Police Department (NDPD). When officers attempted to stop a vehicle matching the description, the driver fled, leading to a chase through downtown Newberg.
The pursuit ended when the suspect’s vehicle crashed into several parked cars on North Meridian Street. A 47-year-old man in one of the parked cars was seriously injured and taken to Oregon Health & Science University Hospital.
Police arrested the driver, 43-year-old William Gabrielsen of Hillsboro, on multiple felony charges, including eluding police, third-degree assault, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He also faces charges of DUII, reckless driving, and driving with a suspended license.
His son, 20-year-old Neo Gabrielsen, was arrested on charges including unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, hindering prosecution, and unlawful use of a weapon.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Mitchell at 503-538-8321.
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