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In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia T&TH

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

 🎅The 2024 Bend Christmas Parade - Dec. 7th

🏃‍➡️Ugly Sweater Fun Run on tap in Sisters

🎉New Event Calendar! Central Oregon Local Live!

📅Save The Date Section

❄️🚶‍♀️‍➡️Snowshoe with a ranger in the Ochoco National Forest - December 21st

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

📰328 new apartments under construction in Prineville to address housing need

🗻Local, national experts discuss Mt. Bachelor future at Bend community meeting 🎦

📰Welcome back: Habitat for Humanity on track to open new Redmond ReStore next summer

📰Oregon Secures Over $10M for Conservation Projects

📰Regional / National News

🎦🫨VIDEO: Lights, signs shake in Klamath Falls from 7.0 quake off California

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

💥🔥Bend Man Dies in Fiery Crash on Bear Creek Road

🚨Crime News

🚨Bend Man Arrested in September Shots Fired Incident

📰 Community News

🪀🧸Toys For Tots Drop off Locations

🐶 Street Dog Hero IG Announcement

 Got some news or know of news for our Community News Segment - share it with C.O. Local Buzz!

🏘️ Real Estate News

🏘️📈Central Oregon Market Report | December 4, 2024 By Reed Melton

📰Bend City Council Picks Caldera Ranch for Affordable Housing Expansion

📢🏗️Commercial Real Estate Sponsor - Empire Construction & Development

📲Sponsors & Partners

😁 MEME of the Day

🌆 On going Events Fun N Games in Central Oregon has LAUNCHED 🚀

Two-fer

What is the primary rock type that composes The Husband?

A. Granite
B. Basaltic andesite
C. Limestone
D. Sandstone

Correct Answer: B. Basaltic andesite
Expanded Answer: The Husband is composed primarily of basaltic andesite, formed during the late Pleistocene epoch. This rock type contributes to the mountain's rugged and eroded appearance, similar to other peaks in the area like North Sister and Three Fingered Jack.

Which trail provides the most direct access to The Husband?

A. Obsidian Trail
B. Foley Ridge Trail
C. Tam McArthur Rim Trail
D. South Sister Climber Trail

Correct Answer: B. Foley Ridge Trail
Expanded Answer: The Foley Ridge Trail is the most commonly used route for accessing The Husband. Starting at an elevation of 4,380 feet, it offers a relatively direct approach to the south ridge of the peak. From there, climbers navigate steep scree slopes to reach the summit.

Good Morning!

 BEND

SANTIAM PASS WEATHER

GOVERNMENT CAMP WEATHER

Events Sponsored By

Enjoy Bend Life Real Estate

What’s Up Central Oregon 

December 6th

4pm - 7pm

Kick off the holiday season at Downtown Bend’s Annual Tree Lighting! Join us for a magical evening filled with festive lights, carols from local choirs, hot cocoa, and a special visit from Santa himself! Bring your family and friends to celebrate and watch the tree light up the night. See you there!

The 2024 Bend Christmas Parade

Saturday Dec. 7, 2024 – 12pm Start Time

Bend's most beloved event is coming soon! After 40 years, the Parade keeps on going and growing, and the 2023 Parade  was the largest ever!
2024 is going to surpass 2023!

Our Grand Marshals this year truly deserve the honor. For 39 years of the Parade history Terry Rahmsdorff served as our Santa Claus, bringing up the rear of the Parade and bringing cheer to countless kids of all ages with his booming, "Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!" Sadly, Terry passed away last year and he was greatly missed at the 2023 Parade. His wife Terri and his family have agreed to serve as Grand Marshals this year so that we can acknowledge and express our gratitude for Terry's years of love and care for our community. 

Ugly Sweater Fun Run on tap in Sisters

Runners and walkers are invited to don their ugliest sweaters and other holiday garb for the fourth annual Ugly Sweater Run/Walk. The 5 kilometer event, set for Saturday, December 7 at 10 a.m. will be  staged from the Fir Street Park in downtown Sisters.

Photo by Charlie Kanzig

Participants in last year's Ugly Sweater Run show their holiday spirit. 

Race director Kelly Bither, founder of RunSistersRun, sponsors theme-oriented runs during the year and sees the events as an opportunity to  get people together for some fun while also raising funds for local non-profits. This year's event will support Living Well with Dementia in Sisters and the Sisters High School alpine ski team.  

Last year's event attracted 250 participants and Bither hopes to match that this year. 

Participants can form teams of six or more to qualify for a discount on the registration price of $39. The cost is $25 for 12 and under and  there is also a free "Santa's Lil Helpers" 100 yard dash just before the 5k starts for the little ones. 

