In a turbulent world, it’s challenging to sift true facts from what’s being presented as “factual.” Our feature this week looks at some of the worst moments in government transparency. In other news, a Bend artist, who uses only natural materials, wants the public to touch her artwork and add to it. Plus, a new Japanese takeout restaurant opens in Bend and Donna Britt tells you where to find excellent sushi. A local film festival featuring some thrilling mountain adventures is raising money for a local school. And Umphrey’s McGee is channeling the Grateful Dead at Midtown Ballroom. —Managing Editor Nic Moye
LIGHTMETER:
Jesse Coronado
OPINION
Heading Into a Potentially Bad Fire Season, Patchwork Regulations on New Buildings May — or May Not — Protect Homes
Home-hardening codes can save homes. But some will say they’re at the expense of building more homes in the first place.
The City of Sisters got a lot of attention when it became one of the first cities in Oregon to adopt a set of codes around home hardening and defensible space. Now, the City of Bend is set to vote on doing something very similar. The codes may raise the price of new homes slightly — perhaps 2 to 3%, by some estimates — to account for the difference in materials needed to better protect homes. That’s something that not everyone, including some builders, will be happy about. Between land, materials and labor, homes already cost a lot to build in this region and around the state, and we’re still woefully behind on the housing goals set out by the governor.
Add in the threat of a bad fire season due to the worst snowpack levels in decades, and you can see just how complicated it can be to address safety issues and rising home insurance rates, while at the same time ensuring that everyone has a place to call home.
On the one hand, new home hardening codes could help keep homes from being destroyed in a massive wildfire. On the other hand, the increased costs of building those homes may mean that fewer in total get built. At a meeting discussing the issue in February, most Bend city councilors were in favor of acting fast to implement new home-hardening codes. Just one councilor spoke of slowing the roll to let builders get their heads around the
advent of yet another set of regulations to follow. With a Council in virtual lockstep, as they are now, it’s easier to pass such things quickly. But those quick decisions can also make elected officials a target for those who say they’re making moves that stymie housing in a town that very much needs more of it.
The thing is, the issue might not have been quite as challenging for officials at the local level, had the state not backed off on a process that would have put in place home-hardening and defensible-space codes statewide. Remember the backlash about the state’s wildfire risk maps? That process, of classifying parts of the state that were most at risk of wildfire, was part of a broader effort to understand where things like home-hardening codes were most needed. When Oregonians railed against that map and ultimately saw it repealed, they essentially shut down the process that could have put state, rather than local, mandates in place.
And now, what we have are some cities that will take action around wildfire risk, and, perhaps, some cities that won’t, due to worry over raising the cost of building homes. If you live in a home that withstands the next fire due to increased home-hardening efforts, you’re going to be quite happy those were in place. Then again, if you don’t have a home at all, then those same regulations are about as valuable as a pile of ash.
O Letters
ODOT FUNDING
Regarding the Opinion in March 5, 2026, that brought forth the political issues of raising taxes on fuel to pay ODOT services, I wish to highlight the statement: “Due to real progress on the climate front, through electric vehicles and efficiency, the state now has fewer dollars for road maintenance.”
First, it should be noted that the proposed tax increases will hit electric vehicle owners with huge licensing fee increases, thus incentivizing fewer EV purchases. But more importantly, the concept of fuel taxes as a “user tax” to fund road maintenance and repair by users of roads is invalid.
We all need and use roads, whether we own a car or not. We need groceries delivered, we need our utilities to function, we need busses and emergency vehicles to get through. Our society functions with roads providing access to food and medical care for all of us. As every citizen of Oregon, and every visitor to Oregon, uses roads both directly and indirectly, a better ODOT funding source would be the General Fund, with perhaps some funds from room taxes or other visitor revenues. Let’s continue to make progress on the climate front, and improve air quality by encouraging electric vehicles, and pay for roads in a more realistic way.
RETURN
TO JAZZ ROOTS
— Mathieu Federspiel
What Happened to Jazz at the Oxford? The critical term here is “Jazz.” Jersey Boys is not Jazz. Chicago is not Jazz. The lineup this year was a complete disappointment. Jazz at Joe’s is doing a better job. The venue in the Oxford is very special, and the shows in the past have been great. Why did they switch to rock-n-roll? I’ve been a season subscriber for years. So much so, that I didn’t really pay attention to the lineup, but if they do this again, I’m sorry to say “I’m Out.” I came to Bend from New York City, and I cherished the “Jazz Club” at the Oxford as a reminder of my experiences in the City. This year they failed. I sincerely hope next season they’ll get back to their “jazz roots.”
—Louis Capozzi
WAR IS A RACKET
Since the end of WWII the U.S. has bombed at least 30 different countries around the world, whose populations represent more than a third of all humanity. The CIA has publicly acknowledged involvement in at least seven successful regime changes. During the Cold War, the CIA toppled democratically elected
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governments, propped up dictators, trained death squads and funded insurgencies across Latin America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Meanwhile, U.S. “Special OPS” forces are active in approximately 150 nations around the world at any given time. The scale of U.S. military intervention during peacetime is unequalled by any other country. Highly decorated (two Medals of Honor) Marine Corp General Smedley Butler considered war a racket. “It always has been. The oldest, easily the most profitable, and surely the most vicious,” Butler said.
He suggested smashing the war racket by removing the profit, letting those who would be fighting decide whether there should be war, and limiting military force to homeland defense.
“Beautiful ideals are given for our troops being sent out to die, “ Butler said, “but no one ever tells them that dollars and cents are the real reasons.” Butler believed there were two reasons for going to war: Defending the homeland, and defending the Bill of Rights.
Now the biggest sleazeball traitor racketeer in American history is working the oldest, most profitable racket on America and the world and getting ready to work his voodoo on the midterms.
Free elections in November? Will bullshit fly?
—
Mike Epstein
MAY 2026 DESCHUTES COUNTY COMMISSION ELECTION
Amanda Page is by far the best candidate for Seat 3 on Deschutes County Commission.
Amanda Page is the one candidate for this seat who will work for inclusion— of Indigenous people, the historical stewards of the forests, rivers, and wildlife of these lands; of family farmers who produce our food; of residents of all cultures; of young people; swing voters, non-affiliated voters; and people of all colors and economic levels. Amanda has shown by her actions that she stands strongly for integrity, building community and democracy, and listening to all voices. She incorporates our ideas and answers our questions. I’ve spoken to Amanda’s Democrat-endorsed opponent and found Amy Sabbadini sadly lacking in these qualities, though she advertises herself as representing integrity and unity.
We all treasure the beautiful rivers, forests and wildlife of Deschutes County. Amanda will work hardest to preserve and protect these treasures. Amanda is the one candidate who is a tribal member (Klamath), with community
connections to local Indigenous leaders. Amy Sabbadini told me that she has an “Indigenous background,” merely because she has studied Native American history. This is dishonest and manipulative.
Amanda has the most well-rounded, pertinent work and life experience for this job, including emergency health services, education at local leadership and State levels, and cross-cultural leadership work.
I stand for Amanda Page for Seat 3 on the County Commission, because, as another supporter said to me, “I trust Amanda to always do the right thing, not to go along just to get along,” and I will add “and not just to get ahead.”
—Sandra Fox
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY REFLECTION
In the spirit of International Women’s Day, I wanted to share a small observation that raised a broader question about inclusivity and preparedness in our safety training environments.
Earlier today at the Swim and Fitness Center, I noticed a CPR class taking place. It occurred to me that, throughout my life, the CPR training mannequins I’ve seen almost always appear to represent a male torso. That observation made me wonder whether our training materials adequately reflect the diversity of bodies that responders may encounter in a real emergency.
Cardiac arrest can affect anyone, and when seconds matter, familiarity
and confidence can make a critical difference. If CPR training primarily uses male-figured mannequins, it may unintentionally leave trainees less prepared to respond quickly and confidently when assisting someone with a female body. While the fundamentals of CPR are the same, practicing with a range of body types could help ensure that responders are comfortable performing life-saving actions in all situations.
Given the importance of equitable representation in health and safety training, it might be worthwhile to consider whether incorporating femaleform CPR mannequins—or other anatomically diverse training tools—could strengthen our community safety programs.
I share this observation respectfully and in the spirit of continuous improvement and inclusion. Thank you for all who put work into providing safety training in our community, and I appreciate you considering this perspective.
—Christopher Coleman
Letter of the Week
An interesting question. Christopher, as letter of the week, you can stop by the Source office for a gift card to Palate coffee.
—Managing Editor Nic Moye
New Library Opening Date
The new Central Library in Bend will open May 11. Drive-thru service to pickup and return books, DVDs and magazines begins Monday, March 23. The new library is located off SE 27th at Santorini Street, south of Reed Market. It will be the largest library in Deschutes County at 100,000 square feet. Some of the new features include meeting and study rooms, including a large community room on the first floor and a children’s discovery space for interactive play on the second floor. Adult books will be on the third floor along with a collaborative workspace and MakerSpace for creative activities. The downtown public library will fully close on April 11 for remodeling. So far, the district has remodeled three libraries and built a new one in Redmond.
Merkley Town Halls Scheduled
Sen. Jeff Merkley is holding three town halls in Central Oregon on Saturday, March 21. The first is 11am at Sisters High School (1700 W McKinney Butte Rd.). The second is at 2pm in Crook County at Barnes Butte Elementary in Prineville (1875 NE Ironhorse Dr.). The third, at 5pm, is at the Madras Performing Arts Center (412 SE Buff St.). The events are free and open to the public.
—Nic Moye
Deschutes River High School Opens Up to Realms, Bend Tech Students
Technical and college preparatory coursework will be offered
By Jesse Coronado
As Bend Tech Academy and Realms High School discontin-
ue their education programs, Deschutes River High School opens up to students coming for the next school year. The school will be located on North East 5th Street, on Bend Tech Academy’s former campus.
Deschutes River High School will be a choice school accepting students in the Bend-La Pine disctrict. The current curriculum will include technical coursework such as medical, business, construction, STEM and engineering, advanced placement and college transferrable classes.
“Bend-La Pine Schools believes in the power of educational choice. Our new choice high school will provide students opportunities to explore future pathways while being a part of a school community centered in leadership and belonging,” Deputy Superintendent Lisa Birk stated in a recent press release.
According to Scott Maben, director of communication for Bend-La Pine Schools, the closing of Realms was a financial decision after the lease for Realms Middle and High School ended. Maben says they would have had to renegotiate the lease if they chose to stay at the location which he described as a “warehouse” type building.
students from BTA and 93 students from Realms High.
Among other concerns for the new change, some parents and families questioned the new school’s ability to cater to students from RHS.
—Current
“The idea is really to put your mark on it.”
—Artist
Guieu
Although the BLPS website states the new school will be a merger, Maben made clear the purpose of opening DRHS was not to absorb and merge Realms students. The goal was for DRHS to welcome students from a variety of neighborhoods as a new choice school option.
As such, DRHS would not require students to live in the same zone a school is located in. Currently, DRHS has “full enrollment” and a waitlist for students to join.
While students from Realms High School will be able to apply to DRHS, Realms Middle School students will move to Buckingham Elementary School campus. RMS will remain a distinct school operating separately from BES.
According to the BLPS website, the class sizes will likely increase, though still small in comparison to other high schools in the district. The capacity of DRHS campus is “a little over 200.”
According to Maben, the current enrollment for DRHS stands at 218 students. The number consists of 123
“We are excited to have a waitlist for incoming 9th grade students, and as the school builds more community awareness of our outstanding programming, we hope to grow our community even more.”
—Lakisha Clark
Officials from BLPS responded by stating, “support for specialized student needs will continue as it is available at all schools.”
According to Maben, school officials are too early in the process to get specific about what staffing levels will look like for the next school year. Even so, he says that with the school
capacity being 225 students they can project staff to be somewhere around 20 members.
Additionally, the 2026 and 2027 district budget has been proposed by the budget committee and is meeting next Tuesday to discuss plans. Once they have an idea of what the budget looks like for next year, they will build their staffing plans accordingly.
Maben added that if there appears to be a need for more staff, the administration will make those decisions later this spring or in the summer.
The process for figuring out the name for DRHS began in January.
The school board surveyed students, families, and staff for ideas. They also gathered volunteers to develop a naming committee. The top three names were then presented in February.
DRHS centers its values around character, community and service. The press release states they also value “excellence through purposeful work, industry and higher education readiness.”
