As a longtime Bend resident, I am periodically reminded that we live among good people. There are days when it is easy to forget how kind our neighbors can be. A fantastic example of kindness occurred during the [Pole, Pedal, Paddle] PPP. We entered this year as a family, and were enjoying the event when a bike mishap injured my son (he’s fine now) and destroyed the rear wheel of the bike, preventing us from completing that portion of the race. But, kindness and sportsmanship appeared immediately. I’d estimate that at least 95 percent of racers slowed or stopped to offer assistance. A kind gentleman at the aid station (Sorry, we missed your name) offered to help us and loaned his personal tools to try to fix the bike. Unfortunately a dozen broken spokes prevented a roadside repair.

A big Thank You to the Source in bringing such an important matter to the forefront of all who love Central Oregon and live, work, and play here. Many of us moved to Central Oregon to play on such a wonderful playground with some of the most friendly people anywhere. Some have moved here because we have a vibrant downtown, the Shops at the Mill, wonderful restaurants and of course, the breweries. I have seen many changes in our retail landscape in the past 22 years but none compare to the lack of consumer dollars coming into local businesses. I ask you to think about the $5-$10 savings you may experience by shopping on the Internet. Who are you supporting? Consumers vote with their pocketbooks. I believe if this trend continues we will see many more local retailers closing and the shopping experience we love will diminish dramatically.

Doug “Hayduke” Peacock once said to me, “We’re not going to make it simply because that which evolves does not persist without the conditions of it’s creation.” I was reminded of this while on a dog walk in Shevlin Park where I was confronted by several dozen screeching fourth graders from High Lakes Elementary School. One of the boys was carrying a bucket and yelling, “Dude! He’s flopping around!”

There in the bucket was a small fish, fighting for its life. I questioned one of the adults and was flippantly told that the fish had swallowed a hook and would be dissected. After seeing the look on my face, the young man blew me off with a, “It’s just a school project, I wouldn’t be too concerned about it.”

I am writing because I was down at the Old Mill this past weekend during the concerts, and was shocked and upset at how patrolled that area has become on concert nights.

What used to be a fun community event–the Les Schwab Concert Series–has become very unfriendly to pedestrians, cyclists, and those passing by. The promoters of the show have decided that people walking by might hear the music - and so now the foot bridge is policed, the sidewalks are patrolled, and 1/4 mile back on the dirt-nature part of the area are as well.

Anyone who isn't a ticket-holding patron who stops longer than 30 seconds is told to move along, and move on. And, quite aggressively I might add.

What a sad state of affairs! These concerts used to be good for our town - they brought people together, they were fun, they were a place where high

For whatever reason, I have encountered many stray dogs since moving to Bend. During the most recent encounter, I waited with the dog for an hour, hoping the owner would come looking. Instead, it was animal control. I could have let the dog go in the parking garage while teenagers raced the Autobahn, but chose to hang out and ensure a safe outcome. Having spent several hours in this situation, with several very sweet dogs, these are my comments:

To the City of Bend,

The $520 fine for a stray dog in the city limits is hyper excessive, especially in these economic times. This will only ensure that owners with limited funding will likely not claim their dogs from the shelter. What is likely to happen is these dogs, most of which have been older dogs, will not get a chance at adoption. Why not a fine and community service combo? Or some other options for those who may not have the funds, but still want their dog back? I fully agree there needs to be a penalty, but $520?!