In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

🚫 😓 Downtown Bend businesses upset that city’s new parking guidance system led to removal of twinkling tree lights

🏛🏞 Proposed Greenwood Cemetery Rezoning Sparks Neighborhood Concerns

🔥🚒 Fire Damages New Home in Tetherow Neighborhood

🚨 Violent Confrontation in Bend's China Hat Leaves Woman Injured, Three Arrested

 🎉🛒Coming Soon! Offers from Local Businesses

📅 Lots of Events

🐕 Pet of the Week meet Sasha 💖

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OR

Downtown Bend businesses upset that city’s new parking guidance system led to removal of twinkling tree lights

This KTVZ story first appeared December 11th.

 In the past, when driving or walking through downtown Bend this time of year,  twinkling lights on the street trees made it feel like a winter wonderland, but this year, the lights have been gone, and some business owners are not happy.

“It's a joke," Liz Odell, the manager of Lark Mountain Modern, said Monday. "I hate to put it that way. Not only did they not do what they said that they were going to do, but what they said was, or what they ended up doing was basically, 'We're going to do the least that we can do.'”

Odell and several other business owners say they are upset because twinkling lights they the paid for were taken down by the city to make make way for a new parking-spot guidance system. Trees had to be trimmed by the city to accommodate cameras for the new system. And during the work, twinkling lights, which were up year-round were taken down. Angela Salido, the owner of outside in, is disappointed with the city for putting fewer and lower-quality lights in several trees in an attempt to make up for the twinkling lights.

"They trimmed the trees, they took out the lights, they threw them away. We had 43 trees lit up. They promised that they would replace it just the same. They ended up putting one strand of light in 18 trees. Massively disappointing," she said.

Scott Brees, who has helped put up and maintain the twinkling lights, said he feels the city was disrespectful to him and others who spent years beautifying the area. “And for the city to have casually broken that this year at the key moment, it's not a 'win' that they are going to fix it," he said. "Someone needs to be held accountable for it. More importantly, someone really needs to show a sense of urgency with it."

In a statement, the executive director of the Downtown Bend Business Association told NewsChannel 21 the city had promised to have them reinstalled by Nov. 1, for the holidays, and the association is disappointed.

The owner of Leapin' Lizards, Suzy Reininger, said she loves the idea of the parking system but misses the special feeling of the lights downtown.

“And the fact that they got this, the parking system in place, that's a step forward trying to help people," she said. "And yes, i would love the lights to be up like, now -- today.”

The parking system has also affected the banner program downtown. Banners on downtown light poles generate revenue for businesses who share in the profits from sponsors. 

Salido acknowledges the drop in profits -- “a huge source of revenue for us. And not only that, but they're fun. We like to support the cool events that are coming into Bend and raising awareness around them. Because of this new system, we're losing a large portion of our ability to sell banners."

Bend Parking Services Manager Tobias Marx acknowledged the city's mistakes, but pointed to the benefits of the parking system.

"I I think the hope is that overall, we make parking easier," he said. "If we make parking easier. There's a benefit to the businesses, right? So that's that's my hope. That's my job."

Marx said, "There were some challenges with the lights, and we are on it to fix it. We know we messed up on that one, and now we're on a way to rectifying that.”

Business owners are hopeful the city will continue to work with them to restore the magic downtown.

Salido said, “I think that the city can learn to work with us and we can work as a team and communicate more -- and really slow down before they make these massive decisions that don't only impact downtown and business owners, but it impacts the whole community.”

For now the city, is working on lighting street corners for the holidays, and at some point it plans on reinstalling the twinkling lights to be enjoyed year-round.   

If you would like to leave feedback regarding the parking situation and recent decisions you can go here under ‘feedback’. https://www.bendoregon.gov/services/parking/parking-management

Proposed Greenwood Cemetery Rezoning Sparks Neighborhood Concerns

A public Zoom meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 14 at 4 p.m. to discuss the proposed rezoning of 16 acres within the Greenwood Cemetery. Currently zoned as Public Facilities, the landowner, Oregon Care Group LLC, is considering changing it to Multi-Family Residential, allowing for developments like apartments, nursing homes, and boarding houses.

