Letters to the Editor Week of Oct. 30

Supporting Equality & Equity

There has been an ongoing policy discussion within the Redmond School Board in regard to Equity and Equality in our school. Some have tried to turn those two words into political wedges. I planned on speaking at the meeting, but the citizen comments list was full when I went to sign up. So, let me be clear on my position. Ensuring that every child in Redmond has an equal & fair opportunity to succeed is not a political issue, it’s a community responsibility. Equality means giving every student the same resources. Equity is how we build stronger classrooms, better citizens and a more united Redmond. Those who try to use equity and equality as political weapons misunderstand what’s at stake. This is about kids — not politics. So, I personally reject the voices that seek to divide us. Let’s stand together for fairness, compassion and opportunity. Because when Redmond’s children succeed, ALL OF REDMOND SUCCEEDS. What everyone should be asking themselves is what was the motivation behind changing the original language? —Clifford B. Evelyn

A Lack of Oversight

The Source’s October 23 article about Cleveland Commons captured what many in Central Oregon have witnessed firsthand: a lack of oversight and consistency in programs meant to help our most vulnerable neighbors.

As a lifelong Central Oregonian and social-services professional, I have personally raised concerns with NeighborImpact leadership about staff behavior, poor communication and an absence of trauma-informed practices. What’s happening at Cleveland Commons is not an isolated issue; it reflects a pattern of inadequate accountability and blurred boundaries between staff and residents.

Permanent supportive housing can only succeed when there is safety, trust and professionalism at every level. When staff misuse their roles or when oversight is weak, those striving for recovery and stability can easily lose hope.

Our community deserves transparency from the organizations managing these programs. Public funding requires public accountability — and the residents living within these facilities deserve to know that the people entrusted with their care are held to the highest ethical standards.

The Source’s reporting has opened an important conversation. Let’s ensure it leads to meaningful reform and a renewed commitment to compassion, integrity and community responsibility. —Stephanie R. VanKlootwyk

Editor’s note: the following item was submitted in response to the above letter

Correction/Clarification for publication:
In the letter ‘A Lack of Oversight’ (Oct. 29, 2025), the author implies that NeighborImpact has operational oversight or involvement in the permanent supportive housing project at Cleveland Commons. This is inaccurate. NeighborImpact does not operate, manage, or provide services at Cleveland Commons. The agency’s only connection to the property is ownership of the land on which the facility was constructed. All operations, resident services, and day-to-day oversight are managed independently by another organization. This clarification is provided to ensure readers have accurate information about NeighborImpact’s role.

—Rachel Haakenson, NeighborImpact Director of Marketing & Communications

Spend Transportation Funds Efficiently

I want to be clear that I fully support the goal of creating safe pedestrian and bike routes connecting Bend’s east and west sides. However, what concerns me — and many others — is not the concept of a bridge, but the cost and repeated redesigns of the Hawthorne Crossing project.
While it’s true that Measure 9-135 transportation bond funds and the $25 million in state and federal grants are earmarked specifically for transportation projects, this doesn’t mean we should spend them inefficiently. These are still taxpayer-funded dollars, and responsible spending should always be part of the conversation.

According to the City of Bend’s own updates, the Hawthorne Crossing has gone through multiple rounds of redesign due to engineering challenges and community feedback. As of this year, the projected cost has increased well beyond initial estimates, and the final price tag is still uncertain. This constant redesign cycle raises legitimate concerns about fiscal oversight and project feasibility.

No one disputes the need for a safe connection between the east and west sides. But do we truly need an elaborate “signature” bridge when a simpler, functional pedestrian overpass—or even other safe crossings—could achieve the same goal at a fraction of the cost? Investing in safety does not require extravagance.

Yes, funds are earmarked for transportation, but fiscal responsibility within that category still matters. The city should explore alternative, cost-effective designs that prioritize safety and accessibility over aesthetics and grandeur. Bend residents deserve solutions that are both practical and sustainable—not projects that grow in price every few months. —Nicole Moore-Perullo

Kindness Around Bend

Today I was reminded why kindness matters so much. A FedEx driver dropped off a package at my home and, hearing my dogs barking inside, left a dog bone alongside the box. Such a small gesture — yet it completely made my day (and my dogs’).

Moments like these are what make Bend such a special place. They remind us that kindness doesn’t have to be big or loud to be powerful — it just has to be human. These little acts of care connect us, soften the edges of busy days and make our growing town feel like a true community. I’d love to start sharing more of these everyday examples of “Kindness Around Bend.”

If you see kindness happening in our community, please share it with me at KindnessAroundBend@gmail.com. Let’s celebrate the good around us and keep Bend’s heart connected through simple, human moments. — Justina Bryant, Bend

Letter of the Week:

Thanks Justina! I hope your idea spreads. As letter of the week, you can stop by the Source office at NW Georgia & Bond for a gift card to Palate coffee. —Nic Moye, Managing Editor

This article appears in the Source October 30, 2025.