Episode #41 - Homeless encampments in Coos Bay & the continuing governance drama in North Bend
Happy Wednesday, folks! In our latest LIVESTREAM from the Friends of Coos County Republicans headquarters, hosts Chris Castleman, Brandi Martindale, and Perry Holman kicked things off with some feel-good vibes. We're hosting an open event from 7-9 PM every Wednesday—pizza, drinks, and conservative chats for all. As the holidays approach and the weather turns nasty, we're all about creating indoor spaces for connection. Brandy shared insights from the Gottman Institute on "bids for connection" in relationships, emphasizing how small moments (like a daily hug) can make a big difference—think wagging your tail like a dog when your partner walks in!
Exploring a Massive Homeless Encampment
The conversation shifted to a more serious topic: homelessness in Coos County. Perry recounted a recent visit with Chris to a sprawling encampment near Ocean Boulevard, behind Cascade in Coos Bay. This cliffside setup was terraced like a grid, with intricate structures including stairs, rooms, beds, and kitchens—hidden just feet from the sidewalk. Videos showed the scale: tarps, trash, lottery tickets, and even a Trump 2024 sign. Estimates put 7-9 people there, including dogs and a mix of folks from non-criminals to known offenders.
The backstory? This group was displaced from a 40-acre city-owned parcel (previously deemed undevelopable wetlands tied to the watershed). Now, construction (roads, tree removal) is underway, possibly for the Timber Cove project—400 new single-family homes to address the county's need for 600+ housing units. While more housing could lower costs, concerns arose about affordability and alternatives like homesteading programs. Chris highlighted how city officials initially denied the parcel's existence, then claimed it was unusable—contradicting current development.
Interactions with residents revealed tough realities: pathological lying, addictions (like gambling), and crime. One man claimed ties to the property owner but got busted mid-conversation. Brandi stressed that while some face genuine hardships, chronic homelessness often stems from deeper issues like drugs, emotional disregulation, and enabling. She urged social services to approach with skepticism, noting that "pathological liars" manipulate for survival. Solutions? Stop enabling, bring back institutional commitments for those who can't/won't help themselves, and differentiate between short-term vs. long-term cases.
Progress Check: Are We Winning?
Perry's recent post questioning if efforts are making a dent sparked reflection. While discouraging at times (e.g., stolen bikes recovered from camps, repeat break-ins), Brandi affirmed real impact: inspiring her County Commissioner run, lighting fires in others for change. It's a marathon—trial and error, new approaches needed. Criticism landed on elected leaders for recycling failed ideas (e.g., pallet homes for the homeless) instead of learning from other cities' flops. Open minds and reality checks are key; no one has all the answers.
Vandalism and Governance Woes
A fresh incident: North Bend City Hall vandalized by transient Jeffrey Allen Hill, a repeat offender with 1,092 police contacts and 31 arrests in North Bend alone since July. He smashed windows, taillights, and more in a 5+ minute rampage caught on video. Nonprofits and churches enabling such individuals? They blur lines between victims and nuisances, allowing chaos while taxpayers foot the bill.
Deeper dive into local governance: City Administrator David Milliron (running the city's Facebook pages) blasted school board member Michelle Roberts over tax bill comments, dissecting her post in a lengthy rebuttal. This isn't isolated—similar tactics used before. Brandi called it an abuse of power: anonymous attacks from official accounts vs. personal rebuttals. It erodes trust, bullies critics, and ignores equal platforms. Final plea: Leaders, own your messages, stop virtue-signaling, and prioritize responsibility. (Invitation open: Defend yourselves on the show!)
Wrapping Up and Upcoming Events
Final thoughts: Quit enabling—focus on real help. With great power comes great responsibility (shoutout to Uncle Ben). Join us every Saturday from 8-11 AM at the HQ (3229 Broadway Ave, Suite H, North Bend) for coffee, donuts, and chats with other local conservatives. Getting involved is easier than you think!
Missed the stream? Catch the replay and share your thoughts below. Let's keep building community and pushing for change in Coos County!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=metS9MaNOlk&t=498s
