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In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

🎉New Event Calendar! Central Oregon Local Live!

📅Save The Date Section

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

📰Central Oregon Daily News: Pasadena homeowners in Bend react to L.A. fires that destroyed their communities 🎦

📰Jefferson County Kicks Off "Movin' Mountains" Slimdown Challenge

📰Deschutes County Releases Draft Community Wildfire Protection Plan

📰USDA Forest Service to Host Public Meetings for Northwest Forest Plan Amendment

📰Regional News

📰Oregon Extends Homelessness Emergency as Crisis Persists

📰 State Auditors Flag Minor Ethics Concerns in Gov. Kotek's Office Spending

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

💥Crash blocks Century Drive after driver loses control on ice, OSP says

🚨Crime News

🚨Drug Agents Seize Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Stolen Gun in Jefferson County Arrest

📰Community News

 Have 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 by Reed Melton

🔥Defensible Space: Plan Today, Protect Tomorrow

📲Sponsors & Partners

😁 MEME of the Day

What makes the Oregon Observatory at Sunriver particularly unique compared to other observatories in the United States?

A) It has the largest meteorite collection in the country
B) It houses the largest collection of telescopes for public viewing
C) It is the highest-elevation observatory in Oregon
D) It offers 24-hour astronomical viewing programs

Answer: B) It houses the largest collection of telescopes for public viewing

Expanded Answer:
The Oregon Observatory at Sunriver is home to the largest collection of telescopes for public viewing in the United States. With over 20 telescopes, including 13 that measure 10 inches or more in diameter, visitors have a rare opportunity to observe distant galaxies, planets, star clusters, and nebulae. During the day, the observatory also offers solar viewing using specialized filters to safely view the sun's surface. Sunriver’s high desert location provides dark, clear skies, making it one of the best places for stargazing in the country.

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Central Oregon Daily News:

Pasadena homeowners in Bend react to L.A. fires that destroyed their communities

Colby Enebrad, Reporter

The devastating impacts from the Los Angeles fires are being felt by some here in Central Oregon. 

Chris and Heather Kealey are Pasadena homeowners, renting a house in Bend as Chris settles into a new local job. They may be nearly 900 miles away from the fires, but for the flames still burn way too close to home for them.

"I just found out in Altadena, one of my dearest friends' homes -- gone." Heather said. "These are people that we raised our kids with. These are families whose children I taught. The count of houses that our friends have lost is passed 20. I think it's closer to 30, now."

RELATED: How to help those affected by the California wildfires

RELATED: How to be prepared for an emergency: Local Red Cross has tips

Those fires have been ravaging Southern California for nearly three days now, decimating almost everything in their path and putting 180,000 people under evacuation orders.

"We've gone through about 48 hours of no sleep just watching the news broadcasts and just at the edge of our seat because we're homeowners and we're friends of people who are down there," Chris said. "We've been 30-year homeowners in Pasadena and we were spared by a mile. A mile is what was the difference between our house standing today and not."

While their home is still standing, the community they've known for their entire lives has been changed forever.

"It's hard to look at what you know so well and see how different it is," Heather said. "It looks war torn. The school I taught at for nine years is gone. The school's gone."

Now, the Kealeys are asking for empathy toward Californians in a time of heartbreak and while their communities burn.

"I know that sometimes Californians are on the wrong side of the comment section, but in this time and at this point, all that community needs is support."

Jefferson County Kicks Off "Movin' Mountains" Slimdown Challenge

Jefferson County’s annual "Movin' Mountains" slimdown challenge returns with the theme "Fresh Start for Healthy Habits." For a $25 registration fee, participants record their weight and BMI, receive a health-conscious item like a yoga mat or water bottle, and take part in activities promoting wellness.

The challenge runs for four months, with prizes awarded to the healthiest two-person team and individual based on BMI, fat mass, and weight loss. Residents like Christy Abbe and James Rodriguez are motivated by the opportunity to improve their health and connect with others.

Jefferson County Public Health, aiming to address the county’s low health rankings, emphasizes community support and provides resources for sustainable weight loss, including guidance packets and QR codes for advice.

Deschutes County Releases Draft Community Wildfire Protection Plan

The Upper Deschutes River Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) is available for public feedback through February 5. The community is encouraged to review the draft plan and provide their feedback by visiting deschutes.org/forester.

CWPP’s help communities like Deschutes County identify place-based solutions for wildfire resilience, such as identifying and prioritizing areas for hazardous fuels reduction treatments and addresses community preparedness.

