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2020-274-Minutes for Meeting May 28,2020 Recorded 8/4/2020
TES 0BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 1300 NW Wall Street, Bend, Oregon (541) 388-6570 Recorded in Deschutes County CJ2020-274 Nancy Blankenship; County Clerk 08/04/2020 7:37:17 AM Commissioners' Journal ES CO 121111211111111111111111111111111 FOR RECORDING STAMP ONLY 8:30 AM Thursday, May 2;, 2020 BARNES & SAWYER ROOMS Virtual Meeting Platform Present were Commissioners Patti Adair, Anthony DeBone, and Phil Henderson. Also present were Tom Anderson, County Administrator; Erik Kropp, Deputy County Administrator; David Doyle, County Counsel; and Sharon Keith, BOCC Executive Assistant. In -room attendance was limited in compliance with the Governor's Virus orders. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Adair called the meeting to order at 8:33 a.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ACTION ITEMS: 1. Consideration of Board Signature of Order No. 2020-030, Concerning Restrictions on Worship At the request of Commissioner Adair, County Counsel Dave Doyle presented a draft Order providing that Deschutes County and county staff would not enforce the Governor's Orders imposing restrictions on the right to worship. The Board indicated a few possible revisions. Mr. Doyle will incorporate the revisions and return with a new draft. BOCC MEETING MAY 28, 2020 PAGE 1 OF 3 Commissioner Adair stressed the importance of maintaining social distancing yet allowing the right to worship especially in this time of great need for spiritual healing. Commissioner Adair feels this Order stresses the important part of religion and she worries about the mental health of our community. This document states the County doesn't want to restrict this right. Commissioner Henderson states this is an unusual situation and that the proposed Order would essentially create a sanctuary. Commissioner Henderson pointed out the inclusion of religion in the Deschutes County reopening plan that was submitted to the Governor. Commissioner Henderson commented on the impact of the closures of churches during the length of the shutdown. Commissioner Henderson acknowledged the many comments received from citizens. Commissioner Henderson directed revisions to the draft. Commissioner DeBone commented we are in a phase 1 reopening in a worldwide pandemic and acknowledged church services have been open and available to the public through social media. Commissioner DeBone stated we are on the verge of a phase 2 and supports good sound judgement as a guide. At this point he supports the case being discussed at the state level and stressed the importance of reaching out to the state legislators. Commissioner Adair acknowledged a call with the Governor's office (but not the Governor) with 900 pastors and she wants the Governor to know of the importance of worship to Oregonians. Commissioner Henderson feels this has been disregarded by our Governor. Commissioner DeBone explained there are local churches that are open and practicing social distances guidelines. Commissioner DeBone thanked the community for submitting emails of input. Commissioner Adair stated the Governor has been called. Commissioner Henderson struggles with the fact the churches weren't even included in the Governor's reopening plan. RECESS: At the time of 9:04 a.m. the Board recessed the meeting to begin the Budget Committee meeting and will reconvene during an afternoon recess during the Budget Meeting at 2:20 p.m. BOCC MEETING MAY 28, 2020 PAGE 2 OF 3 Commissioner Adair reconvened the meeting for continued discussion of the draft Order and how best to message the Governor on the importance of religion to Oregonians. Commissioner Henderson offered additional language changes to the draft Order. Commissioner Henderson mentioned the Bill of Rights and even with the position he is taking he feels comfortable supporting this Order. Commissioner Henderson would like to review the emails and phone calls the Board has received relative to this topic. Commissioner DeBone invites the Governor to create relationships with all 36 counties in Oregon. Commissioner DeBone supports the concept but does not support the Order as the tool for this action. Commissioner DeBone stresses the importance of maintaining safe guidelines. Commissioner Henderson noted his support of the Order. The Board will review citizen emails and phone calls and further consider this matter at a future BOCC meeting. ADJOURN: Being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 2:44 p.m. DATED this ` / Day of Commissioners. RECORDING SECRETARY 2020 for the Deschutes County Board of PATTI ADAIR, CHAIR ANTHONY DEBONE, VICE CHAIR N PHILIP G. HENDERSON, COMMISSIONER BOCC MEETING MAY 28, 2020 PAGE 3 OF 3 Deschutes County Board of Commissioners 1300 NW Wall St, Bend, OR 97703 (541) 388-6570 — Fax (541) 385-3202 — https://www.deschutes.org/ SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 8:30 AM, THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020 Live Streamed Video - 1300 NW Wall Street — — Bend CALL TO ORDER ACTION ITEMS 1. Consideration of Board Signature of Order No. 2020-030, Concerning Restrictions on Worship - David Doyle, Legal Counsel OTHER ITEMS These can be any items not included on the agenda that the Commissioners wish to discuss as part of the meeting, pursuant to ORS 192.640. At any time during the meeting, an executive session could be called to address issues relating to ORS 192.660(2)(e), real property negotiations; ORS 192.660(2)(h), litigation; ORS 192.660(2)(d), labor negotiations; ORS 192.660(2)(b), personnel issues; or other executive session categories. Executive sessions are closed to the public; however, with few exceptions and under specific guidelines, are open to the media. ADJOURN FUTURE MEETINGS: Additional meeting dates available at www.deschutes.orq/meetingcalendar (Please note: Meeting dates and times are subject to change. All meetings take place in the Board of Commissioners' meeting rooms at 1300 NW Wall St., Bend, unless otherwise indicated. If you have questions regarding a meeting, please call 388-6572.) Board of Commissioners Special Meeting Agenda Thursday, May 28, 2020 Page 1 of 1 REVIEWED LEGAL COUNSEL For Recording Stamp Only BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF DESCHUTES COUNTY, OREGON An Order Concerning Restrictions on Worship * ORDER NO. 2020-030 WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners continues to encourage all persons to observe precautions to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19; and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners recognizes the guidelines issues by public health authorities, including the CDC; and WHEREAS, certain Executive Orders by Governor Kate Brown have dramatically restricted the capability of Oregonians to gather to worship God within their various religious congregations; and WHEREAS, the Constitution of Oregon and the Constitution of the United States each guarantee the right to worship; and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners does not wish to restrict the guaranteed right of worship; and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners is confident that members of religious congregations within our community will exercise good and sound judgment as to how to gather to worship in a reasonably safe manner; now therefore, THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF DESCHUTES COUNTY, OREGON, HEREBY ORDERS as follows: Section 1. That Deschutes County will not undertake steps to enforce any state government restrictions, pursuant to Executive Orders of Governor Kate Brown, which restrict or impede the constitutionally guaranteed rights of Oregonians to gather together to worship God. Section 2. That Deschutes County employees shall not assist state agencies or state employees with enforcement of any Executive Orders of Governor Kate Brown which restrict or impede the constitutionally guaranteed rights of Oregonians to gather together to worship God. PAGE 1 OF 2- ORDER No. 2020-030 Section 3. This Order is effective upon adoption. Dated this of June, 2020 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF DESCHUTES COUNTY, OREGON PATTI ADAIR, Chair ANTHONY DeBONE, Vice Chair ATTEST: Recording Secretary PHILIP G. HENDERSON, Commissioner PAGE 2 OF 2- ORDER No. 2020-030 REVIEWED LEGAL COUNSEL For Recording Stamp Only BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF DESCHUTES COUNTY, OREGON An Order Concerning Restrictions on Worship * * ORDER NO. 2020-030 WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners continues to encourage all persons to observe precautions to reduce the potential spread ofCOVID-19; and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners recognizes the guidelines issues by public health authorities, including the CDC; and WHEREAS, certain Executive Orders by Governor Kate Brown have dramatically restricted the capability of Oregonians to gather to worship within their various religious congregations; and WHEREAS, freedom of religion and the practice thereof have been forever fundamental to the Nation and the people here since before its founding and WHEREAS, the Governor of Oregon has failed to respond to the repeated requests for the reopening of churches and religious institutions and thereby discriminated against them compared to other public meeting spaces; and WI-IEREAS, our President made clear that places of worship need to reopen; and WHEREAS, the Constitution of Oregon and the Constitution of the United States each guarantee the right to worship; and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners does not believe the Governor of Oregon or any person, can restrict the guaranteed right of worship provided by our Constitutions; and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners does not wish to restrict the guaranteed right of worship; and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners is confident that members of religious congregations within our community will exercise good and sound judgment as to how to gather to worship in a reasonably safe manner; now therefore, PAGE 1 of 2- ORDER No. 2020-030 -{ Deleted: God Formatted: Indent: First line: 0" Deleted: ¶ 11 THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF DESCHUTES COUNTY, OREGON, HEREBY ORDERS as follows: Section 1. That Deschutes County will not undertake steps to enforce any state government restrictions, pursuant to Executive Orders of Governor Kate Brown, which restrict or impede the constitutionally guaranteed rights of Oregonians to gather together to worship, - -{ Deleted: God Section 2. That Deschutes County employees shall not assist state agencies or state employees with enforcement of any Executive Orders of Governor Kate Brown which restrict or impede the constitutionally guaranteed rights of Oregonians to gather together to worshipp - -[ Deleted: God ,Section 3_ This Order is effective upon adoption. Dated this of June, 2020 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF DESCHUTES COUNTY, OREGON ATTEST: PATTI ADAIR, Chair ANTHONY DeBONE, Vice Chair Recording Secretary PHILIP G. HENDERSON, Commissioner PAGE 2 OF 2- ORDER NO. 2020-030 CITIZEN INPUT is invited in order to provide the public with an opportunity to comment on any meeting topic that is not on the current agenda. Citizen Input is provided by submitting an email to citizeninput@deschutes.org or by leaving a voice message at 541-385- 1735. Citizen Input is then attached to the meeting record. The attached are electronic forms of Citizen Input received by email or voice mail regarding a topic of concern. Elyse West From: Sharon Keith Sent: Wednesday, June 3 2020 11:28 AM To: Elyse. West Subject: FW: Additional input Please print for the record From: Rick Hetherington <rickwhetherington@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 02, 2020 3:35 PM To: citizeninput <citizeninput@deschutes.org> Subject: Additional input [ i)(J1 ERNAI EMAII.a;J Our governor is against churches meeting but is standing back and allowing hundreds if not thousand of people to gather together inthe streets without taking any real action? Another clear example of religious discrimination. Elyse West From: Sharon Keith Sent: Wednesday, June 3, 2020 11:30 AM To: Elyse West Subject: FW: Kate Brown, Churches, and more Please print for the record From: Ryan L <rmlane89@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 02, 2020 9:15 AM To: Patti Adair <Patti.Adair@deschutes.org> Cc: Sharon Keith Sharon.Keith@deschutes.org> Subject: Fwd: Kate Brown, Churches, and more [EXTERN RNAl EMAIL] Hello Patti, I also sent this email to Sharon, but she appears to be out of the office. Please see below. Thank you again Forwarded message From: Ryan L <rmlane89@gmail.com> Date: Mon, Jun 1, 2020, 8:50 PM Subject: Re: Kate Brown, Churches, and more To: Sharon Keith <Sharon.Keith(a�deschutes.org> Thank you, Sharon. Your email was listed in an article I read, from Oregon Live if I recall correctly. I want to clarify that I'm an Oregon native, but reside in Yamhill County, Newberg specifically. The article recommenced entailing your input address for making recommendations. I just wanted you to be aware I don't live in Deschutes County, if that matters. Regardless, Pm extremely concerned. I'm especially concerned with the OHA and Department of Education wanting to ruin well rounded learning that speaks to the full education of a child to develop them spiritually, emotionally, socially, mentally, and physically. I refuse to send my child to school in a mask, to be distanced from necessary intimate relationship building, to be told not to share with others, among other disgusting recommendations being forced upon both public and private school institutions. To upheave centuries and more of proper learning in a matter of months is sickening and, purely corrupt. Please add this to my statement if it is okay that I reside in Yamhill County. Our voices need to be heard by Kate Brown somehow... I am praying for our state, country, and world. How we need God to answer some prayers right now. Thank you again, Sharon On Mon, Jun 1, 2020, 1:55 PM Sharon Keith <Sharon,Keith@deschutes.org> wrote: Thank you for your input. Your email will be attached to the record of the BOCC meeting From: Ryan L <rmlane89@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2020 2:32 PM To: citizeninput <citizeninput@deschutes.org> Subject: Kate Brown, Churches, and more [1.00 ',ANA1:., I -;MA Hello Commissioners, I advise you take action to not enforce Governor Brown's orders. She has weaponized every department against all citizens of Oregon without listening to us. She has corrupted CPS, the Department of Revenue, OHA, and the Oregon DOJ, among others. I further advise you request a full blown investigation into all these departments, along with Kate Brown herself, by AG Barr and the United States Supreme Court. She doesn't listen to Oregonians, and fully ignores all rural areas' interests. She is not "for the people, by the people." She needs to be held accountable, if not by us citizens of Oregon. She has ruined this state from the inside out. Action against Kate Brown and her unconstitutional dictates is an absolute necessity for retaining the freedoms granted us by. The US Constitution and Bill of Rights, and most especially granted to us by God himself. Thank you for reading this email from an extremely concerned native citizen. Elyse West From: Sharon Keith Sent: Wednesday, June 3, 2020 11:31 AM To: Elyse West Subject: FW: defying Governor's orders Please print for the record Original Message From: Claire Gibson <clrgibby@hotmail.com> Sent: Monday, June 01, 2020 5:52 PM To: citizeninput <citizeninput@deschutes.org> Subject: defying Governor's orders [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Commissioners Patti Adair and Phil Henderson are turning a public health crisis into a tool for further political division. COVID-19 is a virus that attacks indiscriminately and has already taken the lives of 100,000 Americans. Thanks to the shelter in place orders established by our Governor, our state has been one of the least impacted. While it is inconvenient - and financially devastating for many- to have to adhere to these measures, they are about one thing only: the safety of all citizens. I am unable to participate in many group activities as a result of these orders, but I willingly comply with them. To suggest that these are infringing on our freedoms is missing the main point. The very, first commitment of our founding fathers was to Life, then Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. This is a potentially deadly disease that is asymptomatic in many. Without adequate testing, we don't know who might be a vector, so let's stay safe with Zoom church gatherings, or small gatherings outside and at a distance. If being a compassionate, kind, and unselfish person is at the core of your belief system, then now is a good time to practice it! Claire Gibson Bend, OR Elyse West From: Sent: To: Subject: Plea e print for the record Sharon Keith Wednesday, June 3, 2020 11:32 AM Elyse West FW: Public health is the _priority From: Jim Burrows<jimbrrws17@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, June 01, 2020 4:33 PM. To: citizeninput <citizeninput@deschutes.org> Subject: Public health is the priority I feel we should be making decisions concerning Covid-19 based on science and not politics.. Thanks for the chance to give input. Jim Burrows. Bend, Oregon Elyse West From: yeargan@sbcglobal.net Sent: Sunday, May 31, 2020 5:04 PM To: , citizeninput Subject: COVID-19 & Social Distancing With much dismay, I became aware that Patti Adair, and possibly other county commissioners are struggling with the issue of enforcing a valid order from Governor Brown regarding social distancing during the current COVID-19 pandemic. When a person lives in a lawful society such as we are fortunate enough to live in, one would expect due process of the law to be observed, and executed. If there is any disagreement with any law in our society, there is also a legal process to be followed to overturn such laws. Failure to enforce any law by commission, or omission results in anarchy. Only by knowing, and obeying the law, does one derive the liberty. I implore you to respect, and upload the law as it is your duty. Kind regards, Larry E. Yeargan 61020 Snowbrush Drive Bend, OR 97702 1 Elyse West From; Michael Funke <funkeredfinn24@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, May 31, 2020 12:29 PM To: citizeninput; Tony DeBone; patty.adair@deschutes.org; Phil Henderson Subject: Defying the Governor's order will imperil the health of Deschutes County residents {I')(TI'1: RNAI, EMAIL-1 Hello, I strongly oppose the County Commissioner proposal to defy the Governor's Phase I order that are aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19. Ordering county personnel to refuse to ignore state orders will endanger the health of Deschutes County residents. I believe this is just another example of the Commission playing politics with the lives of county residents. Nothing in the state orders prevents any religious institution from reopening with 25 people socially distanced from one another. Many local religious institutions have expressed support for the Governor's order and embraced online alternatives. A church is a building, not a deity. Practicing your faith does not and should not require a building. I do understand that some may not have access to online alternatives. But in this day and age I suspect that is a small number, and one that could likely be accommodated under the 25-person limit. Moreover, nothing prevents a religious organization from setting up small gatherings of people to come together socially -distanced to participate in online services. The County Commission needs to stop playing these petty political games and spend more time and energy and money on health care during this pandemic. Put the people first, not your political agenda! Peace, Justice, Solidarity, Michael Funke Bend, Oregon Agitate, organize, mobilize, resist Tiny purple fishes run laughing through your fingers. --Cream Hail, Hail Rock and Roll. --Chuck Berry, 1957 Opportunity will move out of the way to let a man pass it by. --Henry Fool It's not the rebels of the world that cause the troubles. It's the troubles that cause the rebels. --Carl Oglesby I believe that everybody is getting carried away with something that has gotten out of hand. --Jerry Lee Lewis Elyse West From: Conni Slape <connislape@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, May 31, 2020 1157 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Church opening [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Dear Commissioners, Please find a way to allow regular Church attendance to resume. Safeway allows 413 people to be under one roof milling about and touching everything. My church is about the same size as Safeway. We can have many more than 25 safely social distanced and there is no milling about. Everything is sanitized immediately afterwards and the people disperse to outdoors. Thank you for your consideration on our behalf. Sent from my iPad Elyse West From: Kathleen Desilets <kmdesilets@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, May 31, 2020 9:19 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Worship EX' NAl:., l:: MAIL.i Commissioners - Please check out Friday's U.S. Supreme Court decision on CA governor's church worship services regulations. Thank you. Kathleen Desilets 2486 NE Lavender Way Bend 97701 541-647-6791 Elyse West From: Atyssa Thomas <noextinction@yahoo.com> Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2020 10:02 PM To: citizeninput Subject: Religion and the pandemic [EXTERNAL EMIAIL]`. To whom it may concern: Please prioritise public health. It is for the good of everyone. Respect Governor Brown's order regarding religious services. Sent from my iPhone Elyse; West From: Anne R Thomas <arthomas8083@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2020 9:59 PM To: citizeninput Subject: Public health and churches [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Restrictions on church gatherings are important to, public health. Please prioritize everyone's health by respecting Governor Brown's restrictions on assembly sizes. Thank you, Anne Thomas Sent from my iPad Elyse West From: Sharon Keith Sent: Monday, June 1, 2020 12:09 PM To: Elyse West Subject: FW: Coronavirus Printing for the record please Original Message From: Bruce DeKock <dekock@bendbroadband.com>. Sent: Monday, June 01, 2020 7:46 AM To: citizeninput <citizeninput@deschutes.org> Subject: Coronavirus [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Deschutes County should enforce the Governor's order. Bruce DeKock 541 280 6419 Elyse West From: Sharon Keith Sent: Monday, June 1, 2020 12:12 PM To: Elyse West Subject: FW: It is evident that what we have been doing to stop the spread of the virus works. I would urge the commissioners not to sign the order. Yes, urge Brown to modify the her policy for all religious congregations. Please print for the record From: Mary. Berry <mjke2015@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, June 01, 202011:22 AM To: citizeninput <citizeninput@deschutes.org> Subject: It is evident that what we have been doing to stop the spread of the virus works. I would urge the commissioners not to sign the order. Yes, urge Brown to modify the her policy for all religious congregations. [1??<i":l ER:NA],: iV1A1i.a7 Sent from Mail for Windows 10. Elyse West. From: Sharon Keith Sent. Monday, June 1, 2020 12:13 PM To: Elyse West Subject: FW: Plz do. NOT open Churches. Please print for the record From: Jodi Winnwalker <jodi@earthtonesnw.com> Sent Friday, May 29, 2020 5:46 PM To: citizeninput <citizeninput@deschutes.org> Subject: Plz do NOT open Churches [EXTERNAL NA.1:. i:I'V AIL] Plz do NOT open Churches for members safety, my safety and your safety. Spiritual gatherings and the care of souls is effectively met through virtual connection. God is everywhere. Thank you, Jodi Winnwalker Deschutes county resident he information contained in this transmission may contain privileged and confidential information, including client information protected by federal and state privacy laws. It is intended only for the use of the person(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution, or duplication of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message. 1 Elyse West From: romaurer@yahoo.com Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2020 5:15 PM To: citizeninput Subject: Lifting restrictions on worship /Covid 19 [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Dear Bulletin; We are not at a stage where we should lift the restrictions for church gatherings or any large gatherings. The problem is not the church, but large gatherings in general, Last I heard the virus does not stop at the door of a church, synagogue or cathedral, so no we should not open it. Plus individual freedom stops when the health of other people are concerned. Thanks for asking for our input. Rosemarie Maurer Sent from my iPad Elyse West From: Richard Lance <lerich@bendbroadband.com> Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2020 5:15 PM To: citizeninput Subject: Exempting Church services from Gov Brown's Re -Opening order Attachments: DeschutesCommissionersCovidworshipltr.docx [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Please see attached letter. Thank you, Richard Lance & Leanne`Latterell Sent from Mail for Windows 10 Elyse West From: Sent: To: Subject: [1::ii)( 1 RNA1:, EMAIL. I Patty Giffin <pattygiffin@gmail.com> Saturday, May 30, 2020 4:45 PM citizeninput Stop endangering us all To Patty Adair and Phil Henderson, The. Supreme Court already ruled on this situation regarding separation of church and state. Please let it be and may we all stay safe. Thank you, Patty. Giffin Resident of Bend Patty Giffin, Ph, D. Licensed Psychologist EMDRIA Approved Consultant Trauma Recovery -HAP EMDR Trainer Certified Yoga Teacher 336 NE Norton Ave., Suite 1 Bend, OR 97701-4386 541-382-2677 fax: 541-678-5972 pattygrffin@gmail. corn Email is not confidential. In general it is best to schedule and ask questions by phone.. ivwiv. bendpsych. com Is my belief true? Can .Z know it to he absolutely true? Who am I as a result of mybelief? Who would I he or what would happen if I dropped this belief? adapted fr011i. Byron Katie Elyse West From: Curt Rymer <curt.rymer@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2020 4:42 PM To: citizeninput Subject: Worship Restrictions Feedback [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Dear Deschutes County Commissioners, The Supreme Court of the United States just upheld California's limit on religious services - the well-being of the people is more important than the temporary inconvenience imposed on a few. The Deschutes County Commissioners are in. no position to override the recommendations by experienced doctors, scientists, and the Supreme Court. Keep politics out of this and do what's right for the entire county. Respectfully, Curt Rymer Deschutes County Taxpayer since 1981. Elyse West From• Sent: To: Subject: [EXTFANAI:., is MA 1 Sherie Shirley <sherbend@gmail.com> Saturday, May 30, 2020 4:40 PM citizeninput Churches and pandemic Think we need to stick to facts. Governor Brown has restricted restaurants to 25 people and is the same for churches. This number will change when we go into Phase 11 to a larger number. Brown's main reason for this is for our own safety to stay safe. We do not want to see an uptick in virus numbers where we have to go back to square one. She has outlined a very methodical way to reopen our businesses and churches. I am a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Our church Session after a lot of discussion chose to shut our. doors in lieu of virtual church sermons. It was a rough go at first, but after a lot of perseverance we have 2 services plus other venues to stay in contact with the church. My husband and I really feel blessed the church members were able to do this. We are a church with a large percentage of older members. Our pastor thought we had to be especially safe for our congregation. Many churches have followed our plan. During a national crisis, like the one we are experiencing, we should have safety come first, but also work together for a rational edict from governor and churches. Suing the governor is not the way to solve this problem: Have the churches who are suing Governor Brown see how other churches have been able to reconcile the differences without pastors becoming so political. This can be implemented without dissension. Sherie Shirley Elyse West From: Rick Negus <negus@bendbroadband.com> Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2020 3:42 PM To: citizeninput Subject: Church Opening [EXTERNAL EMAIL] ] As a longtime member of the Trinity Episcopal Church I have learned that how I live my daily life is a reflection of my faith. Regular church attendanceis important, but what I do with my faith when I leave the building is what matters. One of the basic tenants of my faith is to love one another as Christ loves us. I cannot see how defying the Governor's order, and instructing county employees to violate this order, is an act of love. There is no question that large gatherings, regardless of their purpose, are dangerous not only to those who attend, but those they come in contact with. I cannot see how this order is an act of love. Quite the opposite, it is a defiant act that could harm many innocent people in our community. Do not approve this order. From: Ryan L <rmlane89@gmail.corn> Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2020 2:32 PM To: citizeninput Subject: Kate Brown, Churches, and more [EX l :MA I..,l. Hello Commissioners, I advise you take action to not enforce Governor Brown's orders. She has weaponized every department against all citizens of Oregon without listening to us. She has corrupted CPS, the Department of Revenue, OHA, and the Oregon DOJ, among others..I further advise you request a full blown investigation into all these departments, along with Kate Brown herself, by AG Barr and the United States Supreme Court. She doesn't listen to Oregonians, and fully ignores all rural areas' interests. She is not "for the people, by the people." She needs to be held accountable, if not by us citizens of Oregon. She has ruined this state from the inside out. Action against Kate Brown and her unconstitutional dictates is an absolute necessity for retaining the freedoms granted us by The US Constitution and Bill of Rights, and most especially granted to us by God himself. Thank you for reading this email from an extremely concerned native citizen. Elyse West From: Susan Chavez <susan97013@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2020 2:16 PM To: citizeninput Subject: Please don'tpoliticize public health [EXIERNAI l:aM:AII;;j Decisions regarding public health should be based on the best scientific evidence we have at the time. Governor Brown's order to limit the size of in person church gatherings does that. Please do not politicize public health. Sincerely, Susan Chavez Bend, Oregon Elyse West From: Karen. Painter <kbaker2l`@pacbell.net> Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2020 12:20 PM Tocitizeninput Subject: Not enforcing Governor Brown's Phase 1 protocols for churches {EXTERNAL EMAIL] Hi; I do Not support the Deschutes County Commissioners in undermining Governor Brown's authority in limiting the number of people allowed in churches and houses of worship. According to the science info I have been reading, churches with their close encounters with lots of people and with talking and singing and handling the same hymn books, etc is one of the riskiest places and circumstances to incur more infections of the COVID- 19. We all want things to go back to normal but I believe we all have to take responsibility in helping that happen sooner rather than later by reducing the risks of a rise in COVID-19 infections in our area. Furthermore, I believe Deschutes County Commissioners should set an example of being law abiding citizens vs undermining our Governor's authority. Thank you for your consideration. Karen Painter kbaker21 Ca�pacbell.net 209-480-1593 Elyse West From: Karen Brozovich <krnbrzvch@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2020 12:11 PM To: citizeninput Subject: Order to refuse to enforce restrictions on religious services l ;X':I:l RNAI EMA. Dear Commissioners, l am opposed to the Deschutes County Commissioners signing an order saying the county would refuse to help enforce restrictions on religion derived from executive orders from Gov. Kate Brown. The Phase 1 guidance for reopening says "local cultural, civic and faith gatherings for up to 25 people provided physical distancing can be in place". ` This is the standard Public Health guidance that offers the best protection to attendees at any of these types of gatherings. This is a reasonable option to provide safety to members of congregations who would rather attend religious services in person than make use of the on-line services that are being provided by many faith organizations. Due to the prompt placement of public health orders by the State of Oregon and Deschutes County, our state,. and county have avoided the massive loss of life seen in surrounding states. The entire state of Oregon has seen, about half of the Covid cases that have occurred just in King County in WA. The entire state of Oregon has had roughly a fifth of the deaths seen in King County. Your adherence to public health orders has led to Deschutes County having low numbers of cases and no deaths. Thank you so much for your wise leadership. The prompt adherence to public health advisories has prevented the type of tragedy in Deschutes County that was seen at a choir practice in Washington state: hops://www. seattletimes.com/nation-world/a-mount-vernon-choir-went-ahead-with-rehearsal-now-dozens- have-coronavirus-and-2-are-dead/ https: //www.seattletimes. com/seattle-news/health/inount-vernon-choir-outbreak-was-superspreader-event-says- cdc-report-on-how-easily-virus-spreads/ Please continue to follow the phased reopening and distancing orders that are designed to keep us safe and save as many lives as possible. Respectfully, Karen Brozovich RN, MPH Elyse West From: Roger Sabbadini <rsabbadini@sdsu.edu> Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2020 11:41 AM To: citizeninput Subject: On the opening of places of worship EXTERNAL EIVIAIL] Dear Deschutes County Commissioners: Please do not oppose Gov. Brown's directives on the opening of places of worship. A loving God would not advocate putting people's lives in jeopardy in his name. You will recall that the initial outbreak in South Korea emanated from a church service. Churches are the "perfect petri dishes for coronavirus." https://www.wsi.carri/a rticles/why-a-south-korea n-church-was-the-perfect-petri-dish-for-coronavirus-11583082110 This is not a constitutional First Amendment issue. To characterize it as such is a politicization of the pandemic we all face as Americans. Roger Sabbadini, Ph.D. Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Biology San Diego State University 3174 NW Quiet River Lane Bend, Oregon 97703 rsabbadini(a sdsu.edu 619 787-0570 (cell) Sperate o figli! (have hope children!) Nabucco (1841) Giuseppe. Verdi 1 Elyse West From: Gail Sabbadini <ggsabba@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2020 11:33 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Fwd: Churches opening I EX'l'1 RNA I L MAI Please excuse my typo. The first sentence below should read. I do not believe the Deschutes County Commissioners should take action to thwart Gov. Brown's emergency declaration regarding churches. Gail Sabbadini Forwarded message From: Gail Sabbadini <ggsabba@gmail.com> Date: Sat, May 30, 2020 at 7:45 AM Subject: Churches opening To: citizeninput@deschutes.org <citizeninput@deschutes.org> 1 do not believe the Deschutes County Commissioners should not take action to thwart. Gov. Brown's emergency declaration regarding churches. Freedom of religion is not being threatened in this situation. Reasonable safety requirements for county citizens during the covidl9 pandemic should take priority at this time. Everyone is free to keep their faith, just do it at a safe distance. Gail Sabbadini Bend resident Elyse West From: Connie Kennard <kennard86@yahoo.com> Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2020 11:29 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Church proposal [EXTERNAL EMAIL] It's not your job to determine which laws shall be enforced and which shall not. If you disagree with current regulations you take it to the judicial system or the legislative bodies. Ordering local law enforcement to disregard state orders is encouraging anarchy in or society. Is this really the time to do that? Do we not have enough division and unrest to deal with right now? Doing nothing is always an option. Why not wait and see if the second phase of reopening will occur? Perhaps it would be a better use of your time to work with the churches to comply with the Covid 19 rules, promote social distancing, wearing masks in public and generally working to protect the society as a whole in this time of rising infections in our area. The difference between shopping in a grocery store and going to a church service is that in a grocery store you can distance, attend at will, not be confined in a close structure for an hour or more with a large contingent of persons in close proximity. This applies to most private business. Please do not escalate the current divisions in our community. Vote no on this ill advised proposal. Most importantly, do not tell law enforcement to ignore laws. We are still a nation of laws operating for the common good. Thank you, Constance Kennard Bend Elyse West From: smgilles <smgilles@bendcable.com> Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2020 10:21 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Churches [EX'.,RNA I ; E]viAII. i Dear Commisioners, Thank you for your service to our community, I strongly feel that it is important that we continue to limit the amount of people attending church services to 25 people, particularly with recent the recent increase inpositive cases in Central Oregon. Our church has added an additional service to help those that feel they can safely attend. My back groubd is that of a public health nurse. Thank you. Sincerely. Shirley Mann Gilles RN. PHN, MSN Retired 645 Nutcracker Drive Redmond' Sent fron by Verizon, Sax sun Galaxy iar[liixc ne Elyse. West. From: Carolyn Clontz <carolynclontz14@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2020 10:07 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Supreme Court Rejects Church's Challenge To California's Coronavirus Rules : Coronavirus Live Updates;: NPR [EXTERNAL EMAIL] https://www.npr:org/sections/eoronavirus-live-updates/2020/05 /3 0/866097231 /supreme-court-rej ects-churchs challenge-of-california-s-eoronavirus-rules Elyse West From: M Rook <mfrbend@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2020 10:02 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Vote No on. Order re Religious Restrictions [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Ihave followed the media reporting on the proposed order before the county commission which would result in a failure to enforce the restrictions on religion set forth by Governor Brown. I strongly disagree with this order. Contrary to the way some have phrased it, religion is not being singled out for disparate treatment; the restrictions apply to all gatherings, whether civic, cultural, or religious -secular or non -secular. Religion is not being treated differently. For those who cite the constitutional right of freedom of religion, there is also the right of freedom of assembly. Both are being somewhat curtailed under the governor's order, but it is for limited duration under extraordinary circumstances. Don't make the mistake of singling our religion for special treatment. That would send a terrible message. Do not pass this order. Elyse West. From: Gussie Baker <gussiebaker@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2020 9:44 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Should Deschutes County ignore Gov's order re religious services? [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Thus far During the pandemic the Gov has taken necessary steps to try to ensure the safety of all citizens. The data regarding confirmed cases and deaths related to COVID-19 demonstrate the effectiveness of those steps and the compliance of the Oregon citizens. The essentials needs were appropriately identified; ones that individuals needed to survive -food, gas, money. Those services, where possible were offered in person with safety measures or in many instances online or through the aid of others (delivery services, food banks, etc). Religious worship at its heart is an individual experience with God and came be done anywhere (including safely in one's home) and can be achieved through Internet services for fellowship and support. It is not essential to be in a house of worship where data has shown an increase risk of exposure from lengthy time in a small enclosed space with greater disbursement of the virus through singing and talking. in phase 1, worship of 25 or less in an enclosed space is permitted. That is definitely safer than non restricted indoor worship and should be the religious leaders and the Deschutes County Commissioners' choice of action. Do not destroy the good results Oregon citizens have achieved so far in fighting this virus by unnecessarily ignoring restrictions that not only protect those who want to worship but all other citizens in the state. Follow Gov Brown's Order! Sent from my iPhone Elyse West From: Rick Hetherington <rickwhetherington@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2020 9:29 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Religious discrimination [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Dear Commissioners, Thank you for taking a stand for our First Amendment rights of religious freedom. The state is dearly discriminating against the Church by not providing equal application of the law. This is not a safety issue. It is a constitutional issue as the state is not applying the law equally.. Thank You! Rick Hetherington DANA SIGN GRAPHICS GROUP Elyse West From: Jeff Keller <jefftkeller@hotmail.com> Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2020 9:13 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Church and School Openings 1.E)(1'f RNAL, While the legality of the church opening restrictions is certainly an important consideration something I find missing from the discussion is any mention of the science behind the restrictions, particularly the limitations on the number of people who are allowed to attend services. Where does that number - 10 or 25 or whatever - come from? Is there some scientific study that supports it or is it just something someone - who would that be? - came up with out of thin air. A limit of 25 might make sense in a room with a 200 person capacity but should the same number apply to a room with an 800 person capacity? And when it comes to a social distancing requirement is the family of 4 that is locked down in the same house together and rides to church in the same car together supposed to sit 6 feet apart and wear face masks when they are in the church? Where is the science behind those requirements? A similar apparent lack of science surrounds the question of whether or not schools should reopen. The reason given in the first place was to prevent the children from getting ill and then transmitting the disease to family members, especially older family members. Now that we know that children are extremely unlikely to get the disease - has there been a single confirmed case of someone under 17 having it in the county? - and therefore even less likely to be able to transmit it to an adult why should the schools be closed? One argument that I have heard is that children actually do have the disease but we don't know it because they haven't been tested, but if they haven't been tested how do we know they have it? Has someone just decided that or is there some scientific study proving it? Do we close the schools because of the flu which actually does infect and sometimes kills children? We need to be open and honest about whether this is about the science behind the establishment of guidelines and policies or whether it is about the exercise of political power. Any restrictions that can't be support with scientific evidence of their effectiveness should be rescinded immediately. Jeff Keller ., 60 SE Myrtlewood St Bend Elyse West From: Lori Brizee <Ibrizee@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2020 8:23 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Continued limitations on church gatherings due to Coronavirus Dear Deschutes County Commissioners, I am a regular church goer and very active in the music program at First Presbyterian Church in Bend. I do miss our in person gatherings, but have been watching and participating in online services since March 15. I am also a healthcare professional. I believe that regular in person church services, which are not done as our governor has ordered, would likely increase the spread of COVID 19. Church gatherings are different that stores —stores are limiting the number of people who can enter at one time in order to keep people at least 6 feet apart, and most are requesting that people wear masks all workers are wearing masks. The way I read the governor's order is that churches can have services with 25 or fewer people who are wearing masks and are at least 6 feet from each other that is nothing like the services we all had prior to the COVID 19 shutdown. Another CDC recommendation (which our president deleted from guidelines) is that singing not be allowed, because of how it would increase spread of respiratory droplets. As much as I want to go back to regular worship, I am 100% in favor of Governor Brown's quarantine order and very gradual reopening of our state. Reading the gospels shows me that it is imperative that we respect and care for each other. In this case, that means doing everything possible to limit the spread of this virus. We have done a fantastic job in Deschutes County! We need to continue to do that by following the advice of scientists and health professionals! I do not presume that I know better than the infectious disease doctors and scientists and people like Dr Fauci who have informed our Governor's decisions! I don't think that our county commissioners, or the people clamoring to get back to normal have the scientific knowledge to override the stay at home, orders. I applaud Governor Brown for her orders for the phased reopening of counties. Until the health professionals tell me that it is truly safe to get back to in person worship, I will continue to worship and participate in via live -streamed services. Thank you for your consideration of this matter. Sincerely, Lori S Brizee i Lori Brizee MS, RDN, LD, CDCES Pi'utrf l{>?" 7?i DIa4%?6..,'. RoyOre cellphone: 541.788.2625; Appointments: 541-241-6371; fax 877:991-7408 (pronouns: she/her) 2 Elyse West From: Dick Falxa <dfalxa@bendcable.com> Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2020 8:33 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Fwd: opening churches illegally [EXTERNAL EMAIL] ----- Forwarded Message From:. Dick Falxa <dfalxa@bendcable. com>- To: boarddeschutes.org Sent: Fri, 29 May 2020 19:39:14 0400 (EDT) Subject: opening churches illegally Ms Adair and Mr Henderson I am a 78 yr old resident of Sisters with COPD, asthma, and heart problems. So you would risk my life so you could defy the governor? You two are also going to make public health political? church every Sunday on Zoom and my religious needs are being met in a beautiful and spiritual way. Don 't sacrifice me so you can. be "right". My life is as important as yours. Dick Falxa 16187 Foothill Loop S Elyse West From: Sent: To: Subject: [EX'l'ERNAI:., I.:NA Gail Sabbadini <ggsabba@gmail.com> Saturday, May 30, 2020 7:45 AM citizeninput Churches opening I do not believe the :Deschutes County Commissioners should not take action to thwart Gov: Brown's emergency declaration regarding churches. Freedom of religion is not being threatened in this situation. Reasonable safety requirements for county citizens during the covidl9 pandemic should take priority at this time: Everyone is free to keep their faith, just do it at a safe distance. Gail Sabbadini Bend resident Elyse West From: Randy Jacobs<randyj@shepherdshouserninistries.org> Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2020 7:10 AM To: citizeninput Cc: Lindy Jacobs; Curt Floski; Blaine Braden; Jody Faison; Steve Mickel; Clint Wood; Cash Lowe; Amy Kasari Subject: Governor's restrictions on religious gathers - Deschutes Co. response [ENT NAL :EMAIL] Dear Commissioners, As a very active Christian, and a practicing physician serving our homeless population, I encourage you to abide by the Governor's phased re -opening regulations without issuing an exemption for religious gatherings. Permitting large gatherings not only risks those participating, but the entire community. Churches have creatively responded to the closures with virtual gatherings and other forms of outreach. ` The Governor's order applies to all gatherings, and doesn't target religious groups. I strongly believe that the great commandment Matthew 22:37 applies here - not only"Love the Lord your God" but also "Love your neighbor as ,yourself." Continuing to abide by the current restrictions on large gatherings is an expression of love for others by the churches. To disregard at this time would bring irresponsible harm to our community in the midst of our pandemic. As. Christians our first priority should be the welfare of others. Sincerely, Randy Jacobs Randall Jacobs MD Medical Director Board Chairperson Shepherd's House Ministries PO Box 5484 Bend, OR 97708 541-408-4298 randvj@shepherdshouseministries.orq DISCLAIMER: This message is intended for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. Additionally, this communication and/or attached files may contain protected health information, which is governed by HIPAA regulations. If this information is intended to be forwarded or shared, you and your entity are responsible to assure HIPAA regulation and guidelines are followed. If you are not the intended recipient any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. Elyse West From: David Foster <david@davidfoster.biz> Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2020 6:29 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Church rules [1:?X'J.'1 RNA:[:.;1:: MA1 Commissioners, Please don't set a dangerous precedent that tells law enforcement that they should not enforce the temporary COVID restrictions in regards to churches. If you don't like the Governor's rule, then convince her to change it. Don't support and encourage lawlessness. Please read the Supreme court's ruling: "Roberts wrote in brief opinion that the restriction allowing churches to reopen at 25% of their capacity, with no more than 100 worshipers at a time, "appear consistent" with the First Amendment, Roberts said similar or more severe limits apply to concerts, movies and sporting events "where large groups of people gather in close proximity for extended periods of time." Reference: https //www.huffpost.com/entry/supreme-court-rejects-challenge-church-services- coronavirus n 5edle6fbc5b6e88c7a28f47d Please don't try to equate churches with grocery stores, liquor stores or other places of business where there are NOT large groups of people gathered in close proximity for extended periods of time; they are not the same and don't represent the same risk. Thank you for your consideration. David Foster Bend citizen since 1983 Elyse West From: Georgi Douglas<georgibend@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, May 29, 2020 9:56 PM To: citizeninput Subject: Wait, What?? [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Deschutes County Commission, » First, 'What about Separation of Church and State'? I am writing the Commission concerning the three County Commissioners' defying the Oregon Governor's Phase One order limiting religious and church gatherings to 25 people. It is the elected County Commission's responsibility to protect our community; we hold you responsible for that. It is expected that you have the ability to work with city managers, law enforcement and others in our region, during this tough time. Recovering from Covid19 must be a group. effort, by fully taking into consideration the recommendations of public health advisers and officials, even when it is difficult to do so. To encourage County Employees to not comply with the Govenor of Oregon's orders, is just wrong, it's vigilante. » It is embarrassing when our Commission asks us not to comply, to be in defiance of cooperating, as our state is hi this public health crisis. Elected officials should not join in at rallies, defying the Governor's order, to stay home, stay apart, stay safe, so as not to not spread the virus. » If people are asking to congregate to worship in person, at their church, they can do so if kept under 25 people. It is not unconstitutional. The right to bear arms does not mean taking AR/AK style militia weapons into churches, government buildings etc., Filling churches during a pandemic, under the guise of our constitution, is just an abuse of power and not about the safety of people. » When we go to the "shopping center", grocery store, hardware store, the time there is brief. In a 'hardware store/warehouse' they are staggering people in and out. Sitting in a church for 1-2 hours, singing, sitting next to people, breathing the same air particles, not well ventilated, is a much different story and one I don't want to be exposed to. » Thank you for offering to hear from the community on restricting worship gatherings. Since the three commissioners are aligned in allowing such gatherings, I would suggest an additional, independent council be included in reading the input against such gatherings. Sincerely, » Georgi Douglas Elyse West From: Monte Dammarell <kmriverhaus@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, May 29, 2020 8:54 PM To: citizeninput Subject: Church gatherings [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Scientific evidence has documented that closely spaced gatherings maximize the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Declining to enforce or help enforce state restrictions on worship services in a place of worship can only lead to a more rapid spread of the virus. Opening places of worship is counter to the best interests of the public health. Whatever higher power any citizen worships is not only found in a certain building, or at a certain address in Deschutes County. Our higher power is everywhere, and we are able to commune with that power whenever and wherever we are. We are verymuch against opening up the churches, and charge you with the following Governor Brown's executive orders. Sincerely, Mary K Dammarell RN, PHN `. Monte Dammarell Sent from my iPhone Elyse West From: Reed Luca <Iuramarie4@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, May 29, 2020 7:30 PM To: citizeninput Subject: Religious Gatherings Order Dear Board of Commissioners: As a constituent and an active member of a Bend church congregation I want to be clear that my religious freedom and my religious beliefs are not threatened or harmed by the Governor's Phase 1 order to limit groups to 25 people. Governor Brown's Phase 1 order is based on collaborative deliberation of current scientific research. The order focuses on awareness of, and care for all people- this is very much in alignment with my moral beliefs. I care enough about my community to follow the Phase 1 order so we limit each other's exposure to Covid-19. While I miss gathering in person with my fellow Universalist Unitarians, I am nourished by the love and care of our congregation every day, as we find creative ways to reach out to one another while honoring. Oregon's well -considered health safety order. We. Oregonians need to continue our re -opening at a pace that supports our community and doesn't overwhelm our medical facilities or hard-working health care providers. As the Bend Bulletin reported this week, "guidance from the Centers for Disease Control still suggests religious institutions limit the number of people in the congregation to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Churches have been associated with spreading the disease in the past. One in three cases of COVID-19 in Sacramento County, California, were linked to church gatherings back in early April, according to the Los Angeles Times." Spirituality, by definition, is not limited to the physicality of the body nor the physical proximity of other people. Despite not meeting in person with my fellowship, my spiritual practice is stronger than ever, in part because when 1 uphold Oregon's Phase 1 order, 1 am intentionally caring for the interwoven web of our community rather than focusing solely on myself. Deschutes Commission must respect Oregon's Phasel order. Sincerely, Lura Reed PhD Bend, OR Elyse West From: Sharon Keith Sent: Monday, June 1, 2020 3:05 PM To: Elyse West Subject: FW: From a Pastor & Pandemic. Partners: Churches Need to Adhere to Governor Brown's Orders Throughout COVID Crisis Please print for the record, From: Morgan Schmidt <mschmidt@bendfp.org> Sent: Monday, June 01, 2020 3:03 PM To: Board <board@deschutes.org>; citizeninput <citizeninput@deschutes.org>; Patti Adair <Patti.Adair@deschutes.org>; Tony DeBone <Tony.DeBone@deschutes.org>; Phil Henderson <Phil.Henderson@deschutes.org> Subject: From a Pastor & Pandemic Partners: Churches Need to Adhere to Governor Brown's. Orders Throughout COVID Crisis [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Dear. Commissioners, I was shocked to hear that you all initiated a conversation and proposed to vote on allowing churches to meet outside the bounds of the gathering limits directed by Governor Brown. I'm glad to see that it is not on the agenda this week, and hope it will remain that way. Just in case you're still considering it - or would consider it again in the future - I speak as one of the pastors of First Presbyterian Church of Bend and as the leader of Pandemic Partners, a community grassroots movement of crowdsourcing kindness between neighbors. I strongly oppose any consideration that churches should act outside the expectations and guidelines outlined in each phase as we re -open. Churches should be limited to the same capacity restrictions and physical distancing as every other institution and business during this time, as we seek to uphold the common good, follow the advice of leading medical experts and science, and be a part of the collective response to limiting the spread of COVID19. Worship is meant to be life-giving, not death -defying. There are countless other ways to connect with, your community, encounter the sacred, pray, and worship that do not include putting yourself, your loved ones, and your community at risk. First Presbyterian, and many other churches around the county,' are committed to embodying love and kindness to our whole community by continuing to find alternative, virtual, and distanced ways of worshipping that honor county, state, and federal efforts to continue flattening the curve. This doesn't even factor in the theological imperatives that drive our decision to keep our buildings closed, even as we keep our worship, hearts, and connections open in other ways. We are monitoring the situation closely, consulting together with wisdom, and we will gather again in person when everyone can gather together safely - we believe it's counter to the way of Jesus to leave anyone behind, or to knowingly put our most vulnerable neighbors at risk. I'm not sure what pastors or constituents you're hearing from, or if the proposed measure came from a personal desire to resume in -person worship formats, but I'd like to be a part of the conversation and understand where this is coming from. So many of us disagree with pushing to re -open churches early. I'd like to propose a shared virtual meeting between yourselves and all of the pastors/clergy we can assemble, in order to have a dialogue about this (Pandemic Partners is happy to co-sponsor or host that conversation, if that is helpful in some way). I imagine there are many faith leaders who feel isolated, afraid, and might not see a way forward that both honors the requirements of Phase One (and all -too -soon, Phase Two), and their responsibilities to their faith community. A conversation might help us all understand each other better, support one another, and move forward with wisdom and a view towards the collective health of our community. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration, and for the difficult, complicated task of leadership you've taken on during this time. With all respect, Rev. Morgan Schmidt Morgan Schmidt (she/her) Leader © Pandemic Par Assoc R4 I Pastor of ee P b Ch Lit 2 Elyse West From: Sharon Keith Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 11:48 AM To• Elyse West Subject: email received via Citizen Input Please print for the record Original Message From: t howes <dathowes@yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 11:45 AM To: citizeninput <citizeninput@deschutes.org> Subject: Obeying executive order re; churches [EXTERNAL EMAIL] The commission's duty is to follow the Governor's executive order because the order is to protect the health of all citizens. To do otherwise is simply reinforcing anarchy. Religious people can practice their religion without endangering the rest of us by spreading the virus. I have a right to life without the virus; that's constitutional and supercedes your right to spread the virus. Sent from myiPad Elyse West From: Sharon Keith Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 11:49 AM To: Elyse West Subject: Email received via Citizen Input Please print this email for the record Original Message From: HANNE MADSEN <hanneskis@aol.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 11:33 AM To: citizeninput <citizeninput@deschutes.org> Subject: Opening churches [EXTERNAL EMAIL] To all commissioners: If you are so concerned about people's right to attend church services, then what about my rights to not get infected by someone who contracts Covid 19 while being in a closed environment with many other, people? If they get infected, they can infect others in the community who are careful and considerate of others and don't attend any type of gathering including church. To me, this is the height of hypocrisy! Hanne Madsen Bend, Or 97702 Sent from my iPhone Elyse West From: kathy gault <earthsong49@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 11:25 AM To: citizeninput Subject: proposed order to decline/enforce state restriction on 'worship of God' [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Dear Commissioners, We hear a lot these days about 'freedom to worship' and 'freedom of religion' and 'freedom of assembly'. As far as allowing churches to reopen and pack as many 'worshippers' in as possible, in theory I say fine, let them all go in, lock the doors, and infect each other. But sorry, that leaves the rest of us out, when those same people walk out the door and become disease vectors to the rest of us. What percentage of our population is Christian? or follows any religion? The most recent statistics I found show Oregon as the 39th most religious state, and on average only 29% attend weekly worship services. Deschutes County may vary slightly from that, but it doesn't seem right to me that this minority has the right to govern the potential health and security of the vast majority of the residents. This is a situation where our governor, basing her instructions on actual science and the best advice of medical experts, has created an evolving structure that protects the largest number of Oregonians from reckless, self-centered behavior. Yes, it is unusual. But we live in unusual times, and a temporary order to think of others first is not unreasonable, and certainly not unconstitutional. Religionists, please feel free to worship your God in the freedom of your own home. But respect my right, as your fellow citizen and equally freedom -loving neighbor, to feel safe doing my limited outings in our community, away from other community members who couldn't just continue praying at home for a while longer to help keep their neighbors safe. I also object to the order instructing our own county employees and legal officials to go against the governor's orders. Really? Are we really going rogue in Deschutes County? Forget it. I appreciate our county employees and officials supporting the governor's fact -based, smart, and so far effective orders to slow and limit the spread of COVID-19. I urge the commissioners NOT to sign this order. It goes against common sense, good community behavior, and supports lawlessness at the county government level. Shame on you for even suggesting this! Kathleen Gault Longtime Bend resident Elyse West From: Don Kunz <donrkunz@icloud.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 11:25 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Proposed anti -enforcement order [l?X' I'1: IZ:N A. I:, EM:A. To: Deschutes County Commissioners From: Don Kunz, Bend, OR Re: Your proposed anti -enforcement order Before you sign the proposed order directing Deschutes County staff to. decline to enforce any state restriction on the worship of god derived from an executive order by Oregon Governor Kate Brown, please examine your motives by answering the following questions: 1. If the request to act on this issue were not being made by a Protestant Christian constituency but by one that was Roman Catholic, Jewish, Buddhist or Muslim, would you take this action? 2. In our secular Constitutional Republic is assembly as a congregation to worship god essential or does freedom to worship god as an individual meet the constitutional provision granting freedom of religion? 3. Is a religious constituency's FREDOM TO assemble to worship more important than all the rest of your constituency's FREEDOM FROM the increased likelihood of infection by this religious group as they circulate among us after meeting as a group? 