“We are excited to have a waitlist for incoming 9th grade students, and as the school builds more community awareness of our outstanding programming, we hope to grow our community even more,” Bend Tech Academy Principal LaKisha Clark says.
enrollment for the new Deschutes River High School.
Michele
about her interactive exhibit at Scalehouse.
Deschutes River High School, formerly Bend Tech Academy, will structure its education around career and technical education programming and welcome new students in the fall.
Jesse Coronado
Road Construction Will Close the Franklin Avenue Underpass for About Six Months
Initial work gets underway in May
By Nic Moye
The City of Bend is preparing to begin work on a new stretch of Franklin Avenue which means closing a section of the street surrounding the railroad underpass for a total of six months. Crews recently finished work on Franklin between NE Fourth and Eighth streets. Now the focus shifts to a stretch of road between NE Fourth west to NW Harriman Street, which includes the underpass. The City says an average of 14,000 vehicles travel through the Franklin Avenue railroad underpass daily.
Starting in May, crews will begin fixing storm drains to address the historic flooding issue under the railroad bridge, replace aging water lines, improve sidewalks, bike lanes and add lighting at pedestrian crossings.
The work is part of a larger construction plan to, in part, make travel safer for all users on four key corridors: Franklin, Greenwood and Hawthorne Avenues as well as Second Street. The intersection at Franklin and Second will include raised bike lanes buffered from the street by planter strips as well as a pedestrian island in the middle of the street.
During construction, portions of Franklin Avenue between Fourth and Harriman will be restricted to one lane, switching directions depending on which side of the road is torn up. During a City Council presentation on March 11, city staff indicated it would be tricky to maintain a one-way direction for a longer duration simply by redirecting traffic to the opposite side of the street due to traffic signals.
From May to November there will be partial lane closures between First and Fourth Streets with some short segment directional closures between Second, Third and Fourth streets. Garrett Sabourin, principal engineer for the City of Bend told the Source that closures along busy Third Street at the Franklin intersection will only take place during night work.
The City will have to completely close a portion of Franklin Avenue for several months to
Alleged Road Rage Incident Resolved by Settlement
Criminal charges against Michael Wild, accused of shoving a minor off his bicycle, have been dropped
By Peter Madsen
An alleged road rage incident that happened on Bend’s west side between a driver and a cyclist shortly after Memorial Day has resulted in a settlement, the Source has learned.
Driver and defendant Michael Adin Wild reached a settlement with plaintiff and elite youth cyclist Jack Billowitz, who was 16 at the time of the incident.
The Source detailed the event in its Sept. 10 cover story “Trouble on the Road.” The short of it is: Billowitz and a high school friend, riding two-abreast, rode along the bike lane on Skyliners Road. Wild, driving his work truck, overtook the riders in the traffic lane yet parked his vehicle ahead of them. He got out and allegedly shoved Billowitz off his bike.
In a declaration in support of motion to dismiss, Billowitz dropped criminal charges against Wild, pursuant to the civil compromise agreement, which usually involves a monetary payment for damages. Wild faced charges including criminal mischief in the second degree, assault in the fourth degree and disorderly conduct in the second degree. Following the settlement, each party is responsible for its own legal fees.
Judge Beth Bagley dismissed these charges with judgement, which means they can’t be brought back against Wild, nor his family. Wild, who owns HD Construction & Excavation, was returning from his son’s baseball game when the altercation with Billowitz played out on Skyliners Road on May 27, 2025.
work under the railroad overpass. That’s due to the narrow space between walls and the need to excavate 20 feet with large equipment. The Downtown Business Association sent a letter to the City expressing concern over the timing of the shutdown affecting busy tourist months. As a result, crews will stop work before the Thanksgiving holiday and resume in January. Franklin Avenue will be completely closed from First to Fourth Streets from January to May 2027.
Detours will take drivers to Greenwood Avenue. Customers will still be able to access businesses. Sabourin says during construction, pedestrian and bike access will always be maintained on one side of the Franklin underpass.
Construction costs for this portion of work is estimated at $15 million with money coming from GO Bond funds, the Bend Urban Renewal Agency, state and federal grants and the stormwater fund. The City plans to notify the public in a variety of ways including message boards, mailers, an open house, door-to-door outreach in the affected area, social media, business signage and emails.
According to Oregon Statute 135.703, reaching a civil settlement frequently triggers a dismissal of related misdemeanor charges, although it’s not automatic, says Deschutes County District Attorney Stephen Gunnels.
Wild’s defense attorney Phil Duong, a senior attorney at Baxter Law, did not reply to a phone call seeking comment. Matthew Scarborough, the bicycle-law lawyer who represented the Billowitz family, declined to comment beyond confirming the settlement and its confidentiality.
Neither Billowitz nor defendant Wild acknowledge any liability by entering into the agreement. The terms are consistent with the pending civil suit settlement agreement, according to court documents.
While the conditions of the civil compromise, and the civil suit, are confidential, last fall the Billowitz family showed the Source documentation for $3,700 in damage to Billowitz’s high-end bicycle and about $11,000 in medical bills that included X-ray and CT scans.
Speaking with the Source by phone, Layla Billowitz, Jack’s mother, said she can’t speak about the feelings surrounding the settlement, owing to the confidentiality agreement. Billowitz did offer that Jack, who has a 4.39 GPA, will graduate from Bend Senior High School this year. Last December, he placed sixth at the U.S.A. Cyclocross National Championships in his UCI 17-18 junior category before spending the winter racing in Belgium with EuroCross Academy. Jack has been accepted by 15 universities, both in the U.S. and internationally. Most offered scholarships, Layla added.
Jack Billowitz, a senior at Bend High School, and national-caliber youth racer, stands with his new bike on Sept. 2, 2025.
Peter Madsen
Construction to improve sidewalks and bike routes on Franklin Avenue begins in May. Crews will also update water lines and storm drains.
Images courtesy of City of Bend
This is what the pedestrian and bike crossing leading up to the Franklin Avenue railroad bridge will look like when work is competed in 2027.
REDMOND NEWS
The Redmond School District Is Adjusting School Boundaries
Two
elementary schools are on track to reach 120% capacity within four years
By Nic Moye
The Redmond School District is reviewing its school attendance boundaries as the city grows and enrollment patterns change. The district, which has a total of 13 schools, says uneven housing development throughout the area has resulted in a higher enrollment at some elementary schools than others. Current projections show that Sage Elementary School is expected to reach approximately 120% of its capacity by 2030 and 126% by 2035. Tom McCall Elementary School is projected to reach 121% of capacity in 2030 and 129% by 2035. In contrast, Terrebonne Community School and Vern Patrick Elementary School are projected to remain below capacity throughout the forecast period. The District hasn’t updated school boundaries since Sage Elementary was built in 2010, with the exception of eliminating boundaries for Hugh Hartman dual language choice school.
In a news release, the Redmond School District said with a growth rate of 2.1% this year, it’s currently the only district among the 20 largest districts in the state showing positive enrollment growth. Last year, Redmond had the largest enrollment growth of 1% among the top 25 largest districts in the state.
During community meetings on March 16 and 17, the district revealed possible scenarios for new
boundaries which can be found on its website. The district began the review in December, launching a community survey. In general, parents expressed concerns about how boundary changes would impact transportation, child care coordination and proximity to sibling schools. Parents of elementary school children emphasized the importance of established peer relationships and walkability. At the secondary level, parents were more concerned about extracurricular opportunities and preparation for future education.
The District partnered with MGT, an education consulting firm, to provide updated data driven enrollment forecasts in five and ten-year trends to help develop the potential boundary adjustment scenarios. The District says it will consider the proximity of schools to homes to allow walkability and consider transportation impacts to minimize disruptions to special Recommendations on new boundaries will be presented to the superintendent and the board of directors later this spring for a vote. Redmond School District Public Information Officer Logan McGinnis says any decisions made will not affect the next school year of 2026/27 because time will be needed to work out logistics such as staffing and school bus routes.
THIRD THURSDAY
SPOKEN WORD
NIGHT
RAW AND THOUGHT PROVOKING WORDS
This is the perfect event for writers and readers and word-lovers alike. Readers are invited to arrive early to sign up. Readers have seven minutes at the mic. Food and drink are available for purchase.7-8pm at SCP Redmond Hotel. 521 SW 6th St Ste 100, Redmond. Free.
TRIVIA (&TACO) TUESDAYS
FRIENDLY COMPETITION
Quiz fans of Redmond: bring the crew this week for UKB live trivia & more! Delicious menu favorites, brews, cocktails, plus Taco Tuesday menu! Players will compete for gift card prizes or play just for fun. Bring good vibes and a pen. 6:30pm at Elements Public House. 1857 NW 6th St., Redmond. Free.
Sage Elementary School is expected to reach approximately 120% of its capacity by 2030.
redmondschools.org
For the last six years, a class of journalism students at the University of Nevada, Reno, has kicked off each semester by filing their first Freedom of Information Act requests.
The assignment: Request copies of complaints sent to the Federal Communications Commission about their favorite TV show, a local radio station, or a major broadcast event, such as the Grammys or the Super Bowl halftime show. The students are learning that the federal government and every state have laws establishing the public’s right to request and receive public records. It’s a bedrock principle of democracy: If a government belongs to the people, so do its documents.
In the past, the FCC always provided records within a few weeks, if not days. But that changed in September when students requested consumer complaints filed against NPR and PBS stations to see if there was absolutely anything at all to merit defunding public media. Seven months later — crickets. Now the students are learning to persevere even when public officials demonstrate an utter disdain for transparency. And The Foilies are here for it.
Established in 2015, The Foilies are an annual project by the Electronic Frontier Foundation and MuckRock to recognize the agencies, officials and contractors that thwart the public’s right to know. We give out these tongue-in-cheek “awards” during Sunshine Week (March 15-21), a collective effort by media and advocacy organizations to highlight the importance of open government.
The Love Letters AwardGov. Greg Abbott
Last spring, the office of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott withheld communications between himself and one of the state’s most powerful business figures, Elon Musk. The office claimed that the communications were exempt from public records law because they would reveal confidential legal and policy discussions, including how the state entices private companies to do business in Texas, or “intimate and embarrassing” information.
The claims were unelaborated boilerplate language based on exemptions in Texas’ public records law. But if you’re wondering what “intimate” and “embarrassing” exchanges Abbott and Elon Musk shared over email, you may be waiting a while.
Last fall, the Office of the Texas Attorney General
ordered Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s office to release nearly 1,400 pages of communications between Abbott and Musk. About 1,200 of those pages were fully redacted—just sheets of gray obscuration. The records that were released don’t reveal much more than an invitation to a happy hour or a reminder of the next SpaceX launch.
The Surcharge, Eh? AwardVancouver, B.C.
Vancouver residents must now pay twice for public records. Despite taxes already funding the creation and storage of government records, the City Council approved charging people $10 Canadian (about $7.33 in the United States) every time they ask for “non-personal” public records.
Officials claim the fee is necessary to deter misuse and cover some administrative costs. The only people abusing anything, however, are the officials who imposed this tax on the public. The message Vancouver is sending is as crisp as a newly minted $10 note: Secrecy is a higher priority than public accountability.
a giant middle finger to the public, especially because the Federal Records Act requires agencies to retain all records officials create while conducting their public duties, regardless of format. We won’t hold our breath waiting on DHS officials to dutifully press the volume and power button on their phones to record every text message they send and receive.
The Discardment of Government Efficiency Award - DOGE
The Shady Screenshot Award - Department of Homeland Security
The Department of Homeland Security’s banner year of lawlessness included backsliding on its transparency obligations. In response to a request from the nonprofit American Oversight, DHS stated that it was no longer automatically archiving text messages sent between officials. The department clarified that it had a new, and much worse, records retention policy. Instead of archiving officials’ text messages as the agency had done before, DHS now asks officials to take screenshots of any text messages conducting government business on their work phones.
It’s hard to see the change as anything more than
As the Trump administration took over last year, there was a looming threat over government transparency: the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, also known as DOGE. Billionaire Elon Musk, soon to be the de facto leader of DOGE, proudly claimed, “there should be no need for FOIA requests” and “all government data should be default public for maximum transparency.” What quickly became apparent was there may be no need for FOIA requests, because there may be no FOIA officers to fulfill those requests.
DOGE quickly went to work slashing through the federal government, including seizing control of the U.S. Institute of Peace. Part of the takeover included restricting access to the agency’s FOIA system and firing the employees responsible for fulfilling FOIA requests, according to a letter sent to Bloomberg reporter Jason Leopold. Meanwhile, when CNN filed a FOIA request with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for information about Musk and DOGE’s security clearance, they were told: “Good luck with that,” because the FOIA officers had been fired.
