Social Goods Named Among Top 100 Family-Friendly Restaurants Nationwide
NEWBERG, Ore. — With a wide-ranging menu, communal-style dining, and a play area on the upper level, it’s no surprise that local restaurant Social Goods was named the 85th most family-friendly dining establishment in the United States.
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“Top 100 in America! I still can’t believe it,” wrote Social Goods co-owner Robin Sikkens in a social media message. “We had no idea until my parents pointed it out. Our goal from day 1 was to be family friendly.”
User-generated business review site Yelp identified businesses in the restaurant and food categories with a high concentration of reviews mentioning “family friendly.” Yelp then ranked those businesses based on the total volume of reviews and mentions of family-friendly keywords to compile its top 100 list of family-friendly restaurants. All businesses were required to have a passing health score as of Feb. 14, 2025.
“As parents know, it can be hard to find restaurants with a welcoming atmosphere for the whole family,” the company reported. “The places on this list understand the needs of young diners and often provide kids’ menus, booster seats, and helpful extras to keep children engaged.”
Social Goods currently holds a 4.3-star rating from 107 reviews on Yelp, 20 of which mention its family-friendly atmosphere.
Three other Oregon restaurants made the list: Solstice Wood Fire Cafe & Bar in Hood River at No. 14, Kaleidoscope Pizzeria & Pub in Medford at No. 69, and Jam on Hawthorne in Portland at No. 71. The full list is available on Yelp’s website.
Springbrook Meadows Seniors Beautify Newberg Roundabout
NEWBERG, Ore. — When weeds took over a nearby roundabout and the City of Newberg faced staffing shortages, a group of Springbrook Meadows residents decided to take action.
Resident Ann Dolan said that on Sunday, June 22, fellow resident Clella Jaffe sent a message to neighbors via WhatsApp suggesting a grassroots cleanup effort. By Monday morning, several residents—equipped with gloves, garden tools and sun hats—showed up ready to work.
The volunteers spent hours clearing weeds from the roundabout near their Friendsview community, motivated by a shared desire to improve both the safety and appearance of the intersection.
After the initial cleanup, the group enlisted the help of Friendsview’s landscaping crew, who were working nearby. The professionals used leaf blowers to clear away magnolia leaves and debris from decorative rock beds and later returned to haul away piles of weeds.
Russ Thomas, the city’s public works director, later sent a message of appreciation to the group, thanking them for their initiative. He added that Newberg has contracted with a landscape maintenance service that will begin work July 1.
Newberg Opens Recruitment for City Boards and Committees
The City of Newberg is now accepting applications for volunteers to serve on several boards, committees, and commissions, with terms beginning in January 2026.
The open recruitment period invites residents of all backgrounds to get involved in shaping local programs and policies. Volunteer members serve as a vital link between city leadership and the community, offering input that reflects public needs and values.
Current vacancies include:
- Rate Review Committee: 4 member seats, 1 student seat
- Budget Committee: 1 member seat
- Traffic Safety Commission: 2 commissioner seats, 1 student seat
- Newberg Urban Renewal Agency – Citizens Advisory Committee: 1 member seat
- Newberg Urban Renewal Agency – Budget Committee: 3 member seats
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Descriptions of each board’s duties are available on the city’s website.
Residents who are unable to serve but still wish to support civic engagement are encouraged to attend public meetings, share committee information with neighbors, or post city recruitment materials in the community.
City Council meets on the first and third Monday of each month, with additional board and commission meetings scheduled throughout the year. A full meeting calendar is available online.
Learn more and apply at the City of Newberg website.
Former Youth Coach Arrested in McMinnville Sexual Abuse Investigation
McMINNVILLE, Ore. — A McMinnville man was arrested June 25 following an investigation into allegations of historical sexual abuse.
Jeremy Roy Nettrouer was taken into custody by the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office and booked into the county correctional facility on one count of first-degree sexual abuse. Detectives allege that between 2011 and 2012, Nettrouer abused a minor who had worked as a babysitter for his family in rural McMinnville.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Nettrouer has also served as a local youth sports coach and referee. Investigators are concerned there may be additional victims and are encouraging anyone with information to contact Det. J. Cerda at 503-434-7470.
A booking photo was released under Oregon House Bill 3273 to help identify any other potential incidents.
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