“Across Central Oregon, communities are collaborating with forest and fire management agencies to identify risks and outline strategies to address them,” said Deschutes County Forester Kevin Moriarty. “Community Wildfire Protection Plans are an important planning tool for communities to complete this important work.”

Feedback on the draft Upper Deschutes River Community Wildfire Protection Plan should be emailed to [email protected].

deschutes.org/forester

USDA Forest Service to Host Public Meetings for Northwest Forest Plan Amendment

The USDA Forest Service will host a series of public meetings across northern California, Oregon and Washington to discuss the proposed amendments to the Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP).

These meetings will allow the public to learn about and comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) released in November 2024.

The public meetings will provide information on the proposed amendment, which aims to address wildfire resilience, economic opportunities, improved forest stewardship, adapting to a changing climate, and tribal inclusion. Topics of discussion will include an introduction to the Northwest Forest Plan, an overview of the proposed amendment to land management plans, key details about the proposed action and alternatives outlined in the DEIS, and information on how to engage during the 120-day public comment period.

Sessions will be hosted by the local Forests and members of the NWFP team will be onsite to answer questions. These meetings represent a crucial opportunity for the public to engage with the Forest Service and contribute their perspectives to shaping the future of forest management across the Northwest Forest Plan area.

The meetings will be held at various locations throughout January and February 2025.

Upcoming Engagement Opportunities:

Details and updates regarding the schedule and locations can be found at fs.usda.gov/detail/r6/home/?cid=fseprd1172301.

“Much has changed in society and science since the Northwest Forest Plan was created nearly 30 years ago,” said Jacque Buchanan, regional forester for the Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Region. “We’re amending the plan to address today’s challenges in ways that honor the plan’s original goals, while adapting to changing conditions and enhancing wildfire resilience.”

The public comment period for the DEIS will remain open until March 17, 2025. The Forest Service is encouraging interested parties to attend these meetings to learn more about the proposed amendment and to provide input during this time. Comments can be submitted at cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//CommentInput?Project=64745. The Forest Service will review and incorporate feedback to develop a final environmental impact statement, anticipated later in 2025.

To view the DEIS and learn more about the proposed amendment, visit the Project Page.

For more information, visit:

 Northwest Forest Plan Federal Advisory Committee: fs.usda.gov/goto/r6/nwfpfac

Northwest Forest Plan: fs.usda.gov/r6/reo/

Pacific Northwest Region: fs.usda.gov/r6

For more information about the USDA Forest Service, visit fs.usda.gov.

 For additional news about National Forests in the Pacific Northwest, visit our news page at fs.usda.gov/news/r6/news-events.

This article may be found online at fs.usda.gov/detail/r6/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1221315

fs.usda.gov

Oregon Extends Homelessness Emergency as Crisis Persists

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek extended the state's homelessness emergency for a third year, citing ongoing challenges despite significant investments. A recent federal report found Oregon among the states with the highest homelessness rates, with over 22,800 people experiencing homelessness in January 2024, 62% unsheltered.

State efforts are showing some progress. Since 2023, Oregon has funded 5,500 shelter beds, rehoused 3,300 families, and prevented 24,000 households from becoming homeless. Kotek’s proposed 2025-27 budget allocates $700 million for shelter and prevention, alongside $1.4 billion for housing infrastructure.

The emergency order allows for enhanced coordination among state agencies to tackle the crisis. Housing Director Andrea Bell emphasized the need for bold action and local collaboration to address long-term housing shortages and support vulnerable communities.

State Auditors Flag Minor Ethics Concerns in Gov. Kotek's Office Spending

State auditors identified minor, unintentional violations of ethics laws in spending by Gov. Tina Kotek's office. Issues included $615 in concert tickets, parking fees for staff, and a $9,330 catered employee dinner, all potentially conflicting with state policies.

Parking fees for First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson and a staff member were flagged as improper, as state law prohibits such benefits unless explicitly allowed. Entertainment expenses, including tickets to events like a Queen tribute concert and an orchestral performance, were also deemed questionable since public officials are typically expected to cover these costs unless performing official duties.

Additionally, auditors found that a catered employee recognition dinner at the governor’s mansion exceeded state guidelines, which only allow funds for light refreshments at such events.

Auditors recommended that the governor’s office align spending with existing policies or work to update them for clarity. The Oregon Government Ethics Commission is reviewing the findings to decide on further investigation. The governor’s office has not yet commented.

