Update: EW received this statement from Randi P'Pool, vice president of marketing for Alpha Media, which employed Dino Costa: 

After further review, Alpha Media has decided to cut ties with Dino Costa. Additional information is not available at this time.

•••

A Portland area shock jock, whose radio station calls itself “Your 2017 Home Of Ducks Football,” called for protesters to be run over on his sports radio show in June. The University of Oregon calls the comments "disgusting and reprehensible."

On radio KXTG (102.9 The Game) Dino Costa was discussing Black Lives Matter on his June 7 show when he called Black Lives Matter the “latest and most dangerous face of well-funded socialist communist organizations that have been agitating Americans for decades."

Referencing an incident in Minnesota where protesters shut down a highway, he said, “You know these protests where they shut down the road, they lie in the road? If I’m the cops, I wave the traffic on. Listen, as soon as one or two of these sumbitches are run over you’ll see the entire, in unison, everybody be up off the street. When people are being killed by 18-wheel trucks coming by, pickups, cars. Run ’em over!”

He clarifies before the comments that his remarks pertain to Portland as well.

Heather Heyer, a counterprotester in Charlottesville, Virginia, was run over and killed by a car that ran into the crowd as police dispersed the crowds at the site of a planned “Unite the Right” rally of white supremacists, according to media reports. In addition to Heyer’s death, 19 other people were injured. The incident has reverberated across the country, at a time where the election of Donald Trump has been seen as an endorsement of the so-called "alt-right" and "white nationalist" movement and heightening racial tensions.

A rally, "Hate Is Not Welcome in Lane County #SolidarityWithCharlottesville," is taking place Aug. 14 in Eugene.

Men’s Journal called Costa “the angriest man on the airwaves” in a 2012 article. In 2015 he told the far-right Breitbart Sports that “my show is where political correctness goes to die.”

According to a UO website, KXTG — 750 AM/102.9 FM — is a “flagship” station for the UO Ducks, and on its site, 102.9 says it is a "broadcast partner" of Oregon IMG Sports Marketing, which “provides sponsorship opportunities with Oregon Athletics.”

The diatribe can be heard here, at about 1 hour and 15 minutes into the program.

Jimmy Stanton, UO's senior associate athletics director, tells EW, "We were just made aware of these comments. We certainly don’t condone them, and we find them disgusting and reprehensible. We are raising our concerns with IMG and the station."

EW also reached out to KXTG and is still awaiting comment.

•••

Update: The Portland Timbers soccer team, whose games are aired by 102.9, which also hosts a Timbers talk show, has issued a statement on Dino Costa's remarks.

TIMBERS STATEMENT ON ALPHA BROADCASTING CARRIAGE DEAL

Alpha Media and its station 750/102.9 The Game have been partners of the Timbers since our start in Major League Soccer in 2011.

The Game airs our live matches and our weekly Talk Timbers show. None of the opinions expressed on their other shows or other Alpha Media radio stations, specifically The Dino Costa Show, are those of the Portland Timbers. Nor do the Timbers have any say or input on the hires The Game chooses to make for its non-Timbers-specific live game programming.

The Timbers have and will always stand for tolerance, acceptance and diversity, and we understand the reaction that many of our fans have had to some of the offensive and insensitive views and opinions expressed on The Dino Costa Show. In no way do we condone those views, as they go against our fundamental values and beliefs as a club.

We are under contract with Alpha Media through the end of the 2018 MLS season. We will carefully evaluate our radio home at that time.

Meanwhile, Randi P'Pool, vice president of marketing for Alpha Media, issued this statement:

Alpha Media holds the relationships with the Portland Timbers and the University of Oregon in high regard. 750/102.9 The Game management team took immediate and aggressive action with Dino Costa regarding the comment made during his June 7th broadcast.

In his Aug. 14 broadcast, Costa discussed the Charlottesville rally and death, saying he didn't want any rallies or protests to culminate in people getting hurt, people getting maimed or losing their life as a result. He did not refer directly to or apologize for his previous remarks. 

A public Facebook note by local comedian and writer Leigh Anne Jasheway has been getting posted and reposted — sometimes uncredited — and getting lots of laughs for its take on the coming eclipse.

The piece starts off: 

Word is that three-quarters of the entire population of Earth plans to arrive in Oregon during the fourth week in August in order to get a good seat for the solar eclipse. We native Oregonians (defined as “people who moved here at least 10 years ago”) are not thrilled with the idea of sharing our wide open spaces with people whose primary experiences with the outdoors have been limited to hailing a cab or running quickly from a raccoon while taking out the trash.

In order to make sure you don’t tick off the residents of the Beaver State (oh, stop it! What are you, still in 7th grade?), here are some things you should know before arriving:

• Spots in state parks are booked up three years in advance even in non-solar-eclipse years, so no amount of whining is going to change that. A better option is to pay an Oregonian a small fortune to rent a spot in their yard. If you check Craigslist (yes, we do have Craigslist out here; thanks for asking), you’ll find lots of us who are willing to put up with your shenanigans for one or two nights for a couple thousand dollars. We have mortgages on our weed dispensaries to pay.