Jeremy Botta, a nearby resident, expressed concerns about the existing infrastructure's condition and potential issues if more people move in. He's informing neighbors about the proposed rezoning, emphasizing the need for the applicant to hold a neighborhood public meeting before submitting an application to the city.

Renee Brooke, the City of Bend's planning manager, highlighted the typical process: the applicant listens to neighbors' concerns, adjusts their plans accordingly, and submits a formal application for review.

Botta emphasized the area's current use as a space for activities like dog walking and children playing, expressing worry about the potential loss of trees due to the development.

Fire Damages New Home in Tetherow Neighborhood

A fire broke out in a recently occupied home on McRoberts Ln in the Tetherow neighborhood last night, prompting a quick response from the Bend Fire Department. The incident occurred just after 10:30 PM, originating in the attic of the house.

The homeowners, who had moved in just a week ago, noticed the fire in the attic and immediately called 911. Surprisingly, no smoke alarms went off despite the fire being contained in the attic. Fortunately, the occupants were awake and heard unusual sounds from the attic, leading them to discover the blaze. Everyone safely evacuated, and fire crews prevented the fire from spreading to the rest of the home.

The damage is estimated at $225,000 for both the structure and contents. Initial investigations revealed the fire started behind the gas fireplace, extending into the attic. The cause is believed to be a malfunction or failure in the fireplace's installation or assembly.

Further investigation by the homeowners' insurance company will determine the exact cause of the fireplace failure. Meanwhile, the affected family members are working with their insurance agent to find long-term housing during the rebuilding process.

Updates and additional information will be released as the investigation continues. This incident underscores the importance of regular safety checks, especially in new homes, to prevent accidents and minimize potential damages.

Violent Confrontation in Bend's China Hat Leaves Woman Injured, Three Arrested

In a disturbing turn of events on Saturday morning off China Hat Road south of Bend, an attempted theft of an RV by three transients led to a chaotic scene involving gunshots and a woman sustaining a shoulder injury, as per Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies.

The incident unfolded when three transients, comprising two men aged 32 and 35, and a 29-year-old woman, tried to steal an unoccupied fifth-wheel RV from the area, reportedly belonging to a deceased owner. However, their escape towing the RV in a pickup truck was hindered as it became stuck between trees along the narrow paths in the Deschutes National Forest.

Seizing the opportunity, a woman and a male companion chased the fleeing thieves and confronted them. As tensions escalated, gunshots were fired from the pickup truck, striking the woman in the shoulder. Simultaneously, the male companion set the RV ablaze while the suspects attempted to detach it from their vehicle before fleeing the scene.

Subsequently, a multi-agency response involving Deschutes County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team, detectives, and patrol deputies secured the area and swiftly located and apprehended the three suspects without further incident at a La Pine-area residence.

The arrested individuals, identified as Edward Alexander Baer (32), a 35-year-old man, and a 29-year-old woman, faced charges including first-degree robbery, second-degree assault, first-degree theft, unlawful use of a weapon, and unlawful use of a vehicle. Additionally, Baer faced charges of recklessly endangering others and felon in possession of a firearm.

Following the arrests, Baer was arraigned on a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm, with a pending grand jury indictment expected. However, as of Monday afternoon, charges against the other two suspects had not been filed.

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities assuring the community that there's no immediate danger. Residents in Bend's south end, troubled by these events, have expressed their concerns over the recent string of violent encounters.

Sheriff's Office Detective Division urges anyone with information relevant to the case to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.

The incident, involving theft, confrontation, gunfire, and arson, has raised alarm among locals, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance and prompt law enforcement responses to ensure community safety in the area.