4. Why, are you considering this proposal while the issue is being litigated by the Oregon Supreme Court? Elyse West From: Diane <dhodiak@comcast.net> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 11:17 AM To: Patti Adair; Tony DeBone; Phil Henderson; Board; citizeninput Subject: Enforce ban on gathering in churches [EXT1E?RNA1 I:WAIL] Dear Phil Henderson, Patti Adair, and Tony Debone. I am shocked to hear about this potentiall reckless move. If people want to choose NOT to wear a mask, tell them to stay home. Its as simple as that. And masking in church is simply not practical. Church gatherings are among the most frequent places that people get Covid-19! And then, each individual goes out to infect, on average 10 others! Some of these people don't even have insurance, should they get sick. This is not fair to others who live here, nor to our frontline workers at the hospital and medical care facilities. Please retain the ban in churches, and don't play God with Death. Do you want this blood on your hands? Are you willing to pay their hospital bills? Thank you Diane Hodiak Bend resident 206-498-5887 Elyse West From: Elizabeth Weltin <esballering@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 11:13 AM To: ` citizeninput; Patti Adair; Tony DeBone; Phil Henderson; Board Subject: Opening Churches i.EX':1'l:R:NAI:., It is absolutely imperative that you not allow churches to open for large congregate events. We have seen throughout the country that church services are a vector for outbreaks of COVID-19 infections. If you do your research you will see that priests are falling ill, pastors are dying and infecting their followers. Social events associated with church gatherings are places where individuals are acquiring the infection and then taking it back out into their community. If a surge in infections result in this ill informed order and deaths result, this will be due to your ill advised actions. You should take this extremely seriously as it will be a life and death decision. Do NOT vote for this order. Sincerely, Elizabeth Weltin, RN, NP-NM, retired Elyse West From: carolyn Tate <etatnylorac@gmailcom> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 11:13 AM To• citizeninput Subject: Restrictions on religious gatherings [EXTERNAL EMAIL] To those concerned: If people begin to gather in large groups, and the virus spikes, then group gatherings should be forbidden. Regarding worship: as imperfect as they are, televised and Internet- based gatherings do allow communication between religious leaders and congregations. Christianity teaches that the soul and spirit are with God, even, or maybe especially, individuals are alone, isolated, or suffering. The gatherings are pleasant and can be socially uplifting but are not essential to a belief in God or to practicing Christian values. The same goes for most religions. So, large gatherings should still be prohibited at churches if schools, sports, Restaurants, and other activities remain subject to social distancing rules. Carolyn Tate 1246 NE Hoover Loop, Bend Sent from my iPad Elyse; West From: Norm Milks <nmilks1630@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 11:12 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Religious expression [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Dear Commissioners, I do not support the direction Patti Adair is proposing regarding religious assembly. 1 believe all people are entitled to their own beliefs. I also believe that part of practicing our beliefs is to take care of each other and our community. Practicing a religion, whether Islam, Judaism, Christianity or other, does not require being in a specific location, building or other. I also do not believe it is appropriate for the County to ignore the Governor's orders. If the Commissioners disagree with one or other order, they should lobby against it or seek court review. Also the Commissioners should not force County staff to ignore the State orders. Finally, multiple religious gatherings have become super -spreader events, burdening first responders and our healthcare system, as those assembling carried the virus around the community. Let's not encourage that here. We've all been staying home, wearing masks, and keeping socially distant to keep from infecting others, and getting infected ourselves. This is the best good neighbor effort we can do to help keep the whole community safe. We need to continue these practices until a vaccine is available and the whole world has been inoculated against this scourge. I suspect most religious leaders want their congregations to be safe, too. Please lead by example, turndown this proposal, and continue to support the Governor's re -opening plan. Thank you, Norman Milks Bend Sent from Norm's iPhone Elyse West From: jmeredit@bendnet.com Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 11:09 AM To: Patti Adair; Tony DeBone; Phil Henderson; citizeninput Subject: Enforce public safety restrictions on churches [EXTERNAL EMAIL] This is a public safety issue and our lives depend upon enforcing public safety restrictions on large indoor gatherings, including church gatherings. Public health and risking contagious disease spread should come before splitting hairs to find a law to allow gathering. Community safety is a priority please. Judy meredith, bend oregon Elyse West From: Karl Rufener <rufener;karl@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28,,2020 11:02 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Let Churches Open [EXTERNAL EMA. End the ridiculous discrimination and arbitrary rules against Churches. Elyse West From: Deb Dohm <djdenada@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 10:53 AM To: Patti Adair; Tony DeBone; Phil Henderson; Board; citizeninput Subject: Support the governor [EXTERNAL EMAIL]. I for one applaud the Governor for looking out for the welfare of all the citizens of Oregon. Sure, people would rather do what they want to do but this is a pandemic and there is evidence to backup the fact that large gatherings in churches has fueled the virus. This pandemic is about thinking beyond your personal sphere and taking into consideration the heath of all. I do have an underlying condition and when I see people not distance by not wearing masks, not taking the simplest actions I realize they don't care about people like me. I didn't want to have cancer but I` am not alone. A lot of people have issues that make them more vulnerable but I don't expect people to go out of their way(by insisting on doing what they want for themselves onlyjto put me at harm. Do I do my own shopping? No. Do I want to? Yes. But all too many people disregard the covid precautions so the simple act of going to the store becomes a dangerous one, Seems ridiculous and selfish that citizens can't pull together and do all they can to keep all people as healthy and unexposed as they can be. So yes — I think large social gathering whether they are concerts, parties, or church services should be controlled. If you are a church goer and believe in the tenets of your faith, you would not want to go to such services. You could look out for your fellow persons and not act selfishly on your own. Support the governor - she is trying to do the best under the circumstances. Sent from my iPhone Elyse West From: Susan Wittwer <missluke@hotmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 10:51 AM To: citizeninput Subject: county resident opposed to non -enforcement order. [EXTERNAL RNAL ENiA1i.a To Whom It May Concern: I am, opposed to the Deschutes County Commission directing county staff to refrain from enforcing the Gov. Kate Brown's executive order regarding the opening of churches. This order is in place to protect our citizens and is in line with OHA recommendations. Furthermore, it is not the job of our county commissioners to decide if an order is constitutional or not. That is for our courts to determine. I, too, would like to go back to church. Our church community is still reaching out and active, even though we cannot meet in person. This is important when you consider that the coronavirus is spreading in our community. Especially as the summer season begins, and we see many people coming here from out of the area, now is not the time to put our residents at further risk. I ask that the County Commission please do your jobs to protect the health of our community. I would prefer. that you work with Gov. Kate Brown to decide on a plan of action that will allow us to open our churches. Pushing this directive through will only serve to widen our political divide and will not lead us to our goal, which is to contain the spread of this disease. Thank you for the opportunity to voice my opinion. Susan Wittwer 20802 Glenn Maroe Ct. Bend, OR 97701 Elyse West From: Katherine Austin <kaaustin@pacbell.net> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 10:45 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Churches [F)('IF RNAl:.; EMAIL Honorable commissioners, I am writing to express my outrage that you would consider opening churches and defying the governor. We need to be following science not politics or pressure from minority groups to defy science. Science should be guiding us during this time and we need to be extra vigilant. The CDC and other reputable University organizations have demonstrated that worshiping in an enclosed space while particularly singing is one of the most risky things individuals can do at this time and has been responsible for hot spots of the disease all across the country: People can gather in their cars in church parking lots and tune in to hear their religious leader. Or they can practice on. Zoom or other social media. This is a time of extraordinary circumstances and requires an extraordinary response. You have been charged with being the adults in the room to make wise decisions for all of your constituents. You have no right to endanger my life because someone wants to go to church. I uge you to resist pressure to do this and do the responsible thing. I will remember your actions when you are up for re- election. Katherine Austin 179 SE Rice Way, Bend OR 97702 Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail on Android Elyse West From: Deb Bohm <djdenada@gmail,com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 10:40 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Restrictions on religious gathering [EXTERNAL EMAIL] I for one applaud the Governor for looking out for the welfare of all the citizens of Oregon. Sure, people would rather do what they want to do but this is a pandemic and there is evidence to backup the fact that large gatherings in churches has fueled the virus. This pandemic is about thinking beyond your personal sphere and taking into consideration the heath of all. I do have an underlying condition and when I see people not distance by not wearing masks, not taking the simplest actions I realize they don't care about people like me. l didn't want to have cancer but I am not alone. A lot of people have issues that make them more vulnerable but I don't expect people to go out of their way(by insisting on doing what they want for themselves only)to put me harm. Do I do my own shopping? No. Do I want to? Yes. But all too many people disregard the covid precautions so the simple act of going to the store becomes a dangerous one. Seems ridiculous and selfish that citizens can't pull together and do all they can to, keep all people as healthy and unexposed as they can be. So yes — I think large social gathering whether they are concerts, parties, or church services should be controlled. If you are a church goer and believe in the tenets of your faith, you would not want to go to such services. You could lookout for your fellow persons and not act selfishly on your own. Support the governor -she is trying to do the best under the circumstances. Sent from my iPhone Elyse West From: Gerald Nelson Schoof <gnschoof@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 10:35 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Follow state guidelines on church services. Am a long time church member and elder. You can worship outside the building. [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Sent from my iPhone Elyse West From: Dawn Richerson <centralorhomes@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 10:31 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Constitutional rights [EX': ERNAI:., :i:,MAI .1 Ladies and Gentlemen, As a citizen of the United States of America, I stand against the tyrannical acts of leaders like Kate Brown subverting our constitutional rights. Law enforcement and local leaders MUST stand with the people when elected officials abuse their power. Churches have a right to assemble at ALL times. There is no clause or pause in the US Constitution preventing assembly under any circumstances. Please decline to enforce or help enforce any state restriction on the worship of God derived from an. executive order of Gov. Kate Brown. Sincerely, Dawn Richerson BROKE ensed in 1 Elyse West', From: william Iincoln <walincoln@aol.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 10:29 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Fwd: Worship restrictions is X'i'ER.NAI 'EN1AIi:,I. Begin forwarded message: From: william;lincoln <walincoln@aol.com> Subject: Worship restrictions Date: 28 May 2020 at 08:31:45 GMT-7 To: citizininput{cdeschutes.orq We strongly urge the commissioners to support the Governor's orders. The orders do not stop people from worshipping. They only require that people not congregate in mass gatherings for safety reasons during a deadly pandemic. Bill and Ann Lincoln Bend Elyse West From: Kristin Larson <krismlarson@gmail.com>. Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 10:27 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Churches and coronavirus RNAI, EMAIL] I understand that the commissioners are considering options to allow churches to reopen despite the Governor's order to keep them closed. I am an active member of a church. I attend weekly services on Sunday, and frequently take part in other activities throughout the week. Many of my closest friends are members of the congregation. Despite the importance that church plays in my life, I urge you to proceed cautiously with reopening. The church is not a building. During the pandemic, we have been having services via Facebook, and I've remained active with other members through options like What's App and Zoom. We have developed committees to make sure that our members' needs (basic needs like food and medication, but also spiritual and emotional needs) are met. It's not ideal, but it's working OK. Our members are safe. It is my hope that my children will be able to go back to school in the fall. But I fear that if we open too soon especially in indoor spaces like a church that we will slide backward and reopening will have to be delayed. The Governor's ruling appears to be well thought out and based on scientific research. I urge you to support her in the fight to keep Oregon's coronavirus numbers low. Thank you, Kristin Larson ElyseWest From: jed trinitybend.org <jed@trinitybend.org>. Sent.. Thursday, May 28, 2020 10:20 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Churches (E:X`T RNA1 1 MAi ] I read with some dismay the front page of this morning's paper, suggesting that the Deschutes County Commission would act to defy our Governor regarding churches. As far as I know, most local churches have not been asking for this, action. My sense is that most pastors of. Christian churches, as well as leaders of other faith communities, feel that the suspension of large gatherings (for public worship, as for any other purpose) is warranted. On our behalf, Chris Kramer, pastor at Nativity Lutheran Church, has spoken with Commissioner Patty Adair to affirm that leaders of Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Unitarian, Unity, Methodist and Jewish faith communities in Bend support the current suspension of in -person worship. (We have never been closed, merely worshiping and gathering and serving our community in different ways.) For my part, I have signed on to a couple of additional statements in the past week that reflect widespread agreement. Locally, a theologically diverse coalition of Christian church leaders expressed our support for following guidelines from federal and state officials. (See https://togetherforbend.com/) l have also signed on to other shared statements with an even more diverse cross-section of faith leaders in Bend and across the state. Our primary concern is for health professionals and the wellbeing of our community. We agree that it is imperative for us to be very careful as we proceed — not preferring our personal rights/privileges over our call to care for others in our community. Jed + Jedediah D. Holdorph, Rector Trinity Episcopal Church 469 NW Wall Street Bend, Oregon 97703 541-382-5542 "Learn to dance, so when you get to heaven the angels know what to do with you." St. Augustine Elyse West From: Carolyn Clontz <carolynclontz14@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 10;17 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Fwd: Churches Meeting X" 'F,R.NAI` 1AI: Forwarded message From: Carolyn Clontz <carolynclontz14@gmai1.com>. Date: Thu, May 28, 2020, 8:23 AM Subject: Churches Meeting To: <citizeninput c@z,desehuresorg> I am not in favor of opening churches to services during stage 1. I am a member of Grace First Lutheran Church. Our pastor, Andrew Bansemer, has been holding online church services ever since the quarrantine started, through a church facebook account.I have played the organ and piano for church services for 16 years at GFLC. Yes, it is very different to not be at the instruments during the service. But our pastor is doing an heroic job of bringing us a worship service. Members record themselves doing the psalm and prayer readings at home, which are played during the broadcast. People write good mornings to each other and everybody in the chat box. Sitting in a church' pew doesn't mean a person gets a better worship experience. Statistics show that only about 35% of people in Oregon even belong to churches or attend worship services. The constant yelling about being denied worship is hollow. Many people for years have watched the Megachurches broadcast their church services before now. That could be a resource these desperate people could use. The megachurches were obviously very successful in the messages and services they provided and could likely fill this need. In my own congregation, the people who are most anxious to go back to the building are the very people who are most at risk: age 65 and older. Our state synod Bishop explicitly said this is the group that should. NOT be in the building Sunday services because of their health vulnerability. I am concerned, although not surprised, that you would pander to pan -banging miscreants who only think about their "rights" at the same time they would happily trample the rights of other people. Carolyn Clontz Elyse West From; Pam Bagby <pdbagby@sbcglobal:net> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 10:17 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Worship restrictions [EXTERNAL EMAIL] I understand Deschutes County Commission will consider disregarding a statewide order limiting the size of in -person religious gatherings to 25 people. I want to share my thoughts. This is not a political or a freedom of religion issuer As a faithful Christian and active member of a large local church, I am grateful your proposed change will not affect my church. Our church leadership team honors life and considers the health of its members important enough to follow science -based guidance behind the governor's orders. While our facility is closed for large gatherings, we continue to worship and serve - just in different ways during this pandemic. It is the loving thing to do, and I believe God is all about Love! Nobody has taken away my freedom as a citizen of Bend, Deschutes County, Oregon, USA. I am free to choose howl respond to this crisis, and I choose to follow regulations designed to protect citizens' safety and health. I choose to go to the grocery store during Tess crowded times. I support local businesses that observe safe practices; My husband and I participate in electronic meetings and gatherings, enjoy nature walks in our neighborhood, and order take-out/delivery from restaurants (even those open for sit-down meals). I fortunately live in a state with vote -by -mail elections, and I safely vote my choices: I wear a facial mask in public and observe social -distancing guidelines out of respect for others, though I'm disappointed some don't show the same respect. Health professionals share that non -symptomatic persons can carry and spread this dreadful disease. Until we have more widespread testing or a vaccine to reduce the risk, I can only hope you will choose pro -life leadership over politics. Thank you for listening, Pam Bagby Bend, Oregon 1 Elyse West From: Sandy Kohlmoos <sohlmoos@bendbroadband.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 10:17 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Not Enforcing Worship Restrictions x:F RNAl 1 MA li,, I To All the Commissioners, Please keep a thoughtful, kind, and wise perspective on the issue of worship restrictions. Worship restrictions are obviously not designed to keep people from worshipping (& praying) together. It is designed to prevent those same worshippers from getting Covid-19, and from. spreading it within their congregation. Zoom & Online Services have worked well so far. Car meetings can also work. But having large indoor meetings is foolish, and anyone suggesting that it is safe to do so is ignoring the possibility of putting the worshippers at risk of getting sick and worse yet, of dying. Sandy Kohlmoos 541-408-4309 Cell skohlmoos@bendbroadband.com Elyse, West From: Melanie Brown <skichick97701 @gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 10:08 AM To: Patti Adair; Tony DeBone; Phil Henderson; citizeninput Subject: Enforce public safety restrictions on churches [EXTERNAL EMAIL] This is a public safety issue and our lives depend upon enforcing public safety restrictions on large indoor gatherings, including church gatherings. We have already seen how congregating in churches has caused more cases of the virus. Singing especially sprays droplets everywhere. We know that many people who have no symptoms may carry the COVID-19 virus. This past Memorial Weekend has already shown how easy it is for people to disregard a danger they cannot actively see. forget about social distancing, As a member of the part of society with an increased risk due to age and pulmonary issues, I ask for you not to rush to open up the churches. Respectfully, Melanie Brown Elyse West From: Ralph swan <swanralphm@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 9:56 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Corvid19 worship restrictions [EXTERNAL EMAIL] With all due respect to devout religious people of all faiths, gathering en-masse in order to share your faith (and the virus) is particularly troubling to me at this time. Today's Bulletin indicates that new Covid19 cases reached a new high of 22 for the week of May 17th. National and world news is replete with tragic stories of how religious gatherings that flaunted social isolation orders and guidelines became the epicenters of exponential contagion resulting in many deaths. Your religion cannot protect you from the virus, and your "right" to free assembly is not a mandate for free assembly, but a personal choice. It is your "right" to expose yourself to potentially deadly risk, but it is not your "right" to thereby expose the rest of us to the consequences of your "ill advised choice. Perhaps we should emphasize the word "separation" in "Separation of Church and State" Ralph Swan Bend Sent from my iPad Elyse West From: clella@bendcable.com Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 9:55 AM To: citizeninput Subject: DO ENFORCE state government restrictions on churches I strongly oppose defying Gov. Brown's orders to keep places of worship closed. Deschutes County should continue to enforce the closure until given notice otherwise by the State in consultation with health authorities. Clella Thomas 644 NW Stonepine Dr. Bend, OR 97703 Elyse West From: Anita Elsey <askelsey56@gmaiLcom> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 9:53 AM To:_ citizeninput Subject: opening churches [EX':1'1 RNAL ;1: iN4AIL] We are part of the State of OR. We are in the middle of a pandemic. Front page of the. Bulletin headlines: Spike pushes county to worry anew about social gathering/Deschutes County may defy governor over closed churches Do you not see the irony in this? Have you worked an 8,10 ,12 hour shift wearing a mask? Have you feared you have been in contact with the virus and may infect some one else? Freedom isn't free! It requires sacrifices. Some times that means going to war on foreign soil. Some times it means wearing a mask and social distancing to protect others. Some times it simply means respecting some one else because they really do care even if their opinion is not the same as yours. Our governor is doing her best to do what is right for the majority of the citizens of our state. She is trying to lead us in a time of crisis by following the facts as presented by the. CDC: If you truly feel the best course of action is to defy her orders then please mark yourselves. This will allow health care workers to know that you do not wish medical intervention if you become sick because you know better than the rest of us. It will also allow me to stay more than 6 feet away from you so I don't unintentionally carry the virus to some one else. Remember you don't have to be sick to infect others. Please respect the law. This is not a political issue it is a health safety risk. Thank you for listening to my opinion, Anita Elsey Elyse West From: Terry Belunes <tbelunes@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 9:52 AM To• citizeninput Subject: Social distancing (1?X71. RNAIENTAIL): Please enforce ALL aspects of Gov. Brown's executive order regarding the CoV 8d 19 outbreak, including' restrictions on church gatherings. Thank you. Terry Belunes 503.929.1417 Try thinking more if just for your own sake. The Beatles Elyse West From: James Mahoney <jmahoney53@icloud.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 9:50 AM To• Patti Adair; Tony DeBone; Phil Henderson; Board; citizeninput Subject• Today's meeting on large; gatherings [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Dear Commissioners, Today you will discuss whether Deschutes County should defy the Governor's orders prohibiting large gatherings. Though some try to frame these restrictions, as they apply to houses of worship, as an attack on religious freedom, in reality they are simply sound public health policy. You are, l am sure, well advised as to the contagious nature of this crisis, and I won't review it for you now. The petitioners do, however, seem to ignore the fundamental risk that large gathering pose to both their congregants, AND to the rest of the community. They argue that if hardware stores can be open, their church can be as well. But these two examples differ greatly, with people in church in close proximity to each other for an extended period of time, talking, perhaps singing, and socializing. If worshippers were the only ones put at risk in these environments, then I'd have no problem with them making the conscious decision to undergo that risk. But when they leave church, possibly carrying the virus, then they put the rest of us, unwittingly and without our consent, at risk. Ignoring these public health principles and wrapping ones self in the cloak of religious freedom is selfish and, I believe, immoral. Please do not defy requirements that are put in place to protect all of us. Thank you James W. Mahoney, M.D. Bend Elyse West From: PATRICK EVOY <pjevoy@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 8:50 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Do NOT open place of worship j EX'I'ERNAI . I. MAiI, Deschutes County Commissioners: Please do not open any places of worship at this time. PAT EVOY pjevoy@gmail.com and Leslie Evoy lesevoy@gmail.com Elyse West From• Mary Garrison <mary.garrisonl @gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 9:38 AM To: citizeninput Subject: PLACES OF WORSHIP :Ai[.;], Kate Brown has done a great job of keeping our covid numbers down. She is working to open things SLOWLY, and I admire her for that. As for places of worship ,.. I suppose there are people who want to get together for prayer. (although I was taught that prayer can also be personal.) Is it that the basket has been empty for a couple months or so? I urge Deschutes County to follow the Governor's guidance. Let's not rush things. Because I, as a non church goer, will feel more threatened, will have to stay in longer. Let's not give Covid any more hosts than we have to Thank you for the opportunity to voice my opinion. Mary Garrison, Bend resident Elyse West From: Cynthia Bennett <cynthiabennett525@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 9:36 AM To• citizeninput Subject: Enforcement of Worship Restrictions 1 RNAL In my opinion Deschutes County should continue to follow Governor Brown's Executive Order regarding worship restrictions. It appears that Deschutes County Covid-19 infections are spiking given that the county have begun to reopen under Phase 1. Allowing the worship restrictions to be relaxed or back to pre -pandemic status may endanger the entire county population and could be a increasing burden on the county's healthcare system. Public health needs to take precedence over ignoring any restrictions as outlined in the Governor's Executive Order. Cynthia Bennett From: Greg Zath <greg.zath@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 9:36 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Opening Churches [EXTERN AI.,1 MAI I suggest the three of you (particularly Ms. Adair) read the attached editorial in today's Bulletin by Rabbi Ari Plost. The majority of us who attend church here in Deschutes County are fine with waiting a little longer for the safety of all in the area. BTW, I'm curious what it cost us taxpayers for Ms. Adair's stunt to deliver the county plan to Salem when a simple keystroke would have done the job. https//www.bendbulletin.com/opinion/commentary-i-am-keeping-my-house-of-worship closed/article 4ae7043e-a040-11ea-8847-d7b55bc1 da94.html Regards, Greg Zath Elyse; West From Maureen Sempert <misempert@hotmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 9:33 AM To: citizeninput Subject: DON'T OPEN FULL CHURCH SERVICES [EXTERNAL EMAIL]. Adoring God does not require visiting a church building. 25 people at a time can attend now. Our ministers and priests can take the Word to people; have outdoor, short services where restroom use is not anticipated, or use the internet. Perhaps the local TV station would broadcast various services. Patti Adair can think of solutions, too, but she is wrong on this issue. Getting our whole community sick is not a goal to be proud of, Ms. Adair. Elyse West From: Jamie <jamieruns@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 9:25 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Do it for my grandparents [[)(.'`F F NAI:.,1::E,:MA%I. Hello Commissioners, I am a constituent residing in zip code 97701. This may be the decision of your political career - will you make the hard decision to keep people safe? Our county is already seeing a spike in cases, and I can't bare the thought of folks like my grandparents returning to church out of loneliness, even though it will be against their best interest. Many folks who will return to worship are the definition of vulnerable. Some folks have been so stressed, and so lonely, that returning to church will be a given. We cannot allow this to happen. If we do, we will pay an unbearable price. We are all adults here, but not everyone is emotionally stable and able to think logically at this point. Folks are at the end of their ropes. Please enforce the restrictions on worship. Give our lonely elderly and vulnerable a chance. Jamie Dawson 97701 From Ned Austin <folquailhvn@aol.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28,2020 9:23 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Re: Churches opening in defiance of Oregon restrictions [EX ' R A EMAIL] My take: There should be due process for resolving this issue. Elected officials should not sanction the actions of. individuals or groups who perceive a government restriction is in violation of their constitutional rights. The officials have the duty to protect the health and welfare of all the people. Elyse West From: James Mahoney <jmahoney53@icloud.