DOGE also argued that its own records are exempt from FOIA under the Presidential Records Act, meaning records cannot be accessed until five years after President Donald Trump is out of office. While DOGE “doesn’t exist” anymore according to the OPM, there remains a lasting dark mark on the state of FOIA and records management.
By Electronic Frontier Foundation, MuckRock News & Illustrations by Shelby Criswell
The Secret Eyes in the Sky Award - Chula Vista Police Department, Cali.
In 2021, Arturo Castañares at La Prensa San Diego filed a request with the Chula Vista Police Department for copies of videos taken by drones responding to 911 calls as part of the city’s “drone as first responder” program. One of the goals was to evaluate the technology’s efficacy and risks to civil liberties.
The city worked overtime to maintain the secrecy of the footage at the same time officials publicly touted the drones as a revolution in policing. That’s some impressive trust-us-but-don’t-verify chutzpah. The city argued that every second of every video recorded by its drones was categorically off limits because they were law enforcement investigative records. They even got a trial court to initially buy the argument.
But an appellate court ruled that the investigatory records exemption is more limited, shielding only drone footage that is part of a criminal investigation or evidence of a suspected crime. Footage of wildfires, car wrecks, wild animal sightings and the like are not criminal investigations and must be disclosed.
The California Supreme Court rejected both of CVPD’s appeals and a trial court bench slapped the city for inaccurate and incomplete court filings. In the end, the city had to shell out north of $400,000 to its outside lawyers, and then paid Castañares’ lawyers more than $500,000 when he prevailed.
So what were Chula Vista police hiding? A bunch of routine service calls, such as unverified reports of a vehicle fire and a vehicle collision. Now, accord ing to La Prensa’s reporting, officials are trying to raid a public safety fund created by voters to reimburse the city for the cost of its ill-advised secrecy.
In an ongoing legal battle, attorneys representing Richmond asked a judge to prohibit former city FOIA officer Connie Clay from filing FOIA requests seeking information about her firing, and sought a gag order to prevent her from talking about the case. Clay alleges she was fired for insisting the city comply with public records law, describing what she calls a “chaotic and mismanaged” and illegal FOIA request process. Rather than agree to a $250,000 settlement, Richmond has spent more than $633,000 in taxpayer funds on legal costs. The trial and the FOIA library launch are both slated for the summer of 2026.
The Flock You AwardsMultiple Winners
If you live in one of the 5,000 cities where surveillance vendor Flock Safety claims to have established relationships with local cops, you may have noticed the sudden installation of little black cameras on poles by the side of the road or at intersections. These are automated license plate readers, which document every vehicle that passes within view, including the license plate, color, make, model and other distinguishing characteristics. The images are fed to Flock’s servers, and the company encourages police to share the images collected locally with law enforcement throughout the country. Each year, law enforcement agencies across the country conduct tens of millions of searches of each other’s databases.
The City of Darkness AwardRichmond, Va.
Richmond’s creation of a new FOIA Library may seem like a step toward transparency, but there are questions about the city’s commitment after it left the same officials subject to records requests in charge of curating which records might be released.
Faced with a plan to post all of the city’s eligible public records released under Virginia’s “sunshine” law, the Richmond City Council instead opted to go with the mayor’s alternative proposal. That plan lets the mayor’s administration — the same one that might be the subject of those records — decide what’s worth posting to the library.
Instead of providing access to all public records that the city released under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, the library will only contain a subset that officials believe meet certain criteria, including records that the administration deems “relevant” to city business or that would aid “accountability.”
The city cites concerns that “transparency without context” might be too confusing for the average citizen. Forgive us for having more faith in Richmond residents than its leaders do.
The city’s secrecy shenanigans extend beyond the FOIA library.
In 2025, journalists and privacy advocates started filing public records requests with agencies to get spreadsheets called a “Network Audit,” which shows every search, including who ran it and why. Accessing these audits uncovered abuse of the system including: investigating a woman who received an abortion, tar geting immigrants, sur veilling protesters, and running racist searches targeting Roma people.
In response, some cities have terminated their contracts with Flock Safety. Other law enforcement agencies, and Flock itself, have gone a different direction:
Taunton Police Department, Mass.: The police department told the ACLU of Massachusetts to cough up $1.8 million if the organi zation wanted its network audit logs— the highest public records fee we documented this year. The civil liberties group filed requests with agencies throughout the state for the audits, and most agencies handed over the spreadsheets for free and with little fanfare. Taunton, however, said it would take 20,000 hours to process the request, at $86.57 an hour.
Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Calif.: The Orange County Sheriff’s Department gave a number of reasons it wouldn’t release the network audit logs in response to a public records request. The most inane (and misspelled one): It would “disincentive law enforcement from conducting such research.” Aren’t cops the ones who say if you’re not doing anything wrong, you’ve got nothing to hide? Well, well, well, how the tables have turned.
Flock Safety: The company responded to criticisms of its automated license plate recognition network by sending legal threats aimed at trying to silence its critics. First, the company used a bogus trademark claim to threaten DeFlock.me—a crowdsourced map of ALPR. (EFF represented its creator.) Then it hired a company to try to get the hosts of HaveIBeenFlocked. com, which hosts an interface for searching these network audits, to remove the site from the internet.
The Database Deletion Award - Muneeb and Sohaib Akhter, formerly of Opexus
Brothers Muneeb and Sohaib Akhter are accused of essentially hitting delete on government data, destroying access to information contained in millions of records.
The government hired a federal contractor called Opexus, which hosts data and provides services to dozens of federal agencies. The company employed the Akhter siblings, though in February 2025, Opexus learned about the brothers’ previous convictions for wire fraud and obstructing justice. Soon after, the company fired the pair. But, according to prosecutors, the two decided to double down on being wildly unsuited for administrative access to government records systems.
The Akhters immediately turned around and retaliated “by accessing computers without authorization, issuing commands to prevent others from modifying the databases before deletion, deleting databases, stealing information, and destroying evidence of their unlawful activities,” according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The two have been accused of deleting 96 government databases, many of which contained FOIA records and sensitive investigative files. Their indictment alleges that a minute later, one brother queried an artificial intelligence tool for “how to clear system logs following the deletion of databases.” The brothers are also charged with stealing government records and conspiracy to commit computer fraud.
The Brothers Akhter allegedly took mere moments to destroy untold amounts of information that belonged to the public.
Though they could face decades in prison, the public may never know the extent of the damage.
—The Foilies were written by EFF’s Beryl Lipton, Dave Maass and Aaron Mackey and MuckRock’s Dillon Bergin, Kelly Kauffman and Anna Massoglia.
SOURCE PICKS
FRIDAY 03/20
OSTARA SPRING BALL
SPRING IS IN THE AIR
Ostara is a spring celebration for the return of the sun!
The event will indulge in a few pagan traditions, folklore, dance and crafts while serving tea and cakes. Dj J Meast will close out the night with a dance party! This is an event for people over 18. 6-10pm at Open Space Event Studios. 220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend. $30
FRIDAY 03/20
GOGGLE TAN-JAM FUNDRAISER FOR OREGON ADAPTIVE SPORTS
80S PARTY FUNDRAISER
This is an all-out 80's retro dance party in support of Oregon Adaptive Sports. The event turns things up and throws it back to the glory days of leg warmers, neon windbreakers, and goggle tans! Attendees are encouraged to dress in their most outrageous vintage ski gear to win prizes. 6-10pm at The Barrel Room at Upp Liquids. 550 SW Industrial Way #185, Bend. Free.
SATURDAY 03/21
LIVE SAXOPHONE - COFFEE –PASTRIES
MOODY MUSIC AND MORSELS
Those attending will enjoy a live solo saxophone performance at Nancy P’s Cafe & Bakery—smooth, soulful melodies played along with backing tracks featuring soft jazz, pop, and R&B. Relax with Nancy P’s famous freshbaked breads, flaky pastries, and hearty sandwiches in a cozy neighborhood café atmosphere. 9-11am at Nancy P's Cafe & Bakery. 1054 NW Milwaukee Ave, Bend. Free.
LARKSPUR STAND WITH BIM JEAM AND THE SADNESS
THEY’VE GOT THE BLUES
Larkspur Stand's first show of 2026 is partnering with Bim Jeam & the Sadness for a night of amplified and energized country blues, folk, bluegrass, and experimental adjacent genres. 7-10pm at Silver Moon Brewing. 24 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend. $12.24.
ANNA MOSS LIVE
ANNE-CORE FOR ANNA
Anna Moss has a voice that will stop one dead in their tracks. She commands attention and takes audiences on a spiritual journey when she sings. Moss’s vocal quality is so unique and deeply healing that crowds often beg for down tempo and a capella songs. It is in these moments that you can fully absorb the smokey, gritty and dynamic nature of her singing. 7-10pm at the Belfry. 302 E Main Ave, Sisters, $22.94.
SUNDAY 3/22
IT’S CHAOS AND DISTEST
AGAINST THE GRAIN
Hardcore punk fans and skateboarders of all ages in Central Oregon are in for a treat; Distest makes its way to Bend to showcase some heavy riffs that’ll make one want to roll-in the deep end. Local legends It’s Chaos will bring the energy with succinct, politically-motivated lyrics and a polished sound. Die Sect from Klamath County and Disposable Scum from Bend round out the bill providing Bend with the counter-culture it needs. All are welcome. 6:30-9pm at Silver Moon Brewing. 24 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend. $12.24.
MONDAY 3/23
CUBAN DANCE PARTY
LATIN NIGHTS
The playlist includes sweet songs from the Timba, Salsa, Bachata & Cumbia genres to get all of the Latin-groove wiggles out. Cover: Please support our host by buying from Upp Liquids!. 8-10pm at the Barrel Room. 550 SW Industrial Way #185, Bend. Free.
TUESDAY
CORB LUND AND BRANSON ANDERSON
SWEET MELODIES
Lund is a rural Albertan hailing from the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with a long family lineage of ranchers and rodeo people. He is about as authentic as they come, and equally as hard to define. The western Canadian singer songwriter is an elusive artist — onstage, offstage, and in the studio. 8-11pm at The Domino Room, 51 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend. $30.
WEDNESDAY
MACHETRES AND NOT YOUR EX LOVER
FIREY AND WIRE LIVE PERFORMANCE
Cumbia-punk veterans Machetres—singing in both Spanish and English—team up with friends and rising all-femme bubble-grunge band Not Your Ex Lover. This is a free event for all ages. They promise an unforgettable night blending hard rock, groovy cumbia, and glitter-soaked tales of heartbreak and resilience. 7-10pm at McMenamins Father Luke's Room. 700 NW Bond St., Bend. Free.
Matthew LeJune
Bim Jeam and the Sadness
Anna Moss Live
Machetres
Oregon Adaptive Sports
S SOUND
OThe Sky’s the Limit Tour
Umphrey’s McGee takes a page from the Grateful Dead playbook
By Bill Forman
ver the course of their 25-year career, Umphrey’s McGee’s praises have been sung by countless critics and musicians. But few have been as dear to the Indiana improv-rock group’s heart as those of Phil Lesh, the Grateful Dead cofounder who took the band under his wing early on. “I’m not so much paternalistic,” Lesh once told an interviewer, “as I am jealous that I can’t play with these guys all the time.”
“Phil was a creative genius, somebody we looked up to,” Umphrey’s keyboardist Joel Cummins said of their musical mentor, who passed away in October 2024, “He kind of embraced us, and not only sat in with us, but also tapped us to open for Phil and Friends a few times. It was an incredible honor.”
In a recent interview, Cummins fondly recalled the first time Lesh joined Umphrey’s onstage. “We were at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, which is kind of a classic venue for our scene, and we got word that he was going to come out to see the show. So we, of course, invited him to come play with us, and he came backstage during the break and looked through our covers list, which back then must have had 300 songs on it,” laughed the keyboardist. “And he’s going, ‘Man, I don’t know any of these,’ until he comes to [the Dead’s] “Franklin’s Tower,’ and he goes, ‘Well I know THIS one.’ So Phil sang and played bass, and (guitarist) Jake (Cinninger) was busting out his best Jerry [Garcia] chops for Phil, who was just loving it. He was so amused. It was really special.”
Like many groups on the jam-band circuit, Umphrey’s McGee still take a page from the Grateful Dead playbook when it comes to lengthy onstage improvisations and a seemingly endless supply of live recordings.
