Episode #43 - Squatters, Jail Defunding, and Demonic Energy: “No One Is Coming to Save Us”
Hosts Chris Castleman, Brandi Martindale, and Perry Holman kicked things off with some holiday cheer before diving into the usual mix of local updates, frustrations, and forward-looking ideas.
Quick Hits from the Hour:
Squatter & Trespass Updates Perry reported another trespasser attempt at the chronic squatter house. He used the city’s online non-emergency reporting tool this time—still waiting to hear back. The house remains barricaded, but the problem obviously persists.
City Land & Development Chris talked to the Coos Bay city manager about the 40-acre parcel behind Cascade. Turns out they’re finally clearing it for an access road to an adjacent development and possibly a future city maintenance shop. It’s something, at least.
Shifting Attitudes on Homelessness & Crime A big theme: the cultural tide is slowly turning. Leadership and some community members are starting to acknowledge that the “just be nice” approach isn’t working and that citizen efforts (like Perry’s camera work and cleanups) are appreciated—even if cities are still terrified of lawsuits. The Grants Pass ruling still has everyone walking on eggshells.
Livability Committee = Big Nothingburger Chris recounted how the city took the citizen-committee idea, renamed it the “Livability Committee,” stuffed it with city insiders, and accomplished practically zero on crime in two years. Classic.
Jail & Prosecutor Funding Still the root of all evil. The window to stop the defunding was missed last year, and we’re now looking at 5–10 years before anything could be rebuilt even if new revenue magically appeared.
What Actually Works
Keep camps moving (don’t let them get comfortable)
Make the area culturally unattractive to predators and chronic campers
Broken-windows theory reminders: clean parks and visible trash piles matter
One-way bus tickets south while it’s cold? Still on the table.
Volunteerism is the Only Real Answer No one is coming to save us. If you want your neighborhood cleaner and safer, grab a trash bag, put up a camera, or show up and help. Simple as that.
Upcoming Events
Every Wednesday 7–9 PM: informal hangout at headquarters (moving two doors down to Suite F, same shopping center—3229 Broadway, North Bend)
Every Saturday 8–11 AM: Coffee with Conservatives (all sane people welcome)
Big Turning Point USA event coming end of January—multiple popular speakers, venues booked, details soon.
Random (but fiery) Side Tangents
Men in women’s sports and locker rooms = peak demonic energy (we went there)
Local college administrator John Atkinson publicly whining about free speech and Turning Point coming to town—while being the same guy who handles Title IX–type complaints. Yeah, that raised eyebrows.
Bottom Line A lot of frustration, but also real signs that more people are waking up. Change is going to come from regular citizens stepping up—whether that’s cleaning a park, running for office, or just refusing to look away.
If you want in on the conversation, come hang out Wednesday nights or Saturday mornings. We’ll save you a seat (and probably a few donuts).
Happy Thanksgiving, Coos County—stay safe, stay sane, and we’ll see you next week! 🦃
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=omCvvqBB0J8