Bither said, "Registration includes holiday glasses to complete your outfit, jingle bells to put on your shoes, and hot chocolate, coffee, and holiday snacks to enjoy." 

Rumor has it that Santa will be present on his red Vespa, according to Bither. 

Registration must be completed online at http://www.runsistersrun.com which also includes complete details of the event. 

The course finishes at The Barn food truck court where food will be available for purchase. Post-race festivities include prizes in recognition of the best, or ugliest, outfits. 

"This is a great way to kick off the holiday season with family and friends," said Bither.

December 7th

5pm- 8pm

The Festival of Trees is Hospice of Redmond’s Annual Fundraiser. Voted the Best Nonprofit Event in 2024, it is held at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds on the first Saturday in December. We have both a daytime and an evening event.

During the free daytime event, the community is invited to come see Santa, enjoy cookies, and view the 30+ stunningly decorated Christmas Trees prepped and ready for the live auction, which will take place during the evening event.

For the evening event, attendees purchase tickets to enjoy dinner, music, raffles, games, and a moving and exciting live Christmas Tree auction!

All Festival of Trees Fundraiser proceeds go towards our various free programs.

Coming up - Save the Date

Snowshoe with a ranger in the Ochoco National Forest

Embrace the beauty of winter and explore the Ochoco National Forest on snowshoes! Join us on Saturday, December 21, at 11:00 a.m. at Walton Lake Recreation Area for Snowshoe with a Ranger, a family-friendly event designed to connect you with nature and the expertise of our Forest specialists.

Participants will enjoy a guided snowshoe hike through the serene, snow-draped forest. Along the way, Forest specialists will share insights about winter wildlife, forest ecology, and more. It’s a chance to ask questions, learn, and take in the breathtaking scenery.

After the snowshoe adventure, warm up by a crackling fire with complimentary hot beverages. Whether you’re an experienced outdoor enthusiast or trying snowshoeing for the first time, this event is a great way to celebrate the season and the wonders of the Ochoco National Forest.

What to Bring:

• Snowshoes (A limited number of snowshoes will be available to borrow—please call ahead to reserve.)

• Warm clothing and sturdy winter boots.

• Water and snacks to stay comfortable during the hike.

Details:

• Date: Saturday, December 21, 2024

• Time: 11:00 a.m.

• Location: Walton Lake Recreation Area (directions can be found on the Forest website)

Celebrate Winter in the Ochocos

Bundle up, grab your snowshoes, and join us for an unforgettable day in the great outdoors. We can’t wait to see you on the trail!

For more information, contact the Ochoco National Forest at (541) 416-6500 or visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/ochoco.

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328 new apartments under construction in Prineville to address housing need

An enormous apartment complex is under construction in Prineville, aiming to address the housing shortage in this rapidly growing part of Central Oregon.

The Reserve at Ochoco Creek, located on Prineville's west side, will feature more than 320 apartments. Development of this scale is being encouraged through local and state incentives, including tax breaks and system development charge deferrals offered by the city for the first time. These measures are intended to make housing more accessible by increasing supply, which could help stabilize or reduce housing costs.

The project is being undertaken by Creations Northwest, a developer based in Gladstone, Oregon. This company previously built the Reserves at Metolius Apartments in Redmond, which serves as the model for the Prineville complex. The Reserve at Ochoco Creek will include 328 apartments and cottages, with affordability as a key focus, though exact rental rates have not yet been announced.

Prineville historically lacked a significant number of multi-family housing options, with most of the housing stock consisting of single-family homes, duplexes, and small multi-unit buildings. The new development represents a major shift and is expected to have a meaningful impact on the community.

Four new developments, totaling 700 units, are utilizing the city’s incentive programs. The Reserve at Ochoco Creek is the first of these projects to break ground, while others are expected to follow shortly. The combination of local and state support has provided a much-needed boost to these housing projects, which were previously stalled.

City planners are optimistic that these initiatives will accelerate the construction of new apartment complexes in Prineville, easing the strain on the housing market.

Local, national experts discuss Mt. Bachelor future at Bend community meeting

Colby Enebrad, Reporter

With the future of Mt. Bachelor up in the air, the City Club of Bend gathered a group of local and national experts to speak at a community forum on Thursday. The resort is up for sale and it's still not known whose hands it will end up in -- a corporate steward or a local effort.

"I think there's been a fair amount of rumor, innuendo. Things flying around on social media. So we really wanted to cultivate a group today that could bring forth facts and help educate the audience," Director for Oregon State's Center of Outdoor Recreation Economy Kate Porsche said.