Many of their concerts are available online the morning after the show, while a string of live albums are rivaling the frequency of the Dead’s archival “Dick’s Picks” releases. Take, for instance, the band’s 18-track “Hall of Fame” collection. Released in November 2024, it clocks in at more than 17 minutes per track, for a combined running time of 4 hours and 20 minutes.
But when it comes to the studio, both bands have leaned toward a more economical approach. Umphrey’s McGee’s 2022 release “Asking for a Friend” averaged just four and a half minutes per song, the same as The
Grateful Dead album “Go To Heaven,” which was met with a mixed reaction from longtime Deadheads.
“I don’t really think about the length of the song,” Cummins said. “For me, it’s like ‘What are we trying to accomplish in the writing process?’ But we’re going to be turning that on its head a little bit with the next studio recording. It’s going to have multiple tracks that are over 15 minutes long.”
The group also recently released “Blueprints,” an album of recordings based on “improvisation themes” that audience members texted in real time during the band’s annual UMBowl show. Examples of the prompts, which were projected onto a large screen above the stage, include “Mongolian Throat Singing Meets Meshuggah,” “Who Dosed Debussy?” and “Dark Industrial Dance Party, Berlin, 3AM.” And if all that weren’t enough, the band organized a “pilgrimage” for hardcore fans to go see the band perform a three-night run in Morocco last April.
All of which is a far cry from the band’s humble beginnings, when they went six months without having monitors. “Other than the vocals, you were able to hear things pretty well,” Cummins said with a laugh. “So when we got monitors, that definitely opened up some new channels where we were like, ‘Oh, I can hear what you’re doing now.”
A few years later, Umphrey’s McGee had another breakthrough after playing a friend’s wedding reception. “It was in the Jimmy Stewart Ballroom at the Renaissance Hotel in Pittsburgh and there was also a Notre Dame football game, and by the end of it, we were pretty loose,” Cummins recalled. “So we got the idea to go back down there to play. And when we got there, we thought, ‘Let’s turn the lights out, and then maybe they won’t know we’re here.’”
Probably not the most fool-proof strategy, but the front desk didn’t get any complaints, and the band played on. “We ended up improvising in the dark, and it was this big moment for us where we kind of realized that we could really trust in our ears,” Cummins said. “And I feel like that was kind of the advent of us having some really good moments of improvisation in our shows.”
Two decades later, Umphrey’s McGee, which also includes guitarist/singer Brendan Bayliss, bassist Ryan Stasik, percussionist Andy Farag and new drummer Scotty Zwang (who has stepped in for the departing Kris Myers), have managed to outlive the countless bands that have aired their breakup stories on VH1’s “Behind the Music:”
“It certainly hasn’t always been easy, but I think there’s a very brotherly love and support system there,” said Cummins. “We all care about each other, and we still want to go out there and have fun and create interesting music together. And then the other part of that is, I have no idea what the hell else we would do.”
Umphrey’s McGee
Wed, March 25, 7pm
Midtown Ballroom
51 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend midtownballroom.com/calendar $43.68
jgullo, via Wikimedia Commons
Ryan Stasik plays bass for Umphrey's McGee.
CALENDAR
18 Wednesday
24 NW Greenwood Ave Alternative Programming Comedy A Stand-Up Comedy night for those of us who want a different kind of Alternative Programming. Audience members will leave wanting blue hair and a septum piercing. 7:30-9pm. $10.
Craft Kitchen and Brewery Comedy Open Mic Night Open mic comedy on Bend’s NE side. Come down, eat some BBQ, drink some drinks, and be prepared to laugh. 7:30-9pm. Free.
Northside Bar & Grill Mellow Wednesday Open Mic Night Come down for our Open Mic Night hosted by Derek Michael Marc!!! Sign up at 530pm to get a spot to play! 5:30-8pm. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing Samantha Henson & Anderson Knight of Billy and the Boxkid + Jared McCombs Samantha Henson & Anderson Knight of Billy and the Boxkid + Jared McCombs share heartfelt music in a special songwriters night. 7-10pm. $12.24.
The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse Jazz at the Suttle Lodge Dirty Jazz with Wolfe House Records, first and third Wednesdays of the month, all winter long! RSVP required for overnight lodging guests. 6pm. $17.59
19 Thursday
The Capitol Nocturne Bend Goth Night NOCTURNO is a live music event featuring darkwave, EBM, Post Punk, Death Rock and Idustrial genres. This is a night of gothic sonic adventure that will tickle the enjoyment of the audience. 9pm-1am. $10.
The Cellar Live Irish Trad Music with The Ballybogs! Live music featuring Bend’s Irish Trad band, The Ballybogs! Every Thursday at The Cellar. Seats fill up, so get there early! 6-8pm. Free.
LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE
Hosmer Bar Bingo Night Your week just found its highlight—bingo! Drinks, good company and a little friendly competition. 7-9pm. Free.
The Lot Draven Lush solo saxophone ballads, smooth R&B style. 6-8pm. Free.
Mountain Burger James Townsend at Mountain Burger! James Townsend is performing live for Thursday Night Live at Mountain Burger! This is an event bound to be a great time with music snacks and good food. 6-8pm. Free.
Ponch’s Place Trivia Thursdays With QuizHead Games. 6-8pm. Free.
River’s Place Lilli Worona and Mike Biggers Heartfelt Americana with classical and folk roots. 6-8pm. Free.
SCP Redmond Hotel Third Thursday Spoken Word Night This is the perfect event for writers and readers and word-lovers alike. Readers are invited to arrive early to sign up. Readers have seven minutes at the mic. Food and drink are available for purchase. 6-8pm. Free.
The Winery at Manzanita- Bend Vino & Vibes Enjoy an evening of wine and Local community grooves every Thursday. Local singers and song writers welcome. 5-7pm. Free.
20 Friday
473 E Hood Ave The Roundabouts Improv Group at Spoons The Roundabouts Improv, Central Oregon’s favorite short-form improv troupe, are back at Spoons to dish out more totally unscripted comedy fun! Dinner and drinks at 6:30. Show starts 7:30-9:15pm. $17.59.
The Astro Lounge Live local sounds with assorted DJs. Live local sounds from different artists every Friday and Saturday. 10pm-2am. Weekend cover charge.
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Stage 28 Karaoke
Come out for a night of Stage 28 Karaoke with your host Miss Min! What’s your go-to karaoke tune? Come to Hardtails for a fun Friday night and sing your heart out! 8pm-Midnight. Free.
Open Space Event Studios Ostara
Spring Ball Ostara is a spring celebration for the return of the sun! The event will indulge in a few pagan traditions, folklore, dance and crafts while serving tea and cakes. Dj J Meast will close out the night with a dance party! This is an event for people over 18. 6-10pm. $30.
Silver Moon Brewing Song of Sunset Episode 2: Film Premiere & Live Songwriter Circle celebrating the magic of small stages, where raw songwriting and intimate community gatherings shape the magic of local music. This special event pairs a cinematic premiere of a fresh new episode with a live songwriter circle,. 6:30-10pm. $15–$25.
The Barrel Room at Upp Liquids
Goggle Tan Jam – Fundraiser for Oregon Adaptive Sports This is an all-out 80's retro dance party in support of Oregon Adaptive Sports. The event turns things up and throws it back to the glory days of leg warmers, neon windbreakers, and goggle tans! Attendees are encouraged to dress in their most outrageous vintage ski gear to win prizes. 6-10pm. Free.
The Commonweath Pub Superball Superball is back to rock the Commonwealth! From Zep to originals, you never know what you’ll get. But it will rock. 8-10pm.Free.
21 Saturday
The Astro Lounge Live local sounds with assorted DJs. Live local sounds from different artists every Friday and Saturday. 10pm-2am. Weekend cover charge.
The Belfry Anna MossAnna Moss has a voice that will stop one dead in their tracks. She commands attention and takes audiences on a spiritual journey when she sings. Moss’s vocal quality is so unique and deeply healing that crowds often beg for down tempo and Acapella songs. It is in these moments that you can fully absorb the smokey, gritty and dynamic nature of her singing. 7-10pm. $22.94.
The Commonwealth Pub Fractal Fractal is an organic jamtronica dance band from Bend Oregon. Formed in the winter of 2019 with the intention of bringing a big old dance party to Central Oregon! 8-10pm.
McMenamins Father Luke’s Room JuJu Eyeball JuJu Eyeball, Central Oregon’s premier Beatles band, will be performing live at Mcmenamin’s. 7-10pm. $18.99/ $20 at door.
Nancy P’s Cafe & Bakery Live Saxophone - Coffee - Pastries Those attending will enjoy a live solo saxophone performance at Nancy P’s Café & Bakery—smooth, soulful melodies played along with backing tracks featuring soft jazz, pop, and R&B. 9-11am. Free.
River’s Place Saturday Jazz Sessions Seth Burrows trio with Mathew Williams on drums. 6-8pm. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing Mild Universe & Theodor Mild Universe is a San Francisco based indie-dance collective that fuses ‘90s house influence with disco, soul, and post-punk, creating an eclectic live performance that’s impossible to resist. Percussionist and songwriter Sam Jones crafts catchy indie-psych tracks with a dancefloor twist, complemented by effortless, soulful vocals. 7-10:30pm. $17.59.
Silver Moon Brewing Larkspur Stand with Bim Jeam & The Sadness Larkspur Stand’s first show of 2026 is partnering with Bim Jeam & the Sadness for a night of amplified and energized country blues, folk, bluegrass, and experimental adjacent genres. 7-10pm. $12.24.
22 Sunday
Dogwood At The Pine Shed Okay Karaoke Sing your favorite songs with friends, enjoy professional sound and lighting, and let the spotlight shine on you. Hosted by the dynamic Tammy Larsen, it’s the perfect night out for music lovers and party people alike. Noon-11pm. Free. River’s Place Trivia Gather the team for this friendly battle of the minds hosted by Useless Knowledge Bowl. Free to play & prizes to win! Check out our Mimosa menu! Noon-2pm. Free.
River’s Place Chris Beland A troubadour in the tradition of Bob Dylan, Andrew Bird, and Neil Young. 6-8pm. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing It’s Chaos and Distest Hardcore punk fans and skateboarders of all ages in Central Oregon are in for a treat; Distest makes their way to Bend to showcase some heavy riffs that’ll make one want to roll-in in the deep end. Local legends It’s Chaos will bring the energy with succinct, politically-motivated lyrics and a polished sound. Die Sect from Klamath County and Disposable Scum from Bend round out the bill providing Bend with the counter-culture it needs. All are welcome. 6:30-9pm. $12.24.
23
Monday>
Bevel Craft Brewing Bingo with Bren Supporting Kids Center Bingo with Bren hosts on Monday nights! This month, we’re proud to support KIDS Center. Cards are $2 each or 6 for $10 (cash only), with cash prizes awarded every round. Bring the whole family for an evening of fun, community, and friendly competition! 6-8pm. $2.
M&J Tavern Vinyl Night Monday Night just got better!!! 9pm to Midnight. SupaFly will be your Dj. Bring your own vinyl and sign up to add it to the Playlist or pick from hers. . Free.
The Barrel Room at Upp Liquids Cuban Dance Party! The playlist includes sweet songs from the Timba, Salsa, Bachata & Cumbia genres to get all of the Latin-groove wiggles out. Cover: Please support our host by buying from Upp Liquids! 23rd of every month, 8-10pm. Free.
24
Tuesday
Beach Hut Deli Tip of the Tongue Trivia Come out and play Tip of the Tongue trivia for a chance to win some great prizes and show off your trivia skills! 6-8pm. Free.
The Belfry SFF Presents Cat Clyde at The Belfry Ontario’s Cat Clyde blends soulful blues with folktinged warmth, creating a modern, intimate sound that feels as comfortable and perfectly crafted as a well-worn corduroy-road cloth. 7-9pm. $30.
The Domino Room Corb Lund & Branson Anderson Lund is a rural Albertan hailing from the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with a long family lineage of ranchers and rodeo people. He is about as authentic as they come, and equally as hard to define. The western Canadian singer-songwriter is an elusive artist — onstage, offstage, and in the studio. 8-11pm. $30.
Singer Cat Clyde from Ontario is performing live at the Belfry on March 24 from 7-9pm. She is known for her style that evokes a blues and folk influence.
Elements Public House Trivia (&Taco) Tuesdays Quiz fans of Redmond: bring your crew this week for UKB live trivia & more! Delicious menu favorites, brews, cocktails, plus Taco Tuesday menu! Play for gift card prizes or just for fun. Bring good vibes and a pen. 6:30pm. Free.