• On the west side of the Cascade Mountains, you’ll find more hippies than rednecks. On the east side, the reverse is true. Do NOT get this confused.

• Our motto is, “She flies with her own wings.” Our governor is a woman. Our attorney general is a woman. Leave your sexist t-shirts and ball caps at home. Oregon women aren’t shy about telling you to shut your trap. Also, many of us have chainsaws.

• Whatever you bring into our state, take it back with you when you’re gone. Don’t leave garbage or unwanted members of your family behind. While we have great animal rescue programs, they will not take your in-laws.

For the full post go to Jasheway's Facebook page here.

 Markalo Parkalo

The 36th annual SLUG (Society for the Legitimization of the Ubiquitous Gastropod) queen coronation is coming up Aug. 11 and if you've always wanted to be a raining SLUG queen of Eugene, now is your chance! Applications are due Aug. 4.

The SLUG queen Facebook page describes the positon as: "campy Eugene tradition; The SLUG Queen rules the Land of Lane with compassion and slime for all. Politically savvy, wickedly witty or garishly garbed--the SLUG queen has her pulse on the needs and desires of her fiefdom. As Eugene's good will ambassador, the SLUG Queen presides over parades, supports local charities, businesses and art, and throws an annual ball--of course you are invited darlings!"

Competition information is below (ignore the reference to the Festival of Eugene, which no longer exists) and you can find the application here:

IMPORTANT COMPETITION INFORMATION

•The selection of the 2017 Queen is entirely at the whim of the assembled old S.L.UG. Queens and celebrity judges.

•Judging is made in three categories: Costume, Talent Act and The Question. Your “talent” act will be limited to three minutes. Really! It will! First Lady in Waiting Kim will contact you to go over any sound/technical needs you may have.

•Contestants must be 21 or older, but there are no other restrictions of any kind with regard to sex, gender, sexual orientation, appearance, race, disability, creed, species, etc. The S.L.U.G. Queen embodies the spirit of diversity.

•Contestants must enter in the spirit of fun and may be tastefully tacky, but not gross and disgusting.

•Bear in mind that this is a family event, therefore overt, strong references to sex, drug or alcohol use and other “adult” themes are inappropriate and will disqualify you. Local politics and rock & roll are fair game, though.

•Contestants should understand the duties of the S.L.U.G. Queen. Being the most flexible creatures on Earth, we SLUGS are making up our own fun as we go along, supporting and collaborating with each other as we re-envision the “Rain” of a S.L.U.G. Queen in our fair Realm. We don’t have an official relationship with the Festival of Eugene folks, but they seem open to collaborations and appearances. The Queen is also expected to make herself available for events of royal merit throughout the year of her reign and to participate in the organization of the 2017 coronation, to pass on her wealth of experience and stash of slime.

•Bribing the judges is acceptable before and during the competition, First Lady In Waiting Kim can provide you with a list of Queenly email addresses if you would like to pursue bribery in advance of the competition.

•Being crowned S.L.UG. Queen escalates one into the public realm and requires appearances before people of all ages; appropriate attitude is required.

•Do not hesitate to contact First Lady in Waiting Kim with any questions you may have. Call her at 541-521-7125 or email firstladykim@cottageevents.com.

In a press release (see below) the city of Springfield has announced that it is “taking steps to address a shortage of affordable housing by making it easier to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs).” ADUs are also known as secondary dwelling unites, granny flats and mother-in-laws.

To that affect, the the Springfield City Council passed a resolution to reduce the costs involved by “temporarily waiving the transportation, stormwater and local wastewater system development charges on newly permitted accessory dwelling units.”

Springfield defines ADUs as “secondary dwellings included on a property with an existing, larger home. An ADU can be either attached to the existing dwelling, for example a basement or attic space converted into an apartment, or a detached structure such as a backyard cottage.”

 The temporary waiver started on July 1, and continues for two years until June 30, 2019. “This waiver will reduce construction costs for a typical ADU in Springfield by an estimated $5,000 to $6,000.”

The full press release is below.

Springfield Temporarily Waives System Development Charges for Accessory Dwelling Units

The City of Springfield is taking steps to address a shortage of affordable housing by making it easier to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The Springfield City Council passed a resolution to reduce the costs involved by temporarily waiving the transportation, stormwater, and local wastewater system development charges (SDCs) on newly permitted accessory dwelling units. The temporary waiver started on July 1, 2017 and continues for a two-year period through June 30, 2019. This waiver will reduce construction costs for a typical ADU in Springfield by an estimated $5,000 to $6,000.

ADUs are secondary dwellings included on a property with an existing, larger home. An ADU can be either attached to the existing dwelling, for example a basement or attic space converted into an apartment, or a detached structure such as a backyard cottage. Note that SDCs imposed by the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission and Willamalane Park and Recreation District are still in effect.

