Locals Only

Unique Eugene shops are more than just a motto

Goldworks owner Erin Murphy and Sarah Ball. Kim Still (right).

You’ve probably noticed the logo, displayed proudly across the advertisements and storefronts of 22 local retailers. Maybe it looked like an affirmation of the area we live in, a sort of twist on “Keep Eugene Weird.” But “Unique Eugene” is more than just a motto. It’s a network and a movement with the intention of sharing their “collective goodwill in the community,” as their member application puts it.  Continue reading 

Bee Protections Strengthened

Most people are happy to see a decline in insects as the winter months set in. But beekeepers across America have watched their bees disappearing, and if they go away permanently then the effects could be dire. Last week the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) announced that it will begin requiring specific label statements restricting use of products containing the active ingredients dinotefuran and imidacloprid, which have been linked to bee deaths. Continue reading 

Eugene Youth Take On Climate Change Issues

Students paint a climate change mural on Arriving by Bike. Photo Credit: Julia Olson.

On Nov. 17 a mural sprung up on the side of Arriving by Bike on 27th Avenue and Willamette. Far from graffiti, this work speaks to the civic engagement that a group of Eugene youth been involved in the last three months. A group of students ranging in age from 8 to 18, with the support of local nonprofit Our Children’s Trust, have attended every Eugene City Council meeting since Sept. 23 to present their argument for solidifying law on climate change in the city. On Nov. 11 the group submitted a Climate Recovery Ordinance for the council to consider. Continue reading 

Sweet Potato Moves Next to Sweet Life

Does 11th and Willamette feel like it’s missing something? Maybe that’s because Sweet Potato Pie has moved to the Whiteaker.  Sweet Potato Pie has been selling clothes, hemp products and local glass art for the last 16 years. After being given a 60-day notice on her lease, owner Elizabeth Thompson immediately set her sights on her new location at 775 Monroe St., near Sweet Life Patisserie. Continue reading 

County Action Coming On NDAA Detention?

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and its use of indefinite detention of U.S. citizens has brought liberals and conservatives together across the country. Lane County commissioners Faye Stewart, a conservative, and Pete Sorenson, a progressive, were able to agree on the issue at a recent meeting. Continue reading 

Fundraiser Showcases Local Tails

Pets, tails and tales will be the subject of the Dog Tales fundraiser for the 1st Avenue Shelter and Eugene Animal Services on Oct. 24.  The event was organized by Constance Van Flandern, also known as former SLUG Queen Marie Slugtoinette, in order to raise money and awareness for the 1st Avenue Shelter.  Dog Tales will feature local personalities who will share stories about their pets. Anyone who buys presale tickets will also be entered into a drawing for a custom pet portrait by Van Flandern.  Continue reading 

Local Store Turns Away G.L.A.M. Performer

Recently, a group of local performers from G.L.A.M. Night and their friends from out of town were turned away after asking to try on dresses at Epris in the Gateway Mall. “I’ve never had an issue like this before,” says Reyes Rivera, aka Rhea Della Vera of G.L.A.M. Night.  G.L.A.M. (Gays, Lesbians and More) is a well-known Eugene dance party with drag queens, DJs, performances and go-go dancers. It was previously held at John Henry’s and more recently at Diablo’s Downtown Lounge. Continue reading 

March For Local Food Rights

On Saturday, Oct. 12, Eugeneans can take part in another international March Against Monsanto, a worldwide event to raise awareness of the controversy surrounding genetically modified foods and seeds. The event is particularly telling in light of the recent passing of Senate Bill 863 in Oregon during the recent special session of the Legislature. That law means the state rather than local governments regulate local agriculture.   Continue reading