The Lot Trivia Tuesdays Stop scrolling and streaming, get out of the house and flex the brain. Anyone an attendee will invite will be excited, so put it out there and make memories on Tuesday nights. A local host challenges participants with six questions in six categories. 6-7:30pm. Free.
The Commonweath Pub Jazz FolksTuesday Night Jazz Jazz Folks has been offering some of the best traditional and contemporary jazz (Monk to Miles to Marcus Miller!), fusion and world music in Central Oregon for close to a decade. 7-9pm. Free.
25 Wednesday
The Astro Lounge Karaoke with Christina The Karafun catalog gives participants thousands of songs to sing to. Great sound system and brand new wireless mics. Drink specials are available during the event. Attendees are invited to sing their hearts out. 9pm-1am. Free.
Boneyard Pub Sax & Chill A saxophonist will be playing live at the Boneyard Pub on the last Wednesday each month—smooth grooves, craft beer, and a lively brewpub vibe with great food and local flavor. 6-8pm. Free.
The Capitol Karaoke Drink specials! Air guitars! Come see for yourself. 8pm-1am. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Eric Leadbetter Solo Musician Eric Leadbetter gathers his inspiration from vintage rock sounds sprinkled with tasteful jam sections. Concert goers will enjoy a contemporary eclectic melting pot of songwriting styles. 7:30-9:30pm. Free.
JC’s Bar & Grill Wing-SKEY Wednesday + Trivia Enjoy $0.75 wings, cheap whiskey and drink deals. Trivia with the infamous “physical” challenge (think musical chairs, limbo, paper airplanes, etc.) kicks off at 7pm. 7pm. Free.
McMenamins Father Luke’s Room Machetres and Not Your Ex Lover Cumbia-punk veterans Machetres—singing in both Spanish and English—team up with friends and rising all-femme bubble-grunge band Not Your Ex Lover. This is a free event for all ages. They promise an unforgettable night blending hard rock, groovy cumbia, and glitter-soaked tales of heartbreak and resilience. 7-10pm. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing Stacy Antonel & Thea the Band Imagine Tammy Wynette crossed with the Ventures and you’ll have an idea of the sonic world of Americana artist Stacy Antonel’s forthcoming EP, The Seahorses: Volume 1. Always a genre-defying artist, Antonel blends her passion for classic country, jazz and surf rock with this collection of songs, and the result is a fresh hybrid of musical styles that feels both vintage and hyper-modern. 7-10:30pm. $17.59.
MUSIC
Josh Blue After his groundbreaking win on Last Comic Standing in 2006, Josh Blue has risen through the ranks to become a well-established headliner at venues throughout the world. In 2018, Josh crushed his set on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon! March 19, 7:30pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541317-0700. info@towertheatre.org. Tickets: $29 - $54 (plus $8 Historic Preservation fee).
FILM EVENTS
2026 HUMP! Film Festival This event is 21+. Spring 2026, featuring brand new, wildly creative short films. The 2026 program, is filled with jaw-dropping artistry, laugh-out-loud moments, and daring scenes that will have audiences cheering right alongside the crowd. March 21, 5:30pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Dr., Bend. $15-$20.
Women’s Adventure Film Tour 2026
This is a celebration of the inspiring women around us who are doing extraordinary things in the name of adventure. March 18, 6:15-8:30pm. Sisters Movie House, 720 Desperado Court, Sisters. Contact: 5415498833. inquiries@sistersmoviehouse.com. $17.
ARTS + CRAFTS
Art Play Toddlers and preschoolers will dive into process-based art through sensory stations, open-ended exploration, and hands-on creative play. This is for kids ages 2-5. Thursdays-Saturdays, 10-11am. Two Suns Art Studio + MakerSpace, 70 SW Century Drive, Bend. Contact: 541892-6471. taylor@twosunsartstudio.com. $25.
Artist Talk: Michele Guieu Michele Guieu is providing an informal, artist-led walk-through of Seeds of Abundance. Moving through the gallery, she will share stories from the land, the farm, and the making of the exhibition, offering insight into materials, process, and participation. This is a conversational, movement-based evening rather than a traditional lecture. March 19, 5:30pm. Scalehouse Collaborative for the Arts, 550 NW Franklin Ave, Bend. Free.
Bioactive Fairy Garden Terrarium Workshop Participants will step into a tiny world of wonder at The People Apothecary this March. They will build their own bioactive fairy garden terrarium while learning the essentials of living, self-sustaining miniature ecosystems. Space is limited, reserve your spot and craft a living fairy garden that thrives. Sliding scale available. March 19, 6-7:30pm. The Peoples Apothecary, 1841 NE Division Street, Bend. Contact: 5417282368. classes@thepeoplesapothecary.net. $85.
Botany Arts & Crafts Crafters will be able to make their own pressed flower candles, then shape a unique and cute clay holder to match. It’s an easy, feel-good craft where they will leave with something unique! This arts & craft session will be lead by owner of Two Suns Studio. March 21, 1-3pm. Two Suns Art Studio + MakerSpace, 70 SW Century Drive, Bend. Contact: hdceventscoordinator@gmail.com. $23.18.
Gelli-plate Monotype Printmaking with FREAK’N ART Participants will make layered gelli-plate prints using mushrooms with Anastasia Zielinski of FREAK’N ART. Students will experiment with texture, layering, and color to produce one-of-a-kind prints. Monotype printmaking is a form of printmaking where each print is unique, encouraging play, discovery, and improvisation. Celebrate the unexpected beauty of fungi! March 20, 3-4:30pm. Sunriver Library, Venture Lane, Sunriver. Contact: 5413121029. laurelh@deschuteslibrary.org. Free.
High Desert Art League Member
Show Members of the High Desert Art League present a new exhibit of paintings through the month of March. The collection includes works in oil, acrylic, watercolor, encaustic, mixed media, and photography. Jan. 7-March 31, 9am-5pm. Premiere Property Group, 25 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-241-6860. Free.
Intro to Jewelry Soldering - Silver Stacked Rings
This fun and creative class introduces one to the basics of soldering and the art of creating beautiful sterling silver rings. Participants will use a torch for soldering and learn how to size, shape, and texture rings. They will
take home new skills and three beautifully crafted rings! Mon, March 23, 6-8pm. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@diycave.com. $129 + material costs.
Kids ‘No School Days’ Studio: Printmaking Camp! This event will spark a child’s creativity in this kids camp exploring mixed-media printmaking. Students try collagraphs, subtractive styrofoam landscapes, and additive radial prints on paper and tote bags, plus free choice. All materials included. Attendees are encouraged to bring a snack and messy clothes. Limited to 10 artists per session. Wed, March 18, 9:30am-Noon-Thu, March 19, 9:30am-Noon and Fri, March 20, 9:30am-Noon. FREAK’N ART, 1265 NW Wall st., Bend. Contact: 5415087438. HelloFreakNArt@gmail.com. $150.
Paint Your Pet Paint & Sip This is a PAWS-itively fun evening of creativity, sips, and furry friends! Participants will be able to paint a portrait of their beloved pet (or any pet they'd like!), all while sipping on their favorite drinks. Sun, March 22, 4-7pm. Bend Wine Bar & Winery Tasting Room, 550 SW Industrial Way, Bend. Contact: sarahanneswoffer@gmail.com. $65. Sewcial! Free Creative Connection This is a free event with a $10 suggested donation. Fashion Workshop provides all sewing machines, tools, notions! RSVP at www.fashionforeveryone. org Thu, March 19, 4-6:30pm. Redmond Public Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond. Contact: community@fashionforeveryone.org. Free.
Soul of the Land: Quilts by June Jaeger The Belknap Exhibit Center at the Bowman Museum presents Soul of the Land, quilts and textile art by renowned Oregon artist June Jaeger. Born in Prineville, Jaeger’s hand-crafted work reflects Central Oregon landscapes, tradition, and a lifelong connection to the land through award-winning artistry. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10am-5pm. Belknap Exhibit Center, 136 NE 3rd St, Prineville. Contact: 541-447-3715. sean.briscoe@crookcountyor.gov. Free.
Studio Tours at Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture At the event, attendees will be guided on a tour of the studios where the residents are experimenting, doing research, and working on projects at the Ranch. March 19, 5-6:30pm. Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, 68467 Three Creek Rd., Sisters. Contact: 5419040700. moriah@ roundhousefoundation.org. Free.
Tarot and Empanadas at Los Andes Whether one is looking for the pros and cons of a life situation or looking for a new start, participants will find this tarot card reading event insightful and fun. . Those purchasing a yummy empanada will get $2 off a three card reading. March 25, 4-6pm. Los Andes Sports Bar & Cafe, 384 SW Upper Terrace Dr., Bend. Contact: 541241-4709. cardswithcrystals@gmail.com. $20.
Tea Cup, Saucer and Strainer Pottery Workshop Bend Teal is celebrating its opening with a special hand-building pottery workshop designed to honor the beauty and ritual of tea. Krista of La Luce Studio will guide this 2.5 hour experience, where participants will create their own ceramic tea cup, matching saucer, and handcrafted strainer, a complete set. March 21, 11am-1:30pm. Teal Tea & Art Lounge, 1024 NW Bond St. Ste101, Bend. Contact: 415-308-4538. krista@lalucestudio.com. $140.
Josh Blue, a comedian who performed on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2018, is performing at the Tower Theatre on March 19 at 7:30pm.
Josh Blue
Teen CNC Design and Production Course (Ages 10-17) This multiweek course begins with an introduction to CNC machines, lasers, and 3D printers. Students will gain an understanding of how these machines operate, their capabilities, and their limitations. Wednesdays, 3-5:30pm. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@ diycave.com. $57.
THEATER
Much Ado About Nothing Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing comes to Central Oregon! The audience will enjoy this timeless, romantic romp full of misunderstandings, deceptions, adorations, and more! The production of Much Ado has been adapted into a shorter, reimagined version of the classic Shakespeare show. Inspired by classic high fantasy stories, this story. Fri, March 20, 7-9pm, Sat, March 21, 2-4 and 7-9pm and Sun, March 22, 3-5pm. High Desert Music Hall, 818 SW Forest Ave., Redmond. Contact: NA. meadowskyproductions@gmail.com. $30.
WORDS
The Silver State by Gabriel Urza, in conversation with Karla Nash, AD at Deschutes Defenders Author and former public defender Gabriel Urza and Karla Nash, Assistant Director at Deschutes Defenders, will discuss, The Silver State. “What if justice isn’t something the legal system is truly capable of?” March 19, 6:30-7:30pm. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. Contact: 5413066564. events@roundaboutbookshop.com. $5.
OUTDOOR EVENTS
Bend Adult Volleyball Bend Hoops adult open gym volleyball sessions offer players a chance to get together and enjoy some competition. To sign up, go to meetup.com and RSVP. Bring exact change. Sundays, 7-9pm and Saturdays, 7:30pm. Bend Hoops, 1307 NE 1st St, Bend. $10.
Bevel Putting Mayhem Disc Golfers will ove this Bevel Putting Mayhem event in the hop garden at Bevel! $5 entry, with an optional $1 perfect putt pot, and $1 off beers for players. Sign-ups start at 5:30, first putts at 6pm. All skill levels are welcome making this the perfect event to meet new friends! Wednesdays, 5:30-8pm. Bevel Craft Brewing, 911 SE Armour St., Bend. Contact: 5419723835. holla@bevelbeer.com. $5.
Wildlife and Birds Photography Walk
Whether one is a beginner or an experienced photographer, the Lead Wildlife Educator and photographer, will provide techniques for composition, lighting, and capturing elusive wildlife moments, all while learning how to respect and protect the animals encountered. March 21, 9-11am. Reynolds Pond, 15 Miles east of Bend, off Alfalfa Market Road, Alfalfa. Contact: 541316-0067. becca@thinkwildco.org. Free.
GROUPS + MEETUPS
Cascades East Transit Pop-up Event
Cascades East Transit is hosting a Transit 101 and CET GO pass-enrollment pop-up event. Riders can sign up for CET GO bus passes.They will learn how the new payment system works, get qualified for reduced fare, learn how to ride the bus, and CET’s expanded Dial-a-ride services. March 20, 11am-2pm. Redmond Senior Center, 325 NW Dogwood Ave, Redmond. Contact: 9714090513. jwoodward@coic.org. Free.
Central Oregon Mushroom Club hosts “From Spores to Spectrum” with Julie Beeler The event features Julie Beeler, an artist, educator and author of the stunning “Mushroom Color Atlas” as she shares the many vibrant colors and dyes made from fungi in a webinar from the North American Mycological Society. March 19, 6-8pm. Brooks Hall at Trinity Episcopal Church, 469 Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-280-9686. info@centraloregonmushroomclub.com. Free.
