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  • 🅿️ City Installing Parking Guidance System in Downtown Bend / 🚨 Madras High School bomb threat and lockdown Thursday Nov. 30th

🅿️ City Installing Parking Guidance System in Downtown Bend / 🚨 Madras High School bomb threat and lockdown Thursday Nov. 30th

Issue #025

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In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

🅿️ City Installing Parking Guidance System in Downtown Bend

🏛️ Proposed SDC Changes to Go Before Bend City Council

🛍️ Fifteen new businesses have opened in downtown Redmond this year

🚨 Madras High School bomb threat and lockdown Thursday Nov. 30th

🏛️ Sisters City Council Contemplates Urban Growth Boundary Expansion Amidst 'Sweet Spot' Dilema

🔦 Local Cause Spotlight - Oregon Natural Desert Association

 📅 Lots of Events

🎶 The Redmond Community Choir presents their Sounds of the Season holiday concert Sunday December 10th @4pm

✅☑️Poll - Sports yea or nay

🌮 Taco Tuesday Survey - Where is your favorite Place to get Tacos?

 

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What’s a happening?

City Installing Parking Guidance System in Downtown Bend

Downtown Bend

In time for holiday shopping, the City of Bend is installing a Parking Guidance System in downtown Bend to enhance the parking experience, reduce traffic congestion and improve accessibility for everyone visiting the downtown area. This will allow drivers to navigate to vacant parking spaces more quickly and easily, reducing search time and improving convenience.

Starting Tuesday, December 5, the Parking Guidance System will use real-time data to provide up-to-date information on available parking spaces throughout the downtown area, including parking lots and the Centennial Garage. The system will continually update and use digital signage to direct people to open parking spaces. Guidance signs are located on NW Oregon Avenue, NW Minnesota Avenue, NW Lava Road and NW Bond Street. 

In 2019, the Bend City Council approved the Downtown Parking Strategic Management Plan, which recommended improving parking wayfinding with innovative programs such as the parking guidance system. The goal is to facilitate easier access to available parking spaces and alleviate traffic congestion.

The new system can minimize cars driving around to find parking spots, which can reduce circular search traffic by 30% and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

"This will improve the parking experience and promote the vibrant atmosphere of our thriving downtown Bend,” said Parking Services Division Manager Tobias Marx. “We believe the parking guidance system will empower drivers with the information they need to find parking quickly and easily making their visit to downtown more enjoyable."

After users have had a couple of months to try the new system, the City will engage the community to seek feedback in order to change or make improvements to the system.

“We will be looking for community feedback on the system after it’s been in place for a couple of months,” said Marx. “Watch for ways to weigh in later this winter so we can make continual improvements to the system.”

The system is paid for through the City’s parking fund, which gets its revenues from parking fees including parking citations, monthly parking subscriptions and daily parking fees. The system does not receive any funding from the General Fund.

Proposed SDC Changes to Go Before Bend City Council

The Bend City Council this week will review proposed changes to its water, transportation, and sewer System Development Charges that include creating more consistency in how fees are structured and lowering costs for smaller housing units.

System Development Charges, also known as SDCs, are fees that are collected when new development occurs in the city. They are used to fund a portion of new transportation, sanitary sewer, and water infrastructure related to growth. The City is updating the calculations used to set its System Development Charge fees, also known as the SDC methodology.

Reports that outline the methodologies used to calculate proposed updates to water, transportation, and sewer SDCs are now available for review and can be found on the City’s website.

Some of the biggest changes being proposed through the SDC methodology update include tiering residential SDCs based on square footage for single-unit and middle housing, creating more consistency between how water, sewer, and transportation charges are assessed, and expanding SDC exemptions for childcare facilities.

“The goal of this update is to make System Development Charges more equitable overall,” said City Councilor Barb Campbell. “Our methodology updates aim to advance housing affordability while still providing sufficient revenue to fund needed infrastructure.”

“SDCs allow development to pay for growth,” Campbell said. “New infrastructure is needed to support new housing.”

The methodology reports and associated code changes will be discussed at the Bend City Council meeting on December 6.

A public hearing will then be held at 7pm on January 17, 2024, at a Bend City Council meeting. This meeting will be held virtually through Zoom and in person at the Bend City Hall, Council Chambers, 710 NW Wall St. To observe this meeting, livestreaming will be available at bendoregon.gov/councilagenda.

Comments on the methodology will be taken at the public hearing. Comments can also be made in writing in advance of the public hearing to Senior Management Analyst Sarah Hutson at [email protected]. Written comments must be received before the close of the public hearing to be considered.