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 9:20 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Today's meeting on large gatherings [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Dear Commissioners, Today you will discuss whether Deschutes County should defy the Governor's orders prohibiting large gatherings. Though some try to frame these restrictions, as they apply to houses of worship, as an attack on religious freedom, in reality they are simply sound public health policy. You are, I am sure, well advised as to the contagious nature of this crisis, and I won't review it for you now. The petitioners do, however, seem to ignore the fundamental risk that large gathering pose to both their congregants, AND to the rest of the community. They argue that if hardware stores can be open, their church can be as well. But these two examples differ greatly, with people in church in close proximity to each other for an extended period of time, talking, perhaps singing, and socializing. If worshippers were the only ones put at risk in these environments, then I'd have no problem with them making the conscious decision to undergo that risk. But when they leave church, possibly carrying the virus, then they put the rest of us, unwittingly and without our consent, at risk. Ignoring these public health principles and wrapping ones self in the cloak of religious freedom is selfish and, I believe, immoral. Please do not defy requirements that are put in place to protect all of us. Thank you James W. Mahoney, M.D. Bend Sent from my iPad Elyse West From: Sent: To: Subject: li x°i: ,R.NAI, E MAJ[.1 Joan Landsberg <jn.lndsbrg@gmaiLcom> Thursday, May 28, 2020 9:18 AM citizeninput Let's let the CDC decide when it is safe to gather Greetings: We are in the midst of a pandemic; please remember that. A pandemic is a world-wide epidemic, which indicates a disease throughout the world. The disease is COVID-19, which has now killed 100,000 in the United States. Let's let the CDC be the organization that guides the decision to continue maintaining social distancing or to allow larger groups to gather. This must be a medical decision, not an economic decision nor a political decision; not even one based on religious grounds. Whose death do you want to be responsible for? Because if you allow larger groups to gather, whether in a church or at a beach, it will make no difference. COVID-19 does not care where a person is; it does matter how many people are together and how close to one another, they are. Again, whose death do you want to cause? Or whose deaths, because there will be more than one? Johanna Landsberg 21338 Livingston Dr, Bend. Johanna D. "Joan" Landsberg 541-330-6554 land line 541-771-5305 cell Elyse West From: Molly Oliver <mollymoliver@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 9:17 AM To: Patti Adair; Tony DeBone; Phil Henderson; Board; citizeninput Subject: County Council Action to Potentially Open Churches [.I;XTERNA1,1. N1ATl.a� Dear Council, I read in the Bend Bulletin this morning that the county council is considering a resolution to ignore/fail to enforce any public safety restrictions on churches, I am strongly in disfavor of this idea. I participate in organized religion. Currently, my church offers online worship, as well as several opportunities during the week to learn/socialize on line. I have read story after story nationwide where people have been stricken with COVID-19 after attending worship services and even choir practice. Please honor the current state-wide public restrictions on churches. We will be able to attend in -person worship when it has been deemed by science to be safe. Don't allow Deschutes county to increase the spread of this deadly virus. Sincerely, Molly Oliver 2317 NW Lolo Dr Bend 97703 rnollymoliver@gmai1.com Elyse West From: Carol Kenagy <czthreesisters@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 916 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Exception for churches to size of gatherings [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Dear Deschutes Commissioners, I am writing to you as a concerned citizen, now age 66, who has worked in healthcare my entire career. I am very concerned that you are considering allowing larger gatherings to occur in churches against the advice of public health experts. I oppose this move as it will affect the safety of all of us in the entire community, I am a person of faith, who attends services online. I don't believe it is essential to meet in a building with a large group in order to worship and pray. In fact, l have found this time of `distancing' to be a deeply spiritual time of prayer and have found my connections to others have strengthened. Please do not approve this irresponsible measure. Keep everyone in our community safe by being patient and consistent in adhering to safe practices recommended by knowledgeable health professionals. Carol Kenagy Bend, Oregon Elyse West From: Sarah Morrison, MD, FAAP<sarah.morrison@mosaicmedical.org> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 912 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Worship restrictions [E,X'U RNA] F,MA I think churches should follow the orders of the governor and the CDC., but I do believe houses of worship should be allowed to have 25 people in the service provided they are at all times 6 feet apart and ALL wear masks. Temperatures using an infrared thermometer should be used to check each parishioner before they enter the church. No coffee hour etc. Also they must agree on contact tracing and give their contact information at the beginning of each service. Thank you for your wonderful editorials and OPED pieces. Sarah Morrison, MD, FAAP Physician Pronouns: She/Her/Hers _ Why Pronouns Matter Bend -Madras -Prineville -Redmond Phone: 541-383-3005 Fax: 541-383-1883 Website: www:mosaicmedical.org Mosaic Mec icaI DISCLAIMER: This message is intended for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. Additionally, this communication and/or attached files may contain protected health information, which is governed by HIPAA regulations. If this information is intended to be forwarded or shared, you and your entity are responsible to assure HIPAA regulation and guidelines are followed. If you are not the intended recipient any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. Elyse West From: Ross Scoles <romascoles@sbcglobal.net> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 9:10 AM To: citizeninput Subject: In support of enforcement of worship restrictions (l XTF,RNAI, WAIT.] Commissioners, While, I don't have the actual order to review, my initial reaction is that counseling county staff to decline to enforce worship restrictions is NOT sound policy. In my opinion, it should not be signed. Picking and choosing which laws (or orders) to enforce is not the job of city or county staff or enforcement officials. I was very disturbed to learn of officials not enforcing social distancing orders when groups were protesting. It sends a very bad message when laws are blatantly violated and civil service employees turn a blind eye. Citizens are emboldened by the lack of enforcement. It is doubtful the city and county have the staff to rigorously enforce the current restriction, but if a report is received it should be investigated. I am a churchgoer. It may not seem 'fair' that stores and other establishments may open and possibly have more than 25 people present, but that is the current order. Given these times, we must respect it. If churches want it changed (and I think it is a foolish thing to do given the contagiousness of COVID-19) they should go through the proper channels and petition the governor. In the meantime, congregations can gather in groups of 25 or fewer while following the other social mandates. Small groups is how the early Christian church began anyway! Maria Scoles Elyse West From: Leslie <Iesliehopper@hotmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 9:07 AM To; citizeninput Cc: bulletin@bendbulletin.com Subject; Please enforce worship restrictions [EXTERNAL EMAIL] As county commissioners, you have sworn to uphold the laws of the State of Oregon. It is not your place to pick and choose which laws you are going to enforce. The current restrictions on gathering in large groups including in churches have been put in place to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public during a deadly pandemic. Until a vaccine is developed, just about the only weapons we have against this terrible virus are washing our hands, wearing masks, and social distancing, even in church. The restrictions do not persecute churchgoers or keep them from practicing their religion. I myself am a churchgoer and. have been worshipping through online services. It's not ideal but members of my church are willing to sacrifice a little in order to protect the health of others. If you choose not to enforce these restrictions, you are putting the rights of individuals to gather in church above the rights of many others to remain healthy and free from COVID-19. Please do the right thing. Please minimize the spread of the coronavirus by preventing people from gathering in large groups, even in church. Please protect the health and safety of the entire community, especially those of us who are most vulnerable -the elderly and disabled, cancer patients and those with other underlying health issues, and the valiant healthcare workers who are risking their lives to care for the sick. Leslie Hopper 19411 Goldenwood Ct. Bend, OR 97702 Sent from my iPad 1 Elyse West From: Mary Love <mvlove1612@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 12:53 PM To: Patti Adair; Tony DeBone; Phil Henderson; Board; citizeninput Subject: Enforce public safety restrictions on churches (EXTERNAL EMAIL] Commissioner Adair It would amount to reckless endangerment of people's lives for you to defy Governor Brown's executive order tokeep churches dosed. This is a public safety issue and our lives depend upon enforcing public safety restrictions on large indoor gatherings, including church gatherings. Mary Love Bend Sent from my iPhone t Elyse West From: Chris Gossard <chris.gossard@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 12:53 PM To: citizeninput Subject: Proposed local order to not enforce Gov. Brown's order limiting in -person religious gatherings to 25 people. [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Dear. Commissioners I am against approving this proposed local order due to the fact that it increases the likelihood of spreading the`. virus. While I trust that religious leaders will do the right thing, there should still be oversight to make sure that everyone is complying with Gov. Brown's reasonable order which is based on scientific data. There is also evidence that many hot -spots around the country have bloomed due to too many people at religious gatherings. To ignore these real world examples as well as CDC guidelines and and not enforce the governor's order is putting a lot of people at risk and, I'd also say, a dereliction of your responsibilities as elected public officials. Please do the right thing and keep everyone safe! Thank you, Chris Gossard 1142 NW 18th St, Bend, OR 97703 Elyse West From: susan roudebush <susanroudebush@mindspring.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 12:52 PM To: citizeninput Subject: keep churches dosed I.EX"..I RNAI:.; :EMA We have been attendingchurch via Facebook streaming and YouTube, and it has actually been positive for both us and our church. • Or church attendance has grown; it's made church available for the infirm and for those living in many other remote locations/states. We have been able to attend even while away from our Bend home, communicating --using messenger and Zoom --with our church friends during the online period, viewing musicians, and hearing our minister's inspiring words, safely from our home. Weekly donations have stayed the same. New and innovative Zoom groups have been formed, promoting new relationships, connections, and interest groups. Interactions among members have probably increased due to safe distancing restrictions. It's not "ideal", but what is right now? We believe that we should all seek the silver lining of this pandemic and focus on the positive possibilities. For those who live alone, this is an extremely tough time, and the faith community comfort can be helpful. However, we see it as the responsibility of churces to move into the 21St Century and identify how to do so responsibly versus countermanding Governor Brown's orders! We should all make sacrifices for others now. Jackson County Oregon, which has not increased its testing, saw a 12% increase following 14 days with no new cases, exactly two weeks after angry conservatives staged a large unmasked protest of COVID restrictions at the county courthouse. The loosened restrictions seems likely linked to this notable increases in cases. Please make the safe choice versus the politically driven decision. The religious community's behavior impacts the entire. community. A large group of progressive Bend area clergy posted a statement supporting remote church only. We agree. with them. Please make the pathologically conservative choice; exercise caution. It is the wise choice for this moment in history. ewttic Ke,nt /Pi.e41ywG v 20025 SW Millcrest Place Bend, OR 97702 541-282-3005 "The vast possibilities of our great future will become realities only if we make ourselves responsible for that future." Gifford Pinchot 1 Elyse West From: ksan <kamushroom@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 12:50 PM To: citizeninput Subject: Religious Gathering [EX '1: RNAI:., To be citing the Constitutional right to assembly during a pandemic is ignorant and asinine. People already attend church services in limited numbers w/social distancing, and that is what the CDC is recommending. To actively not police churches who may welcome a full house of worshippers is inviting - even guaranteeing - an increase in the spread of Covid. People's desire to gather in proximity for religious or other reasons without social distancing does NOT trump the interest of public health and safety. It does not trump my right to be as safe as possible from the further spread of a deadly disease. These are extraordinary times and they call for extraordinary measures. Citing a Constitutional right to gather and worship in a time like this is idiotic and dangerous. I can't believe it is even being considered. Covid has already spiked again since the partial reopening. That alone should guide your actions! Elyse West. From: Pastor Andrew<pastorandrew@bendbroadband.com>. Sent• Thursday, May 28, 2020 12:44 PM To: citizeninput Subject: Churches reopening - please not yet [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Dear Commissioners, Please hear that I take the care and safety of the members I serve very seriously. I, along with many other faith leaders in Bend, are determined to follow the safest guidelines and precautions to protect the most vulnerable in our communities. I have included a copy of the letter we sent on the 13 of this month. https://www.bendsource.com/bend/guest-opinion-clergy-response-to-commissioners-plea-to- governor/Content?oid=12496033 If we do not stand united against the virus, we dilute the message of those most informed about the dangers (namely the doctors and scientists), infection numbers will continue to rise, and we will be forced to close again. Sincerely Rev. Andrew Bansemer Pastor - Grace First Lutheran Church. Bend, OR 541-382-6862 Elyse West From: foerster@bendcable.com Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 12:24 PM To• Patti Adair; Tony DeBone; Phil Henderson; Board; citizeninput Subject: Enforce public safety restrictions on churches [EXTERNAL EMAIL], Don't continue to make the opening of churches a culture war. A church's mission continues without the necessity of four walls. Furthermore, Deschutes Co. commissioners need to follow Oregon Law. Molly Foerster ElyseWest From: Helen Seidler <helen@lavaedge;net> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 12:18 PM To: Patti Adair; Tony DeBonePhil Henderson; Board; citizeninput. Subject: Enforce public safety restrictions on churches ,RNAL EMAIL! Dear County Commissioners, Please be reasonable and do not disregard the governor's executive order. This is a public safety issue and our lives depend upon enforcing public safety restrictions on large indoor gatherings, including church gatherings. No one is happy about this situation but it is clear we do not yet know everything we need to know about this virus, and it is present in our local area (and brought in additionally by visitors from elsewhere). This is not a political situation and you should not endanger Deschutes County residents because you think you know better than public health officials (whose advice is at the heart of the "stay home/save lives" directive). Thank you for considering my opinion. 70 5.' -54O() Elyse, West From: Evelyn Moser <evelynmoser@yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 12:11 PM To: citizeninput Subject: Worship Restrictions, [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Worship services should not go back to normal in light of the increased cases of COVID-19 in Deschutes County. We see what the gathering in Redmond at the City Hall and Memorial Day gatherings have done to the infection numbers and we should act responsibly. If anyone thinks God will prevent the virus from hurting worshipers, just remember what Jesus said to Satan when that tempter urged Him to do something irresponsible: "It is written, do not tempt the Lord your God." Sincerely, Evelyn Moser Elyse West From: ann hettinger <axhbend@yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 12:10 PM To: citizeninput Subject: COVID-19 and reopening church services: an ill-advised prospect at this time (EIX F RNAI E:M.AN Greetings Commissioners Adair, DeBone, and Henderson: I am writing today to express my concern over the reopening of church worship services in Deschutes. County at this time. `. Considering that criteria for reopening services has yet to be met, coupled with the recent rise in COVID-19 positive cases in the county leads me to determine this is not the time to open church services. Thus enforcement of physical -distancing, etc., should be maintained by the county. COVID-19 does not differentiate between church -goers, republicans, democrats, or any other affiliation of these types. We are all at risk. Please save us from ourselves, Regards, Ann Hettinger 1693 NE Meerkat Avenue Bend, OR 97701 Elyse West From: Sharon Keith Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 1:22 PM To: Elyse West Subject: email received Please print this email for the record Original Message From: Linda Frank <LindaDFrank@msn.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 12:03 PM To: Patti Adair <Patti.Adair@deschutes.org>; Tony DeBone <Tony.DeBone@deschutes.org>; Phil Henderson <Phil.Henderson@deschutes.org>; Board <board@deschutes.org>; citizeninput <citizeninput@deschutes.org> Subject: Enforce public safety restrictions on churches [EXTERNAL EMAIL] This is a public safety issue and our lives depend upon enforcing public safety restrictions on large indoor gatherings, including church gatherings. Sent from my iPad �„ Elyse West. From: Sent: To: Subject: [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Anthony Rosenthal <ajrosenthall @gmail.com> Thursday, May 28, 2020 12:00 PM citizeninput Enforcing church ban during a pandemic is warranted for public health Enforcing a ban on church services at this time is primarily a health issue & it is absurd to equate this a restriction of freedom Anthony Rosenthal, M.D,, PhD. ElyseWest From: Deirdre Harrington <borutwo@msn.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 11:56 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Church services during a pandemic [.1: TI:;R:NA.I:: ;E.iVIATi:.,:f Dear Deschutes County. Commissioners, I am writing as a concerned citizen of this great community of Central Oregon. Please consider the vulnerable in our population before making any decisions. It is the government's job to protect the greater good of the community, especially those most vulnerable. I believe that is the intent behind the Governor's orders, not to stifle religion or hurt places of worship in particular. In light of the current circumstances, the church`I regularly attend has decided to continue worshipping online for the next few months to protect the entire community. That seems very reasonable to me. We all agree that it's very sad not being able to see each other in person and hug, but we all also agree that the potential risk of several hundred people gathering and potentially spreading COVID-19 throughout the community, is a greater concern. A few of us are sacrificing for the good of the whole. Please protect the entire community. Sometimes sacrifices have to be made when we consider the broader circumstances that could result from our actions. Sincerely, Deirdre Harrington Bend resident for 29 years Elyse West From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Dear Commissioners, Melanie-Kebler <mekebler@gmail.com> Thursday, May 28, 2020 11:52 AM Tony DeBone; Patti Adair; Phil Henderson citizeninput Failing to enforce safety orders will risk lives. I understand you will be considering issuing a resolution directing the County not to enforce the Governor's restrictions around gathering specifically for people who want to gather "to worship God." Please do not pass this resolution. Doing so would undermine the rule of law in our County and would put the people of Deschutes County at increased riskof infection and death. Social and family gatherings may have already caused an increase in cases in Deschutes County: https://www:bendbulletin.com/coronavirus/social-gatherings-causejump-in-covid-19 cases/article 2c238338-a054-11 ea-87a9-cb8d6ec7e178.htm1 Church gatherings have caused outbreaks and deaths in other places: https://www.forbes.com/sites/lisettevoytko/2020/05/ 19/cdc-finds-coronavirus-outbreak-linked-to arkansas-church-amid-ongoing-concerns-over-religious-gatherings/ https://www.nytimes: com/2020/04/ 14/us/bishop-gerald-glean-coronavirus.html There is no reason to think allowing people to gather in contravention of our Governor's order will have different results here. Please also listen to our local faith leaders when they say they do not need to physically gather right now to continue practicing their faith: https://m.,bendsource.com/bend/guest-opinion-clergy response-to-commissioners-plea-to-governor/Content?oid=1249603 3 Selective enforcement of the law is not appropriate and sends the wrong message to Deschutes County about how our government works. It is not the role of the Board of Commissioners to unilaterally decide that some laws don't apply here while others do. Selective enforcement at this time will also put us all at risk of infection and death, not to mention risking our reopening progress and hurting our economy. Please do not pass the resolution put forth by Commissioner Adair on today's agenda. Thank you, Melanie Kebler Bend resident Elyse West. From: Sent: To: Subject: l EXT RN A i..E ZA' Rev. Scott Rudolph <minister@uufco.org> Thursday, May 28, 2020 11:57 AM citizeninput County order to defy regarding worship Good morning County Commission, My heart sank a little this morning when I read this headline "Deschutes County may defy governor over closed churches." I know of many congregations who are asking just the opposite. We believe that more important than gathering together for worship is the care and health of our community and the wellbeing of our neighbors. Please do consider that many religious communities in. Deschutes County are prioritizing safety over our want to gather. Religion and spirituality are, of course, essential given the emotional stress of the pandemic. Doing what we can to protect the vulnerable among us is essential. Gathering in person is not essential. There are Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Unitarian Universalist, Unity, Methodist and Jewish faith communities in Bend that strongly stand with the statewide order to NOT gather in person for worship until public health authorities determine no risk to vulnerable populations. We urge you to do the same. With care for you and for all of our local community, Rev. Scott Rudolph ' NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNrvrvNNNNN/Vry , ' Rev. Scott Rudolph Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon. 61980 Skyline Ranch Road Bend, Oregon 97703 (w) 541-385-3908 (c) 412-737-0852 www.uuico.org he/him Please note that I am most connected to email Tuesday - Friday. I try to balance email with other ministerial duties and life in general. Unless it is an emergency, I am sometimes not prompt in my responses. Thank you for understanding. Elyse West From: HANNE MADSEN <hanneskis@aol.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 11:56 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Opening churches [EXTERNAL EMAIL] To all commissioners: One important thing I forgot to mention in my previous email. Gov. Brown's order to keep churches closed is for the protection of All Oregon citizens and churchgoers rights do not trump the rights of all! Hanne Madsen Bend 97702 Sent from my iPhone Elyse West From: Abby Voluse <abbyvoluse@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28,-2020 9:02 AM To: citizeninput Cc: Abby Voluse Subject: Church reopening [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Dear Commissioners, I am responding to an input request regarding the possible re -opening of local churchesin defiance of the Governor's executive order. I am NOT in favor of reopening churches soon. I believe that we are practicing freedom of religion in our own homes during this pandemic time. Ifeel no need to worship with others. I believe that most religious institutions have gone on-line with sermons,and/or services so that people can participate from their homes. The essence of religion is not about outward piety as President Trump would have us believe, but it is about a very deep belief that everyone is a child of God. I do not feel that the governor's orders are restrictive in the least. The only thing being restricted is the cash flow going into the donation basket each week at the place of worship. Thank you, Abby Voluse 541-788-5769 Elyse; West From: Lisa Smith <saharasdream@gmail.com>. Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 8:39 AM To: citizeninput Subject: On opening Churches [ < CI'1 RNNA1 EMAIL] Dear commissioners, I am a lifelong Central Oregonian, born on Hospital Hill in 1964. I've lived in Bend, LaPine, and currently reside in Redmond. As a teen, I attended the Newport Avenue Church of Christ. As an adult, I was a member of the Baptist Church. In recent years, I have attended Nativity Lutheran in Bend. As a lifelong resident and church goer, I feel qualified to give you my opinion and hope you will take it to heart! PLEASE DO NOT OPEN CHURCHES AT THIS TIME. Churches are of course a huge part of our community, a necessary part. That said - this is not the time. We are still seeing an increase in cases of Covid-19. Churches have large populations of our most vulnerable community members the elderly. I honestly feel that by pushing the "you're stepping on our religious freedom" agenda, you are harming your constituents. Please don't do this. Lisa Smith "Which do you prefer? The pain of self discipline, or the pain of regret?"' Elyse West From: Celia Walker <c_e_walker@hotmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 8:28 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Church [EXTERNAL EMAIL] The rights of worshippers to gather has long been protected and valued. Today a physical gathering can result in infection for any one of us. We can't know who, where or when each of us will be affected. If you drive around with open eyes you will see social distancing is not being enforced in stores, brewpubs and public places in Deschutes County. Police ignore gatherings. Conscientious business owners that demonstrate safety have to compete with those that show blatant disregard. There is Iimited use and sometimes disdain for masks. Case counts are increasing. A church is not just a house of worship. Church is supposed to be a safe haven providing comfort and spiritual support. Church isn't defined by a building. Church is defined by actions. Many churches continue serving members without congregating and spreading virus. With technology and innovation, the Baptists in Redmond have a drive-in service, the Catholics have video. County commissioners taking the narrow definition of `right to gather' so literally is an act of willful ignorance. It is your. job to conduct county business for all citizens. Our community right for public health trumps the county commissioners right to authorize unchecked spread of disease. If you don't agree with the governor, use legitimate channels to enact change. Work with the state to find safe opening procedures. Enforce what you do have on the books. Don't risk our collective safety to impress a few voters. Celia Walker 241 NW Canyon Dr Redmond OR 97756 Elyse West Front Rob Spencer <robspencersf@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 8:26 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Opening Churches [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Study the statistics, think of the entire community. Do NOT open Churches to more than 25 people at a time, properly distanced until the STATE of Oregon authorizes it, Put society first! Not special interest groups wanting to manipulate our government & community! Rob Spencer Deschutes County Resident. 541-508-8577 Elyse West From: Chris Kramer <chris@nativityinbend.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 8:46 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Re:County order to defy [EXTERNAL 1 TV All Greetings Commissioners: Having just read the Bend Bulletin, I am profoundly disappointed to see your proposal to defy the state's ban on large gatherings of people in churches. I spoke with Patty Adair two weeks ago by phone, during which I explained very clearly the position of the Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Unitarian, Unity, Methodist and Jewish faith communities in Bend. We strongly stand with the statewide order to NOT gather in person for worship until public health authorities determine no risk to vulnerable populations. I invited Mrs. Adair to phone me directly any time she wanted to hear from active clergy of healthy churches before enacting public policy. I have received no call. Please, commissioners, do not act on behalf of faith communities without asking faith communities! Your proposal is profoundly disrespectful to pastors, priests, rabbis, and the congregations we lead. Chris Kramer Pastor, Nativity Lutheran Church Bend, Or 541-388-0765 1 Elyse West From: Polly Biasucci <pabiasucci@me.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 8:35 AM To: Patti Adair; Tony DeBone; Phil Henderson; citizeninput Subject: Enforce public safety restrictions on churches [EXTERNAL EMAIL] To everyone involved in this process: COVID19 cases continue to rise in Deschutes county. Many public areas and businesses are crowded and very few residents seem to understand the importance of wearing a mask to contain saliva/sinus droplets. This is a public safety issue and our lives depend upon enforcing public safety restrictions on large indoor gatherings, including church gatherings. Failure to do so will result in infections spreading throughout families and communities within our county which will cause life altering illness and even death for some. This is avoidable. You were elected to a position that now holds a great responsibility for preventing unnecessary Toss of life. This is no longer a bitter political or lifestyle battle like the one many of you latched onto to get elected to positions that you knew you had little experience to manage well. Yet, here we are. Please rise to the occasion and be a leader and save lives rather than whipping up any more confusion about the seriousness of this global pandemic. Thank you. Polly Anna Biasucci Elyse West From: Adam Albright <adaml.albright@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 8:27 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Opening Churches IIIATF,RNAI, I MIAII.a� I implore the commissioners to read and take to heart Ari Plast's deeply wise column in today's (May 28) Bulletin. These are difficult times and magnifying the divisiveness is not what Jesus taught us to do. Adam Albright 321 NW Drake Rd Bend, OR 97703 541-678-2264 ElyseWest From: Jon Head <jhead453@gmaifcom> Sent Thursday, May 28, 2020 8:41 AM; To: citizeninput Subject• Retain Worship Restrictions [:Off I <F N A]:.,1 EMAIL] I think the headline in today's Bulletin summarizes just how politicized and increasingly distant from logic. Commissioners Adair, DeBone and "No -Mask" Henderson are from the stunning reality that is staring them in the face. "State pushes county to worry anew about social gatherings" and the adjacent story, "Deschutes County may defy governor over closed churches". Say what? Police powers are a fundamental right of a government granted in the loth Amendment that allow states to establish and enforce laws that protect the welfare and safety of the public. The freedom to worship is not being abridged. A Church does not require a building in order to be the Church. What is required is love, compassion and the presence of the God (or no God) as you prefer to insure the safety of citizens. Apparently the Deschutes county commissioners believe there is little compelling governmental interest in protecting or in reality, potentially saving the lives of its citizens. Elyse West From: Sent: To: Subject: (EX` ERNAI l aMA Tom and Pat Moses <tandp204moses@gmail.com> Thursday, May 28, 2020 8:29 AM citizeninput Worship & SARS-COv-9 Citizens are ignoring social distancing recommendations including houses of worship. There will be a surge in cases and we are to blame. I don't mind doing the best I can to keep my fellow citizens virus free and I expect the same of them. Just like every citizen I want this to be over and do not want another lockdown just because some folks refuse to play safe. 100,000+ and counting, how many more deaths are you willing to accept in the name of worship, opening and mingling? Sincerely, Tom Moses 19855 SW Touchmark Way, Bend, OR 97702 Elyse West From: Lois Northrump <Iuceee@bendbroadband.