Death Café Eat tasty treats, drink tea and discuss death. Free of agenda or ideology, the aim is to increase awareness of death to help people make the most of their lives. Facilitated by end of life doula, Cheryl Adcox. This event is for ages 16 and older. No late admittance: entry is closed at 6:10pm. March 25, 6-7:30pm. Rosie Bareis Campus, 1010 NW 14th St., Bend. Contact: 5413121029. laurelh@deschuteslibrary.org. Free.
Dog Adoption Event Herding Dog Rescue of Central Oregon will be at Bend Pet Express Eastside with several dogs that need new homes. Everyone is welcome to come meet these dogs and find their companion to go on walks, runs, and snuggle with! March 21, 11am-2pm. Bend Pet Express Eastside, 420 NE Windy Knolls Drive, Bend. Contact: 458-292-8362. Herdingdogrescue@gmail.com. Free.
Marijuana Anonymous Marijuana Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share the experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from marijuana addiction. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using marijuana. Entrance on Staats St. Mondays, 5:30-6:30pm. Bend Church, 680 NW Bond Street, Bend. Contact: 541-633-6025. curbdaherb@gmail.com. Free.
Rally League Night Ping-pong events and foosball leagues are starting up! At the first few meetings, we will have round robin play, gauge interest and determine league formats. All ages and levels welcome. Wednesdays, 5-8pm. Rally Recreation, 549 NW York Dr, Bend. Contact: 541241-8581. info@rallyrecreation.com. $8-$10.
Scrabble Club Meet upstairs. Club uses the 7th edition of the Scrabble Players Dictionary. All levels welcome. Wednesdays, 6-8:30pm. Market of Choice, 115 NW Sisemore St, Bend. Contact: 828-707-4390. testudine2002@yahoo.com. Free.
Women’s Cancer Support Group This is a group of cancer survivoring women providing support and information to those newly diagnosed with cancer or who may be undergoing treatment. Thursdays, 1-3pm. First Presbyterian Church, 230 NE Ninth St., Bend. Contact: judyerickso@gmail.com. Free.
FAMILY + KIDS
Art for Pre-school Class This is a class designed just for preschoolers ages 3–5! Each month features new themes and includes hands-on art projects, games, poems, story time, sensory-based pretend play and fun! Tuesdays-Thursdays, 10am-Noon. Wondery Art + Adventure School, 19570 Amber Meadow Dr Suite 110, Bend. Contact: 434-603-0301. julie@ wonderyschool.com. $45.
Kids Après - Touch-A-Truck Kids will be able to climb aboard a snowcat and snow removal trucks, explore the cabins, and see the controls up close. The friendly staff will be there to answer questions and share insights about these amazing machines. Kids will receive a free gift at this event, while supplies last! March 21, Noon-2pm. Mt. Bachelor, 13000 Century Drive, Bend. Free.
Kids Ninja 6-Week Series (Winter/ Spring) Challenging Ninja Warrior circuits will keep kids developing new skills. They will feel empowered as they improve speed, increase strength, become more coordinated, and enhance athletic abilities. This is a 6-week series, multiple days/times of the week to choose from. This is for kids ages 6-10. (No class the week of 3/23) Mondays, 3:15-4:15pm, Tuesdays, 4:15-5:15 and 5:30-6:30pm and Thursdays, 4:155:15pm. Through April 2. Contact: 5412413919. info@freespiritbend.com. $144.
BEER + DRINK
Feywild Tea and Puzzle Party Attendees will be able to sample delicious in-house tea blends, pastries and finger sandwiches as they put their mind to the test to solve brain teasers and puzzles. Prizes are awarded to everyone who completes a puzzle or solves a riddle. The buffet food is sold separately. March 21, 9am-3pm. Pangaea Guild Hall, 652 SW Sixth St., Redmond. Contact: 541-323-0964. $22.94.
HEALTH + WELLNESS
Becoming Superhuman Seminar + Energy Session The event will be led by Founder of Unifyd Health and Global Visionary Jason Shurka. Participants will be able to connect to the infinite possibilities that surround them and unleash their quantum potential to regain ground in their health sovereignty. March 21, 9am-Noon. Epic Energy Centers, 205 NW Franklin Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-449-9829. support@epicenergycenters.com. $89.
The Intersection of Psilocybin & Business Central Oregon entrepreneurs share what shifted after a legal, facilitated psilocybin experience at a licensed Oregon service center—and why it matters for how they lead. Participants will learn how they sharpen their vision on complex problems, navigate stress & uncertainty, lead with empathy & clarity and reconnect with purpose. March 19, 4:30pm. Embark Coworking Community, 2843 NW Lolo Drive, Bend. Contact: (541) 719-8233. kris@dropthesis.com. Free.
The Slow Down Series: Breathwork and Meditation for Relaxation The Hanai is hosting a relaxing session of guided breathwork and meditation that is centered all around slowing down and embracing the present moment. Participants will relax into a peaceful gathering where they can quiet down the outside world and reconnect with themselves. Wed, Jan. 28, 6-7pm, Wed, Feb. 25, 6-7pm, Wed, March 25, 6-7pm and Wed, April 29, 6-7pm. Hanai, 62430 Eagle Rd, Bend. Contact: 949-274-2731. jane@ thewowphase.com. $20.
The Death Café will be happening at the Rosie Bareis Campus for those who seek comfortability around the conversation of death.
Rosie Bareis Campus
CHOW C Fresh Catch on Wheels
NorthFresh Sushi shines with pristine fish, inventive rolls and lightning fast service at two local food cart lots
By Donna Britt
In my mind, sushi was something you ordered in a sleek restaurant with a long bar, a serious chef and a fairly serious price tag. A food truck was not where I expected to find pristine slices of fish and beautifully rolled maki.
My first bite at NorthFresh Sushi proved me very wrong. Sometimes all you need is a brightly painted food truck, a sunny picnic table and a talented chef who takes seafood very seriously. The group I was with ordered widely and generously shared tastes around the table. Someone passed me a piece of Big Eye tuna nigiri and I paused for a moment after the first bite. The fish was buttery and clean tasting.
Sushi newcomers will find approachable rolls filled with vegetables or cooked seafood. Devoted sushi fans can zero in on pristine raw fish and creative combinations.
Then came the NorthFresh Poke Bowl, another fan favorite. The bowl featured Big Eye tuna layered with cucumber, sweet onion, jalapeno, pineapple chunks, green onions, avocado and lemon, all drizzled with spicy mayo and sriracha and finished with furikake seasoning. The combination of bright fruit, mild heat and silky fresh fish worked beautifully together. Every bite had something a little different going on.
Another standout that evening was the Spicy Tiger Roll. The roll begins with cucumber and tempura shrimp, then is topped with spicy tuna, avocado and sesame seeds. Crisp shrimp, creamy avocado and fresh tuna all wrapped in a memorable bite. I left that meal impressed and determined to come back.
Now, I’ll admit I’m a little late to the party. NorthFresh first rolled into Central Oregon at The Bite in Tumalo about six years ago and somehow it slipped past my radar. A couple years later a second truck opened at Midtown Yacht Club in Bend. After a stint at Blacksmith Public House in Redmond, the team has now launched its newest location, which opened earlier this month at Dry Canyon Club, also in Redmond.
On a recent second visit, I start ed with the gyoza at the Midtown Yacht Club truck. These potstickers are filled with white meat chicken and vegetables and lightly fried until the wrappers turn delicately golden. The six dumplings arrived steaming hot and packed with flavor. They were honestly some of the best potstickers I’ve ever had.
Next came the Spicy Tuna Roll, an eight-piece classic that proved once again how much care goes into the ingredients here. The roll features yellowfin tuna with cucumber, sesame seeds, sriracha, toasted sesame oil
by
and a squeeze of fresh lime. The result is crisp, clean and just spicy enough to keep things interesting. Generous fresh slices of pickled ginger on the side offered a bright palate reset between bites. Perhaps the most surprising part of the meal was the price. The roll cost just nine dol lars and the dumplings five dollars, a combination that felt like a steal considering the quality. Regulars have plenty of other favorites as well. The Hyper Drip Roll has become something of a signature item, an exuberant creation packed with avocado, jalapeno, cream cheese and real crab, topped with king salmon, spicy mayo, eel sauce and sriracha. The roll is finished with sweet chili sauce, crunchy onions, green onions, tobiko and sesame seeds. It’s bold and fun. Poke bowls are a major draw. The NorthFresh Bowl with Big Eye tuna, jalapeno and pineapple continues to be a top seller. Those seeking serious heat gravitate toward the Kimchi Ghost Pepper Poke Bowl, which features fresh tuna tossed with Mama O’s famously spicy kimchi paste. The staff describe it simply as fire, and they are not exaggerating. Prices for bowls range from fourteen dollars for the Full of Shrimp Bowl to fifty dollars for the generous Sashimi Combo featuring fifteen cuts of fresh fish with a side of sushi rice.
The menu extends well beyond rolls and bowls. Appetizers include tempura battered avocado slices, seaweed salad, tempura poppers and shrimp. There is even an Orange Chicken Bowl for diners who might not be in the mood for seafood. Nigiri options range from four dollars for ebi shrimp to ten dollars for premium fish like hamachi, king salmon and Big Eye tuna. Maki rolls cover an impressive spectrum as well, from four dollar mini rolls with avocado or cucumber to the eighteen dollar Legend Roll packed with deep sea crab, salmon and yellowtail. Another crowd pleaser is the Redmond Roll with spicy tuna, Big Eye tuna, cucumber, onions and a house sauce.
In other words, there is something here for nearly everyone. Sushi newcomers will find approachable rolls filled with vegetables or cooked seafood. Devoted sushi fans can zero in on pristine raw fish and creative combinations. For me, the biggest surprise was simply how good everything tasted coming from a pair of humble food trucks. The fish is fresh, the presentation is beautiful and the service is impressively fast, even when a line forms. I can’t believe it took me this long to discover NorthFresh Sushi. But I am very glad I finally did!
NorthFresh Sushi Make Poke https://www.northfresh.co IG: northfreshsushi
Midtown Yacht Club, 1661 NE 4th Street, Bend Dry Canyon Club, 1865 NW Hemlock Ave., Redmond
NorthFresh Sushi trucks are located at the Midtown Yacht Club in Bend and the Dry Canyon Club in Redmond. A delish NorthFresh lunch with a Spicy Tuna roll and a half dozen chicken potstickers came in under $15.
Photos
Donna Britt
LITTLE BITES
By Nic Moye
Japanese Food To-Go
A new takeout kitchen opens on SE Third Street
Anew Japanese restaurant is offering food to take home and enjoy. PAN Japanese Kitchen has opened on SE Third Street in the former location of Sweetheart Donuts. It’s owned by Anne Chavaree Matrakul and Pat Oracha Penyachoti who own Thai Table and Dragon Chinese Kitchen along with Chef JJ Jate Jitmetta, who is Penyachoti’s cousin. Chef JJ started his sushi career in San Francisco. Since 2020, he’s run Soho Modern Japanese in Fremont, California. He moved to Bend two months ago.
“We wanted to create something a little different for Bend — the kind of food we personally love to eat,” Matrakul told the Source. “We put a lot of care into both the flavor and the presentation, believing that food should not only taste delicious but also be beautifully presented.”
For now, PAN Japanese Kitchen only offers take-out because it doesn’t have a dine-in permit. Eventually, Matrakul says they plan to remodel to include indoor seating. She describes the menu as “a fast-casual Japanese concept focusing on comforting favorites such as Chef’s Tasting Bento, Donburi Bowls, Ramen, many more and Sushi will be added on later.”
The name PAN is a collaboration of the three partner’s names: Pat, Anne and N for Noom which Is JJ’s Thai nickname. “Our goal with PAN Japanese Restaurant is to create a simple and approachable spot where people can enjoy fresh Japanese unique comfort food quickly, whether for takeout or a casual meal,” she says. “One of the items we are especially proud of is our Chef’s Tasting Bento, which we carefully designed for takeout. We put a lot of care into making sure the food stays fresh, flavorful and beautifully arranged, so that when customers open the box at home, the experience is still exciting and delicious.”
PAN Japanese Kitchen Tue-Sun 11am-3pm, 4pm-9pm 210 SE 3rd St, Bend panbend.com/ 541-539-3654
Featured above, is the Chicken Katsu, and below, the Salmon Ginger Soy Bento Box.
