Pacific Power Foundation awards grantsPORTLAND — The Pacific Power Foundation awarded grant funding totaling $173,760 to local organizations that offer artistic outlets and culturally significant events across Oregon, Washington and Northern California. Two of the organizations are in Astoria: The Cascadia Chamber Opera received $1,000, and the Liberty Theatre received $3,000. “We appreciate the important contributions of these local programs,” said Ryan Flynn, director of the Pacific Power Foundation and Pacific Power president, “which foster community engagement through theater, festivals and celebrations of cultural heritage.”For information, go to PacificPower.net/Foundation. Two local museums nominated for USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice AwardsThe Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that two local museums that have been nominated for the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The Columbia River Maritime Museum is nominated in the Best Maritime Museum category.