In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

🚗 New Year, New Parking Rules: Bend Updates Parking Code and Ticket Process

🗣️ Liability Woes Threaten Oregon’s Recreation Industry — Public Forum Jan. 8

⚖️ Appeals Court Reversal Sends Redmond Man Back to County Jail as Case Resets

🌌💡 Deschutes County Outdoor Lighting Rules Take Effect Dec. 23

⛷️❄️ Mt. Bachelor Kicks Off Ski Season After Weather Delay

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

🚨💥 Fatal Crash on Hwy 97 Claims One Life Near Crescent

🚨Crime News

🥰Community News

📰Regional News

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🐾Pet of the Week

🐶Meet Zahara - SDH

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

✨See Expanded Answer in Friday’s Newsletter✨

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

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Local News…

 🚗 New Year, New Parking Rules: Bend Updates Parking Code and Ticket Process

Starting January 1, 2026, the City of Bend will roll out updated parking rules designed to make regulations easier to understand and enforce. Key changes include stricter rules for RVs and oversized vehicles, limits on trailer parking, and a requirement that electric vehicles must be actively charging when parked in designated EV spots. The city has also clarified how far vehicles must move to reset time limits and introduced a new process for establishing parking districts.

Beginning January 21, 2026, parking tickets will fall under the jurisdiction of Bend Municipal Court, bringing a more formal and consistent process for handling citations. Those who receive a ticket and don’t respond within 14 days may face additional court fees or penalties. Tickets can be addressed online or in person, with fines increasing from $12 to $45 if not paid promptly.

While many elements of the Parking Code remain unchanged—like parking rates, permit rules, and enforcement tools—this overhaul shifts payment and appeal responsibilities away from Parking Services and into the court system. For full details, visit bendoregon.gov/parking.

🗣️ Liability Woes Threaten Oregon’s Recreation Industry — Public Forum Jan. 8

Oregon’s outdoor recreation scene—from rafting to rock climbing—is under pressure as liability waivers are increasingly ruled unenforceable, driving up insurance costs and threatening the future of many small businesses. On Thursday, January 8, the City Club of Central Oregon is hosting a public forum to unpack how recent court rulings are shaking the foundation of the state’s recreation economy and what solutions might lie ahead.

🎤 The event, titled "Slippery Slopes: Why Oregon’s Recreation Industry Is on Thin Ice," brings together legal experts, business owners, and policymakers to explore skyrocketing insurance premiums, the tension between personal responsibility and consumer protection, and potential legislative fixes.

Event Details:
🧗‍♂️ What: Slippery Slopes: Why Oregon’s Recreation Industry Is on Thin Ice
📍 Where: COCC Coats Campus Center, Wille Hall
🕗 When: January 8, 2026; 8:00–9:30 a.m.
🎟️ Tickets: $15 Members / $35 Non-Members
🎟️ Free with code: CivicCO (thanks to support from St. Charles and Pacific Power Foundation)

Learn more or register at: events.cityclubco.org

⚖️ Appeals Court Reversal Sends Redmond Man Back to County Jail as Case Resets

A Redmond man previously sentenced to 10 years in prison for manslaughter and other felony charges in a 2021 downtown Bend shooting will soon return to the Deschutes County jail after his convictions were overturned on appeal. Ian Cranston now has a “presumption of innocence,” according to the district attorney, after the Oregon Court of Appeals ruled that improper jury instructions affected the outcome of his trial in the shooting death of Barry Washington Jr. outside a Bend nightclub.

Prosecutors say Cranston may be tried again and, unlike before, he is now eligible for bail because the top charge would be manslaughter rather than murder. Once he is transported back to Deschutes County, a release hearing will be scheduled to determine bail and next steps in the case. If retried, Cranston could again face multiple charges including first- and second-degree manslaughter, assault, and unlawful use of a weapon, though he cannot be retried on second-degree murder due to double jeopardy protections. Cranston is currently believed to be housed at Snake River Correctional Institution, with transport back to Central Oregon expected to take up to a few weeks.