Jennifer Galler
CULTURE
Bend artist Michele Guieu takes to heart the quote, “Beauty is everywhere, but the catastrophe is immense,” by French astrophysicist Aurelien Barrau. It’s a paradox about the stunning beauty of nature, art and life while simultaneously acknowledging that humans create situations of crisis.
“Enjoy nature. Enjoy the beauty, but be active in your community,” Guieu says. “Do something because we depend on this natural world.” That sentiment is at the core of her new exhibit at Scalehouse Collaborative for the Arts in downtown Bend titled, “Seeds of Abundance: Limits, Loss & Regeneration.”
“The title says it all for me, a sense of place, and refers to all the show being linked to this very place,” she explains. The entire exhibit is created from items found in nature, mostly at the north Bend farm, Authentique Artfarm, she shares with her husband. They sell produce grown at the farm through Central Oregon Locavore.
The art exhibit is an immersive experience for visitors. The first thing you see when walking into the gallery is a large rustic arbor constructed from stripped willow branches. Shredded bark lies on the floor as nature’s rug for visitors to step on as they walk through the arbor. Dried flowers and bundles of ornamental grass adorn the fixture, but the structure is far from complete. The public is invited to add to the display. A supply station is set up in the corner with natural materials and paper tags for users to add some inspired words. Guieu put
‘Seeds
of Abundance’
An interactive art exhibit represents the paradox of nature’s beauty at the same time it’s in crisis
By Nic Moye
prompts on the wall with statements such as “what we value vs. what actually sustains us” and “how can we stay grounded in a shifting world?”
“So, I want people, when they see the piece here, made only with things from the farm, that they give their comment, their idea of what it means for them to live here,” Guieu explains. The exhibit is an idea that took her a year to develop.
Another interactive space is hidden behind a black curtain in a small, dark room with black lights and walls covered with black paper. Visitors are invited to add to a growing mural of glow-inthe-dark stickers representing different shapes such as dots or plant leaves. Guieu sees it as a constellation. “The idea is really to put your mark on it.”
Guieu is originally from France where she was a painter for many years. “But for me it was difficult to align my view on ecology using paint that is basically petroleum.” She also had misgivings about the materials used to create a canvas. “I’m interested in the future, in how we are going to navigate the terrible things that are happening to our biosphere. How, as an artist, I can be aligned with that and do something.”
Every piece in the exhibit is created from nature. A sculpture of pinecones hangs on one wall, next to branches covered with circular pieces of wood that Guieu cut and glued. Another exhibit features sun exposed coated paper with white silhouettes of plants. Another room showcases a wall of artwork created from driftwood.
The exhibit is supported by a $2,000 grant from the City of Bend’s Community Sponsorship & Grant Program, which supports local programs, services and events that promote community outreach and education related to City initiatives and goals.
Scalehouse Executive Director Marley Weedman Lorish says Guieu’s work was chosen because of its interactive nature and timely seasonal elements. She says the gallery is Central Oregon’s only nonprofit with an emphasis on contemporary art.
“We view the gallery as an educational space for contemporary art, creating access and understanding but also breaking down perceived barriers of art, and contemporary art in particular can be very, very conceptual and unfriendly,” Weedman Lorish explains. “We often look for work that has interactive components, an artist that’s deeply interested in engaging with the community because we view Scalehouse as a bridge between the public and contemporary art.”
Guieu is making several appearances at the exhibit to interact with the public, including a talk on Thursday, March 19 at 5:30pm.
“As an artist, I want to draw people in. I want them to experience beauty, to feel something, maybe close to joy or close to a soothing emotion, and then eventually to the sense of place,” she says.
When the exhibit is over in midApril, it will be dismantled. Guieu will recycle some of the items and reuse others in a future art project. That experience evokes the “loss” in the exhibit’s title. “Hopefully they had a good experience. I keep that with me. I see the progress and the end is the end. The end is when the gallery closes the show and that’s the end of its life as it is and it’s fine with me…. Loss exists. We are losing the natural world.”
“Seeds of Abundance: Limits, Loss & Regeneration” Through April 24 Wed-Sun 11am-4pm Michele Guieu in person at exhibit April 1-2, 8, 15-16, 22-23 2-4pm
Scalehouse Collaborative for the Arts 550 NW Franklin Ave., Ste 138, Bend scalehouse.org/ Free
Visitors are encouraged to add to the wooden arbor. All materials used in the exhibit were found in nature.
Photos by Nic Moye
SC SCREEN One Battle, Sinners, and So Much More
What won (and
should
have) at the 98th Academy Awards
IBy Jared Rasic
n what felt like one of the most hotly contested Oscar races in recent memory, I found myself excited for the 98th Annual Academy Awards more than I had any right to be. The films this year were truly spectacular. With Paramount (and David Ellison in particular) nearly ready to acquire Warner Bros., we’re looking at a future that doesn’t just shake up streaming but puts two film studios, three television studios, two streaming platforms and a ton of cable (and news) networks under the same umbrella. So with the future of film (and humanity in general) feeling so nebulous right now, I’m happy to focus on something as simple as a wonderful year at the movies.
ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Winner: Michael B. Jordan / Sinners
Two weeks ago, I would have said Chalamet had this one on lock, but he’s been a desperate, privileged weirdo in his press tour, so Michael B. Jordan took it in a landslide.
Who should have won: Each one of these performances is an all-timer, but Ethan Hawke’s work broke my heart and DiCaprio proved once again that he gets better with every performance. Still, I’m glad Jordan took it.
ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Winner: Sean Penn / One Battle after Another Sean Penn was mighty in the film, but I don’t love that he couldn’t be bothered to go to the event. His self-seriousness is exhausting.
Who should have won: Benicio del Toro’s character in “One Battle After Another” is just so iconic, but Delroy Lindo crafted such a delicately beautiful performance in “Sinners” that I was low-key rooting for him.
ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Winner: Jessie Buckley / Hamnet
Jessie Buckley had this on lock. She has been a chameleonic actress for years and is finally getting the attention she has earned.
Who should have won: As happy as I was for Buckley to get this, it was Rose Byrne’s devastating and complex work in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” that I found the most remarkable. She added so much humanity to a character that could have been unbearable.
ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Winner: Amy Madigan / Weapons
Madigan deserved it. What an insanely massive character that she managed to instill with a dark, pitted soul. Who should have won: As much as I love Madigan’s creepily hilarious turn in “Weapons,” I think Teyana Taylor lights the screen on fire in just a few short minutes. She was luminous.
ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
Winner: KPOP Demon Hunters / Maggie Kang, Chris Appelhans and Michelle L.M. Wong
“KPop Demon Hunters” has won this award all awards season and they were never going to lose.
Who should have won: “Arco” has three or four moments I’ve never seen in a film before, animated or otherwise. Truly a work of boundless imagination.
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Winner: Sinners / Autumn Durald Arkapaw
Autumn Durald Arkapaw is a genius who must be protected at all costs. Her work on “Sinners” is one of the highlights of the entire film. The first woman to win this award in history!
Who should have won: Arkapaw should have won, but if Adolpho Veloso had won for his gorgeous summoning of the ghosts of the Pacific Northwest in “Train Dreams,” I would still have been very happy.
DIRECTING
Winner: One Battle After Another / Paul Thomas Anderson
This was a race between Ryan Coogler (for “Sinners”) and PTA and I think Anderson took it only because he made a politically charged action comedy that hit at the perfect time (and he made it look easy).
Who should have won: I like “One Battle After Another” just slightly more as a film, but I was rooting for Coogler, Oakland and “Sinners” as a work of art because it’s what my heart told me to do.
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILM
Winner: Mr. Nobody Against Putin / David Borenstein, Pavel Talankin, Helle Faber and Alžběta Karásková
“Mr. Nobody Against Putin” is so important and timely in how it discusses propaganda and the importance of whistleblowers.
Who should have won: “Mr. Nobody Against Putin” all the way.
INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM
Winner: Norway / Sentimental Value
It was a race between “The Secret Agent” and “Sentimental Value,” but “Value’s” focus on filmmaking gave it the boost.
Who should have won: “The Voice of Hind Rajab” is about the genocide in Gaza that is still happening. This should have won because everyone on Earth should watch it. I guarantee this film will be taught in schools in the future.
MUSIC (ORIGINAL SONG)
Winner: “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters; Music and Lyric by EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seo and Teddy Park
“Golden” was just too catchy to lose.
Who should have won: As much as I wanted it to be “Sinners” or “Train Dreams,” I think “KPop Demon Hunters” was always in the lead.
WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY)
Winner: Sinners / Ryan Coogler
“Sinners” was just too culturally significant to lose.
Who should have won: I personally think the script for “Blue Moon” absolutely sings with brilliance and humor, but “Sinners” should have won simply for how beautifully Coogler blends genres and layers in a hundred years of thematic power, depth and rage.
BEST PICTURE
Winner: One Battle After Another / Adam Somner, Sara Murphy and Paul Thomas Anderson, Producers
This was a race between “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners” (with “The Secret Agent” and “Sentimental Value” acting as possible spoilers). “One Battle” won because of its timeliness. The only reason “Sinners” didn’t is that the Academy historically doesn’t award horror movies.
Who should have won: The more I watch these movies over and over, I think “Train Dreams” is my favorite. I like what it says about life and existence. It’s sweetly and gently profound in ways I’m not sure many movies have the patience to attempt.
Warner Bros. Warner Bros.
“Sinners” goes for the jugular.
“One Battle After Another” shoots straight.
Bend Brewing Co
Bend Burger Company
The Bleu Rooster
Blue Eyes Burgers & Fries
Boneyard Pub
Cascade Alchemy Bowls
Crux Fermentation Project
Currents at Riverhouse Lodge
Fire on the Mountain
Greg's Grill
Jackson's Corner
Jonny's Joint
Kona Mix Plate
Kefi Fresh
Killer Burger
Lombardy's Tavern
Luckey's Woodsman
Mountain Burger
Oblivion Pour House
Red Robin
Redmond Burger Company
Sandos & Smash
Terra Kitchen That Guy's Bistro
Simón Latin Cuisine Wild Rooster Bar & Grill
The Tin Pig
UPP Liquids
April 2nd-8th 7 Days / $10 Burgers and more to come!
By Nic Moye
Thrilling Adventure Films Benefit Local Students
The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour stops at the Tower in April
Two nights of films about mountain adventure, environmental stories and outdoor exploration are coming to the Tower Theatre. The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, April 17-18, benefits Friends of Realms, a nonprofit that supports outdoor learning programs at Realms Schools.
Each night of the festival showcases different films. The Friday night selection, titled “Crevasse,” includes films featuring snow sports, rock climbing, mountain biking and more. One film follows a 6,900-kilometer wilderness adventure done by bike, canoe, sailboat and on foot. Another follows a group attempting to free climb the Riders on the Storm route in Patagonia.
The Saturday film collection, “Serac,” will get the audience’s adrenaline flowing while watching a skateboarder fly down the most challenging road in Europe or two mountaineers attempting to descend Mount Robson’s South Face in the Rocky Mountains. The Banff Mountain Film Festival is held every fall in Banff, Alberta, Canada. Afterward, a selection of the best films
entered in the contest goes on tour.
The film festival is one of Realms school’s biggest fundraisers with money covering transportation, equipment and other costs related to immersive learning programs. Students learn hands-on in the field through projects that combine science, humanities, math and the arts. Friends of Realms board member Kate Patrick told the Source, “One of the most exciting examples is the school’s long-standing partnership with the Forest Service at Ryan Ranch. For nearly 20 years, Realms students have participated in hands-on conservation and restoration work there, studying ecosystems, collecting data, and learning directly from land managers.”
Banff Mountain Film Festival Fri-Sat Apr 17-18 7pm Tower Theatre 835 NW Wall St, Bend towertheatre.org/events/month Adults $38/Kids $28
One of the films follows a 6,900-kilometer journey.
Banff Mountain Film Festival
“Beyond Parallels”
THE MEDICINE CABINET WITHIN
By Joshua Phillips, ND
The Importance of Dental Health for Well-Being of Mind and Body
Have you ever heard someone tell you they are excited to go the dentist and have their teeth worked on? It is a rare individual indeed, and for that reason many preventative care visits are delayed, and many necessary treatments are deferred for much longer than they should be. It has long been understood that the health of teeth, the surrounding supportive gum tissues and the mouth in general, all have an impact on the health and vitality of the body, head to toe.
