Parked cars line Chandler Avenue near the OSU-Cascades campus.

Along with doubling enrollment I sincerely hope that the decision makers at OSU-Cascades consider doubling parking. Perhaps the excavated site on Chandler could somehow be converted to an underground garage to accommodate cars?

Alternate transportation has been encouraged but parking is a real issue. Just drive down Chandler or anywhere around the Safeway area. The streets are filled with parked cars and students are crossing Century Drive all the time after parking on the street.

Chandler itself is almost impassable. Only one side of Chandler should be used for parking. It is very dangerous with people getting out of cars dodging traffic and oncoming vehicles are stymied. This is a ridiculous situation that has been brought upon ourselves by very poor outlook planning.

Shame on the city of Bend for not standing up and demanding better planning and shame on OSU for not having more forethought. Expecting a doubling in enrollment without adequate parking is preposterous and the citizens of Bend should not be forced to deal with the congestion that has been created. With continued city infill and doubling of the campus size, parking and safety is or should be a priority.

— Melissa Greene, Bend

I must write to say how disappointed I am that Bend is using city funds to paint the crosswalk that is clearly bringing division to its citizens.

The news said there may be program for others to paint symbols on pavement. This also brings concern to me. I wouldn’t want a U.S. flag to be painted where cars will drive over it. That would be to me the same as damaging a cloth flag.

Also, where do you draw the line? How do you say no to a Nazi symbol?

What purpose does the rainbow crosswalk serve except for bringing attention to the division it is causing. It certainly doesn’t bring the citizens together.

How much is this costing? Who is paying?

If it’s coming from tax dollars, I oppose this use. Maybe City Manager Mr. Eric King should take a salary cut to pay for this nonsensical display that is detracting from our beautiful city.

— Linda O’Donnell, Bend

Rodeos are seen by many people as family entertainment and a natural offshoot of ranching culture. But behind the lively atmosphere of these events lies a painful reality for many of the animals.

Rodeo animals may endure harsh treatment resulting in serious injuries and even death.

Electric prods, spurs and straps are often used to coerce typically docile animals into dramatic bucking, and many rodeo events depend on these painful tools.

Modern rodeos involve traveling from venue-to-venue, and this can mean grim conditions for the animals in crowded and hot trailers.

The notion of “family fun” is a misrepresentation, normalizing this mistreatment of animals who are forced into the ring.

The social veneer of rodeos perpetuates a culture of indifference and undermines the value of compassion.

If we care about the suffering of animals, it’s important to challenge the status quo. We can advocate for change that protects rodeo animals and stand against the abuses inherent in many rodeo events.

— Mary Bremer, Bend

Wally Long’s June 6 letter demonstrates that he is misinformed. The U.S. Department of Justice had nothing to do with Donald Trump’s trial and conviction.

Trump was indicted by a New York state grand jury and convicted by a New York jury. He will be sentenced by a New York judge.

It is Donald Trump who is threatening to use the U.S. Justice Department to get revenge on his political opponents if he is elected.

— Jim Chambers, Bend

Do you have a point you’d like to make or an issue you feel strongly about? Submit a letter to the editor.