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 8:26 AM', To: citizeninput Subject: Churches/County Commission [EXTERNAL EMAIL]. I believe the case for opening the Churches is stronger than the many previously open large businesses. _CHURCHES: those attending already have a common bond in their shared beliefs; An important tenet in most is that bond of_" loving thy neighbor.". This would strengthen the argument that all would likely be committed to ensuring a safe environment. I am presently attending services with 25 attendees. It feels very safe because of present guidelines of disinfection provisions, 6 foot spacing, no singing, face masks and no personal contact. Because our church is very spacious many more could attend without violating previous guidelines. religion GROCERY STORES AND OTHER LARGE BUSINESSES: the many people flocking to these businesses are primarily concerned with getting items for personal or family use or consumption. I sense that most of these people do not particularly focus on the safety of the other shoppers although minimal safety practices do exist. In fact, l have witnessed some extremely selfish and unsafe behaviors. I do believe Governor Brown may be violating our Constitution and am fearful she is placing politics over religion. Thank you for seeking citizen input. Lois Northrup Redmond, Or Elyse West From: Pat Kessinger <pkessinger@comcast.net> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 1:04 PM To: citizeninput Subject: Worship restrictions? [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Please continue to support whatever restrictions the state places on large gatherings, including worship services. First Presbyterian and most other churches have found ways to worship and to remain in touch with their religious communities online, I miss sitting in the pew with my friends on Sundays, but worshipping from my couch is a small price to keep our community safe. God needs us to carefor the health of all people in our community by preventing spread of the coronavirus. Sent from my iPhone Elyse West From: Gary Leiser <Ieiser.gary@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 1:03 PM To: citizeninput Subject: opening churches Do NOT allow the opening of churches for congregations until the pandemic has passed. They have NO special status and would be incubators of the virus.G Leiser, Sisters Elyse West From: Mary Love <mvlove1612@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 12:58 PM To: Patti Adair; Tony DeBone; Phil Henderson; Board; citizeninput Subject: Enforce public safety restrictions on churches [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Commissioner. Henderson - It would be unconscionable for you to defy Governor Brown's order to keep churches closed at this time. This is a public safety issue and our lives depend upon enforcing public safety restrictions on large indoor gatherings, including church gatherings. Mary Love Bend Sent from my iPhone 1 Elyse West, From: Mary Love <mvlove1612@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 12:56 PM To: Patti Adair; Tony DeBone; Phil Henderson; Board; citizeninput Subject: Enforce public safety restrictions on churches [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Commissioner DeBone Do not risk the lives of Deschutes County residents by defying Governor Brown's order to keep churches closed at this time. This is a public safety issue and our lives depend upon enforcing public safety restrictions on large indoor gatherings, including church gatherings. Mary Love Bend Sent from my iPhone Elyse West From: M Bernardy <meb97701@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 12:54 PM To: Patti Adair; Tony DeBone; Phil Henderson; Board; citizeninput Subject: Enforce public safety restrictions on churches Importance: High [.'A I RN.A.I., I MAII`;:.I Dear Commissioners: As you consider not enforcing safety restrictions in churches, please keep the health and safety of the ENTIRE Deschutes County community foremost in your minds. There is more than enough evidence to show that disregarding church gathering has resulted in needless deaths. For those who believe God is everywhere, gathering in a building isn't necessary at this time. We are all missing congregation and community, just as we are missing seeing friends and family. This is the time to summon our faith and courage and do the right thing. And the right thing is caring for and loving our community enough to forego large gatherings. Please consider the thoughtful piece below when making your decision. "Many people who talk about the Church miss what 's always been true. The Church has never had anything to do with geography..ft was never a building, never a fixed, physical location you visited fnr an hour on Sunday. That's far too small a space to fit the vast and sprawling life it produces. The Church has always been the people who gather together to do the work of compassion and mercy and love and justice, regardless, of where and when they gather. They are living, breathing, animated sanctuaries who house divinity. in these terrifying, draining, disorienting moments., the Church is doing what it was always supposed to do: Exhausted healthcare workers are on the front lines, boldly living out sacrificial love of strangers. Courageous first responders are dailyPlacing theninselves in harin's way to care for the themselves. Grocery store employees ore working tirelessly to fill ever -emptying shelves so that hungry people can have their daily bread. Faith communities, _nonprofits, and charities are rallying people and marshaling resources and redirecting energies to continue to love the least of these. Heroicteachers are feverishly finding creative ways to shepherd well the children in their care, without physical proximity. Emotionally andphysically taxed parents are contending with a swirling stor m of fierce worries and unabated terrors, while being a calm, steady, gentle reminder to their children that they are beloved and they needn't fear. These are not all people of faith, b t:Many are —and those people are being the Church now as much as ever, with the embodied hymns and exhaled prayers and walking sermonsthat rise up in the brutal trenches of this life, when compassionate love ofJesus is incarnated in their Work and'their words. These things cannot be relegated to one lace or one hour; theyare the expansive holyground of hospital �, g p .f�� � p roorszs and aisles and makeshift closet computer workspaces and dining room tables and woodedpaths. They are the tiny yet mighty acts of goodness that no worship service can create or contain. Whatever the work of Jesus was and is, doesn't require permission to begin and it is not beholden to any politician's decree and it isn't waiting quietly in a building to be unlocked and released' which i.s the greatest news forpeople of faith and morality and conscience who feel burdened to heal andfeed and encourage and Unite. That is happening in these very moments: And that's the beautiful truth of these dark days: even in the middle ofa terrifying pandemic, even when schedules are interrupted, even when chaos is ever present; even when people are scattered, even when buildings filled with chairs and pews and class rooms are closed . _the:Church is still the Church and love is still love. lfpeople who claim Christianity really want to care fore our neighbors and we're really committed to loving the least and we 're truly' burdened to heal the wounds of the world, we'll keep the religious buildings closed for as long as the doctors and scientists tell us We won't worry about timetables or deadlines because they are of little use. The Church doesn't need to be open this Sunday. The Church is already open. —John Paviovit:, Pastor, Wake Forest; NC Thank you. Marie .Bernardy 387 NW Flagline Dr. Bend, OR 97703 2 Elyse; West From: Don Stevens <donstevens2@icloud.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 8:21 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Enforcing gathering restrictions [EXTERNAL EMAIL]. Please do not decline the enforcement of large gatherings. My wife and attended church regularly pre -virus. We now attend our church via Facebook and although not totally fulfilled accept this during these tough times. Stay healthy, stay safe! Sent from my iPhone Elyse West From: Sent: To: Subject: RNAI:., EMAIL] Marcie Padgett <marcip@bendbroadband.com>. Thursday, May 28, 2020 8:16 AM citizeninput Covid 19 and Churches Dear Patti, Phil and Tony, We are adamantly opposed to the opening of the churches - even though we have been weekly attending members of Nativity Lutheran church, We pray at homer While we deeply miss our spiritual community and long to be together, it is simply not safe to gather in a large group for an hour or more period of time. Have you read Erin Bromage's report on how the virus is communicated? It is laid out so clearly that the virus particulants that are passed from person to person are done through proximity AND the time spent in proximity with a person who has the virus. This means that walking by someone with the virus at Fred Meyers is unlikely to cause contagion. (Especially if they are wearing masks) But sitting near someone for an hour In church who is contagious (unknowingly) puts together the two ingredients - proximity and time within proximity. It is irresponsible for the individual person to put their needs to attend church above all others. Our culture has lost sight of the common good during the last few years and especially during this time of fear with the virus. Cultures that think of the common good survive - those that honor their individual rights over all others - don't! We believe that overall Deschutes county has done well in avoiding deaths due to Covid 19. And reasonably well with the number of cases. We need to continue to follow the leader of our state and not operate independently. It will only cause confusion in the data and make it more difficult to understand and know how we can best defeat this virus: In addition, our health care workers - those most exposed to this pandemic - are asking us to continue to follow the guidelines. Why would we disrespect their expertise, their courage and their need for safety and place our individual desires above theirs? Where is the gratitude for their sacrifices. Please do not challenge the guidelines at a point when we are moving through an unknown situation and need to gather the information in an orderly, consistent and unified way to beat this pandemic. We are aware of many people who agree with the above,' Once again, please do not push this counter order forward - many lives may depend on this decision. Sincerely, Marci Padgett Paul Fennell Elyse West From: Jane Jim <janeandjim5@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 8:14 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Proposed order for opening churches 1F,X.F,RNAI, I :NTATi.a:1` Commissioners, I am sure we all recognize these are challenging times. I agree that religious freedom is at the core for many, but not all, citizens. But was always taught that if a law or order is unconstitutional, it should be challenged in the courts. Even the Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel recognizes "It's a dangerous precedent when the executive branch and legislators decide on their own which laws are unconstitutional and which ones are not." If you want to challenge the Governor's order, you (the County) can join the existing lawsuit or start your own. If you want, to protest the order you can do that as a private citizen. But there is that "Oath of Office" thing where you swear to uphold the laws of the state. Not the "Rules were meant to be broken" thing that some politicians seem to be using. Jim and Jane Kress Sisters, OR Elyse West From: Tracy <teglenn@yahoo.corn> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 8:18 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Re: State Restrictions on Worship and Whether to Enforce Them [EXTERNAL EMAIL] I believe that the Commissioners should NOT sign the order to not enforce the Governor's Executive Orders. While I can see that people's faith is essential to their well-being, so is a gym to others. We need to continue to find ways to meet our needs that do NOT endanger the health of each and the health care workers we count on. THAT is why we have the rules we have right now. I know people are impatient. I see it every day. I'm impatient myself. I know that Christians are a large voting block. But it's your job to keep people safe. And how does it help if we have leaders who are not respecting the choices of the other leaders for the sake of political pressure or impatience? Please do not allow the Churches to meet without consequences. Or anyone else. Consequences are how humans learn,; and there is much to learn from this. Thank you, Tracy Glenn 2261 NW Torrey Pines Sent from my iPad Elyse West From: Patricia Minney <patsminney2@gmail.com> Sent Thursday, May 28, 2020 8:14 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Worship restrictions R.NAL IE MA1I., Intl my opinion, Deschutes County should continue to follow Governor Brown's orders and not allow churches and other religious groups to gather in groups larger than 25 people. There have been spikes in Covid-19 cases in other states where large gatherings are permitted, and this week Deschutes County case numbers rose after several large groups got together. Commissioner Adair seems to be on a mad dash to reopen; she needs to cool it. Thank you, Pat Minney 65105 78th St. Bend, OR 97703 Elyse West From: THOMAS BENNETT <bennetttjb@bendbroadband.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 8:09 AM To; citizeninput Subject: Proposed order re. opening churches- very bad idea EAT izNA(.1;MAI To the county commissioners: I am concerned that you would consider an order that seems to suggest that churches should defy the governor's restrictions on large public gatherings when we are still in a time of significant potential risk of an outbreak spike. The conditions at a church service are those that science has predicted to be most risky. Large groups in close proximity for an extended time inside. Singing and even praying out loud may even add to the virus, spread from person to person. I would be less concerned if I had confidence that the people would practice social distance protocols but how many congregants are the same people who demonstrate and gather shoulder to shoulder, refuse to wear a mask to exert their "freedom". Personal liberties are precious but do have limits as they begin to impact the liberties and well being of others. Thank you for your consideration Tom Bennett Redmond, Elyse West From: Doug Werme <dwerme@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 8:02 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Constitution [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Do not claim any authority to interpret the constitution. Our government works because we have divisions, and the judicial branch has the responsibility and qualifications to decide what is constitutional. Do your job and don't interfere with theirs. Sent from my iPhone 1 Elyse West From: Mary Becker<mbecker541@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 8:06 AM To: citizeninput Subject: worship restrictions RNA1I.aMAIIa� Dear Commissioners, I was aghast when I read the front page article in the paper this morning that Patti Adair will ask that the county will not enforce/comply with Gov. Brown's order limiting the size of in -person religious gatherings to 25 people. I sincerely hope that the commission votes AGAINST this proposal of Patti Adair's. It puts everyone at risk, not the least of whom are the innocent health care workers who have to treat those who acted in such a selfish way. It is known that the longer people are around one another, the greater the likelihood of passing on the virus. I can go to the shopping center as Patti states, but I don't sit or stand by someone for one hour. If I have any interaction at all, it is quick and I am not likely to transmit the virus. If people insist on getting together (although why can't they pray at home or watch their service on TV?), then small groups of 25 should be possible. If they are so insistent and have more demand, then they can have multiple gatherings of 25 people to ensure proper social distancing. We have seen the huge SPIKE in cases (more than doubled) in recent weeks due to the reopening of businesses alone. Do we want to see that number quadruple??? If any of the commissioners vote for this proposal, I then propose two things. First, each church goer sign a pledge as they enter church that they will not risk the health/life of any health professional if they fall ill with this virus by seeing medical help since they knowingly put themselves in a dangerous situation (the health worker did not.) Secondly, I hope any commissioner who votes for this proposal, donates 50% of their income to the Giving Plate to help those who are now unemployed due to this virus and can't afford groceries. By allowing this proposal to go through, the pandemic will continue and continue and we may even have to go back to far more restrictive measures. People want to go back to work and by having more cases, businesses will continue to be limited and workers will continue to struggle with curtailed incomes. I urge all of all the commissions to show moral fiber and character and a respect for ALL people who live here. in Deschutes County by continuing to follow the recommendation of public health advisers, even when it is difficult to do so. Vote against this irresponsible proposal by Patti Adair and keep everyone safe! Elyse West From: Susan <susan.misner@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 8:02 AM To: ; citizeninput Subject: County freedom to, worship issue [EXTERNAL EMAIL]. i hope the county commissioners do not adopt the order that would defy Governor Brown, but instead would work with the state of Oregon to develop a compromise. I do think places of worship offer essential comfort to many of us, but a blanket order to just open the churches is not in our public interest. Churches and other places of worship can hold services responsibly if they are willing to ensure the safety of their worshipers. I would point to Holy Redeemer. Catholic Church in Bangkok, which has held daily multiple masses and other services throughout the pandemic, but they have safety measures in place: Parishioners wear masks, register when they enter, sit far apart, and receive communion without personal contact. These are common sense measures that any church could (should) adopt to keep worshippers safe. Please, instead of "going rogue," work with the governor to establish guidelines for places of worship that would keep our community safe. Susan Mistier Elyse; West From: Jeremy Dickman <jdickman05@yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 8:05 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Keeping churches closed is best for public health [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Commissioners, I've watched your governing body cry crocodile tears, over and over, about the prospect of people growing marijuana within 1500 feet of a horse -riding facility because of your concern about the health and safety of children and families. Yet now you're contemplating allowing dozens of people —including a disproportionate number of senior citizens who are uniquely vulnerable to the virus— to congregate and sing inside of circulated -air churches all for the sake of pandering to your religious voting bloc? Stop playing politics and listen to the health officials. Support the governor's order before you wind up causing our county's first COVID 19 death. -Jeremy Dickman Elyse West From: bkwierman@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 7:52 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Church Services [EX'lliRNAL [flv A L] Commissioners, I am very opposed to the idea of reopening churches during the current pandemic. If you look at where a lot of Covid 19 hotpots began, they were in churches. if anyone believes that they are somehow protected within the church, I have a great piece of land to sell them. I do not go to church and am not at all religious so I guess I don't see the point to it all. But, billions of people are religious and have every right to practice their beliefs. Is there any reason why they can't participate in online services, or smaller, socially distanced services. Why not just tell the churches they have to have more services each day with smaller numbers at each? Of course they would need to do a thorough cleaning between each service. Brad K. Wierman Bend Oregon Elyse West from• Carol Moorehead<carolbikes@icloud.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020'7:48 AM To: citizeninput Subject• Re opening churches [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Dear Deschutes County Commissioners: Please be respectful of all citizens when making your decisions. I believe it would be a mistake to forgo the Governor's restrictions on meetings of more than 25 people.It will impact many more people by allowing larger gatherings. During this difficult time, I still have a strong relationship to my God. Although, I appreciate sharing my faith with others, I do not feel making a decision to defy the Governor's orders sets a good example for the community or in God's eyes. We are on this earth to serve others, not just ourselves. It is a small inconvenience to forgo worship services to keep our congregation and other community members safe and healthy. I want to also point out that we may have people of other faiths in this community besides Christianity so your order would be biased, and divisive. Please consider the larger community in your decision not just your own friends and neighbors. Thank you for your service to the people of Deschutes County. Sincerely, Carol Ann Moorehead 1 Elyse West From: Sent: To: Subject: Importance: 1 X`11 RNA.T ;MA l sstuernke@bendiaroadband.com Thursday, May 28, 2020 7:44 AM Patti Adair; Tony DeBone; Phil Henderson; Board; citizeninput Follow the Science not your Gut High Now is notthe time to relax and let our guard down. MY adult children work in the health care industry, one on the front line in the Neo-natal ICU and the other is a first line medially qualified, combat search and rescue (also has a civilian mission). I fear for them on a daily basis that they may contract the virus. One does not need a building to worship. conscionable. of infection as well as transmission is un Your decision may be seen as fool hardy should drive your decisions. If people die, what can they contribute to our community and society? The health of our community is its foundation. ANALOGY If there is a moldy orange in a bag of fruit, what is the potential for the remainder of the bag to succumb to the mold if preventions are not taken? BE responsible and DO NOT kill the ones you love or your neighbor By encouraging gatherings with multiple generations and increasing the chances and cavalier at this time of real concern and uncertainty. Science not emotions Scott 5tuemke President M5 KPA Archaeological and Historical Associates, Inc. 1785 NW Harriman 5treet bend, Oregon 97705 541-390-5103 Cell 54.1-3 17-1 86+ Voice and facsimile Elyse. West From: BillRodgers <bill@cascaderangeriders.org>. Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 7:41 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Opening Churches [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Hello Folks, I do believe that Gov. Brown is wrong to not allow churches to reopen."1 support your measure to forbid county employees to enforce her closure policy. Thank You Bill Rodgers 1407 NE 9th St. Bend, OR 97701 541-948-2008 Elyse West From: Annette Wilson Christensen <a.wilsonchristensen@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 7:46 AM To citizeninput Subject: Churches [EXTERNAL EMAIL] I love going to my church and I do, via Zoom. It isn't quite as good, but we continue. Opening churches up now in defiance of the governor's order is not right. We are held together as a nation by the rule of law. Deciding to violate an order without following the system we have to challenge a law we disagree with is the tip of anarchy. The governor's order is in place to protect us as a community. Although we all do have individual rights, we are also participants in a community. Opening up churches has been shown to increase the spread of the virus, endangering, all of us. Respect our rule of law, lead, behave like a community rather than just the individual. Annette Christensen 1768 NW Okane Ct Bend, Oregon Elyse West From: Kathy Malone <kmalone521 @gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 7:43 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Follow the governor's mandate [E) : R:NAI, EMAIL] Churches are not closed! Pastors and other folks that are part of a church are taking care of the church members. They should not congregate or have meetings over the numbers given by Governor Brown. This must be enforced for the safety of all. Folks in Deschutes County are wearing masks, not leaving home unless essential, keeping a 6 foot social distance and watching all guidelines not to spread the virus and to stay healthy, Do not pass any resolution that goes against the safety and health of our communities. Follow and enforce the Governor's mandate. Be strong and vigilant for your county residents. I am hopeful and praying that you will do the right thing Thank you, Kathy Malone 1325 NW Fresno Ave Bend, Oregon 97703 Elyse West From Alyssa Bennett <alybenn1954@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 7:44 AM To: citizeninput Subject• Response to Commissioner's order on worship restrictions [EXTERNAL EMAIL] I am writing to share my profound disappointment in the Deschutes County Commissioner's,recent order decreeing that the County will not enforce the Governor's executive orders created to PROTECT the health of the Oregon public, Houses of worship can and have been providing spiritual support for their specific communities by providing crucial outreach and online services within the parameters of the Governor's order. Deschutes County Commissioner's actions such as this with regard to the Covid1.9 pandemic fundamentally serve to undermine Oregon leadership, cause divisiveness in our community, and promote flagrant disregard for safety and health of all community members. Furthermore the language in this order by the Commissioners is not inclusive by any means by applying it to the Judeo- Christian tradition. In a time of crisis, we need leaders who serve our entire community, bring us together, and put the health and safety of their constituents first. Thank you Alyssa Bennett Sent from my iPhone Elyse West From: P3Mc Ross <penelope1047@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 7:42 AM To: Patti Adair; Tony DeBone; Phil Henderson; Board; citizeninput Subject: Please, Enforce public safety restrictions on churches ii:)(T'1 RNA1, IaMAi This is a public safety issue and our lives depend upon, enforcing public safety restrictions on large indoor gatherings, including church Penelope McCavitt Elyse West From: Janet Whitney <jkwhitney15@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 7:35 AM To: citizeninput Subject: opening churches [EX. l;RNA[, I: MA. I am amazed that Ms. Adair would consider a proposal to defy state restrictions on safety. The difference between attending church and a store? Sitting close together, passing the peace, sharing communion, singing, to name just a few of many ways people participate, inviting an easy spread of the virus. Several mainline churches in Bend have developed online services, which they are continuing through the summer. People certainly have the right to congregate for worship in homes, if they so choose. God is not partial to buildings. Please consult your best thinking and stay away from politics on this issue. Janet Whitney 2520 NE Daggett Bend Elyse West From: Greg Concannon <greg.concannon@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 7:24 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Not enforcing restrictions on house of worship [EX ":IT A.1:.;EMI We would ask that you not lift covid-19 social distancing restrictions on houses of worship in Deschutes County by removing the ability of local authorities to enforce these restrictions. We have come a long way bringing the spread of Covid19 under control in our county through social distancing mechanisms that slow or stop the spread of this virus. A week or so ago there was a spike in infections in the county, apparently from increased social interactions among families and neighbors. We are concerned that that an indoor church setting with a large number of congregants would possibly lead to the further spread of the virus at this point in time. Thousands of us are wearing masks and still practicing social distancing while trying to get the economy moving again, we don't want to risk a setback. As Christians, we don't buy the argument that current restrictions are unconstitutional related to our freedom of religion. ` There are many other ways to practice our beliefs in God and means of worship as many churches are now doing and plan to continue doing until we are all safe from spreading the virus. Current social distancing restrictions, as we understand it, allow up to 25 people in a church setting if they so choose. Please do not limit our county law enforcement from enforcing current state social distancing regulations relative to churches, thereby ensuring the health and safety of our county's residents. Respectfully, Greg & Diane Concannon, Redmond Elyse West From: Marcia Langeberg <marcialangeberg@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 7:11 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Do not Open churches [E.iXY"I;R:NA[, Hello County Commissioners, I am reaching out to say please follow Gov. Browns order and keep churches closed for now. Closing churches does not stop religion! We can all continue to practice our religion at home in our daily lives. When it is safe to start meeting in person again, that will happen. We are very short sided if we can not discipline ourselves for this actually short time to stop the spread of this deadly disease. Also we are on a slippery slope already with individuals not wanting to follow laws and rules that keep all citizens safe. Individuals do have to make sacrifices for the greater good and health of all. Please keep the churches closed because more people will die if we meet in large groups. Thank you, Marcia Langeberg Elyse West From: Dave. Stalker <dave-stalker@hotmail,com>. Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 7:06 AM To• citizeninput Subject: Worship Restrictions [EXTERNAL EMAIL' Commissioners, mI urge you to honor the Governor's restrictions on gatherings in places of worship. This is not about freedom of religion. You do not need to be in a building called a church, in order to pray and worship your God. Find a quiet beautiful place outdoors and commune on your own, apart from others: This is about preventing 'community spread' of COVID. Redmond has already spiked because of recent large gatherings there where the prevailing sentiment was 'You can't tell me what to do!'. Now people are paying for that arrogance. You are not doctors or scientists, you are politicians and/or bureaucrats and at least one of you is being liedto by your President madam Chairperson. Over 100 THOUSAND Americans have already died from this disease. Do you want more blood on your hands too? Don't be swayed by hysteria, look at the science. This disease spreads easily and crowded churches have been shown to be one of the places with huge potential of expanding the illness. THINK...do what is best FOR ALL OF US. It may be hard, but do what is right for Everyone in Deschutes County, Dave Stalker Advertising/Marketing Consultant NiteStaiker Creative 541-350-0619 dave-stalker@hotmail.com Elyse West From: Scott. Johnson <scottjbend@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 6:58 AM To: citizeninput; Patti Adair; Tony DeBone; PhilHenderson Cc: Sally Russell; Tom. Anderson; Erik Kropp; George Conway Subject: Public Input re Draft Order 2020-030 Attachments: Citizen Input re DC Covid Order.docx [EXTERNAL':[ 1VIAl ] May 28 2020 To:Deschutes County Board of Commissioners ... citizeninput@deschutes.org Re: Board Draft Order No 2020-030 Commissioners, I wish to provide public input regarding Draft Order 2020-030 "An Order Concerning Restrictions on. Worship". I am requesting that you postpone any action on this draft, pending thorough consideration of the public safety and public health impact of this order. More specifically, your duty as public officials related to matters of health and safety could and should include the following: 1. Requests for health impact statements regarding this proposed order from Deschutes County Health Services, the Central Oregon Health Council and the Oregon Health Authority. What potential risks exist for the spread of the Covid-19 virus if many Deschutes County churches congregate in large numbers? DCHS will have the most current local information on the spread of the disease and the capacity of the local health system, COHC will have knowledge of higher risk populations impacted most significantly by the disease and OHA will have knowledge of the impact of similar orders, if any, elsewhere in the state and nation. 