Activist Alert 6-25-2015

• The BLM is considering revisions to the Northwest Forest Plan and according to Oregon Wild, all of the options proposed would reduce logging setbacks on streams and rivers. The next riparian workshop will be from 4 to 7 pm Thursday, June 25, at the BLM office at 3106 Pierce Parkway in Springfield. Another public meeting is planned for June 30 in Springfield. See the BLM schedule at wkly.ws/216.

• “The Future of Collegiate Athletics at the UO” with economics professor Bill Harbaugh and professor emeritus Dennis Howard, an international expert on sports finance, will be the topic at City Club of Eugene at noon Friday, June 26, at the Downtown Athletic Club, 999 Willamette St. $5 for non-members. No program is planned for July 3, but City Club will return July 10 with “Micro Housing: Making Affordable Housing More Affordable?” See cityclubofeuegene.org.

• A Bernie Sanders for President meeting is now happening at 11 am every Saturday at the Growers Market, 454 Willamette St. Contact Jerry Brule at jerrybe99@gmail.com.

• The VA Roseburg Healthcare System has scheduled a town hall from 4:30 to 6:30 pm Thursday, July 2, at the Elks Lodge, 1701 Centennial Blvd. in Springfield. VA representatives will be available to answer questions and assist vets with current claims or filing new claims for disability compensation.

• Coming up at 8 am Saturday, July 11, is the annual McKenzie River Clean Up. Groups and individuals will spread out up and down the river, some checking the banks on foot, others wading the shoreline, still others searching for trash from drift boats, kayaks and canoes. The McKenzie Watershed Council has a Facebook page with sign-up information or call 687-9076 or email coordinator@mckenziewc.org. A barbecue will follow at Hendricks Bridge Wayside.

• Free HIV testing for the general public will be offered from 1 to 4 pm this week (June 22-26) at HIV Alliance, 1966 Garden Ave. in Eugene. Although the test is free, HIV Alliance is seeking donations of $25 to support an expansion of its testing program to the general public. Previously the testing was primarily for those considered high-risk for HIV/AIDS. For more information or to donate online, visit hivalliance.org.

• A free emergency preparedness event sponsored by the city of Eugene will be from 10 am to noon Saturday, June 27, at Tugman Park, 3666 Hilyard Ave. Topics will include how to create a neighborhood disaster plan.

A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.

That’s because of you!

Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.

Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.

We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.

And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.

As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.

Thank you for standing with us!