Issues of the teeth that can affect systemic health typically involve unidentified or untreated infections. The teeth themselves and the supporting tissue around the teeth can develop smoldering infections that will over time create issues throughout the body. If a tooth develops an infection deep in its roots, it can smolder along for quite some time, creating a pocket of infection that is a burden on the immune system and a source of chronic inflammation. I have often seen this contribute to chronic fatigue, brain fog and other symptoms in patients. In most cases this type of infection will eventually blow up, causing a lot of pain, requiring a root canal procedure or extraction to deal with the infection. Obviously, it is ideal to get the necessary dental care before things get to that point.
Periodontal disease, or inflammation and chronic infection of the gum tissue, is widely understood to contribute to greater health issues. The bacteria of this condition, if not treated and dealt with, can have long-term effects on many body systems, including cardiovascular health. This bacteria has been found to contribute to a cascade of inflammation that can impact blood vessels of the heart, contributing to plaque formation, atherosclerosis and ultimately heart disease.
Chronic infection of the gums and teeth are also known to exacerbate insulin resistance and those with diabetes can experience a decline in glycemic control. Some studies link negative impacts on pregnancy outcomes with chronic oral infections, and the inflammation and immune system challenge has even been linked to certain types of cancer development. Certain types of bacterial infection of the gum tissue have also been shown to contribute
in some cases to inflammation of the brain and to the amyloid plaques that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Ultimately, the burden on the body from chronic smoldering infection, and the associated bacteria and inflammation creates an environment that is ripe for challenging the body’s ability to keep other areas of our physiology vital and balanced. I have had countless patients whose chronic health concerns begin to resolve and heal once their dental and oral health has been thoroughly addressed.
Beyond the grandmotherly advice of good dental hygiene at home with regular flossing and brushing, diet and nutrition also play a big role in keeping the teeth and mouth healthy. Obviously, lots of refined dietary sugars—as food and drinks, is one of the quickest ways to contribute to bacterial overgrowth and inflammation. Weston Price, an early 20th century dentist, brought forth a great body of information showing that populations that eat traditional diets free from the processed foods of modern diets had virtually no tooth decay, as well as healthier tooth and bone structure. The Weston Price Foundation continues today to be a great resource for nutrition and health.
Other practices like the Ayurvedic technique of “oil pulling,” swishing of coconut or other oils in the mouth, may provide benefit when it comes to supporting a healthy microbial flora in the mouth. Mouthwashes with essential oils like oregano, thyme, tee tree, clove and others are another consideration for supporting health of the teeth and gums.
In addition to a good diet and the usual homework for good care of teeth and gums, finding a dentist you like and getting regular cleanings and exams is really important. Not only will this keep teeth healthy, but along with everything else you do to stay healthy, oral self-care will go a long way toward avoiding a multitude of chronic diseases and keeping your mind and body healthy and vital.
—Joshua Phillips, ND, is a naturopathic physician and the director at Hawthorn Healing Arts Center in Bend, Oregon. He can be reached at docnaturecure@gmail. comwith questions or comment.
TAKE ME HOME
By Nathan Powers Engel Volkers Bend
Central Oregon’s Decade of Growth
Bend’s rapid population growth and booming real estate market have been widely documented—but what about the surrounding communities? To understand what today’s numbers mean, we need to put them into context. Let’s start with national trends and compare them to the Central Oregon housing market back when hits like “Uptown Funk” and “Thinking Out Loud” were topping the charts and “Better Call Saul” had just premiered on AMC (that would be 2015).
A common rule of thumb across many sources is that residential real estate typically appreciates about 3—5% annually, or roughly 30—50% over a decade, in what would be considered a “normal” market.
Increase: 136% Bend’s real estate market experienced extraordinary growth during the COVID years, pushing prices to levels that were difficult to sustain.
Like Sisters, Sunriver has fewer transactions, which can make prices appear more volatile depending on a handful of high-value sales. Still, its long-term growth has largely mirrored the dramatic appreciation seen in Bend and Redmond.
The surge in home values has not been limited to Bend. Recently, however, we’ve begun to see some homes purchased during the peak of the early 2020s selling for roughly what they were bought for—or occasionally even less. That’s one of the natural consequences of a market that rises too quickly: eventually, prices need time to catch up with themselves.
ASTROLOGY
By Rob Brezsny
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Poet Mark Doty wrote, “The sea doesn’t reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. We should lie as empty, open, and choiceless as a beach— waiting for gifts from the sea.” This quote captures your Piscean genius when it’s working at its best. Others may exhaust themselves trying to force results, but you know that the best gifts often come to those who are patient, open, and relaxed. This is true right now more than ever before. I hope you will practice intense receptivity. Protect your permeability like the superpower it is. Be as supple and responsive as you dare.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): In 1960, Aries primatologist Jane Goodall arrived in Tanzania to study the social and family lives of chimpanzees. Her intention was to engage in patient, long-term observation. In subsequent months, she saw the creatures using tools, a skill that scientists had previously believed only humans could do. She also found that “it isn’t only human beings who have personality, who are capable of rational thought and emotions like joy and sorrow.” Her discoveries revolutionized our understanding of animal intelligence. I recommend her approach to you in the coming weeks, Aries. Your diligent, tenacious attention can supplant outmoded assumptions. Let the details and rhythms of what you’re studying reveal their deeper truths. Your affectionate watchfulness will change the story.
with impeccable care before launching new projects. Purify your motivations. Clarify your vision. The creations you will be generating could serve you well for a long time.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Master chess players don’t necessarily calculate more moves ahead than amateurs. Their years of study enable them to perceive the developing trends in a single glance, bypassing complex analysis. What appears to be stellar intuition is actually compressed expertise. You’re in a phase when you can make abundant use of this capacity, Virgo. Again and again, your accumulated experience will crystallize into immediate knowing. So don’t second-guess your first assessments, OK? Trust the pattern recognition that you have cultivated through the years.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The cosmic powers have granted you a triple-strength, extra-long, time-release dose of sweet, fresh certainty. During the grace period that’s beginning, you will be less tempted to indulge in doubt and indecision. A fountain of resolve will rise up in you whenever you need it. Though at first the lucid serenity you feel may seem odd, you could grow accustomed to it—so much so that you could permanently lose up to 20 percent of your chronic tendency to vacillate.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Ancient Romans had a household deity called Cardea, goddess of hinges and thresholds. She protected the pivot points, like the places where the inside meets the outside and where one state transforms into another. In the coming weeks, you Tauruses will benefit from befriending a similar deity. I hope you will pay eager attention to the metaphorical hinges in your world: the thresholds, portals, transitions, and in-between times. They may sometimes feel awkward because they lack the certainty you crave. But I guarantee that they are where the best magic congregates.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You are fluent in the art of fruitful contradiction. While others pursue one-dimensional consistency, you thrive on the fact that the truth is too wild and multifaceted to be captured in a single, simple story. You make spirited use of paradox and enjoy being enchanted by riddles. You can be both serious and playful, committed and curious, strong and receptive. In the coming weeks, Gemini, I hope you will express these superpowers to the max. The world doesn’t need another person who separates everything into neat little categories. Your nimble intelligence and charming multiplicity are the gifts your allies need most.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Crows can hold grudges against individual humans for years. But they also remember acts of kindness and bring gifts like shiny objects and buttons to those who’ve helped them. They’re capable of both revenge and gratitude, and they never forget either. I suspect you’re entering a period when you’ll need to decide which of your crow-like qualities to emphasize, Scorpio. You have legitimate grievances worth remembering. You have also received gifts worth honoring. My counsel: Spend 20 percent of your emotional energy on remembering wrongs (enough to protect yourself) and 80 percent on remembering what has helped you thrive. Make gratitude your primary teacher, even as you stay wisely wary.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): More than any other zodiac sign, you Sagittarians can be both a discontented rebel and a sunny celebrant of life. You can see clearly what’s out of alignment and needs adjustment without surrendering your wry, amused tolerance. This double capacity will be especially useful to you in the coming days. You may not find many allies who share this aptitude, though, so you should lean on your own instincts and heed the following suggestions: Be joyfully defiant. Be a generous agitator and an open-hearted critic. Blessings will find their way to you as you subvert the stale status quo with creativity and kindness.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): In traditional Japanese aesthetics, *wabi-sabi* celebrates imperfection, impermanence, and the soulfulness that comes with age. A weathered wooden gate may be considered more beautiful than a new one. Its surface has a silvery grain from years of exposure to rain and sun. Its hinges creak from long use by countless passersby. Let’s invoke this lovely concept as we ruminate on your life, Cancerian. In my astrological estimation, it’s important that in the coming months you don’t treat your incompleteness as a deficit requiring correction. Consider the possibility that your supposed blemishes may be among your most interesting features. The idiosyncratic aspects of your character are precisely what make you a source of vitality.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In medieval Japan, swordsmiths would undertake spiritual purifications before beginning work on a new blade: abstinence, ritual bathing, prayer, and fasting. They believed that the quality of their consciousness influenced the quality of their creation—that the blade would absorb the maker’s mental and spiritual state. I bring this to your attention because you’re in a phase when your inner condition will have extra potent effects on everything you build, develop, or initiate. My advice: Prepare yourself
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Your persistence and endurance are among your greatest gifts to the world. You’re committed to building useful structures that outlast transitory moods and trends. On behalf of all the other signs, I say THANK YOU!, dear Capricorn. You understand that real power comes from showing up consistently and doing unglamorous work, refraining from the temptation to score quick and superficial victories. May you always recognize that your pragmatism is a form of loving faith. Your cautionary care is rooted in generosity. Now here’s my plea: More than ever before, the rest of us need you to express these talents with full vigor.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): One of your power symbols right now is the place where two tributaries blend into a single river. A second is where your favorite tree enters the earth. Here are other images to excite your imagination and stimulate your creativity: the boundary between cloud and sky; the darkness where your friend’s shadow overlaps yours; and the time between when the sun sets and night falls. To sum up, Aquarius, I hope you will access extra inspiration in liminal areas. Seek the vibrant revelations that arise where one mystery coalesces with another.
Crossword
“Sort Of Puzzled”
done with the hips?
54. Poke bowl berry
55. "Bugonia" actor Delbis
56. "This is bad"
60. Eye piece
61. "Big Mouth" comic Nick
62. [Tell me when I can take my fingers out of my ears]
63. The "R" of "RBG"
64. College application part
65. One who never gets tired of playing the hits
By Brendan Emmett Quigley
DOWN
1. Vitamins co.
2. Crossword solver, presumably
3. "Try me"
4. Booze
5. Knight's protection
6. Simply the best
7. "UR killing me"
8. "Hey, sailor!"
9. "No, and that's final"
10. Its capital is Bandar Seri Begawan
11. Shapeshifter in Norse mythology
12. Copies
13. Blend together
21. Colorful hue
22. Allowing a breeze in
23. December songs
24. No longer sailing
25. Volkswagen classic
28. Bring forth
29. Less common
30. Holy quality
31. Wonder on the keyboard
32. "I ain't joking!"
36. Tales of gods
38. "Molten chocolate" dessert
39. NFL's winningest head coach
41. Republic of more than 300 islands
42. Singer-songwriter McCombs
44. Extremely elaborate
45. Without victory
48. Hoka purchase
49. Creamy color
50. Café au ___
51. Trees with presents under them
52. Phrases of commitment
53. Simba's best friend
57. Yes, in Yamagata
58. Unc
59. Mecca pilgrimage
Pearl’s
Puzzle
Puzzle for the week of March 16, 2026
Difficulty Level
Puzzle for the week of March 16, 2026
Difficulty Level: ●○○○
Fill in every row, column, and 3x3 box with each of the letters G R O A N L I F T exactly once.
Fill in every row, column, and 3x3 box with each of the letters exactly once. GROAN LIFT
The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will complete the quote: “Is the spring coming?" he said. "What is it like?"... "It is the sun shining on the and the the sunshine...”
Fill in every row, column, and 3x3 box with each of the letters G R O A N L I F T exactly once.
ANSWER TO LAST WEEK'S PUZZLES
Answer for the week of March 09, 2026
The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will “Is the spring coming?" he said. "What is it like?"... "It is the sun shining on the and the the sunshine...” - Frances Hodgson Burnett
S C E A K P I H M H P K I M C E S A
Answer
C K M P S A H E I
A H P E C I S M K
E S I M H K A P C
“Every St. Patrick’s Day every Irishman goes out to find another Irishman to make a speech to.” — Shane Leslie
“Every St. Patrick’s Day every Irishman goes out to find another Irishman to make a speech to.” - Shane Leslie