2. In depth consideration of the capacity of our local health system to respond if there is a major spread of the disease as a direct result of a large church gathering(s). Do we have sufficient testing and contact tracing available for a rapid response if that occurs? There is no material posted with this draft order assuring that such considerations have been addressed. I would urge you to give full consideration to any unintended consequences of the draft order. 3. Guidance from Deschutes County to local churches regarding the minimum health standards and processes that must be used should a large worship gathering be held. If the. Commission chooses to not enforce any state restriction on worship, surely the Commission has a higher duty to assure our citizens are protected from a disease spread. It is unclear what is meant by "good and sound judgment" and "a reasonably safe manner" in the draft order. 4. Establishment of a clear metric that would serve as a basis for reconsideration of this order in a health emergency. In other words, as the local public health authority, will you ask County staff to track and report if any outbreaks occur as a direct result of a large gathering of people including a large church gathering? Is there a threshold of outbreak above which you will reconsider the order? In closing, my information regarding the draft order is limited to your posting on the web site and. coverage in the Bend Bulletin. Please know that I have a deep appreciation for the importance of spiritual faith. The local church I attend has a significant number of high -risk individuals and I am concerned similar groups could be harmed if large gatherings occur prematurely and without due diligence. I ask only that you, first and foremost, fulfill your public safety and public health responsibilities prior to taking action. Thank you for your consideration and service. Respectfully, Scott Johnson Deschutes County resident Elyse West From: Antonia Fenech <antoniafenech@ymail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 6:48 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Church reopening If God can only be worshipped in a physical structure, is there God? If churches are allowed to ignore all the directives of the CDC and foremost medical experts, who are they? It is proven that large gatherings result in an increase of cases. This has nothing to do with our freedom of religion " rights". This has to do with public safety. In an age where technology rules, there are many alternative ways to share. Churches need to spport public safety not thwart efforts by Brown and officials to keep our state safe. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android Elyse West From: bcrdave <bcrdave@gmailcom> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 6:11 AM To: citizeninput Subject: county order RATI NAi1. EMATI1 You've got to be kidding? Ms. Adair, Mr, Henderson, you paint this order from the Governor as over reach, unconstitutional, well what do you think your County order will be? Telling law enforcement not to do theirjobs because you want to gather in large groups to worship. Nobody's saying you can't do all the worshipping you'd like, only that it be done in groups less than 25 people. Yes, some stores are allowed to stay open for good reason; we can't survive without food and medications, with some saying that religion is their daily nutrition, which is fine, but when you're asking to be a virus hotspot to satisfy your needs, you're putting others at risk in our community! Maybe you're healthy and don't have underlying conditions, but there are many in our county who do, as my wife does, and are doing everything they can to stay away from conditions that might be deadly to them, not just sickly, DEADLY! My hope is that all you Commissioners think this thru, do we really want to set a precedent like this? What orders or laws will be next that we don't want to follow? This is ridiculous folly that shouldn't even be considered, a vocal minority that considers only themselves, which is totally against the Golden Rule and religious ethos of treat others as you wish to be treated. Please look carefully before you leap on this, it may have unintended consequences that you're going to have to deal with in the future. David Giordanengo 55884 Black Duck Rd. Bend, Or 97707 Sent from Mail for Windows 10 Elyse West Mary Robinson <marylyonl @hotmail.com> Thursday, May 28, 2020 7:32 AM citizeninput Worship. Restrictions [1. Xl:'I: RNAll.,1:?MA Ms, Adair, I am utterly appalled that the notion of a large group of people congregating in one place is even being discussed. Churches and places of worship should not be given any special privileges. If people start meeting in large groups Covid-19 will obviously have a fertile breeding ground to spread among the worshippers and the community at large! If people need to worship they should go out into the forests or other wilderness areas and seek solace there, but in small, manageable groups! Sinceely, Mary Robinson Sent from Mail for Windows 10 Elyse West From: Michele Knowles <herekittykitty51 @icloud.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 7:07 AM To: Patti Adair; Tony DeBone; Phil Henderson; Board; citizeninput Subject: Enforce public safety restrictions on churches [EXTERNAL EMAIL] This is a public safety issue and our lives depend upon enforcing public safety restrictions on large indoor gatherings, including church gatherings. Stop putting more pressure on first responders. Be responsible and not political! What was also very irresponsible was Phil attending the Redman protest, very political and also he wasn't wearing a mask! will vote in November,' will remember your actions! Michele Knowles Sent from my iPad Elyse West From: Sent: To: Subject: Mike Koonce <micko447@aol.com> Thursday, May 28, 2020 7:01 AM citizeninput Restrictions of churches I understand that the County Commission will consider a motion to order the non -enforcement by county officials of state mandated restrictions on religious worship services. I strongly support such an order by the commission, as governor's order in this regard is a clear violation of at least two items in the US constitution religion and freedom of association) No one is forced to attend church services. If you feel threatened by social gatherings' You have the option to avoid them. Mike Koonce Don't live in the past. There's no future in it. I believe the (freedom of Elyse; West From: Claus Fjord Christensen <clausfjord45@yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 6:57 AM To: citizeninput Cc: Annette Subject: Worship Restrictions. [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Restrictions on worship gatherings should not be lifted. We know that the coronavirus spread in large group gatherings. If it only affected those participating it would be a matter of personal choice. However, it results an increased risk for the greater community and that should be the guiding principle. Many congregations very successfully have held virtual worships and that should be encouraged as an alternative to physical gatherings. Claus Fjord Christensen 1768 NW Okane Court. Elyse West From: Bonnie Kenner <strumbk@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 6:30 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Worship regulations .EXTERNA.1., EMA Commissioners, This is not a "freedom" or "rights" issue. It is a common sense issue. Please DO NOT open churches. Many churches in our area have stepped up and provided services online and in their parking lots as an alternative..kudos to them for keeping their parishioners and others safer!!! Nobody likes the restrictions but our new covid infection cases doubled just this last week since we reopened for business. Don't compound the problem! Thank you, Bonnie Kenner Elyse West From: Andrew Kaza <kazauk@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 5:35 AM. To• citizeninput Subject: Church order [EXTERNAL 1_;1VIA Dear Commisioners: I'm an active citizen in a Redmond church currently complying with the Governor's orders on the virus pandemic. Although I have many issues with how she has handled the crisis, churches are not one of them as it is clear that many global outbreaks have stemmed from them, Moreover, I agree with DA Hummel. It is not YOUR place to decide what is Constitutional or not. This matter is already before the courts in Oregon. I suggest you leave it there! Thank you Andrew Kaza 2986 SW Black Butte Lane Redmond 1 Elyse West From: KD <bandonlam@aol.com> Sent• Thursday, May 28, 2020 7:26 AM To• citizeninput Subject• Opening churches in defiance of state order [E:X':I:'I R:NA.L EIV AII.a.) I am completely AGAINST you encouraging churches to open until the state government (who has more access to data regarding COVID 19 than your board has) allows it. There is very little to be gained by this move. Unless it is selfishly motivated by pastors wanting to acquire donations/revenue. My opinion is you are putting all Deschutes county residents at risk to catch the virus from churchgoers who refuse to worship in a safer way than gathering together in person. Even Jesus would say this is stupid. Especially as more visitors are coming to Deschutes county - some of them from outside the state. Every person that attends church and interacts with others is putting themselves and everyone they come into contact with at danger. KD Lam 60483 Seventh Mountain Dr Bend st This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. www.avast.com Elyse West From: Heather Stout <ha.stout@bendbroadband.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 7:17 AM To: citizeninput Subject: opening churches [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Commissioners: I think that if church -goers want to sign a release that when they get really sick, that they will not use health care facilities, especially ICU and ventilators, then go ahead. They are endangering the rest of us and not caring about the community. So, go to church- make sure there are lots of them shoulder to shoulder- be sure the service is in a small area inside and sing a joyful noise unto the Lord. Make sure the church ladies don't wear masks and have after -service coffee. Be sure to hug those you haven't seen for so long. Be sure to visit grandma after the service and have a bunch of folks to Sunday dinner, Just don't ask our health care workers to pay for that kind, of foolishness. We know what happens when you have services- there are good examples in Skagit County, Canada and Arkansas. People get sick and some of them die. If the churches are going to proceed with this, I. don't want to hear weeping and wailing about the people they infected or killed. We know what will happen. If they don't care about dying, that is up to them, but don't ask our first responders and health care workers to bail them out. I don't want to die because of the foolish actions of a bunch of God-botherers. Elyse West From: Mike D <elkhunter338@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 7:07 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Worship [EXTERNAL EMAIL] The proposal, which directs county employees to ignore the governor's order Restricting the number of persons assembling to Tess than 25, is wrong. Religion is not about people showing up at a building, it is about freedom to chose your belief. It is in the heart, not a church building. I urge you to not adopt such a policy. Respects, Mike Dugan, ret'd., former district attorney. Sent from my iPhone Elyse West From: Sent: To: Subject: I.:1: XTl: RNAI:.;1: MIAI Chuck & Nancy Cruikshank <cncruikshank@gmail.com> Thursday, May 28, 2020 6:58 AM citizeninput Religious Freedom Thanks for asking for input. I believe all churches should be allowed to open with more than 25 people attending. The dates to reopen should be decided by the pastors, elders and lay people. This can happen in a thoughtful, safe way. If we can go to Costco, Walmart and many others, why not our church? Yes, we can see the sermons online, but the fellowship is missing. Thanks you for considering all side of this issue. Nancy Cruikshank "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13 Chuck and Nancy Cruikshank Nancy's Ce11 Phone: 541-419-1855 Chuck's Cell Phone: 541-550-0330 From Nancy's iPad Elyse West From: Shawn Akacich <shawn.akacich@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 6:57 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Worship restrictions (1X":I'l:RNAI:.; l MAI PLEASE keep the limit at 25 people WITH social distancing AND enforce it This is for the health of ALL of us Are attendees going to self quarantine for 2 weeks after attending? Is contact tracing going to be available? With a BA in Religion and as a former Christian Education Director at a church I understand the psycho -social. benefits of religious services. This is the time to obtain those benefits on line or in smaller, separated groups, with the knowledge that we are helping our community MOST by doing it that way at this time Shawn Akacich 541`-280.6829 Elyse West From: Ryan Houston <ryan.m.houston@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 6:22 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Keep citizens safe Reject order 2020-030 I RNAI Ei\':AII. Dear Commissioners: I strongly urge you to reject Order 2020-030 in the name of public health. This issue has nothing to do with worship or freedom of religion because the Governor's restrictions on gatherings of 25 or more is a matter of public health. Stores, schools, non -profits, governments, businesses AND churches need to comply with this basic public health standard to limit group sizes. Churches can and should continue to worship as they please. BUT they should do so with with group sizes of less than 25 people like everyone else in the state. This is inconvenient and difficult but we are all in this together and need to all pull together to protect pubic health. Please reject this order. In doing so you will be voting for public health and showing the kind of leadership that we need in our community during this time of crisis. Thank you, Ryan Houston Elyse West From: leslie`veenstra <lesvee42@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 5:31 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Keep churches closed [1:X"lERNALl{,MA Commissioners; Why should churches be allowed to open when every other large group activities and events are not allowed to? Our freedom of religion and assembly is a freedom that comes with the inherent responsibility to keep ourselves and others safe. We have pigeonholed religion to mean anything Christian, whereas there are so many other practices and beliefs. If my religion is music, why then can't I<gather with hundreds of others to listen and refresh my soul? Do we have the freedom of assembly to be present in the stadium of a sporting event during these times? For some, these events are like a religion and they attend religiously. Such as a friend who always attends the Bend Elks games. Why is this prohibited? Is it because the Christians have the numbers and make so much noise claiming that our freedoms are being violated? Are they afraid that God will be offended if they don't worship in public? Where is the common sense for the common good? Our forefathers must be rolling in their graves. Please vote to keep public gatherings to a maximum of 25 people. (Ten would be even better,) If ALL houses of worship are allowed to reopen, please ensure that they follow the same guidelines that have been imposed on everyone else. Elyse West From: Adam Waite <awaite@gmail:com> Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2020 5:48 PM To: citizeninput Subject: RE: Order No. 2020-030, Concerning Restrictions on Worship [EX 1'I RNAEMA To whom it may concern, I am writing to strongly urge the county commissioners to stand in defense of our fundamental liberties, including the rights to assemble and worship in ways of our own choosing. Thank you for your consideration, Adam Waite 2001 NE Monterey Ave Bend, OR Elyse West From: wendygorrell <wendygorrell@sbcglobal.net> Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2020 5:46 PM To: ' citizeninput Subject: Worship Restriction [ EIX"1'EJ A I , We believe places of worship should be restricted to the same requirements as other large gatherings, currently 25 maximum. The argument that since businesses can have more people (with social distancing requirements), is not a valid comparison. Places of worship are not businesses. We have been a church -goers all of our lived and nothing has changed since the start of this pandemic -except that we attend online. We believe any organization that can "gather" without putting others at risk should do so. And places of worship can do that. There are times in life when we must sacrifice our "rights" for the greater good. We are not being denied our right to worship. We should just be willing to give up the luxury of gathering to protect others. Clark and Wendy Gorrell 20326 Rainbow Lake Trail Bend, OR 97702 Sent via the Sa nsung Galaxy SIO, an AT&] 5G Evolution capable s 3aitphone Elyse West From: Curseplatt4 <curseplatt4@gmail.com> Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2020 4:44 PM To; citizeninput Subject Following State Guidance for Worship Services [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Sir or Ma'am, Please follow CDC and State of Oregon guidance regarding safe gatherings until that guidance changes. Please ensure this guidance is enforced by Deschutes county employees in all cases, to include worship gatherings. Throughout this process of responding to COVID-19 in our community, please let science and public policy be your North Star. Elyse- West From: Amber Keyser <amber j.keyser@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2020 4:37 PM To: Patti Adair; Tony DeBone; Phil Henderson; citizeninput Cc: Board Subject: We must put the safety of our community first [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Hello, I am deeply concerned you would consider ignoring public health recommendations based on science and intended to protect this community. I am a population geneticist (a field closely aligned with epidemiology) and I wrote a book on pandemics. Churches are precisely the kind of environment that will lead to the spread of this terrible disease. Folks who go to church are not just putting themselves at risk but all the rest of us too. If they go to church and then return to their jobs in grocery stores or hair salons or a restaurant, there will be another surge and another and another. You literally have people's lives in your hands right now. I can only assume that you are focused on churches because you are church -going folks yourselves. I respect that, but I have to wonder why your faith is so thin that you can't find a way to worship without actually endangering the lives of others: I have written two open letters advocating for smart reopening policies. I have shared both with you, but you have not responded. I will link them below. I am strongly opposed to your resolution proposing to ignore the governor's guidelines. Please consider the health and safety of this community before you vote for an ill-advised and dangerous resolution. Sincerely, Dr. Amber J. Keyser Learning to Live with SARS-CoV-2 A Science -Based Strategy to Life Stay -at -Home Orders in Small to Mid -Sized Communities Amber J. Keyser www.amberjkeyser.com ElyseWest From: Alison Schmidt <alison.schmidt@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2020 4:11 PM To: ; citizeninput Cc: Brian Weber Subject: .Consideration of Board Signature of Order No. 2020-030, Concerning Restrictions on Worship - David. Doyle, Legal Counsel [i X'I'EI NAi;MAII:, To whom it may concern, I am a new resident of Deschutes County, along with my husband, Brian Weber, who also emailed you today about this matter. I am following Governor Brown's executive orders and I have several concerns regarding the board's consideration of Order No. 2020-030: 1-To which specific executive order does this particular county order refer? That should be stated in the county order. 2- Does this county order refers to Executive Order 20-25, particularly the section below? a. Cultural, Civic, and Faith -Based Gatherings. All cultural, civic, and faith -based gatherings of more than 25. people are prohibited. Cultural, civic, and faith -based gatherings of 25 or fewer people are allowed only if a distance of at least six (6) feet can be consistently maintained between individuals from different households, and if other applicable OHA physical distancing guidance are followed. 3- As a county resident, I feel allowing faith -based gathering outside the parameters of Executive Order 20-25 would increase the risk of spreading COVID-19 in Deschutes County and I would urge the county Commissioners to not allow faith -based gatherings outside the parameters of Executive Order 20-25. 4- Why does the county order repeated only use the term 'worship God'? There are many other faith- based/religious worship traditions that could fit in this framework that would be excluded by this language. The language of the order seems flawed from the outset and designed to discriminate against faiths other than Christianity, opening the county up to other possible lawsuits. I would urge the Commissioners to do whatever possible to clarify the language of any possible order as well as considering the greater public safety. Thank you, Alison M. Schmidt. 19925 Powers Rd. Bend, OR 97702 Elyse West From: Louis Capozzi <Icapozzi@icloud.com> Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2020 3:25 PM To: , citizeninput Subject: Outrage! [EXTERNAL EMAIL] You MUST enforce the law! ElyseWest From: Sharon Keith Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 2:00 PM To: ' Elyse West Subject: citizen input Please print this email for Citizen Input From: Brian D. Weber <mistermocha@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2020 2:07 PM To: citizeninput <citizeninput@deschutes.org> Subject: Please put the brakes on churches reopening (F,X"l:'ERN;AI.EMAIL] I read about this today on Bend Bulletin https://www.bendbulletin.com/coronavirus/editorial-deschutes-county- may-refuse-to-enforce-restrictions-on-worship/article 5f9e9956-a02b-Ilea-8cc3-eb7ed9445f2fhtml and am quite upset by this. I am currently a citizen in SW Bend, and a recent transplant from out of state. I've greatly come to appreciate the fact that the spread of COVID-19 in Deschutes County has been slow. I greatly appreciate that the Governor has been working to keep us safe. In_ order to ensure I didn't bring something with me from California, I stayed home for two solid weeks avoiding all contact with anyone when I arrived, and continued to maintain strict social distancing practices ever since arriving here in this wonderful town. However, if large groups are permitted to reassemble in any way, it becomes a threat to us all. If everyone is a potential carrier, and the potential increases, then the risk to my health gets worse no matter what I do. I would like to actually leave my house and do normal things someday, and the way we're all behaving as a community and a country is completely counter to that and making it unsafe for us in the longer term. Please help keep us safe in our community and try to slow the spread. Churches should at least be encouraged, if not required, to conduct services remotely or with some social distancing requirements. Thank you, Brian Weber Elyse West From: Sharon Keith Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 2:03 PM To: Elyse West Subject Citizen input Please print this for the record From: Jeff Saporito <jeff.saporito@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 202012:16 PM To: citizeninput <citizeninput@deschutes.org> Subject: A Deranged County, Order NO. 2020-030 iI: ATERNA is M.A Dear Deschutes County Commissioners, Please refrain from making any drastic decisions and passing Order No. 2020-030. Not only does this order pick and choose what religions are recognized and deemed official by Deschutes county but it puts all of us at risk and would set an bad precedent. I find it disgraceful and disgusting that this order was drafting referencing a singular deity of worship and not being all inclusive. If this order was truly written to allow all of Deschutes. County residents to congregate and worship whomever they like it would refrain from using such language that clearly shows a preference towards a specific religion. Additionally while some may find Governor Kate Brown's orders intrusive and restrictive creating a county order for the sole purpose of defying the elected Governor's orders is a slippery slope. Constitutionally guaranteed freedoms are something I take very seriously myself but dismissing orders from our elected officials without any sort of plan of steps beyond 2 sentences directing county employees to ignore state orders is extremely short sighted. I understand people's needs and wants but not having a plan is not only sophomoric but in this instance dangerous. The precedent set by this order could lead to any number of unimaginable decisions made by those in power. Please take this into consideration. In the end people are still able to worship their deity in the safeness of their own dwellings and due to the miracle of technology can do so virtually with countless others. There is no need to gather and be present in person during a global health pandemic. Places of worship have been shown to be epicenters of the spread of this diseases. Please do not give into the needs of a few who exclude others and have a want to put our county's health at risk. A concerned Deschutes County citizen, Jeff Saporito Elyse West From: Sharon Keith Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 2:04 PM To: Elyse West Subject: Citizen Input Please print this for the record Original Message From: Donna D'Orio <dldmicasa©gmail com> Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2020 12:11 PM To: citizeninput <citizeninput@deschutes.org> Subject: Covid [EXTERNAL EMAIL] About worship gatherings: During this time of Covid when you choose not to follow the safety measures our Governor has in place you sent a very bad message and set a bad example. It is a sad time and we are all at risk of getting Covid. To participate in that. place the community at risk is extraordinary in it's disregard to the community you serve. Donna D'Orio Elyse West From; Marcia Houston <marciahouston@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 2:01 PM To: citizeninput, Subject: State restrictions ..1?? ':l.'I: PNA.t..r`E LA1 I certainly expect Deschutes County to abide by Oregon's Guidelines during the Coronavirus Pandemic. We -- and that means all of us --are in this together. We all must do what we can to protect ourselves, our families, our communities. The issue before you now seems to be people gathering for worship services. I certainly hope you, as Deschutes County Commissioners, will support our state's guidelines. Arguments to allow large gatherings are simply not taking into consideration the health and safety of people. i believe the guidelines currently allow for gatherings of up to 25 people with adequate space for 6' social distancing; Groups following those guidelines are welcome to meet; if the guideline are not adhered to the group can make alternate arrangements in order to meet the guidelines.. Places of worship do not require exceptions to guidelines used to protect all of us. Please keep the health and safety of all in mind as you consider this issue and its ramifications. Respectfully, Marcia Houston 61305 Kwinnum Dr. Bend OR 97702 541-390-2600 Elyse West From: N Morosini <nmorosini2018@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 1:49 PM To: citizeninput Subject: your duty (1,X';('I;R:N 1 EMA.I .1 Let me get this straight. With an uptick in Covid cases primarily due to social gathering, you want to create MORE exposure to all of us by ignoring the Governor's requirement about churches, which I>might add is based on SCIENCE and designed to protect the health and welfare of ALL Oregonians. I would remind you that the protection of ALL in the county is you primary job, not favoritism of one class at the expense of the rest of us. You also need to be reminded that religion has been practiced at home for centuries and can do so now. In addition churches have been functioning remotely and outside since the start of this pandemic. This can continue. Finally by ignoring the Governor's order you are reinforcing to our youth and those who don't like law and order that it's OK to ignore those rules that they don't particularly care for. Way to go. Based on this pathway you're telling us there is no need for elected officials to protect us, and that includes you folks. Thanks for infecting many more of us and contributing to the further ignoring of rules and group favoritism. E Pluribus Unum. Nelson Morosini Elyse West From: Michael OLeary <michaelharryoleary@yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 1:27 PM To: citizeninput Subject: Worship Restrictions County Commissioners, Of course there should be no restriction on worship, but there should rightly be restrictions on non -essential prolonged meetings, such as church services. Restricting such activities is certainly no violation of the constitution, in my opinion. And I doubt if any council members are either constitutional scholars or constitutional lawyers. The state governor has the responsibility to keep all Oregonians safe. Best advice is to follow the direction of the governor's office. I would suggest reading today's edition of the Bend Bulletin. On page one we learn that covid cases are spiking in some areas of the county. On page A-5 there is well written column penned by a church leader, explaining why he is not opening the doors to his synagogue. To compare a hardware store being open to a house of worship is disingenuous, at best. At the store people are charged to keep their distance (though Irealize some don't comply), get in, get what they need, and get out. Not so at a church service, which can extend for hours with people in close proximity to each other. Church; services are known to be origination points for covid spikes in various parts of the country. So, my advice to the council into change course; encourage everyone to follow the state protocols established, wash your hands and wear a mask. Elyse West From: Sent: To: Subject:. [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Larry Zettle <lazettle@gmail.com> Thursday, May 28, 2020 1:57 PM citizeninput Churches` I personally will not attend St. Francis if they opt to open. If everyone in Bend would follow simple safety rules I probably would. We have so many young people that do not take this seriously which really offends me. I feel that for the protection of our medical people masks should be required in every store or shop one enters. This will help reduce any new cases . Churches can improvise with outside, distancing services, until this virus is controlled or we have a vaccine. Loraine Zettle Sent from my iPad Elyse West From: James Brown <jamesbrownlaw12@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 1:44 PM To: citizeninput Subject: Proposed order pertaining to church services [t X":C'l:,R:NA1:.;1::114Ali.a Re. Proposed order concerning church services Members of the Board of Commissioners: I am a resident of Deschutes County and considered "vulnerable" by reason of age and health. I strongly oppose the proposed order that would disavow the Governor's order as it affects church services. I believe that the proposed order is both unwise and dangerous to the public. Certain facts are scientifically undisputed: the coronavirus is extremely contagious, it is spread through the air and it can be fatal to persons of all ages, especially to those with pre-existing conditions. The restriction of public gatherings, the practicing of social distancing and the wearing of face masks have proved effective, in reducing the spread of this disease. The equating of church services with business openings is a false equivalency unless such services are conducted without singing, either congregational or choirs, numbers of persons present are limited to small groups, masks are required, physical distancing is maintained and there is no physical interaction among persons present. With respect, that's not going to happen. The proposed order would endorse and encourage conduct dangerous to our community that, in all probability, will impact our health care system and further endanger our health care providers. Having been an Oregon lawyer for more than 40 years I care deeply about the rule of law which is both sacred and fragile. With due respect I strongly urge you to leave determinations of "constitutionality" to the courts and, instead, as elected officials, lead in unifying our community through a difficult period that can be ended, if we work together. Sincerely, James M. Brown 883 SW Blakely Rd Bend, OR. 97702 i Elyse West From: carolyn rochelle <csrochelle62@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 1:22 PM To: citizeninput Subject: worship restriction [F (TEI NA1:.. I' MAI :,.1 It appears many people with get sick due to the freedom to gather and worship. What about those people who don't gather to worship. Do they have the right to infect them? I believe that with the new tracing that is going to happen, individuals and the churches are in for some serious confrontions in the courts if they are allowed to spread COVID. Concerned citizen of Deschutes Co. Elyse West From: Daniel Frasie <daniel.frasie@gmaiLcom> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 1:55 PM To: citizeninput Subject: re: churches [ :X'1I R:NAl l IvlA Thank you guys for hopefully doing the right thing and coming to a decision.. I Sincerely hope you guys will choose to allow Churches to meet..