Letters to the Editor, Week of Nov. 12, 2026

Habitat Trees

In 2024 Habitat for Humanity completed a 12-home project on SE 27th St in Bend. For that project the City required Habitat for Humanity to plant seven trees and build a sidewalk on the 27th St. frontage. Less than a year later the City constructed a bike lane in front of the project. The plan for the bike path required the seven required trees to be removed. After the trees were cut the City found drainage and accessibility issues and the bike path was relocated away from the removed trees, demolishing the newly constructed required sidewalk and replacing it with the paved bike path.

I have made exhaustive efforts contacting the project manager, the Bend City Council, the City Manager, and others requesting that the City, that proudly claims to be designated a Tree City USA, correct their error and replant the seven required trees. Neither the Councilors or City manager bothered to respond to my numerous requests. A City planner finally interceded and I was advised that the City Manager ordered the project manager to replant 5 trees. That manager planted 3 trees and stated he was not given a specific number of trees to plant. Little effort was made to provide these trees with the water needed after planting and it appears likely that they will not survive.

If you find the City’s action in this matter as outrageous and unacceptable as I, please add your voice to mine! Call your City Councilors, call the City Manager, and demand all seven of the required trees be replanted and given the water and attention they need to survive.

—John Larson

Future Games

I can see why young people resent us Baby Boomers. We are probably the last generation with even a minimum of financial security left. We have handed the generations who followed us a shredded safety net, massive debt, and economic insecurity.

The current protests in Europe, India, and around the world against what looks increasingly like a dystopian future (climate change, AI, wars, unbearable living costs, austerity, and gross inequality) are understandable and are threatening their respective power structures around the globe. The violent reaction of these governments could set off a powder keg of open rebellion and reciprocal violence that they might not be able to control. If we want to avoid that here, the working class will have to claw back tax cuts and loopholes for the wealthy, prosecute corrupt officials, and end the slavish serving of the billionaire donor class and corporations by both major parties. Given the special interests arrayed against us it won’t be easy. But we have to try.

Start with repealing Citizens United and end trillionaires buying elections. Vote out Republicans and corporate Democrats who won’t put people first. Demand a national healthcare plan to cover all Americans. Demand an end to militarism and endless wars of empire that are bankrupting our treasury.

Demand protection of our environment and serious action against climate catastrophe NOW.

Ninety years ago FDR proposed radical reforms with the New Deal to rescue capitalism from itself. If the power structure in this country won’t reform the system again, they can expect massive popular support for real socialism and forced economic control to make them. The choice is theirs.

—Jeff Cole

A Small Caravan

Before the caravan, my daughter said, for herself and her siblings, “We are so proud of you, Mom,” for writing letters to the editor and to my representatives, attending No Kings protests, and joining a house meeting at Jeff and Eileen’s. I told her I do it because I’m scared.

Three cars, nine magnetic signs from Bend Signs: Vote in blue, Early in red. Jeff set the route, and for one hour we drove across town: east side to west side, north and south.

We kept close so no car could squeeze in, though a few managed. I was the caboose.

At one roundabout, a small, battered old Civic slipped in behind my friend, less than a foot from her bumper. It passed her on the left, jumped the curb onto the island with its sculpture, and dropped back down to get around her. I got my spot back.

At Third and Greenwood, the group that gathers every Tuesday at five was carrying and waving signs, one framed in metal. We honked as we passed. They waved back, thumbs up and smiles. We found our tribe.

One of them counted each car with a magnetic sign. One, two, three. Just three of us.

—Laurie Clark

Transportation

I am writing to express my concerns regarding Bend’s public transit system, Cascade East Transit. Following the recent increase in bus fares, it is increasingly important that we address the inadequate conditions at many of our local bus stops, which currently lack basic seating and weather protection.

Our region experiences long, cold, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Without proper shelters or seating, passengers are left vulnerable to severe weather, making the experience uncomfortable and unsafe. Providing covered and accessible waiting areas is essential for all transit users, particularly youth, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.

Additionally, a significant portion of transit riders rely on these services due to limited income. Enduring harsh weather conditions while waiting for public transportation adds an unnecessary burden to those already facing economic challenges. Every member of our community deserves dignity, safety and comfort when utilizing public services.

I urge our local transit leaders and city officials to prioritize funding for bus stop shelters and seating to ensure a safe, accessible, and respectful public transit experience for all residents.

—Joyce Anson

Letter of the Week: Thanks for your perspective, Joyce. Come on by for your gift card to Palate! –Nicole Vulcan, Editor in Chief