The City sees several benefits of having more ADUs in Springfield, primarily to increase the supply of small rental units for which the vacancy rate is lowest. Additional ADUs will also increase the number and type of affordable housing units without consuming the limited supply of undeveloped land. Residents that build ADUs on their properties can benefit by having an extra source of income in the form of rent, allowing for multiple generations to live in close proximity, and providing housing for on-site assistance or caregivers to help people live independently on their property. Economic development will also be bolstered by generating work for local builders and contractors.

The supply of housing in Springfield is limited at all levels, with rental vacancy rates at less than 1 percent. Housing costs in Springfield are increasing faster than household incomes. Last year, the Springfield City Council directed staff to evaluate housing needs and to build on strategies to both increase the supply of housing and the accessibility of affordable housing throughout the housing continuum.

There are several design standards and required permits to construct an ADU. Those interested in learning more can visit www.springfield-or.gov, or contact the Development and Public Works Department, 541.726.3753.

The City is also considering amendments to the development code that would make it easier and potentially less expensive for homeowners to add an ADU to their property. The Planning Commission will hold a work session on July 18 to discuss this, which community members are welcome to attend. The work session begins at 6 p.m. in the Jesse Maine Room at Springfield City Hall, 225 Fifth Street.

City Wide MEChA is hosting its Begins With Us graduation the group will honor its students’ academic progress, community service and community engagement, and accomplishments. Community Alliance of Lane County (CALC) says, “They will be honoring community members and connecting city officials and organizations to offer resources to the community as a whole.”

The event is 5:30 pm Thursday, June 29, at the Bob Keefer Center for Sports and Recreation (formerly Willamalane Center) 250 South 32nd Street, Springfield and features a dinner, award ceremony, community speakers and community conversation.

CALC says, “An additional goal is to connect the community with city officials, educators, public figures, community organizers, attorneys and many others. All are welcome.”

 Donations are needed to help cover event expenses and can be made at the event or dropped off at the CALC office, 458 Blair Blvd. in Eugene.

 For more information and/or to RSVP, contact Johanis Tadeo at johanistadeo509@gmail.com or call CALC at 541-485-1755.

PUBLIC TRUST

Only a dozen residents attended the May 22 Department of Environmental Quality Meeting regarding groundwater contamination of the Trainsong and River Road neighborhoods. This clearly is a message of either poor public notification or the apathy of residents whose private water wells have been tainted for 25 years. 

Since 1990, DEQ has been investigating groundwater and soil contamination from the Union Pacific Railroad rail yard in the Trainsong and River Road neighborhoods. DEQ's plan is to monitor 15 test water wells for five years and to manage risks to site workers through on site controls and deed restrictions.

The Public Trust Doctrine, in existence since the Roman Empire, states governments have a sovereign duty to protect the assets of the public. The natural resource contamination of groundwater and soils by Union Pacific Railroad violates this trust, and the DEQ has a fiduciary responsibility to protect the trust from substantial impairment and restore these assets to their original state.

The natural resources of Eugene are part of the reason we live here, and they should be protected for present and future generations. From herbicidal aerial spraying to polluting industrial practices, residents have a responsibility to demand protection of air, groundwater, soils, shores, waterways and watersheds.

Contact DEQ at Hanson.don@deq.state.or.us before June 15 to submit questions and comments.

 Jim Neu

Eugene

A May 30 press release from the Oregon Territory Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists warns that a bill that would affect government transparency is stuck in the House Rules Committee as the end of the Legislative session draws near. See the full release below.

SALEM -- The Oregon Territory Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is alarmed that lawmakers could miss a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create lasting change for open government.

House Bill 2101, which would provide for extra analysis and notice of bills that affect government transparency, is still stuck in the House Rules Committee, with the July 10 end of the legislative session looming. The -18 amendment that would provide the guts of the bill has broad stakeholder support and would would set up a balanced, nonpartisan committee to update and simplify Oregon’s confusing thicket of more than 550 records-law exemptions.

“The overwhelming majority of Oregonians want their government to be open and accountable. There has been very little opposition to this bill, but it has not received a hearing,” said Shasta Kearns Moore, SPJ Oregon’s sunshine chair.

SPJ Oregon spearheaded the concept — supported by Gov. Kate Brown and Secretary of State Dennis Richardson — to add the creation of an Oregon Sunshine Committee to the bill. The concept is also supported by former Deputy Attorney General Pete Shepherd, the statewide transparency group Open Oregon, the ACLU of Oregon, Oregon State Public Interest Research Group (OSPIRG), the Oregon Environmental Council, the Portland NAACP and about 10 other nonprofit public interest groups.

The Sunshine Committee would give the public a seat at the table during exemption review as already happens in Washington, Virginia, New York, Maine and Tennessee.

House Bill 2101 would also create Open Government Impact Statements for bills moving through the legislature. This means, every bill that has the potential to close off public access to information would get a statement on the arguments for and against creating more secrecy.

“Oregon has an opportunity with this bill to make a huge leap forward for transparency in the state at negligible cost. We hope the legislature takes it,” Kearns Moore said.