 🌌💡 Deschutes County Outdoor Lighting Rules Take Effect Dec. 23

New outdoor lighting regulations in Deschutes County go into effect today, aimed at reducing light pollution and protecting Central Oregon’s famous dark skies while balancing safety. The updated ordinance applies to all new outdoor light installations in unincorporated areas beginning Dec. 23; existing lights installed before this date will have until 2028 to comply with the changes. Officials say the rules are part of broader efforts to preserve night-sky visibility and environmental quality in the region. Outdoor Lighting Ordinance

Changes include:

• Using guidance from DarkSky International to promote safe, responsible lighting.

• Updating terminology, which includes “downcast,” “light trespass,” “fully shielded” and “string lights.”

• Setting three primary requirements for non-exempt fixtures:

1.      Lights must be downcast.

2.      Fixtures must be fully shielded.

3.      Light trespass is prohibited.

• Clarifying existing exemptions and adding others. For example: the updated ordinance clarifies that holiday lighting is allowed from the day after Thanksgiving through Jan. 15 each year.

Learn more about the County’s outdoor lighting ordinance by visiting the Community Development Department website. 

⛷️❄️ Mt. Bachelor Kicks Off Ski Season After Weather Delay

Mt. Bachelor announced it will open for the 2025-26 winter season this week after earlier delays caused by unseasonably warm and wet weather. The resort reported that recent colder temperatures and fresh snow — including about three inches overnight — have built a base suitable for skiing and snowboarding, and lifts are expected to begin turning Tuesday. The opening brings welcome news to winter recreation enthusiasts who have waited longer than usual for slopes to be ready.

Fire & Rescue…

🚨💥 Fatal Crash on Hwy 97 Claims One Life Near Crescent

A tragic three-vehicle crash on an icy stretch of Highway 97 near milepost 181 in Klamath County claimed the life of a Coos Bay woman on Sunday morning, December 21. According to Oregon State Police, Cindy Rose Pearce, 59, of Bend, was driving a Chevrolet Silverado southbound when she lost control on the slick roadway and veered into oncoming traffic. Her vehicle struck a Toyota Tacoma driven by Kristara Leah Lopez, 47, of Coos Bay, who died at the scene, and then collided with a Dodge Ram towing a trailer.

Several others were injured in the crash. The passenger in the Tacoma, Gilberto Paez Lopez, 59, sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized. Pearce and the two occupants of the Dodge Ram—Carl and Terri Kelley of Oakridge—were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The highway was closed for approximately five hours for investigation and cleanup. Oregon State Police were assisted by the Crescent Fire District and ODOT.

Crime News…

Community News…

Regional News…

City of Bend Events Here

Road Construction

🌟 Meet Zahara: Your Future Best Friend! 🌟

Hello, dog lovers! Get ready to meet Zahara, the sweetest, most gentle pup you’ll ever have the pleasure of knowing. Imagine curling up on the couch with a furry friend who loves to cuddle just as much as you do—that’s Zahara! She’s a superstar on walks, gracefully navigating the world with a calm demeanor, though she prefers to be the queen of her castle as the only pet. Potty trained and never one to chew on your favorite shoes, this lovely lady is the definition of low-maintenance. Whether it’s going for leisurely strolls or snuggling up at your office, Zahara is ready to bring her easy-going charm into your life.

Zahara is part of an incredible group of rescue dogs that made their way to us from San Felipe, Mexico, and now she’s settling in beautifully here in Bend, Oregon. It’s time for her to find that special family who understands that her past may have been a bit rocky, and will shower her with patience and love as she blossoms in her new home. Picture yourself helping her grow into the vibrant companion she’s meant to be—she’s got so much love to give!

If you’ve been daydreaming about welcoming a loyal friend into your family, Zahara could be your perfect match. Don’t miss out on this chance to change a life—apply today for a 3–7 day in-home adoption trial. Could you be the lucky hero who gives Zahara her forever home? Let’s make it happen! 🐾❤️

 😎Just sayin

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