A summary of updates to Bend Municipal Code Chapter 12.10 (System Development Charges) will be made available on the City’s SDC webpage prior to the December 6, 2023, City Council work session on the proposed code changes.

Adopted fee changes to the water, transportation, and sewer SDC methodologies will go into effect for all applicable permits applied for on or after July 1, 2024.

Fifteen new businesses have opened in downtown Redmond this year

Downtown Redmond

Downtown Urban Renewal Advisory Committee Chair Monica Huey remains optimistic about the direction of downtown.

“While we have a few more vacancies, the flow of new investment, ideas, and energy is strong," Huey said. "Downtown is the hub of the community, and the variety of things to do continues to grow. We have been and will continue to be more active than ever with incentives to help businesses locate in our core.”

Some of the new businesses opened downtown this year include:

Expanded Eating and Drinking Options:

- Beyond The Vine (423 SW 8th Street) - Wine bar

- Cuppa Yo (446 SW 6th Street) - Frozen yogurt

- M Caffe (235 SW 6th Street) - Baked goods, salads, coffee, and more

- Morning Story (457 SW 6th Street) - Boba Tea and sweets in the former Halo Donuts location

- The Moontower (329 SW 6th Street) - Local renovated bar

- Rincon Azteca (526 SW 6th Street) - Sit-down and to-go Mexican food

Décor, Furnishings, and Gifts:

- The Black Iris (627 SW Deschutes) - Gifts and furnishings

- Two Gifty Girls (433 SW 6th Street) - Gifts and home décor

- High Desert Florals (231 SW 6th Street) - Flower shop

Beauty, Health, & Fitness:

- Beautique of Redmond (342 SW 7th Street) - Hair salon

- Cascade Beauty & More (615 SW 6th Street) - Hair salon

- Skin Studio of Redmond (553 SW 6th Street) - Facials and skin services

- Tompkins Chiropractic (210 SW 5th Street) - Chiropractic office

Kids and Pets:

- High Desert Geckos Exotic Pets (632 SW 6th Street) - Geckos, amphibians, aquarium set-ups

- Little Bug Play Hub (522 SW 6th Street) - Play place for kids

Madras High School bomb threat and lockdown Thursday Nov. 30th

 A bomb threat at Madras High School led to a lockdown and evacuation of all students to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, responded to the threat received at 8:15 a.m. The school was cleared after searches found no bombs. Students were moved to safety within the school, then to buses for reunification with guardians. Law enforcement continued multiple searches, confirming no credible threat. Investigations by the Major Incident Team are ongoing.

Sisters City Council Contemplates Urban Growth Boundary Expansion Amidst 'Sweet Spot' Dilemma

 Sisters City Council considers expanding the town's boundaries. Council members weigh the idea against residents' views that Sisters is already perfect as it is. A writer reflects on a supposed "sweet spot" in 2004 but acknowledges its subjective nature. Concerns arise about high housing costs and the impact on community diversity. The Council faces challenges in balancing growth while preserving the town's character. A robust public process is promised to address these dilemmas.

This is a summary of an article that appeared the The Nugget newspaper

 

This Week’s Local Cause Spotlight is Oregon Natural Desert Association

Exploring Oregon's High Desert: Preserving Nature's Hidden Gem

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of the Pacific Northwest lies Oregon's high desert, a mesmerizing expanse that captivates visitors with its natural beauty, rich cultural significance, and diverse flora and fauna. Situated along the northern edge of the Great Basin, this region offers a breathtaking canvas of rugged terrain and expansive vistas, inviting adventurers to delve into its wonders.

Spanning across vast stretches of public land, Oregon's desert stands as a shared treasure for all Americans. Whether you seek the thrill of hiking, biking, rafting, fishing, hunting, stargazing, birdwatching, or simply reveling in the solitude amidst nature's embrace, this terrain caters to an array of recreational pursuits, ensuring a fulfilling experience for every nature enthusiast.

At the forefront of preserving this pristine wilderness stands the Oregon Natural Desert Association (ONDA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to safeguarding these public lands. With a mission to defend these natural treasures from looming threats, ONDA collaborates with both public and private land managers to uphold their inherent ecological values. The association also champions the exploration of these untamed landscapes while actively engaging in the restoration of habitats, providing a safe haven for desert wildlife to flourish.