The goal was to inform the public about how a sale could impact the community, economy and the resort itself.

"Mt. Bachelor contributes about $157 million to the Central Oregon community. The other thing that goes along with that is the majority of those visitors then go down to Downtown Bend to visit small businesses, eat at restaurants and visit local breweries." Porsche said.

Stuart Winchester, editor and host of national podcast "Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast," provided and expert's perspective from the outside looking in.

"In order to be successful, Mt. Bachelor needs to have a really tight relationship with the Bend community. You can't build anything at Mt. Bachelor. You can't build a village. You can't build hotels. Bend is essentially Bachelor's base village," Winchester said. "It needs a long-term steward that is going to continue to invest in it, and maintain its status as a world class ski resort."

A group Mt. Bachelor Community Inc. has been leading a local effort to buy the resort. It says the mission is to keep Bachelor local and invest in the community once the operation becomes successful. 

"When it becomes profitable, a lot of that capital goes back into the community. Then the community has the ability to reinvest that in the mountain by going there, spending there, buying passes, reinvesting dividends to make the mountain more successful," CFO of Mt. Bachelor Community Inc. Ryan Andrews said.

Winchester said while there are successful community-owned ski resorts, there are national corporate options that come with their own benefits. 

"The advantages of some of these larger groups is the season pass at Mt. Bachelor would become an epic pass, which is less than $1,000 for the 2024-2025 season. Mt. Bachelor's pass was closer to $1,300," Winchester said.

Epic passes allows unlimited or discounted access to a network of ski resorts across the globe.

"You would have a season pass to Whistler, to Vale Mountain, Heavenly down in Lake Tahoe," Winchester said. "So for pass holders who like to travel, having one of these out-of-state companies purchase Mt. Bachelor wouldn't be a terrible thing."

Welcome back: Habitat for Humanity on track to open new Redmond ReStore next summer

Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity says it is thrilled to announce the return of the Redmond ReStore, set to open next summer.

Located at 2744 NW 7th Street, the 8,000-square-foot facility will offer new and gently used furniture, appliances, home goods, and building materials—all while supporting Habitat's mission to build homes, communities, and hope.

The new ReStore will provide Central Oregon residents with a sustainable, affordable shopping destination and a vital community resource. By reducing landfill waste, promoting reuse, and funding affordable homeownership programs, the ReStore will continue to make a positive impact in Redmond and beyond.

“This reopening is about more than just a store,” said Habitat CEO Carly Colgan. “It’s a reflection of the community’s ongoing support and the collective effort to create affordable homeownership opportunities for hardworking families in Central Oregon. We’re excited to bring this cherished resource back to Redmond.”

The previous Redmond ReStore was closed in 2020.

Key highlights of the new Redmond ReStore:

• Sustainability Focus: Supporting Habitat’s environmental stewardship by keeping valuable materials out of landfills.

• Affordable Shopping: Offering high-quality, low-cost home improvement and home goods options.

• Community Connection: A hub for volunteer opportunities, donations, and partnerships that make a difference.

The reopening comes as Habitat expands its reach in Redmond, responding to the community’s growing need for affordable homeownership opportunities. The new location is designed to maximize efficiency, improve accessibility and provide a welcoming experience for shoppers, donors, and volunteers alike.

Grand Opening Events

Plans for the grand opening will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, family-friendly activities, and special promotions. Leading up to the launch, Habitat will host donation drives, volunteer preview events, and community countdown celebrations.

About Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity

Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity empowers families and individuals through affordable homeownership, fostering strength, stability, and self-reliance. Since 1989, we have partnered with the community to transform lives, providing more than 1,100 children and adults with safe, secure, and healthy homes. We have served over 225 families through affordable homeownership and revitalized 145 homes, building brighter futures throughout Central Oregon. https://bendredmondhabitat.org/

Habitat ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers. Proceeds from ReStores support our mission to help families achieve the strength, stability, and independence they need to build a better future.

Oregon Secures Over $10M for Conservation Projects

Oregon will receive $10.1 million from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's America the Beautiful Challenge to fund four ecosystem restoration projects statewide.

Key Projects:

• Willamette River Basin: $4.5M to create 2,171 acres of oak and prairie habitat, integrating Tribal ecological knowledge.

• Crook County: $3.5M to restore sagebrush ecosystems, remove invasive species, and improve grazing management.

• McKenzie River: $1.5M to restore 335 acres of floodplain and wetland habitat, benefiting at-risk species like spring Chinook salmon.

• Deschutes Basin: $605K for youth-led conservation efforts to enhance watershed health and reduce wildfire risk.

Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden emphasized the importance of federal funding and community involvement in preserving Oregon's ecosystems. These initiatives are part of a larger $122.4 million effort to bolster conservation and wildfire resilience across the U.S.

Bend Man Dies in Fiery Crash on Bear Creek Road

BEND, Ore. – A 27-year-old Bend resident lost his life in a head-on collision Wednesday evening on Bear Creek Road, with icy conditions contributing to the tragic incident.

The crash occurred at approximately 7:22 p.m. near the intersection of Bear Creek Road and Dean Swift Road in northeast Bend. Bend Police responded to reports of a collision involving two vehicles, one of which had caught fire.

Upon arrival, officers found a 2006 black Toyota Tacoma engulfed in flames. Despite their efforts to extinguish the fire and free the driver, the intense blaze and severe damage to the vehicle prevented them from reaching the driver.

A preliminary investigation revealed that Anthony David Cardonia, who was driving the Tacoma westbound, appeared to veer into the eastbound lane, colliding nearly head-on with a 2021 black Ram pickup. The Ram's driver broke the Tacoma's driver’s side window in an attempt to rescue Cardonia before emergency responders arrived but was unsuccessful.

Both the driver and a passenger in the Ram sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were treated at the scene.

Roads in the area were reported to be icy at the time of the crash, adding to hazardous driving conditions.

The crash site was closed for approximately four hours as Bend Police's reconstruction team conducted a thorough investigation. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.

Cardonia's death serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by winter road conditions, and authorities urge drivers to exercise caution during icy weather.

Bend Man Arrested in September Shots Fired Incident

BEND, Ore. – Bend Police, with the assistance of the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team (CERT), arrested a 29-year-old Bend resident in connection with a shots-fired incident that occurred in September.

On Thursday, authorities served a search warrant at an apartment in the Stillwater Crossing complex, where they apprehended Lawrence Branden Rodriguez. Officers seized multiple firearms and ammunition during the operation.

Rodriguez faces charges including unlawful use of a weapon, felon in possession of a weapon, unlawful possession of firearms, first-degree harassment, and second-degree menacing.

The arrest follows an extensive investigation into a September 1st incident near Romaine Village Way and Ridge Drive. Around 10:15 p.m. that evening, police responded to reports of shots fired.

According to the victim, the altercation began when he shone a flashlight at a man and woman he saw on private property near his business and asked them to leave. A dispute over trespassing ensued, and as the victim drove away in his golf cart, the man reportedly fired two shots. Police later recovered two 9mm shell casings at the scene.

A heavy police presence initially surrounded the area as officers conducted their investigation, though no immediate suspect was identified at the time.

The arrest marks a significant development in the case as police continue their investigation.

With over 80 dogs in our program right now, we are beyond full and would LOVE to see some of these pups land their perfect homes in time for the holidays🎄

So this Saturday (Dec. 7th), we’re teaming up with Kendall Cares for a MASSIVE Adoption Event + Fundraiser at @kendallaudibend! We will also be offering special holiday adoption fees in an effort to get as many pups into loving homes by Christmas as possible!

Come meet Chloe, Nala, Huey, Aiden, Penny, Worm, Truffle, Boomer, Benny, Nino (and more!) at the Holiday Barket from 3-7pm. There will also be a hot cider bar, snacks, beer and wine, @chasintots food truck, kids activities, raffles, outdoor fire pits, photos with Santa, and lots of amazing local businesses to shop from for the holidays.

🔗 This event is FREE to attend but please RSVP through the link in our bio.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Central Oregon Market Report | December 4, 2024

by Reed Melton

County offices in Central Oregon were closed on Thursday and Friday last week for Thanksgiving, sharply reducing the number of business days for the week. In turn, the number of closed transactions was down sharply for the week. With just two weeks of business days left in 2024, any transactions not already in motion with a closing scheduled for 2024 will occur in 2025! I am always amazed at how quickly the last month of the year flies by, and this year is no different.

This morning, the national average for a 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage is 6.85%, showing recent stability in rates. After much speculation about lower interest rates for 2025, mid-to-high sixes are the range we can expect to see in the foreseeable future. If this rate prediction comes true, I expect slightly more inventory of homes for sale to continue, with reasonable price stability. Nationwide, there is a lot of variation in housing dynamics from location to location, and many reports look at national numbers to quantify the market. While there may be some utility in seeing the housing market from a 30,000-foot view, the market you are selling or buying in is all that matters. 

The population growth in Central Oregon has had the most significant impact on home prices, along with reduced inventory. While homes for sale increased significantly this year, inventory did not increase enough to soften prices dramatically. Prices are up this year compared to 2023, even though growth from 2022 is flat. For sellers, these dynamics place extra emphasis on pricing correctly. There may be some bargains for buyers, but every market segment is different. Recently, I represented buyers on a home with multiple offers, showing that only some scenarios are conducive to below-asking price dynamics. 

