Cover Story
Out of Reach
Out of touch: Federal market rental rates Have you seen a one-bedroom apartment in Bend going for $733? What about a two-bedroom apartment for $857? “Show me where you can find me one of those,” says Jeanine Soelek, “because they don’t exist.” Soelek has been searching for a permanent place to live for over a…
Oregon’s Congressional delegation reacts to the president’s proposed budget
When it comes to the proposed fiscal year 2018 budget issued today by the president, some of Oregon’s leaders didn’t waste time weighing in. From Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley (D): “News flash to Donald Trump: Most Americans don’t have their own skyscrapers and jets and golf courses. They’re working long hours; stressed out about how…
“They want us to turn on our neighbors, and it will never happen.” Reactions from Manchester
As the United Kingdom goes on high terror alert and reels from Monday’s bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, people have been donating blood in high numbers. As the investigation into the bombing continues, one Manchester man gave an emotional interview, pledging support for all citizens of Manchester, no matter what they…
20/40/60: Blowin’ in the wind
A lot of the outdoor activities in Central Oregon require 1. Spendy gear (skiing or mountain biking, for example) or 2. A level of skill or physical prowess that, without it, the thing is decidedly less fun (rock climbing or mountaineering, for example). That’s not to say that disc golf doesn’t require a level of…
Picks of the Week May 18-24
Thursday 18 Brave Collective’s Annual Tiny Art Auction ART AUCTION — The only thing better than art is art that’s so small it’s the size of a Post-it note. If you want some gorgeous art but have no room on your walls, then this is absolutely the way to go. Benefits Mercy Corp’s humanitarian efforts…
Special Education
It can be very surprising how lovely something so simple can be. “Gifted” is predictable, formulaic and deeply flawed, but the combination of perfectly calibrated performances and some honest and charming character work make the film a lovely piece of cinema, at times. The movie doesn’t do anything differently than dozens of other family dramas…
Wack Mirror
The only reason the film adaptation of “The Circle” will be remembered is because it’s the final screen appearance of the actor Bill Paxton after his untimely and shocking death. Not to be overly harsh, but the film is so forgettable that discussing it feels like time that could be better spent focusing on the…
Going to the Moon
“Hey Josh,” a reader recently wrote me, “I have a birthday coming up, and I’d like to indulge myself. I keep reading about a cannabis product called “Moon Rocks.” What are they, where can I buy them and can I make my own?” Happy Birthday, and yes, you can buy/make moon rocks, but be prepared…
Tiny Art, Big Heart
Syria’s ongoing civil war has ignited one of the worst humanitarian crises of our time, with hundreds of thousands killed. The number of refugees is staggering. Countless Syrians are displaced—including over one million children. Amid all this, what can one women’s clothing store in Bend do about it? Plenty, it turns out. The effort begins…
Love and Loss
“I revel in examples of true love,” Eric Tollefson confides during our most recent interview. “Maybe not from a jealous standpoint, but almost from a jealous standpoint, because when you see it work and you see the support that goes both ways, I think it’s one of the most beautiful things on the planet.” Tollefson…
“Demorelizing” Adventures in Mushroom Hunting
Have you heard the morel buzz lately? Maybe you’ve seen photos of a fresh bounty in a fabric-lined basket posted on Facebook by a happy friend? It brings out FOMO (fear of missing out) in some of us—especially me. That’s how my adventures in mushroom hunting began. The first time I looked for mushrooms was…
Rhythm and Blues
Lloyd “Have Mercy” Jones knows the blues. When you talk to him, there’s no need for Google, as Jones is a walking encyclopedia of the history of rhythm and blues, from the major and minor players to dates and regional styles. Not only can he describe the differences between each of the styles, he can…
A 19th Century Day Trip
Forget haggling with your Congressman at the next town hall. The president’s coming to Central Oregon. No, not that president. This one’s even more famous. Like, $5 bill famous. That’s correct. President Abraham Lincoln’s scheduled to make an address Saturday during the first day of the Civil War Reenactment at The House On Metolius Meadow…
Source Spotlight: Ed Kimball
Ed remembers a good stretch of about seven years during which he skied 200 days a year. “I’ve always loved the outdoors.” What was it that drew Edward and Barb Kimball to Central Oregon 40 years ago? Was it the skiing, fly-fishing, beautiful scenery, or just the great outdoors in general? Try all of the…
Up at the Lake
Sunset over the water, a fire popping out sparks, and friends clinking glasses of bubbles. It’s an idyllic vibe, characteristic of the everyday experience at The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse. But what’s really standing out for me: The dogs. Little dogs. Big dogs. Fierce dogs and friendly ones, sniffing around in the sand. When you…
Real Estate Statistics for April 2017
The Beacon Report, based on real estate statistics from our local MLS, released its report of the April 2017 figures—which allows some interesting comparisons to last year’s Bend single family residence sales of 1 acre or less. According to the report, closed sales in Bend for the month of April 2017 increased by 50 transactions…
Natural World: Don’t step on the eggs!
There are two ground-nesting birds common to Central Oregon that need help when it comes to surviving during nesting time: the killdeer and common nighthawk. Both lay eggs (almost always four) that are all but invisible because they look like the pebbles surrounding them—often getting mushed by people, cattle or wildlife. Recently, while leaving Sisters…
Letters to the Editor May 8-15
Whitewater Park Do you pay property taxes? Over 20 percent of your property taxes goes to Bend Park and Recreation. I love our parks and facilities however the amount of money spent on the Whitewater Park is criminal. The safe passage is virtually the same as last year. Cement dribbled in cracks did nothing to…
Little Bites: Celebrate Local Food, a Pop-Up Farmers Market and Dine Out for Good
Local Food & Farm Discovery Day Celebrate local food by tasting it and meeting Central Oregon merchants and producers at Savory Spice Shop on May 19. The Central Oregon Seed Exchange will be there to tell you which local seeds do well in our climate. Visitors can also plant seeds to get their own gardens…
For New Beer, Head Northeast
It wasn’t terribly long ago that residents of Bend’s northeastern quadrant didn’t have much in the way of local beer. Folks nearby downtown or in the Old Mill are spoiled for choice, with 10 or so craft brewers and many more fine pubs within walking distance. Around the northeast, though, Bridge 99 Brewery and the…
Forest Sale, Off the Table
The State Land Board decides against selling the Elliott. The next step could mean more protection—and pedagogy—in the forest. Last week the State Land Board took up the issue of the sale of the Elliott State Forest once again. This has been a “hot topic” of public conversation since the State Land Board decided in…
“Tenant” Trouble
When you hear the word, tenant, typically you think of someone who is renting a house. Most people assume that a tenant is someone who has signed some sort of rental agreement, so if they damage the house they will be held accountable. Joe Smith and his mom, Jane Smith, learned the hard way that…
Deschutes River Trail Bridge: The Environmental Impact Argument is Faulty
Let’s imagine for a second that you’re not one of the people who lives—or is soon to live—in the vicinity of the Deschutes River Trail. Last week, the head of the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department decided not to consider a rule change that would allow for a pedestrian bridge across the Deschutes just…
