From the editor’s desk: Shelter from the storm
Published 9:00 am Saturday, January 13, 2024
- John Breen carries some of his belongings to one of the tiny homes at Oasis Village on Thursday in Redmond.
Snow and cold weather finally made their way to Central Oregon this week. Hoodoo, our closest ski resort, is finally celebrating as skiers and boarders flock to the sudden piles of powder.
The weather had an effect on Redmond as well, including the opening of Oasis Village just a few days before temperatures dropped into negative numbers for the first time this winter. Reporter Joe Siess was there as three of the first residents unloaded bags of possessions they have been carrying around for four years while they lived unsheltered in Deschutes County.
The patriarch of the family is 81-year-old John Breen. He had been housed his entire life and retired from a career with Walmart. But at age 78, John didn’t have the ability to afford another rent increase. He and his wife, and their adult son, moved to the streets. The Breens say they hope Oasis Village allows them a place to find stability and, eventually, can get them into a longterm home of their own.
The winter storm also had an effect on the Oregon Wrestling Classic, the usually giant wrestling meet out at the Fair & Expo Center. The tournament kicked off already and wrestlers are a-wrasslin’, but a number of teams dropped out in order not to have to brave the dangerous passes while in poor conditions.
But we’re writing about more the flurries. Want to know more about housing projects planned in Redmond? Here’s two that city council heard about and debated this week. And in case you missed it, read about the Cuban-born chef cooking up a storm at the Redmond Senior Center.
We got lots of interesting response to our editorial board’s idea for a new Oregon state flag. Utah and Minnesota recently went through the process and I think it’d be fun to argue about something that isn’t life-or-death in what is shaping up to be a very tense and exhausting 2024.
Quote of the Week
“It was the worst thing we went through in a long time. It is a lot better here. This place is like home. It feels like home here.”
— John Breen, Jr., 28, one of the first residents to move in to Oasis Village
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And I add a reminder that we are in the midst of a difficult few years for local journalism. An average of 2.5 newspapers closed every week somewhere in America. At The Spokesman, we’re trying to keep up with Redmond’s growth and document its rising influence not just in Deschutes County, but all of Central Oregon.
We can only do that work with your support. Consider purchasing a subscription for digital access or home delivery to ensure we can remain in Redmond for another century. Become a fan of the Spokesman on Facebook. Tell a friend or two.
Visit redmondspokesman.com or stop by our office, at the intersection of Deschutes and 6th St., and we’ll get you signed up at an affordable price. It’s a great way to support our work and stay informed about your community.
— Tim Trainor is editor of the Redmond Spokesman.