We are working hard to bring you great Deals and Offers from our Local Businesses. Let us know which businesses you would like to have offers from and what Type of offers….👇

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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 13th (Wednesday)

• Grace Cooper live at High Desert Music Hall By High Desert Music Hall

  High Desert Music Hall 818 SW Forest Ave Redmond

  6pm - 8pm Free

• Geminids Meteor Shower Snowshoe Tour Wanderlust Tours 61535 S. Hwy 97, #13 Bend

  7 pm - 11pm

  Tickets $120

• Central Oregon Youth Orchestra 2023 Winter Concert By Tower Theatre Foundation Tower Theatre 835 NW Wall St. Bend

  Tickets

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

  7pm - 9pm

 December 14th (Thursday)

• The Night Before The Night Before Christmas Cascades Theatrical Company 

  7:30pm

  Tickets Seniors/Students $32 Adults $35

• Paul Eddy Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market 21175 SE Reed Market Road, Lot #2 Bend

  5pm - 7pm Free

• Customer Appreciation Event Fly and Field Outfitters 35 SW Century Dr, Bend 

  4pm - 8pm

December 15th (Friday)

•  Tumalo Creek Holiday Lights Paddle Parade

  Join us again this year for one of Bend's most anticipated holiday events—the Tumalo Creek Holiday Lights Paddle Parade!

  Here’s how it works: Paddlers dress up in costume and decorate their kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards with colorful, battery-operated lights and holiday gear. From there, shortly before sunset, the parade kicks off from the Tumalo Creek shop on the Deschutes River before heading through the Old Mill District in Bend.

  Avid paddlers are encouraged to join, and spectators can watch from paved paths along the Deschutes River and from the Old Mill District Flag Bridge, which crosses the winding waterway.

• Sip & Shop Ladies Night

  River Bend Resale Boutique 200 NE Greedwood Ave Bend

  6pm - 9pm

• SantaLand Santa will be at The Old Mill District next to Sweet Tooth Candy Shoppe, Friday, December 15, Saturday, December 16 and Sunday, December 17, 2023, 11:00am to 5:00pm.  

• Painted Candles Workshop Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards 70450 NW Lower Valley Drive Terrebonne

  12 pm - 5pm

  Tickets $30   

   

December 16th (Saturday)

• Comedy At Craft: Jasmine Rogers

  Craft Kitchen & Brewery 62988 Layton Avenue Bend

  Tickets $15

  8pm - 9:30pm

• Jefferson Hope Trio Rivers Place 787 NE Purcell

  Bend 

  6pm - 8pm

•  Winter Market at the Distillery Oregon Spirit Distillers 740 NE 1st St, Bend

  1pm 

December 17th (Sunday)

•  Ghost of Brian Craig Rivers Place 787 NE Purcell

  Bend  5pm - 7pm

• The Train Man Returns! @ Downtown Bend Library

  It was nearly 25 years ago when Michael “The Train Man” Lavrich started sharing his model trains with delighted children—and adults—at the Downtown Bend Library. In the decades since then, his annual display of model trains has become a highly anticipated holiday tradition for countless families in Central Oregon. This year Lavrich is back to share the trains with young and old alike. WHERE: Downtown Bend Library (601 NW Wall Street, Bend) WHEN:

      December 16, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., 3–5:30 p.m.

      December 17, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., 3–5:30 p.m.

      December 18, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., 3–6:00 p.m.

      December 19, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., 3–6:00 p.m.

      December 21, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., 3–6:00 p.m.

      December 22, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., 3–6:00 p.m.

      December 23, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., 3–5:30 p.m.

  

Deschutes Public Library Calendar

Got an upcoming event you want us to share?

Click here to let us know about your upcoming Event!

If you know of other Bingo, Trivia or Locals Days…. Please let us know. Email: [email protected] 

This week’s pet is from HSCO

Humane Society of Central Oregon

Meet Sasha

This spunky girl is looking for her forever home! She is a small girl with a big personality. Sasha likes to be the center of attention and will enjoy walks around the neighborhood and cuddles with her adopter. If Sasha has stolen your heart, stop by the shelter today! Sasha's adoption fee is $100.

Age 4 years old, Adult

Breed Jack Russell Terrier - Mixed Breed

Size Small, 10.00 pounds

Our Mission:

Strengthening the human-animal bond by advocating and compassionately caring for animals

 https://www.hsco.org/our-vision