Rep. Knute Buehler says he won’t run for Governor
Rep. Knute Buehler (R-Bend) says that he won’t run for Governor in 2016, as he previously suggested he might, and will instead run for re-election to the Oregon House. But he did leave the door open to a gubernatorial run further in the future. “This was a highly personal rather than a political decision,” Buehler…
Save Pilot Butte supporter urges City to appeal land use decision
Supporters of Pilot Butte State Park have found themselves entangled in a land use process after learning about plans for a new apartment complex at the foot of the Butte. Because their concerns emerged after the public comment period for the development, members of the Save Pilot Butte group sought to appeal the development’s approval,…
Michael Franti Rises Up, Again
For over 20 years, Michael Franti & Spearhead have used an infectious blend of reggae, hip-hop, and rock as a platform for spreading uplifting messages of community and social justice. Of course, it’s easy to radiate positivity and maintain an optimistic worldview when you’re a wildly successful international rock star. But Franti’s resilience to adversity…
Reporting on Pot
Now that recreational marijuana is legal in Oregon, more publications are beefing up their cannabis coverage. Some publications—chiefly the alt-weeklies—have regular pot columns. And now, the Oregonian is getting in on the action. The O is looking for a freelance “cannabis critic” to, according to the job posting, “critique marijuana strains, infused products and highlight…
Watkins Family Hour
Siblings Sara and Sean Watkins didn’t mean to start a new band, record an album, or go on tour. Sometimes, these things just happen. Over the past decade, when the two weren’t on tour with the Grammy award-winning bluegrass group Nickel Creek, they’ve held residency in a club called the Largo, hosting a show called…
Mamma Mia, Another Pizza Place
Can there ever be enough pizza in the world? Or, even enough pizza joints in one town? With the opening of the very fine, very friendly, and absolutely creative Pacific Pizza in Bend, the answer is most certainly: no. And, yes, there certainly is room for another pizza place in Bend—and, it is likely that…
Source Suggests 8/19-8/26
Black Pussy Black Pussy lands completely on the opposite side of the spectrum of the other Suggests this week. Their name is a probably not something you should Google at work and has evoked petitions calling for boycotts for venues that book them. Name aside, Black Pussy plays psychedelic rock often blended with classic-rock tones…
A Bigger Kid on the Block
Walk into Block 15’s brand-spanking-new production facility on the far south side of Corvallis, and you’ll think they are a much larger brewery than they actually are. Originally opened in early 2008, Block 15’s brewpub in downtown Corvallis has been pumping out brews of exceptional quality for thirsty OSU students and other mid-Willamette Valley dwellers.…
Peek into the Future
When Cascades Theatrical Company launched its first season, Jimmy Carter was still in office. Now, on the brink of its 37th season, CTC recently hosted its 12th Annual Sneak Peek Gala, presenting scenes from each of the theater’s upcoming productions. And, full disclosure: I acted in one of the scenes and directed another, so it…
A Historic Hazard
From the outside, the plain rectangular building is unremarkable. Chipped white wood siding frames three carriage doors, askew from years of squatter traffic. One is boarded up with a large sheet of plywood in a vain attempt to keep trespassers out. Thick locks proved only a temporary deterrent, and for the bold, a large opening…
Art Watch 8/19-8/26
From StoryCorps to “The Moth” on NPR, to the Night Light events at Tin Pan Theater, the past decade has had a particular crush on storytelling. And, this concept—that everyone has a story to share, and that these stories are profoundly personal and at the same time universal—is the inspiration behind the Tiny Hey project.…
Destination Downtown
In many ways, Chuck Arnold was as much a fixture in downtown Bend as the silver statue of a man sitting on the bench in front of Starbucks. And now, Rod Porsche, who is taking over Arnold’s position as executive director of the Downtown Bend Business Association (DBBA), knows he has big shoes to fill.…
City and County consider marijuana regulations
Following last week’s public hearings, the Deschutes County Commission has decided not to opt out of allowing marijuana-related businesses in the unincorporated county, and will instead discuss regulatory options further at its September meeting. While an opt out could re-emerge, commissioners say they hope to find a middle ground between the needs of the growing…
Post-Haste Makes Waste
A good idea is not necessarily inevitable; especially an idea—like the gas tax—which needs finesse to gather support. How that idea comes about matters immensely. That is Politics 101. But it is also apparently a basic tenet that the majority of Bend City Council decided to hopscotch past and, in the process, may have poisoned…
Letters 8/11-8/18
BREW TUNES One tasting session at Brewfest just wasn’t enough this year, so I went back for an extra night and double-dipped on that hoppy goodness. Thanks, Brewfest organizers and volunteers, for a mighty fine time. But I gotta say, the grinding club music is an odd fit. How about considering bringing in some local…
Mountain Biking and Road Cycling Have a Baby!
The Ochoco National Forest, northeast of Prineville, is a diversely magical place, chock full of towering old growth trees, rough-cut canyons, and sprawling hard-scrabbled dirt and desert. Next weekend it will also host the Ochoco Gravel Roubaix, Central Oregon’s first gravel bicycle race. Its European namesake, the ultra classic Paris-Roubaix, is known for rough terrain,…
Go Here 8/19-8/26
Last week’s visit by the annual Perseid Meteor Shower turned Central Oregon’s eyes to the sky. For some continued star-gazing, here are some nearby—and not so close—locations for taking in the marvels of the sky on any optimal evening. Simply go where it’s dark A quick drive out to Tumalo Reservoir Road (head west until…
Buyers: Stay Competitive in a Seller’s Market
For most of the last year in Bend, the real estate market has favored sellers because the number of homes for sale has been low, with good homes often receiving multiple offers within a short time after being listed. And, while multiple offers are great for the sellers, this environment can put buyers in the…
Film Events 8/19-8/26
Clean Spirit A response to the doping culture that has polluted cycling, this documentary-style film follows the Argos-Shimano team as they train and psychologically prep for the 2013 Tour de France. A fun spirited insight into a modern cycling team. 9 pm, Thursday August 20. McMenamins Old St Francis, 700 NW Bond St. $5 (cash…
Straight Outta Compton, Straight Into Now
In one of Straight Outta Compton’s most powerful shots, two men walk toward a police line. Held between them are a blue and a red bandana, knotted together, signifying unity in the face of a common enemy. It’s part of a scene that recreates the chaos of the Rodney King riots, the political event that…