`I thought I saw in phase one of the Govenors orders that their can be gatherings of up to 25 people.. I know the bigger churches have plenty of rooms and event spaces .. where they could have social distancing. I have a friend who lives in Madras he doesn't have internet access or a smart phone and has not been able to be with others.. or go to church during this coivd stuff.. I would urge you guys try to allow churches to get back tows close to as normal as possible. being together is important for our spiritual and mental well being. I know you guys have hard decisions to make.. I sincerely pray and hope you guys are making the best ones and again.. thank you for all you do. sincerely -Daniel. Elyse West From: Gregg Heacock <Iogicconex@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 1:33 PM To: Patti Adair; Tony DeBone; Phil Henderson; citizeninput Subject: Honoring Gov. Brown's Executive Order [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Dear Deschutes County Commissioners, The decision you will be making tomorrow has nothing to do with God or with Kate Brown, it concerns government upholding the sacred values of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness, the latter two being of little consequence if the first is violated. The U.S. Constitution did not put God above the State, but said that houses of worship were equally sub1ect to the laws of the United States. They had experienced enough theocracy through the Anglican Church and the. Catholic Church to advocate freedom of religion to include freedom from religion. Your obligation, as Commissioners of Deschutes County is to keep residents of this county safe. If this issue were about God or Kate Brown, your obligation would be the same. The prayer to "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive the trespasses of others" presumes that all of us are destined, in following our path to discover our true selves, will lead to trespassing upon the paths others are traveling. We are not asking for their forgiveness but know that our own comes when we recognize what we have done to violate the rights of others. Putting our neighbors at risk is to trespass on their rights. Kate Brown is not acting as a partisan in this fight; she is serving as your governor, whose duties you have sworn an oath to uphold. President. Trump has made a fortune trespassing on the rights of others. His coming into office is based on violating other people's rights. It is his daily activity and constant obsession. If you choose to side with someone committed to violating the federal structure put in place by our Constitution, you will threaten the economy of our area, fail to recognize how overwhelmed our county is in providing services to those in need, and compromise the institutions you have a duty to support. The issues are broad. Don't find yourselves tripping over details because the devil is in those details. Take the right path, the one that is aligned with the values that hold us together as a community. Be safe, be well, and help us all to be the same, Gregg Heacock 310-625-0946 2499 NW High Lakes Loop Bend, OR 97703 Elyse West From: Nora Faye<nlfaye23@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 2:34 PM To: Patti Adair; Tony DeBone; Phil Henderson; Board; citizeninput Subject: Enforce public safety restrictions on churches [EXTERNAL EMAIL] This is a public safety issue and our lives depend upon enforcing public safety restrictions on large indoor gatherings, including church gatherings. We do not need to endanger each other, especially vulnerable people, in order to worship. Acting with love means working together to follow social distancing guidelines and keep everyone safe. Sincerely, Nora Faye. Bend, OR Elyse West From: Gregg Heacock <logicconex@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 2:31 PM To: Sharon Keith Subject: Please substitute this corrected version for what I submitted earlier [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Dear Deschutes County Commissioners, The decision you will be making tomorrow has nothing to do with God or with Kate Brown, it concerns government upholding the sacred values of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness, the latter two being of little consequence if the first is violated. The U.S. Constitution did not put God above the State but said that houses of worship were equally subject to the laws of the United States. They had experienced enough theocracy through the Anglican Church and the Catholic Church to advocate freedom of religion to include freedom from religion. Your obligation, as Commissioners of Deschutes County, is to keep residents of this county safe. If this issue were about God or Kate Brown,your obligation would be the same. The prayer to "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive the trespasses of others" presumes that all of us are destined, in following our path to discover our true selves, will lead to trespassing upon the paths others are traveling. We are not asking for their forgiveness but know that our own comes when we recognize what we have done to violate the rights of others. Putting our neighbors at risk is to trespass on their rights. Kate Brown is not acting as a partisan in this fight; she is serving as your governor, whose duties you have sworn an oath to uphold. President Trump has made a fortune trespassing on the rights of others. His coming into office is based on violating other people's rights. It is his daily activity and constant obsession. If you choose to side with someone committed to violating the federal structure put in place by our Constitution, you will threaten the economy of our area, fail to recognize how overwhelmed our county is in providing services to those in need, and compromise the institutions you have a duty to support. The issues are broad. Don't find yourselves tripping over details because the devil is in those details. Take the right path, the one that is aligned with the values that hold us together as a community. Be safe, be well, and help us all to be the same, Gregg Heacock 310-625-0946 2499 NW High Lakes Loop Bend, OR 97703 Elyse West From: Connie Hahs <chahs@rocketmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 2:26 PM To: citizeninput Subject: Worship restrictions {E)C1'I RNAi, i IMAii..;j This pandemic is a medical and scientific issue, not an arena for political posturing. While we all treasure "life, liberty, and the pursuit ofhappiness," it is critical to note that "life" precedes "liberty." Please don't give in to political pressureto make this a partisan issue. Follow the advice of the CDC and our state medical experts about when and how to open churches. I am a member of Community Presbyterian Church in Redmond, and while I miss attending, I would be appalled if we, opened too early and our members fell victim to the virus. Fortunately, our minister and; Session are willing to follow medical advice, not political pressure. Connie Stoaks Elyse West From: Dorothy` Leman and Becky Plassmann <dorothyandbeckyhome@gmaiLcom> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 2:32 PM To: ' citizeninput, Subject: Do not adopt the proposal refusing to enforce the Governor's restriction on large, gatherings {EXTERNAL EMAI Dear County Commissioners De Bone, Henderson, and Adair, You are considering a proposal that Deschutes County's employees should not enforce the Governor's ban on local gatherings of more than 25 people. The proposal under consideration erroneously interprets the Governor's orders as limiting the free exercise of religion. We urge you to reject this proposal. As you know, the. Governor has issued this order as part of the "Phase-1" reopening in response to the COVID- 19 virus. We need not remind you that as of today, May 28, the virus has infected at least 4000 Oregonians and killed 151 Oregonians in the last few months, The Governor's guidance seeks to protect public health and safety in Deschutes County and everywhere in Oregon. It's not true that preventing gatherings of more than 25 people is an attack on the free exercise of religion. We know this because religious communities in Deschutes County have connected for meaningful worship since the beginning of the quarantine through videoconferencing. In short, religious communities don't have to "reopen" because they were never "closed" in the first place. What's more, large religious gatherings, like any other large gatherings, really do enable the spread of the COVID-19 virus. In Mt. Vernon, Washington, 61 members of a church choir gathered for a regular practice on. March 10 of this year. One singer who had the virus infected 52 other church singers, two of whom died. Not even beautiful worship music is worth infection and death. Please reject this extreme and foolish proposal. Let Deschutes County's employees use County resources to enforce the Governor's wise limitation on large gatherings where appropriate. Keep Deschutes Countyhealthy and safe. With best wishes, Dorothy Leman Becky Plassmann 226 NW Vicksburg Avenue Bend OR 97703` 541-317-3965 Elyse West From: Michele McKay <michemckay@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 2:30 PM To: Patti. Adair; Tony DeBone; Phil Henderson; Board; citizeninput Subject: Follow Gov Brown's guideline on churches EMAI Deschutes County Commissioners: There is a lot we don't know about the covid 19 virus, but we DO know this: we are in a public health crisis, and more people will die if they congregate together. We know that the virus spreads as people congregate. We know that it spreads exponentially. We know that our own medical facilities may be overwhelmed. People can worship God however they please, but they DO NOT need to congregate and pose a serious, potentially fatal health risk to others in the community. You know that more people will die if you decline to enforce Gov Brown's executive order. One of them could be your child. Or your parent. Or you. One could be my son-in-law, who works in the ER at St Charles. One could be my child or someone I love. This is a public health issue. Your moral obligation is to enforce the Governor's order. Please be responsible to your public, and help stop the spread of the virus, for the sake of those who are vulnerable. Michele McKay Bend, OR Elyse West From: Sharon Keith Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 3:11 PM To: Elyse. West Subject: email re Citizen Input Elyse could you print this email for the. Citizen Input line? From: Jordan Pope <jordanjeanpope@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 3:08 PM To: citizeninput <citizeninput@deschutes.org> Subject: Church Gatherings (l: X':I'I RNAi EMAJ To Whom It May Concern: We are deeply concerned, hard-working, Bible -believing citizens of this great country. We are also a citizens of Deschutes County and are choosing to raise our family and run our business in this beautiful place. We are concerned because Governor Brown's executive orders continue to prohibit the corporate gathering of churches for worship. Churches are essential. Not only that, gathering for worship is one of our Constitutional Rights. This right cannot be suspended for ANY REASON if we are to remain true to the Constitution of the United States. We are proud and honored to live in a country that upholds our right to gather and where we can worship our creator FREELY. We ask you to consider the physical and mental well-being of those who, like us, are desperate to gather in - person with fellow believers. Please uphold the laws of this land and do what is right by God. Use your duty to serve us, the people and to uphold the Constitution. Let us gather again. Thank you for all you do, Benjamin and Jordan Pope Elyse West From: Sharon Keith Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 3:18 PM To: Elyse West Subject: email via Citizen Input line Please print this email for the record. Thanks Original Message----- From: dhsmullin@gmail.com <dhsmullin@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 3:14 PM To: citizeninput <citizeninput@deschutes.org> Subject: ENFORCE STATE RESTRICTIONS ON WORSHIP!!!! [EXTERNAL EMAIL] David Smullin 414 NW Flagline Dr Bend, OR 97703 541-390-8957 Sent from my iPhone Elyse West From: Sharon Keith Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 3:32 PM To: Elyse West Subject: Citizen input email Will you print this email for the record please From: Mary Ann Hart <itsmemaryann@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 3:23 PM To: citizeninput <citizeninput@deschutes.org> Subject: I Disagree With Your Plan To Not Enforce The Governor's Order re: Churches Hello, I am a voting resident of Bend. I disagree with your plan to prohibit Deschutes County employees from enforcing the Governor's plan for Oregon's phased reopening. Churches are an important part of our community. Most, if not all, of the local churches have been able to comply with the Governor's orders without any problem. It is not safe yet for people to gather in groups larger than 25 people and to break the rule to stay at least 6 feet apart and wear masks when in public. Churches have been the the site of the spread of COVID-19 in California, and in the southern U.S. We can worship from home and online as long as it's not safe to gather together. You would also be setting a terrible precedent by defying the Governor's order. We are all in this together. We. don't need to be polarized any further. If you don't believe the Governor's order is constitutional, let the courts decide. The case is on its way to the. Oregon Supreme Court. Why not let it complete the process? Elyse West From: Sharon Keith Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 3:45 PM To• Elyse West Subject: email via citizen input Please print this email for the record Original Message From: Wally and Karen<wallyandkaren@bendbroadband.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 3:37 PM To: citizeninput <citizeninput@deschutes.org> Subject: Church Opening [EXTERNAL EMAIL] All: As an independent who has supported and worked for both parties over the years, I take exception to your proposal to open churches in defiance of the State of Oregon's guidelines. I have voted in every election for the last 53 years and as stated above I have voted for the best person regardless of party, however given the middle finger in the air attitude from the Republican party I have just about decided to never vote for nor support a Republican ever again. Rather than play politics with the lives of the people you represent I would expect you to follow the guidelines you were given. If you do not like those guidelines then work with the state to change those guidelines. What makes you think that, as elected officials, you have the right to decide what is or is not Constitutional. Your reaction to this pandemic has been dismal so far. Showing up to meetings, with no face mask, to fuel the far right and press the fringe to ignore the rules and laws everyone of us lives by. If you take this stand and it results in additional illnesses and / or deaths I will work as hard as I can get each of you recalled. You do not have the authority to put myself, my family, my employees, or my grandson with type 1 diabetes at risk. Wallace D. Corwin Elyse West From: Sharon Keith Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 3:46 PM To: Elyse West Subject: Citizen. Input Please print this email for the record Original Message From: claireannewood22@gmail.com <claireannewood22@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 3:44 PM To: Patti Adair <Patti.Adair@deschutes.org>; Tony DeBone <Tony.DeBone@deschutes.org>; Phil Henderson <Phil.Henderson@deschutes.org>; Board <board@deschutes.org>; citizeninput <citizeninput@deschutes.org> Subject: Enforce public safety restrictions on churches [EXTERNAL EMAIL]. This is a public safety issue and our lives depend upon enforcing public safety restrictions on large indoor gatherings, including church gatherings. Can it seriously be that difficult to understand that C-19 doesn't discriminate or follow timelines or - most importantly identify itself? We are all threatened by this insipid unknown! Please care... Sent from my iPhone Elyse West From: Sharon Keith Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 3:47 PM To: Elyse West Subject: citizen input Please print this email for the record Original Message From: Kate Moser<moserkate@yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 3:46 PM To: citizeninput <citizeninput@deschutes.org> Subject: Thursday meeting on Gov Orders [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Dear Commissioners, Regarding the question whether churches/religious groups should gather during restrictions due to covid-19, my opinion is that not to follow a Governor's order is a dangerous precedent to set. I would like the Commissioners and other government authorities to discuss with the Governor how people may gather for worship. There is a difference between sitting in a room for an hour and taking a quick trip to the grocery store. If people do begin to gather, masks should be MANDATORY. Thank you, Kate Moser Sent from my iPhone. Elyse West From: Steve Edwards <stevenredwards@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 3:49 PM To: citizeninput Subject: Church as petulant and selfish . PEA 1'ERNAI You seem to represent and defend church as a petulant and selfish player in a dangerous time. If a congregation can practice all of the well-known and accepted health protocols, who's to argue against a re- opening? But if their impulse to open is based upon some presumed right to gather during a pandemic, that is wrong-headed, unsafe, and counter to the health of our community. Elyse West From: Dawn Richerson <centralorhomes@gmail,com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 3:48 PM To: Sharon Keith Subject: Re: Constitutional rights [EX'1I RINA.I;. EMAI 'i I appreciate your response. Thank you very much. On Thu, May 28, 2020 at 12:00 PM Sharon Keith <Sharon.Keith@deschutes.ort> wrote: Thank you for your input. Your email will be attached to the record of today's meeting From: Dawn Richerson`<centralorhomes@gmail.com>. Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 10:31 AM To: citizeninput <citizeninput(a?deschutes.org> Subject: Constitutional rights [EXTERNAL RNAL EMAIL] Ladies and Gentlemen, As a citizen of the United States of America, I stand against the tyrannical acts of leaders like Kate Brown subverting our constitutional rights. Law enforcement andlocal leaders MUST stand with the people when elected officials abuse their power. Churches have aright to assemble at ALL times. There is no clause or pause in the US Constitution preventing assembly under any circumstances. Please decline to enforce or help enforce any state restriction on the worship of God derived from an executive order of Gov. Kate Brown. Sincerely, Dawn Richerson Elyse West From: Sharon Keith Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 3:54 PM To: Elyse West Subject: Citizen Input emails Elyse please print this email for the record From: Kay Stein <kdstein468@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 3:52 PM To: citizeninput <citizeninput@deschutes.org> Subject: Exempting Churches from Restrictions j I?N EF ,NAI.; a J\'IA1f.;7' Churches should NOT be exempted from restrictions on large gatherings or any other restrictions that enforce public health safety. It is known that church gatherings have been the source of COVID-19 spread. It is time for public officials to do what's sensible and right instead of falling back on ideology. My church has several hundred members and we are doing very nicely using ZOOM services. Although it might be fun and nice, it is not necessary for people to gather in large groups to practice their religious beliefs under the Constitution. Hello: This is an emergency situation! How about practicing the religious tenet "Do unto others" that is, don't behave in unsafe ways that might cause harm to others by spreading the virus. Elyse West From: Sharon Keith Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 4:07 PM To: ; Elyse West Subject: Citizen input Please print this email for Citizen inpu From: Shaun Larson <slarson5892@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 4:04 PM To: citizeninput <citizeninput@deschutes.org> Subject: Keep Churches Closed 1:?X` .'ERNAl:.;1 MAII:a�. Dear Commissioner's I was pleasantly surprised to hear that you did not go against the governor today. Why would you allow church services that go against the crowd size limit of 25? Religion is a fantasy anyways(but that is another matter). It is time for you all to be replaced. Having commissioners that attend right wing rallys in Redmond, ignoring social distance rules is abhorrent! It is time for a more moderate group of commissioners not Trump loving Republicans. It will start this November with the election of Phil Chang! Shaun Larson Elyse West From: Sharon Keith Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 4:08 PM. To: Elyse West Subject: Citizen input Elyse please print this email for Citizen Input From: Mary Orton <maryorton33@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 4:04 PM To: citizeninput <citizeninput@deschutes.org> Subject: COVID restrictions .:I: X'I:'I: RNAI:.; EMAILI Please do not do anything that would allow the county agencies to ignore violations of the Governor's COVID orders. Those restrictions are designed to help us all survive this pandemic. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Mary Orton Bend, Oregon Please note my new phone number: 541-647-264.1 Elyse West From: Sharon Keith Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 4:09 PM To• Elyse West Subject: Citizen input Please print this email for citizen input From: Martha Samco <martha@samcos.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 4:02 PM To: Patti Adair <Patti.Adair@deschutes.org>; Tony DeBone <Tony.DeBone@deschutes.org>; Phil Henderson <Phil.Henderson@deschutes.org>; Board <board@deschutes.org>; citizeninput <citizeninput@deschutes.org> Subject: Enforce public safety restrictions on churches 'X"l.'E NAL :I MA Dear commissioners, Though it will be welcomed in the future, gathering in a church is an outward sign of piety and community. It is not essential to practicing one's faith. You all are aware that churches, temples and mosques can reach their religious communities in other ways besides by large indoor gatherings. Common sense restrictions are the basis of compassion required for the health of religious congregations and the greater public during this unstable time of the evolution of Covid 19. This is a public safety issue and our lives depend upon enforcing public safety restrictions on large indoor gatherings, including church gatherings. Respectfully, Martha Samco email martha@samcos.com [sent from tablet] i Elyse West From: Sharon Keith Sent Thursday, May 28, 2020 4:17 PM To; Elyse West Subject Citizen input Please print this for the record. From: Lisa Travis <Iisarogerstravis@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 4:15 PM To: citizeninput <citizeninput@deschutes.org> Subject: Regarding Churches being allowed to meet [EXTERNAL EMAILI To our County Commissioners: Hello, The servant heart (the heart of Jesus) asks the question "what's best for society/people as a whole? It does not fight for what I want and for my "rights". Every reason is inferior to what's best for the majority of people. The servant heart is glad to sacrifice for others. Philippians 2 says it perfectly: Have the 1.4 Christ :here any encouragement Ir r r belonging to chris° love Any fellow hip tagetherin the Spirit? Are your c.ornpassionate? ThenMake me truly happy by agreeit g holeheartecily w other, loui'rag ra e r c there and working together WO One mind and purpose: Don't be selfish, d r "t try to irnpress,alters: Be humble :think' of others as better than yourselves, a Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too: Any comfort f s tender and God also blessed us with common sense and we feel that if it's in the continued best interests of society for churches to not meet, then they should not meet. We attend Riverbend Church in Bend and we have all supported the governor's dictates, gladly sacrificing meeting because that has so far been best to halt the spread of the virus. We also think most congregants would, unfortunately, not be very conscientious about social distancing (if they were allowed to meet with those parameters). Thank you! Sincerely, Lisa and Rich Travis Bend Elyse West From: Sharon Keith Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 4:43 PM To:. Elyse West Subject: Citizen input Please print for the record. From: Diane Weishaupt <ciaodw@yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 4:42 PM To: citizeninput <citizeninput@deschutes.org> Subject: Worship restrictions [EXTERNAL RNAL EMAIIa) Since I do not feel qualified to argue the legality of state restriction of large gatherings, I will comment on the morality of that restriction. I believe that the health and well being of each person, no matter their race, creed, age, gender, or sexuality, is paramount to the ideals of our country. We are in the midst of a horrendous pandemic. To insist on gathering in large groups , whether for political or religious purposes, goes against this belief. The bible teaches us that every life is precious. Why endanger the lives of so many? Is worship only valid in large groups? Is the saint or sinner kneeling in the privacy of his home as valuable than the person preaching from the pulpit, or taking communion with other parishioners? Protect each other, our children and elderly. This is not a political matter, but a scientific and moral one. With common sense and love of one another, this too shall pass. Stay home. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android Elyse West From: Sent: To: Subject: Sharon Keith Thursday, May 28, 2020 4:45 PM Elyse West Citizen input Please print this email for the record Original Message From: Lesley Carrell <lesley.carrell@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020.4:44 PM To: Patti Adair <Patti.Adair@deschutes.org>; Tony DeBone <Tony.DeBone@deschutes.org>; Phil Henderson <Phil.Henderson@deschutes.org>; Board <board@deschutes:org>; citizeninput <citizeninput@deschutes.org> Subject: Enforce public safety restrictions on churches [EXTERNAL EMAIL] This is a public safety issue and our lives depend upon enforcing public safety restrictions on large indoor gatherings, including church gatherings: People are not being restricted from worshipping, I worship every day. People are being restricted from gathering in crowds greater than 25 people during a worldwide pandemic that has killed100,000+ Americans already. Please enforce public safety restrictions. Lesley Carrell 3814 SW Cascade Vista Ct Redmond, OR 97756 Elyse West From: Sharon Keith Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 4:47 PM To: Elyse West Subject: Citizen input Please print for the record From: Loie Boero <Ioieboero@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 4:46 PM To: citizeninput <citizeninput@deschutes.org> Subject: Whether to Open Places of Worship Attn: Commissioners of Deschutes County I believe churches should not be allowed to open until Gov. Brown directs them to which is based on CDC guidelines. According to scientific models, the highest risk places are when a large number of people gather in an enclosed area for one or more hours. This is not debatable. Keeping churches temporarily closed is not a violation of a person's freedom to worship, it is common sense and protects the rest of our population. There are other way to worship God: One is to protect human lives, and another is to do volunteer work and/or donate to those in need. What's wrong with continuing virtual church services until it. is safe to gather in groups? Unfortunately, this issue has become political. Regarding the facts, I would like to reference an article authored by Dr. Erin Bromage, Assoc. Professor at Univ. of Mass, Dartmouth. He teaches classes in Immunology and Infectious Disease. It is a long article, but worth reading as he is, an expert in his field. https://www.erinbromage.com/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them com/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them I urge to use scientific evidence as your guideline. Elyse West From: Gregory Bryant <bryant_gregory@hotmail.com> Sent: Friday, May 29, 2020 11:13 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Worship restrictions [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Commissioners,; I am 70 and my significant other is 72 with COPD. I run 4 or more miles almost daily wearing a mask at all times. I am the the one that we goes to the stores usually, for the least exposure to covidl9. During my running or going to stores, anywhere from 5 % to maybe 20 to 25 % wear masks. I understand that religion freedom is core to our constitution. If the commissioners want to "guarantee" that the worshippers go by the guidelines sit forth with masking, but if they don't and an outbreak is started, that outbreak will be on the commissioners. Do you want that responsibility? Greg Bryant Elyse West From: eric haag <ehaag@bendbroadband.com> Sent: Friday, May 29, 2020 10:23 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Supporting the Governor's orders [EXTERNAL EMAIL] I would like to add my voice to those supporting the Governor's order limiting the size of in -person religious gatherings. My thoughts: 1. There is no ban on religious gatherings, just those in excess of 25 and no one is saying you can't worship, whatever faith you wish to believe in. Do what a lot of institutions are talking about doing- stagger services. 