Local law enforcement’s stance on cooperation with the Trump administration
I think it would be interesting to hear from the leaders of our local, county and state law enforcement agencies regarding their opinions of the overreach by the current president and his administration.
Especially with regard to honoring sanctuary status, or cooperating with the federal government’s attempts to enforce ICE policies and highly aggressive attacks on immigrants in our communities, and other citizens who may be affected by the government’s actions.
How do they feel about punitive measures taken by the federal government against Oregon and other states, such as withholding of Congressionally approved funds in an attempt to pressure states into compromising their moral stance to yield to the will of Mr. Trump and his morally and ideologically corrupt cavalcade of clowns and grifters?
I feel that we need to know where law enforcement stands. Are there any social institutions left that can protect us from our federal government?
Is it time to get the heck out of here, or do we still have some level of protection in our communities?
Of course, I would expect that with your professionalism and high-quality journalistic standards you would be able to present such a story without the obvious bias that no doubt detracts from my missive.
—Evan Ehrlich
Grateful for the kindness of others
It’s not often when the doorbell rings and a kindly gentleman tells me that he thinks he has my wallet. I hadn’t been home 10 minutes from my 6.5-mile bicycle ride from downtown when the good samaritan appeared in the front doorway. I opened the screen door and sure enough, this stranger held out to me what was unquestionably my wallet, containing my driver’s license, credit cards and $22 cash. I was in a state of shock, caught completely off guard, not having had time to unload the panniers and notice that it was missing.
The gent at the door, younger and handsome with a beard, said he and his wife had been walking down Hawkview Road in northeast Bend. He said they’d seen me pass by; I ride down this street all the time on my commutes to and from downtown. Pedaling home on this day, at some point I do recall hearing an unusual noise behind me, but did not stop to check it out. My mistake! Evidently, my wallet had bounced out of the pannier and slapped the pavement. Well, this guy and his wife did take the time to check it out.
And I learned my lesson: ALWAYS stop and turn around to investigate irregular noises. Standing in the doorway in front of this savior, I was stunned by a perfect storm of gratitude, elation and embarrassment that left me barely capable of expressing my extreme gratefulness for this guy for taking the immediate initiative to look up my address and drive over. I asked him if he would take a reward for his trouble, though I knew he was the kind of person who wouldn’t think of it. I was humbled by his kindness and honesty, and like I’ve already mentioned, I was in a near state of delirium.
I mustered enough sense to at least shake his hand, though I’m still kicking myself for not even getting his first name. I keep thinking about how I could’ve better shown my gratitude, but as it was, I felt like a babbling half-wit, undeserving of such good luck. I wished I’d followed him out to his truck to get a better look at him and his wife. As it is now, I doubt that I would recognize either one, though from now on, I will be looking closely at the walkers on Hawkview as I ride by. And you can bet that I will pack my wallet deeper in the panniers from now on.
We often hear of these feel-good moments that happen to us ordinary folk in everyday life, but they don’t really hit home until they involve us personally. That’s why we need to continue reaching out and helping one another as much as we can. And thank those who do.
To that end, if you know of a nice couple who walks the sidewalks in northeast Bend, please thank them for me. And if you happen to read this and recognize yourselves, please know that you are most excellent ambassadors of humanity. And thank you.
—Richard Sitts
E-Bikes and Speed
As I was walking around a local park, I saw what appeared to be a parent leaving a grade school with two small school kids on the back of their e-bike. I was noticing that once the e-bike was moving, it was faster than a car would in the same area. Is it still 20 MPH in a school zone regardless of what I’m driving or riding? The kids had shorts/skirts on AND thankfully helmets. As I was driving around later, I saw a different parent on a different e-bike with one kiddo in front and one behind and cruising at the same speed as a car but in the bike lane. Same clothing scenario and again, thankfully the kids had helmets.
I’m thankful there are options for taking our kids to school or on errands. Fresh air is a good thing! What I’m troubled about is the speed of these e-bikes. Seems to me these are more like motorcycles or mopeds based on the speed they can reach. AND I just hate to see the kids on the back when the bikes are going that fast. The parents are cruising right along (as fast as cars) and heaven forbid a dog, a deer, a squirrel, or another e-bike pulls out in front of them — what would happen?! Also, would that same parent be OK with their child on the back of a motorcycle? Some might say the motorcycle might be safer as they’re usually larger and more easily seen by other drivers.
And maybe this is their only form of transportation. I get that.
Yet the speed that they’re moving and the “I ride a bicycle, so watch out for me as I cruise faster than you in my bike lane” attitude is dangerous for everyone. Seriously. There needs to be some common sense with these e-bikes before someone gets hurt. Let’s not do “safety third”!
And yes, I used to ride bicycles and motorcycles.
—Eric Smith
Letter of
the Week
Eric, thank you for your thoughts and concern. Stop by our office for a gift card to Palate.
—Nic Moye, Managing Editor
This article appears in Source Weekly May 8, 2025.
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I love Richard Sitts’s story. There is goodness in Bend. I think honoring your wallet finder, even though he remains nameless, in a story of gratitude is a beautiful gift for all. Thank you for sharing.