 City of Bend Events

Crash blocks Century Drive after driver loses control on ice, OSP says

A crash just west of Wanoga Sno-Park blocked Century Drive Thursday afternoon after police say a driver lost control on some ice on the shoulder.

Emergency dispatch website Pulsepoint indicated Bend Fire and Rescue was sent the scene at 1:13 p.m.

Oregon State Police said a white Infiniti sedan was headed eastbound and was trying to take a slight right-hand curve when the passenger side tires hit ice on the shoulder, causing the driver to lose control.

The Infiniti hit a packed snowbank before rolling onto its roof. The car slid about 50 feet on its roof before coming to a stop.

The driver was transported to St. Charles Medical Center. His condition was not immediately known.

Drug Agents Seize Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Stolen Gun in Jefferson County Arrest

January 10, 2025
BEND, OR – Authorities have arrested a Bend man in connection with a drug trafficking investigation that led to the seizure of illegal narcotics, a stolen firearm, and other evidence of drug distribution.

Christopher Javier Exposito, 31, was taken into custody late on December 23, 2024, following a traffic stop near US Highway 26 and NW Cherry Lane in Jefferson County. The arrest came as a result of a Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) Team investigation, which identified Exposito as a suspected dealer of illegal drugs in the region.

According to investigators, the stop occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. and involved members of the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. A drug-detection K9 named Bonnie alerted officers to the presence of narcotics in Exposito's vehicle.

A subsequent search revealed powdered fentanyl, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia including scales and packaging materials, cash, and a stolen handgun hidden in the vehicle’s center console. Detectives believe the items indicate Exposito was actively involved in the possession and distribution of illegal drugs. The firearm’s theft remains under investigation.

Exposito was arrested and lodged at the Jefferson County Adult Jail. He faces charges of unlawful possession and delivery of a Schedule II controlled substance. Investigators noted that additional charges and arrests may follow as the investigation continues.

The CODE Team, which led the operation, received assistance from the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in the successful apprehension.

Authorities have not disclosed further details about the ongoing investigation.

Central Oregon Market Report | January 8, 2025

by Reed Melton

While the numbers from the previous week are low due to the holiday reducing the number of business days to close out last year, buyer interest is increasing. After a robust start to winter, this morning's sunshine is a welcome relief, and more is predicted for the next ten days.Conversely, there is no relief from mortgage interest rates, with this morning's national average or a 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage at 7.14%. The next few weeks will set the tone for 2025, particularly with inventory levels.

The inventory of single-family homes in Deschutes County remains stable, with 763 listings, down only four from last week. Thirty-three homes are pending at an average list price of $731,834, and twenty-eight closed at an average of $967,699. The average price change for the closed transactions was -5.78%, with 51 median days listed. The average closed price per square foot was $439.

Crook County inventory dropped eight to 146 single-family listings. Activity remains steady, with seven pending sales at a median of $438,814. One home closed this week at $347,500 and $278 per square foot after being listed for 150 days. 

Jefferson County inventory is unchanged from last week at ninety-two. Six properties are pending at an average list price of $335,317. Five homes closed at an average of $369,799, with an average price reduction from the list of -5.69% and $231 per square foot. The median days listed for the closed properties was eighty-four.

Higher interest rates and increased inventory create stability in Central Oregon housing, allowing buyers to consider options and often have time to put an offer together. However, not every property is lingering, and homes on the market for a while likely have more than one buyer circling. As we approach spring, with new listings hitting the multiple listing service, I expect educated buyers looking through the off-season to jump on attractive properties. Considering the ebb and flow of our market, this is an easy prediction. Mortgage rates will likely remain in the high 6% to low 7% range, and buyers are adjusting to this reality. Housing stops for no one!

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Defensible Space

Plan Today, Protect Tomorrow

Wildfire risks are rising, and preparation has never been more critical. Oregon Defensible Space is here to help Oregonians safeguard their homes and communities through proactive, practical measures.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal's Defensible Space Incentive Program offers eligible homeowners in wildfire-vulnerable communities a $250 payment to support essential fire mitigation projects. Scheduling a free defensible space assessment is easy and ensures your property is better protected from the next wildfire season.

Defensible space—a strategically managed area around your home—can be the deciding factor in preventing embers from igniting your property. By acting now, you can help create a fire-adapted community, reducing risks for everyone.

Join the movement to protect Oregon’s homes, lives, and landscapes. Click here to schedule your free assessment and take the first step toward a safer future. Together, we can face the wildfire challenge with resilience.

Read the draft Oregon Defensible Space Code here. 

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