2. There is no logical comparison to the opening of a hardware store and a church of more that 25 people. In a hardware store I can be in and out in 20 minutes or less and have contact with fewer than 10 people. Attending a service lasts far longer and is supposedly attended by greater than 25 people. All research shows that, duration and frequency of exposure are key factors in transmission of the virus. Would churches require mask wearing? I doubt it. 3. "I am my brothers keeper"- is that not a fundamental tenant of the Christian faith? If so, how does a true Christian put their needs above their neighbor's or the needs and health of those who would end up caring for them if they got sick. 4. MANY of us have had to give up some of our freedoms recently and MANY have had to sacrifice to help feed us, supply us with essential goods and services, and take care of the sick. Is it too much to ask protesting religious groups to continue sacrificing large' gatherings a little longer in the interest of our common good? could go on but, l think fundamentally, this comes down to "I, ME culture" vs "WE". I stand with those believing WE are. in this together. That's the only way we get ALL to back to eventually living a somewhat normal life. Than you, Eric Haag Elyse West From: Thomas McKean <thosmckean127@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, May29, 2020 9:46 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Not enforcing exec orders on churches [EXTERNAL EMAIL] I think it is a very bad idea to tell people we are not going to enforce laws or orders that we personally don't agree with. Some people are making this about "picking on churches". It's about government protecting people from harm as determined by highly trained and paid people in science. Tom McKean, Redmond Sent from my iPad 1 Elyse West From: Herb Blank <hblank@yahoo.com> Sent: Friday, May 29, 2020 9:14 AM To: citizeninput; Phil Henderson; patt.adair@deschutes.org; Tony DeBone Cc: Rich Belzer; Lee Ann Ross; Kenneth Schofield; Philip Chang; Bend Bulletin; Rev Scott Rudolph Subject: Role of County Commissioners l:(: X'I':F NAL I MAI Is it the role of the Deschutes County Commissioners to direct county staff to decline to enforce state restrictions on in -person religious meetings? I don't think so. The governor clearly has the authority here and it is up to the courts to redress any grievances regarding such matters. I don't see that the county has a role here other than to enforce the state rules regarding health through the county health department. The County Commissioners are certainly within their rights in our democratic system to voice their opinion through a non binding resolution, that is if they feel such opinion is the concensus of their constituents. In this case I'm sure there is not a consensus regarding this issue. In fact there are numerous alternatives to in -person religious meetings. My own church successfully uses technology to conduct on-line services. While there are glitches at times the general opinion of our congregation is that this effort has been successful as shown by continuing high attendance numbers. If certain congregations are not using this technology they should contact their fellow ministers to learn of their experiences. One limitation of course is that not everyone has access to on-line services through a smart phone or computer, though a recent survey found over 80% of Oregon residents had access to broadband services. In Deschutes County I suspect the figure is now higher than that. In conclusion I believe that the County. Commissioners should not devote their valuable time to this issue. If certain groups object to the Governor's decision, they can seek redress through the courts. The Commissioners should not take action on this matter particularly without consulting their legal and health departments and more importantly their constituents. Elyse West From: Alan Bickett <abickettl@yahoo.com> Sent: Friday, May 29, 2020 9:09 AM To• citizeninput Subject Input on Proposed order regarding churches (l:?XTt:RNA1:.. Dear Commissioners, I am writing to comment on the proposed local order that would disregard a state order that enforces size limits in churches and that would also prevent county employees from working with other state agencies to enforce gathering limits at churches. I am a member of a church, am active within the church, and regularly attend services. This is very important to me and I miss seeing many good friends since live face to face services have stopped. That said, I am strongly opposed to the proposed order being considered by the commission: The last thing my church or denomination wants is to hold services which result in spreading illness, or even death, to worshippers. To do so would be highly irresponsible. For that reason we are, to the extent possible, providing various forms of worship and community online, while using social distancing guidelines to continue providing food to those in need. We are re -imagining how we do things and being very careful to reinstate normal, ongoing activities only when we are confident we can do so safely, even if that takes an extended period of time. Traditional services of more than 25 people are extremely risky. They bring non -family members together, typically close together, for extended periods of time. Worship services typically involve singing, which increases production of airborne droplets requiring much more than typical 6 foot distance of separation. Communion (sacraments), provides multiple opportunities for infection to spread. Specific worship practices vary, but typically involve action which could spread COVID 19: You may be aware that recently a pastor and wife in Arkansas unintentionally spread COVID 19 to 35 people at a church service, 3 of whom died. At least 26 others who were not in the church service tested positive after contact with those who attended the service. Church attendees include many elderly people. Per the Oregon. Health Authority's May28th daily update, of those in the 80+ age group, 30% who have tested positive have died. The constitutionality of Governor Brown's order is being pursued by the courts, as it should. County Commissioners are not qualified or empowered to decide whether the governor's orders are constitutional. I suggest you deeply consider whether, if the commission approves the proposed local order undermining the governor's order, and as a result constituents of yours are infected with COVID-19, and perhaps one or more even die, is that a position you want to be in? Will you have served the county well? Will you have served those complaining about the current requirements well? Simply by creating the possibility of such an outcome, would you be doing the right thing by approving the proposed order? Thank you for considering my comments. Alan Bickett Elyse West From: Jeanette <jgroesz@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, May 29, 2020 8:27 AM To: citizeninput Subject: churches [EXTERNAL EMAIL] HI; Just wanted to let you know that my wife and I regularly (or used to) attend a Christian denomination in Redmond. Since Covid19 we have watched from home but attended in person again last Sunday. Despite the best efforts of the pastor and administration (RSVP, limiting persons to 25, lots of signs, encouraging masks, etc), we were unpleasantly surprised by the few who still shook hands and hugged and the many who did not wear masks. Needless to say, we will be attending the live -streaming for a while longer. We are not fans of governor Brown but do feel she is handling this the best she can as we are all dealing with an unexpected unknown. Rather than debate this endlessly we feel that exercising restraint and common sense is the way to go. You folks have enough on your plates to deal with without having to consider, what we feel, are selfish complaints. Personally I am embarrassed to be associated with the Christian denominations fighting for "their right to assemble" in the courtrooms of our state. I -am reminded of the almost five years of deprivation my parents went through in Europe during WWII...and when I compare that to our present situation —well, there is no comparison; no one is starving, no one is being shot and we are all being asked to kick back for a while; to invoke constitutional rights just so we can gather like we used to back in the day is the height of thinking of only of one's self...rather than the community as a whole. For any denomination that worships our creator now is the time to help others -not ourselves. Thank you for reading and God bless! William Groesz Elyse West From: Patricia Green <greenpatricia966@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, May 29, 2020 8:27 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Lifting worship restrictions [EXT R.NAI., I~a11!iAil., My vote is NO. Congregations of many people in close proximity, many of them elderly or otherwise vulnerable, endanger the health of all in the county. Special provisions need to be made for car worship, virtual worship, or for goodness sake what is wrong with prayer at home? The right to worship must not include the right to endanger everyone. Love for everyone takes some thought for everyone. Otherwise practice of religion is just a private club for self indulgence. Thanks! -Pat Green Bend, Oregon Elyse West From: Kerry Bott <kerry.bott@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, May 29, 2020 8:21 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Worship Restrictions [EXTERNAL EMAIL] To Deschutes County Commissioners: So, our commissioners believe they are above the law and can just arbitrary decide to not enforce any law they just "don't like" and arbitrarily feel are "constitutionally guaranteed rights". You have. NOT made a legal nor scientific case to justify your "opinion". Your "opinion" puts everyone at risk. Finally, you have called a special meeting in just one day to make your decision. Poor form. Get your act together, present your case, adjudicate in the courts if necessary but DON'T head down the path you are on. Kerry Bott POBox 1198 Sisters, OR, 97759 Elyse West From: Pete and Gretchen Pederson <pondhawk2@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, May 29, 2020 7:53 AM To: citizeninput Subject: worship restrictions ATIF,RNAL We urge you to reject any proposal that would allow places of worship to reopen amid the Covid 19 pandemic. It has been shown again and again that the virus is particularly contagious when people gather in groups. Allowing this to happen would be irresponsible. It would satisfy the demands of a special interest group at the expense of the safety of our community. If these individuals choose to risk their own health, that is one thing, but the chance that they will become carriers threatens innocent residents of our county. Please listen to the science behind this terrible pandemic and do not give in to a few who are impatient with the critical social distancing that will get us all through this difficult time. Robert and Gretchen Pederson Deschutes County residents Elyse West From• lynn poole <nepallynn@yahoo.com> Sent: Friday, May 29, 2020 7:37 AM To• citizeninput Subject: Please don't open churches [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Dear Commissioners From my vantage point we are still in the first wave and Oregon's numbers of COVID infections are increasing in Deschutes. Bend recently has been crushed by tourists in our downtown and river without people, social distancing. This for me is very worrisome. As a nurse, 1 am opposed to the opening of churches as I think it is dangerous precedent and urge church members to do virtual meetings in lieu of actually church meetings. With regards Lynn Poole 19919 Ashwood Drive Bend Oregon From: K Lupe <Iukaylu@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 8:53 PM To: citizeninput Subject: RESPECT and ENFORCE the Governor's order [ XTf RNAl ET\4A There is a scientific reason to prohibit large gatherings. Please respect and enforce the guideline those who have gathered this knowledge, instead of your anecdotal emotions.< Allowing churces to have more than 25 attendees at one time is not the same as the shopping patterns for essential businesses that are currently open. Large groups of people in an enclosed indoor space, all breathing the same air for an long period of time, and spreading droplets by singing, have already caused "super spreader" events. The Supreme Court established the quarantine authority of State governments a long time ago; no rights are absolute. The State has already allowed Deschutes County to reopen, despite the county not meeting all of the criteria and now you think it wise to turn around and "bite the had that feeds you" and pretend you know better? Be wise and cautious in your decision making. Elyse West From: Edie Jones <edie jones3@icloud.com> Sent Thursday, May 28, 2020 8`45 PM To• citizeninput Subject Concerning opening up of churches [EXTERNAL EMAIL]. Dear Commissioners: As an avid, regularchurch goer, a Deschutes County resident of 81, and a Republican, I beseech you to NOT open up the churches. What ever happened to the doctrines to be kind and caring to all we meet and to love our neighbors as ourselves. These are a part of almost every religion, however, by opening up places of worship we are ignoring them completely: Gathering together will kill some of us, especially those in my age group. As a senior citizen I have been able to avoid going to grocery stores thanks to my church family and neighbors. As a senior I have looked forward to the weekly church services and messages shared by my Episcopal priest virtually. We are also enjoying virtual coffee hours and gatherings. Instead of feeling less spiritually fulfilled I feel more fulfilled, due to the opportunity to rewatch or read what has been presented. Regularly I get phone calls from other parishioners, even those I barely know, who call to see how I am doing and if I need anything. Our choir director, daily sends a hymn accompanied by the voices of her family members, to our inboxes.The sense of community is stronger now than when we regularly gathered on Sunday morning. Here in Sisters there are church gatherings every Sunday at the fair grounds, where members of churches stay in their car to hear the message. Keeping the churches closed, in no way takes away our constitutional right to worship. Worship we still can do, however, to accommodate the necessity of staying distant, the buildings (which are not the church) must stay closed. In respect to the question of why people can shop and go into stores and not into churches, there are restrictions that are suppose to be enforced by the business being entered. These are places where employees can easily monitor and prevent others from entering and also patrol among customers to assure they are wearing masks and staying appropriately apart. I can not imagine how this can happen in a place of worship. What do you do, have someone stand at the door and cont how many have entered and when 25 have gathered close the door, saying"sorry you're too late. Worship is a sacred time, which should not be limited to a number or interrupted by someone saying, "You have to move over. You are sitting too close." I hope every commissioner reads the commentary in the May 28th Bulletin on page A5, written by Rabi Ari Plost: It is the most thoughtful, true statement about the decree by President Trump to open churches. The reasoning also would. apply to the proposal being presented in Deschutes County. Opening church buildings is not a right. It is an infringement on our rights to stay safe and well. Please, 1 implore you to read and heed the words of the Rabi. Sincerely, Edie Jones From: • Carla Gullickson ;<carlagullickson@yahoo.com> Sent:Thursday, May 28, 2020 8:11 PM To: ` citizeninput Subject: Should Churches Open [EX`I'ERNAI I MAIL] I feel that the churches should honor the current restrictions. We need to keep large groups from congregating to keep all of us as safe as possible. The singing that is a major factor in most service is certainly a way to increase the spread of the virus. Please read what several Bend ministers had to say on this subject in this week's issue of The Source. Elyse West From• janet schmitt <telschmitt@msn.com> Sent:•• Thursday, May 28, 2020 8:11 PM To• citizeninput Subject• Fwd: Corona Virus [EXTERNAL EMAIL] > I am 80 years old, my husband is 85. We have been sequestered since March 12. > Groceries delivered. No outside contact. We are concerned about the virus reaching us. > Now as we venture out to nurseries to get flowers for our planters and drive thru downtown, we are even more concerned. The percentage of people wearing masks is negligible. Crowds and groups of people everywhere. > And you talk about opening churches?! > Why isn't wearing a mask required in public places? > It appears that the vocal and cavalier have more of a voice than those following guidelines and expertise. > Please, let's not be hasty. > Janet and Tom Schmitt > Sent from my iPad Elyse West. From: Sue Stevenson csuzms789@comcast.net> Sent• Thursday, May 28, 2020 7:22 PM To• citizeninput Subject Proposed church openings [EXTERNAL EMAIL]. Hello Commissioners As a Bend resident, I am contacting you to strongly disagree with opening churches in Deschutes County. I feel it is very irresponsible during this Covid 19. I also strongly disagree they you would consider "going rogue" against. Governor Brown. It is a time for us all to work together and not be devise. It is not the building that makes a church but rather people's time to pray which they can do with their families. Opening churches will surely spread the virus and all Deschutes County residents will pay the price. The spread of the virus will only cost us more physically and financially! 1 will continue to watch these developments and vote accordingly. Thank you Sue Stevenson 1 Elyse: West From: Bill Howell & Jeanne Wadsworth <zbskier@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 6:23 PM To: citizeninput Subject: Opening churches? X`'ERNAI:, EMAII.4. WHAT THE HELL are THINKING, or NOT? YOU, and Trump, of course, are on the WRONG SIDE OF HISTORY, not to mention disrespectful to "us" to make this move! What the hell do you not understand about this virus? Wake up and believe in the SCIENCE for once and NOT POLITICS! Elyse West From: Carol Conroy <carolconroy50@yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 6:18 PM To: Tony DeBone; Phil Henderson; citizeninput Subject: Churches should not be exempt from enforcing/following public safety restrictions :RI` AI, I T\4i\II.ai Hello, Please do not exempt any church or religious organization from following/enforcing public safety restrictions (such as physical distancing) relating to the coronavirus pandemic. This action is completely inappropriate and inexcusable. Please protect the citizens of Deschutes County (including those who attend religious gatherings); vote no on any resolution to excuse religious organizations from not complying with the Governor's executive order, It simply is in the best interest of everyone who lives/visits: here. Kind Regards, Carol Conroy 3316 NE Mendenhall Dr Bend OR 97701 Elyse West From: Sharon Keith Sent: Friday, May 29, 2020 11:32 AM To: Elyse West Subject: Citizen Input Please print for the record Original Message From: Winona Hubbard <Iabicichica@gmail.com>` Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 4:56 PM To: citizeninput <citizeninput@deschutes.org> Subject: Support the Governor's restrictions of worship gatherings [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Dear Commissioners, No one is above the law. Our planet is in a lethal pandemic and we must all make sacrifices for the greater good. That includes places of worship. Deschutes County, for our health, must enforce the restrictions on gatherings put into place by Governor Brown. Thank you for your service to our community. Winona Hubbard Bend, OR 831-331-7070 Elyse West From: Mary Clark <marynclark@bendbroadband.com> Sent: Friday, May 29, 2020 12:01 PM To: ` citizeninput Subject: State Restrictions on Church Worship Gatherings [EXTERNAL EMAI Dear Commissioners Adair, De Bone and Henderson: I support the continued enforcement of Governor. Brown's state restrictions on church worship service gatherings. I say this as a lifelong United Methodist Christian and a member of the Bend United Methodist Church, whose building is currently closed. Only the building is closed. Our church has NEVER closed, and is continuing its ministry to members and the community in new and creative ways. As people of God, we want to keep everyone safe and err on the side of caution. Our Sunday morning worship continues remotely, through You Tube and the church's Facebook page. There are daily meditations and prayer time through the week, again live on the internet. People can request phone calls from the ministers or members who can offer support/counseling over the phone. We interact on Facebook. We support the church financially by mailing in, our weekly giving or having it received electronically. The first and foremost job of the church is to do the work of Jesus Christ in the world, and as we all know Jesus cared deeply for the "least of these" - the poor, the rejected, the lonely, the stranger. The Bend United Methodist Church continues its ministry to the homeless, but is doing that outside the building with meals served in a sack for pickup outside, as well as other services. I could go on, but the point is that churches are not "closed" because they cannot currently gather for corporate worship. Churches are unique in that people sit shoulder -to -shoulder in the pews for an hour or so. They "pass the peace", they hug, they pass an offering plate around and sing hymns. We know that singing spreads the virus -laden droplets much farther than quiet talking or breathing. A choir in Washington State some time ago practiced and kept what they thought was a social distance but many members got COVID-19 due to the increased virus spread caused by singing. Churches are different from a quick visit to the grocery store, masked and standing six feet apart. Many churches have large populations of elderly who are more vulnerable to infection. Churches are mindful of the risk to them. In my opinion, churches and pastors who demand that corporate worship be allowed due to their "liberties" and "freedoms" and "constitutional rights" are missing the whole point of Jesus' essential message. People can pray at home. They can read their Bible at home. We ALL want to gather together and enjoy coffee hour after church and the glorious singing in praise of God, but right now "wants" cannot prevail over "needs" - and at this time we need to do what is required to keep ourselves and all of God's children safe and healthy. Do not let loud and pushy people tempt you to disregard the governor's order which is meant to keep us safe and healthy. No, it is not what we want. It is what needs to be done. Churches are more than a building, and they are NOT "closed"! Elyse West From: Mary Spengler <mmspenglerl @gmail.com> Sent: Friday, May 29, 2020 11:48 AM To: citizeninput Subject: Deschutes County Commission defiance of state orders I X:'RNAI , EMAt We were initially hesitant to email because it seemed, from what we had read, that the Commission had already made up its mind. We thought that you might not be interested in our opinion because we are not in favor of the Commission's proposed action to defy the governor's orders for the abatement/containment of the Coronavirus. However, after talking with friends and family of different denominations, and beliefs, we felt we needed to share our thoughts. It is our understanding that Stage 1 of our reopening plan requires groups to limit their numbers to 25 and to maintain social distancing of 6 feet. In our opinion, this should be enforced for all gatherings, including those in churches and other buildings where worship takes place. This would be in the interest of gradually easing back into life before Coronavirus and in the interest of the health and well- being of those around us. In talking to friends and; family, one thought seemed to come up over and over again: the major principle of most religions that are practiced genuinely, and one would hope, of humanity in general, is the idea of caring for others. Practicing one's faith requires that one care about life, and therefore, the well-being of others above all things. A religion does not require a building or a large gathering of people, but it does require caring for your neighbor and your fellow human beings. If worshiping in groups is of such importance to some people, surely they can figure out a way to have multiple services, limiting the numbers to 25 and taking precautions in seating areas. By continuing to preach remotely, as a cousin has been doing as a Methodist minister, he is caring for his rural congregation by preserving their health and welfare, thereby caring for his fellow human beings. As another relative put it: Our church is not closed. We worship together remotely with our pastor. We worship by following our faith. Faith is caring about life and the lives of others. We are certain those in church congregations miss seeing their friends, but the health and well-being of others should come before the interest of the individual for social interaction. We hope the Commission will consider these thoughts not as "vitriol," but as reasonable arguments against putting the health of many at risk. We would urge you to encourage our county to continue to follow the state's careful path toward reopening and to continue to enforce the state's policies in safeguarding the health and well-being of our county's citizens. Thank you for your time, `. Mary Spengler and David Reineke Elyse West From: Kathleen Desilets <kmdesilets@gmail.com>. Sent: Friday, May 29, 2020 2:10 PM To• citizeninput Subject: Worship I EX"C'IRN AI 1MAlI.a]; To: Ms. Adair, Mr. DeBone, Mr.Harrison I believe your willingness to defy Gov, Brown's well thought out directive is both irresponsible and destructive! I was raised to understand that God is the everywhere, and worship can take place anywhere. It is not "essential" to gather in large groups, especially in the midst of a pandemic. Please remember you were elected to protect ALL the citizens of our county, not just your Republican partisans. By all appearances, you are leaving a significant amount of citizens behind. Sincerely, Kathleen 'M.'Desilets 2486 NE Lavender Way Bend, OR. 97701 541-647-6791 Elyse West From: Thomas Rogers <manilatom@hotmail.com> Sent: Friday, May 29, 2020 2:05 PM To• citizeninput Subject: Totally oppose a local rule [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Dear Commissioners, I totally oppose a local rule against Governor Brown's coronavirus restrictions. Her restrictions are based on solid science. Please do not enact a local rule contrary to the governor's restrictions. Thank you. Thomas Rogers Bend Sent from my iPhone 1 Elyse West From: Sent: To: Subject: [EXTERNAL EMAIL] C. or E. Mattox <mtnview210@bendbroadband,com> Friday, May 29, 2020 1:58 PM citizeninput Church Reopening Hello County Commissioners, I understand that you are considering defying Gov. Brown's order to limit gatherings regarding churches as being essential. Many things are considered by each of us as essential and we may not all agree, One thing that has proved by science to be essential is that we citizens maintain physical distance from one another until we have a vaccine and treatment for COVID19. Mental health is vitally important to everyone. Good mental health is fostered by association and gathering with other folks. During this pandemic we simply have to find other ways to associate besides "in person" contact. Churches can be very helpful to some, but no more so than other kinds of social interaction. To protect us all we must stay distant and it is bigger and goes beyond Constitutional Rights. Or to put it another way, a church goer does not have the right to gather in a church, possibly contact COVID19, and bring it out into the community to infringe on my right to stay healthy and not be infected. The Constitution did not know about COVID19. There seems to be discussion that rural Oregon needs church more than urban Oregon, I don't know how anyone can think that. Churches are important to ALL Oregonian who wish to associate with them. The bottom line is that totally opening churches to full attendance is a gathering of people, too large to be safe for the community. Christian teaching says that we must have concern for our fellow humans and right now that means keeping distance. Thank you for asking for our input. And thank you for reading. Elouise Mattox 63224 Stonewood Dr Bend OR 97701 Elyse West From: Nick Q <nicke12022@gmail.com> Sent Friday, May 29, 2020 1:35 PM To; citizeninput Subject Worship Restrictions [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Patti, Tony, and Phil, Please do not get rid of the restrictions around religious gatherings. Doing so would go against all the hard work and sacrifice Central Oregon has done these past few months. How could anyone feel safe in this area knowing that there are people going to largegatherings? If you look at the research, the amount of time spent near people increases the danger. This is why shopping centers and such have been able to open sooner: Standing next to people in an enclosed area singing for an extended period of time is flat out dangerous. The guidelines are there because you cannot trust everyone to open responsibly. How could you trust that 100% of the churches in Deschutes County would follow best practices? The executive order in no restricts religious freedom, it only bans gatherings larger than 25 people. Why do you think large groups of people shaking hands, hugging, singing and mingling is safe? Churches have been given guidelines to open, they just are not happy about not being able to pass around the collection plate. 1 Elyse; West From: Jacob Weston <westonjt@yahoo.com> Sent: Friday, May 29, 2020 12:58 PM To: Patti Adair; Tony DeBone; Phil Henderson; Board; citizeninput Subject: Enforce public safety restrictions on churches [EXTERNAL EMAIL] You know why there is riots and violence happening right now? Cause you think you get the right to pick and choose what rules to follow. I don't think so!!! You break the rules you will be accountable!!!! This is a public safety issue and our lives depend upon enforcing public safety restrictions on large indoor gatherings, including church gatherings. Elyse West From: Kate Broadman <kbroadman@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, May 29, 2020 4:40 PM To: citizeninput Subject: Do NOT disregard public health regarding large groups congregating in churches! [EXTERNAL R.NAI:., ET\4.AII..] I am writing to express my grave concern at, the idea that Deschutes County would disregard public health and safety by defying the governor's order restricting group sizes to 25 people. The idea that this is an attack on religious freedom is absurd. I am an active member of a church community in Bend, and we have continued connecting via group messages, phone calls to members, online worship, and zoom meet -ups. No, ifs not the same as getting together for a live church service, and I am desperate for the day when we can SAFELY all meet in person again. I am young and healthy. But I would never in a million years risk the health of my fellow members (many of whom are in higher risk age categories) by insisting we get together now, when I or anyone else could be an asymptomatic carrier of a potentially fatal disease, for which the medical community does not currently have reliable treatment. Religious freedom and a thoughtful understanding of medical science do NOT need to be mutually exclusive! Please do not make Deschutes County a laughing stock by passing this absolutely ridiculous order. Sincerely, Kate Broadman. Elyse West From: Ruth Carey <ruthcarey1123@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, May 29, 2020 4:33 PM To: citizeninput Subject: Church / worshipping [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Hello! Please do not allow defying Gov. Brown recommendations! As we have seen, counts of covid increased when the county opened. I would be fine if people choose to worship together, but then they must self quarantine for 14 days. The problem is, people who might contract the virus in church then take it to the rest of the community as many of these people refuse to wear masks in grocery stores etc. It is totally selfish for worshipers to gather in large groups and then go out to the large at -large community. Thank you for considering this opinion, Ruth Schader Ruth CareySchader 503 708 9679 Elyse West From: Jerry Moseley <jerrypammoseley@gmail.com>. Sent: Friday, May 29, 2020 4:14 PM To: citizeninput Subject: church services [E :IT: NA]::,1,N(AII::,_J Commissioners Patti Adair, Tony DeBone, and Phil Henderson: We are Christians and attend church services on a regular basis. Currently we "attend" church via streaming. We are also seniors in our 70's and realize we fall into the high risk group for COVID 19. We have'. been following social distancing guidelines including wearing a face mask when out in public. We are as concerned for the well being of our fellow citizens as are those who seem so opposed to allowing church services. We are having difficulty wrapping our minds around the logistics that will not allow for letting churches have services. Businesses of all sorts are being allowed to open their doors to the public as long as they demonstrate the ability to implement social distancing and safety guidelines and are arbitrarily classified as "essential". How is it that churches seem to be automatically considered unable to implement similar measures to accommodate the same end if they meet in a group larger than 25 people? The fact, as stated by Commissioner Patti Adair, that Gov. Brown did not join a call with pastors a couple of weeks ago, leads us to wonder what communication if any the governor has had with local clergy to assess what measures churches are considering and willing to take in order to have services while still addressing the safety of those attending services and of other members of our communities. As things stand now, it feels an awful lot like discrimination. Respectfully, Jerry and Pam Moseley, Elyse West From: Sent: To: Subject: [EXTI: RNA;., EMAIL] Mary Berry <mjke2015@gmail.com> Friday, May 29, 2020 4:14 PM citizeninput Gov. Browns Recovery Program Yes, we have all suffered emotionally and physically, and long for this to all be over. I think Gov.Browns executive order will be a way to start this process. I don't think it is unreasonable to ask a congregation to adhere as they are able to comply with the rules as a compassionate measure to protect all of us. Some are unhappy and frustrated by this perhaps this is just about doing the right thing: Must we use the Courts or Constitution to settle this? Mary Berry Sent from Mail for Windows 10 1 Elyse West From: Sent: To: Subject: [EXTERNAL EMAIL] David Hiller <davhil16759@icloud.com>. Friday, May 29, 2020 3:55 PM citizeninput Do not go against the Governor's orders Commissioners Large social gatherings have been attributed to spikes in COVID in other places. It is appalling and it jeopardizes not just their lives but my life also. You may think Deschutes County is impervious to more of an outbreak, but we are not. We have already seen the carelessness of people's actions over the past 7-10 days. You have shown little or no legal, scientific or health service research into your decision process. This is not acceptable behavior as commissioners. Just using your opinion as the deciding factor has no validity in reality. If you continue down this path, we will do all in our power to be sure your tenure as a Deschutes County Commissioner will be quickly finite. David Hiller Cloverdale Sent from my iPad