This morning, Deschutes County's inventory of single-family homes dropped below one thousand for the first time since May. Now, at 964 homes for sale, the big question will be how low inventory declines over the winter and how quickly inventory builds in spring. The holiday-shortened week shows just thirty-six pending sales and twenty-five closed transactions. 

Crook County inventory climbed slightly to 174 single-family homes listed, up three from last week. One house was pending at a list price of $225,000 with zero closed transactions. This week, in 2023, there were 135 listings. While prices may not decline, additional inventory is helpful for buyers, with significantly more options at lower price points.

Jefferson County inventory is flat at 105 listings, down one from last week. One pending sale at $525k and two closed transactions at an average of $319k are typical of a short business week. 

The strong seasonal nature of the Central Oregon housing market allows for considerable speculation between calendar years. Even during the strongest markets, the winter transaction volume drops, making it difficult to predict trends until springtime. Over the next several weeks, I will break down the different segments of our market, comparing sales volume and prices from recent years. The off-season can be an excellent opportunity for buyers if they find a home that suits their needs. Sellers can also benefit from reduced competition with other homes for sale. Whatever your timeline, I would be happy to help you learn about our market and develop the best strategy for your situation. 

Active Listings

Bend City Council Picks Caldera Ranch for Affordable Housing Expansion

The Bend City Council voted 4-2 to add 91.4 acres at Caldera Ranch, near SE Knott Road, to the city’s urban growth boundary. This decision, under Senate Bill 1537, will pave the way for 716 housing units, including 254 affordable homes. Key factors influencing the choice were transportation infrastructure, affordability, and proximity to schools.

Opponents raised concerns about wildfire risks and traffic, while supporters highlighted the urgent need for housing. The site exceeds affordability requirements, with units aimed at families earning 30% to 130% of the area median income.

Next steps include a formal UGB amendment and public input, with construction expected to start by 2027.

City of Bend news release:

Council Selects Site for Future Urban Growth Boundary Expansion

The Bend City Council considered two site proposals at the Wednesday night Council meeting, selecting a site on the southeastern border of town named the Caldera Ranch site for future inclusion into the City’s Urban Growth Boundary (UGB). This is the first step in bringing land into the UGB for future affordable and market rate housing under Senate Bill 1537. 

The Council voted 4-2 to select the Caldera Ranch Site based on a variety of factors, including transportation infrastructure, water and sewer service and proposed amounts of affordable housing.

Adjacent to Knott Road, the Caldera Ranch Site is 91.4 acres and plans for 716 housing units. The site will also be home to a future, small commercial development on Knott Road and a centralized, four-and-a-half-acre neighborhood park. Of the 716 units proposed, roughly 254 would be affordable housing either available for rent or to buy.

“Bend, and all of Oregon, are still in a housing crisis, too many people cannot afford housing in Bend, and we need to build more homes to meet the needs of our current and future residents,” said Mayor Melanie Kebler. “Thankfully the Legislature and Governor worked together to provide cities like ours an opportunity with Senate Bill 1537, and our decision tonight is the first step in a process that will result in more affordable housing hitting the ground sooner in Bend.”

In 2024, the state Legislature passed a bill, known as Senate Bill 1537, that provides qualifying local governments a one-time option to add up to 100 acres of net residential land to their urban growth boundary. Using this bill, cities can go through a streamlined Urban Growth Boundary expansion process to build affordable and market-rate housing.

Any land added to the City through this process requires a minimum of 30% of housing units to be affordable. Affordable in this context is based on a household of four making 80% of the area median income (AMI), approximately $83,750 annually, if they are renting or 130% of the AMI, approximately $136,110 annually, if they are buying a home.

The Caldera Ranch Site goes beyond the minimum requirements, providing 35.5% of its units as Affordable under the bill.

The plan includes 254 deed-restricted affordable homes, including 192 units at 80% area median income, as well as 38 units aimed at lower-income residents making 30% of the area median income. Fourteen townhomes and 10 detached housing units are planned to be sold to households making 130% of the area median income.

Before the site can be developed, the applicant will need to apply for a UGB Amendment and Comprehensive Plan Text and Map Amendment within one year of site selection. They will then need to apply for a Master Plan and Annexation. These processes will include future opportunities for public comment. Construction of the first homes could start as soon as the summer of 2027, with a proposed ten-year build out from that time.

More information on the bill requirements and general background can be found on the City's website.

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