Exclusive in its focus on Oregon's high desert, ONDA boasts a diverse community of members and supporters residing in Portland, Bend, throughout the state, across the nation, and even abroad. Their collective vision is ambitious yet profound — to safeguard eight million acres of public lands, ensuring the thriving existence of wildlife and preserving these wild spaces for generations to come.

The heart of ONDA's advocacy lies in inviting people to witness firsthand the majesty of Oregon's dry side. By encouraging exploration and fostering a deeper connection with the desert, they aim to instill a sense of stewardship, urging individuals to take an active role in conserving these invaluable landscapes.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the high desert of Oregon holds intrinsic value as a sanctuary for diverse ecosystems and a repository of cultural heritage. Its conservation is not merely an environmental endeavor but a commitment to preserving a legacy that transcends generations.

As ONDA continues its tireless efforts to protect and nurture this natural gem, they beckon adventurers, conservationists, and nature enthusiasts alike to join hands in their noble cause. Through collective action and unwavering dedication, the vision of an Oregon high desert teeming with life and accessible for all to cherish and explore stands within reach.

In the quietude of Oregon's high desert, where the winds whisper tales of ancient times and the land hums with vibrant life, lies a testament to the unyielding spirit of preservation — a testament championed by the Oregon Natural Desert Association.

Do you have a favorite Local Cause or are you a Local Non-Profit? We would love to do a “Local Cause Spotlight” about your Non-Profit. Give us a shout and we’ll be in contact.

OR

 

Upcoming Events

What’s Up Central Oregon?

❄️Winter Wonderland Downtown Bend

Starting Nov. 15th, Bend downtown stores will be decorating their windows and stores for the 2023 Winter Wonderland contest.  Sponsored by Downtown Bend Association, contest winners will be announced Jan 15th.  In the meantime, wander the streets of downtown seeing the magic that store owners have created for the holidays. 

Holiday Light Show

Sunriver Resort Backyard Cafe & Bar 17600 Center Drive Sunriver, Oregon

By Sunriver Resort

05:30 PM - 08:30 PM      

Experience the magic of Sunriver Resort transformed into a holiday wonderland with our spectacular light show set to festive music. Grab a warm beverage and join us for our Holiday Light Show, happening three times a night! Nightly at 5:30pm, 6:30pm, and 7:30pm at the Backyard Cafe & Bar (behind the Lodge),

November 19, 2023 - January 1, 2024.  

December 5th (Tuesday)

  •  Hoodoo’s Wintervention

    at Volcanic Theatre Pub

    Volcanic Theatre Pub 70 SW Century Drive Bend

    6 pm -8pm

  • Tis the Season to Mingle & Jingle Holiday Party $125

    Sunriver Resort Great Hall 17600 Center Drive 

    05:00 PM - 09:30 PM   

  • O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy

    Tower Theatre 835 NW Wall Street Bend, Oregon

    Tickets $​41.80 - $65.50, Students $​31.60 - $​54.20, (plus $4 Historic Preservation fee)

    7:30 PM

December 6th (Wednesday)

December 7th (Thursday)

  • Frozen Sing-A-Long

    By Tower Theatre Foundation

    Tower Theatre 835 NW Wall Street Bend

    Tickets: $16 - $21 (plus $4 Historic Preservation fee)

    4 pm

  • Chabad of Central Oregon

    Join the Chabad of Central Oregon for its annual Menorah Lighting in the Old Mill District on Thursday, December 7. Festivities start at 4:00pm and include music, hot drinks, food and friendship. This cherished event unites the local Jewish community and welcomes all residents and visitors to celebrate the Festival of Lights, Chanukah. Held against the backdrop of the scenic Deschutes River in the Old Mill District's Center Plaza, this event brings together people of all backgrounds to commemorate the miraculous story of Chanukah.                 

    Old Mill District Old Mill District Bend,

    4 pm

  • "Alice by Heart" @ Summit High Auditorium

    Summit High Auditorium Oregon

    $10 Students/Seniors, $15 General Adm

    07:00 PM

December 8th (Friday)

December 9th (Saturday)

December 10th (Sunday)

The Redmond Community Choir presents their Sounds of the Season holiday concert. The concert is free to the public (donations are appreciated). The Redmond Community Choir is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, and is a COCC Community Education program.

Redmond High School 675 SW Rimrock Way Redmond @ 4 pm

 

 

On Going Events Here

 

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TACOS TACOS TACOS

Hey ‘Guys’! We need your help - we were having a ‘discussion’ the other day about Tacos! As in where is the best place for Tacos in Central Oregon… could you help us by letting us know your Favorite Taco Place Here? 🌮♥

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