Commission hears complaint that Santa Express routes excluded northeast Bend; staff to follow up

Commissioners discussed an email complaint on Dec. 18 alleging that Santa Express — a multi‑decade volunteer event organized by the Bend Firefighters Union and supported by Bend Fire & Rescue — has been routing only the northwest, southeast and southwest quadrants and excluding the northeast quadrant, which some commissioners described as historically lower‑income.

Staff liaison Kathy Barguil told the commission that Santa Express has run for about 30 years with the Salvation Army handling collections and distribution; the department provides engines and crews volunteer on their own time. Barguil said routes were reduced from four nights to three in recent years because volunteer recruitment is difficult.

"Santa Express is open to the public. Anyone may participate even if they don't live in the neighborhood where the route is," Barguil said, and she offered to follow up with the complainant and with Fire & Rescue communications to clarify route selection and request outreach procedures for next year.

Commissioners asked whether volunteers wear uniforms (which can convey an official presence) and whether the city should reassess community partnerships. One commissioner noted the Salvation Army's historic anti‑LGBTQ stances and suggested that partnership choices be examined through an equity lens.

Kathy said she will pass feedback to the Fire & Rescue communications manager and share follow‑up information with the commission.