Rob English, who makes custom cycles here in Eugene as English Cycles, was injured riding in the Tour of Aufderheide last weekend and is still in the hospital with broken bones and other injuries according to a GiveForward page that was created to fundraise for him and his wife Misha Dunlap English as he recovers. You can read about Rob English's work in a recent EW Bikes issue. To contribute, go to the GiveForward page.
From the proper use of it's verus its to the Oxford comma debate, Weird Al Yankovic's parody of "Blurred Lines" makes the grammar geek in me ever so happy. I really liked Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" the first time I heard it, then I actually paid attention to the lyrics. Weird Al's version however I can sing along with (and yes, you can end a sentence with a preposition).
A rape narrative told through illustration and sparse words hits home how women really do respond to the trauma of sexual violence. The story was posted anoymously on Medium.com and is making the srounds on social media. It's worth the read. Click the image to go to the site.
Lane County has sent out its agenda for July 8, and for followers of the paid sick leave debate, there's an interesting item under the County Counsel's section, which calls for exempting county workers from Eugene's paid sick leave proposal.
COUNTY COUNSEL
A. Announcements
B. FIRST READING AND SETTING THE SECOND READING AND PUBLIC HEARING/ORDINANCE 14-04/ In the Matter of Exempting Lane County Government from Any City of Eugene Resolution, Ordinance, Rule, or Regulation That Mandates, Regulates, Orders, or Requires Any Terms or Conditions of Employment for Lane County Commissioners, Directors, Managers, Employees (Including Full-Time, Part-Time, Seasonal, Temporary, Represented and Non-Represented) Or Agents of Lane County. (Steve Dingle, County Counsel) (estimated 5 minutes)
The proposed ordinance mentions Eugene's sick leave policy specifically:
WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners is aware that the City of Eugene has proposed to adopt an ordinance purporting to mandate that employers with employees that work within the city limits provide certain sick leave benefits and has not exempted other public entities; and
Although Eugene City Council doesn't have a work session scheduled until 7:30 pm Monday, July 21, the ordinance also calls the issue an "emergency" saying:
An emergency is hereby declared to exist and this ordinance, being enacted by the Board in the exercise of its police power for the purpose of meeting such emergency and for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, takes effect immediately.
This doesn't come as too much of a surprise as conservative members of the Lane County Commission have already criticized the sick leave proposal.
The county does have sick time for its employees, based on months of services.
For the full county ordinance and materials go here:
Too late for this week's calendar but here's the info on a lecture put on by We Resist:
Solidarity July: "Solidarity with People of Color: Identifying and Disrupting Racism" We Resist, Sunday July 6th, 4pm, Growers Market, 454 Willamette St. FREE.
About the Workshop
This is the first in a series of workshops called SOLIDARITY JULY which will include workshops on racism, ableism, transphobia, and sexism. WE RESIST presents "Standing in Solidarity Against Racism"- a lecture style workshop designed for white folks who want to learn more about racism and better anti-racism practices in today's cultural climate. There will be time for a question and answer period.
This is a workshop for white people who want to actively work towards standing in solidarity with folks of color. We will discuss both the historical background of racism in the United States as well as ways to practice anti-racism as a white person in today's world. The workshop will provide an opportunity to connect with other allies to build a community of accountability, discuss questions and concerns, and practice the skills of being an effective tool in the struggle to dismantle racism. Facilitation, Audience and Peer Education
This workshop is being facilitated by a white person and is geared towards white identified folks who interested in continuing their anti-racism education and solidarity work with folks of color. Because this is a workshop about racism facilitated by a white person, We Resist wants to acknowledge that there are inherent limitations to the knowledge being presented. Additionally, We Resist wants to acknowledge that we are a young organization that has yet to do significant outreach towards communities of color in the area. Despite these facts, we believe in thoughtful, intentional, peer education on anti-oppression issues, and that white folks should be actively discussing and educating other white folks on anti-racism issues. Learn more about WE RESIST at facebook.com/weallresist
On June 20 the male members of the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that for-profit companies (aka Hobby Lobby) that are "closely held" are not required to provide birth control coverage for their employees if doing so conflicts with their religious beliefs.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg wrote a scathing 35-page dissent that has gone viral. (Really, a SCOTUS decision going viral is kind of cool).
Ginsberg writes of Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores and Conestoga Wood Specialties v. Burwell: "In a decision of startling breadth, the Court holds that commercial enterprises, including corporations, along with partnerships and sole proprietorships, can opt out of any law (saving only tax laws) they judge incompatible with their sincerely held religious beliefs."
A Song a Day singer-songwriter Jonathan Mann, has put some of the words of Ginsberg's fiery dissent to music. It's strangely catchy.
"The court I fear/has ventured into a minefield of slut-shaming geezers and religious extremism/One thing's clear — the fight isn't over/We have to stand together for what we know is right …"
According to John Clune, the attorney for the young woman in the UO basketball player rape investigation, the UO has found the men involved, Damyean Dotson, Dominic Artis and Brandon Austin, responsible and has suspended them from the school. They cannot be on campus for four years or as long as his client is a student there — but not to exceed ten years.
Clune calls the decision a relief for his client.
EW has contacted the UO for the results of the investigation. More in this week’s issue.
Here is the UO's statement from spokeswoman Julie Brown:
“As in all cases of sexual misconduct, we provide information to the complainant and the accused about the results of our administrative proceedings. It appears that the information released by Mr. Clune is accurate. As has been said before, each young man had previously been given their full release and permission to contact any school. Any inquiries related to transfers should be directed to the individual.
In all reports of any misconduct including sexual harassment, intimidation or violence, the university works to protect and support the students involved. Student safety is our top priority. The UO is working with the campus community and an expert panel to review our prevention and response practices.”
Lane County says the official results are in. Commissioner Faye Stewart avoided a runoff by 9 votes and Bozievich avoided it by 18. Still think your vote doesn't make a difference? Clearly races are determined by small margins. EW is wondering if any of the challengers are planning write-in campaigns for the fall — Dawn Lesley and Kevin Matthews were pretty darn close.
For Immediate Release 6/19/2014
Results Released for the East and West Lane County Commissioner Seat Recounts
Contact: Lane County Public Information Officer Anne Marie Levis: 541-915-4659
Neither Faye Stewart nor Jay Bozievich will face runoff elections this fall, according to the certified recount results released by Lane County Elections today. Stewart and Bozievich had 9 and 18 votes respectively above the 50 percent plus one margin required to prevent a runoff. Stewart gained two additional votes from write ins in the recount and Dawn Leslie gained one vote from a vote previously counted as an undervote.
West Lane County Commissioner
Votes
Percent
Jay Bozievich
7708
50.12%
Dawn Lesley
7634
49.64%
Write-in votes
37
0.24%
East Lane County Commissioner
Votes
Percent
Faye Stewart
7000
50.07%
Kevin Matthews
4931
35.27%
Joann Ernst
1036
7.41%
Jose Ortal
672
4.81%
Jack Schoolcraft
303
2.17%
Write-in votes
39
0.28%
According to Oregon statute, an automatic recount is required if the number of votes cast for a candidate differs from a majority of votes cast for the office by one-fifth of one percent or less. Both the East and West Lane County Commissioner elections fell within this margin, triggering the automatic recount. The recount took approximately two days—one day for each district—and, in accordance with Oregon statute, was conducted by hand. Complete election results are available on the Lane County Elections website at: http://wkly.ws/1s2
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"On Monday, cancer took the life of medical cannabis activist Jim Greig. Jim had suffered from ankylosing spondylitis, a severe form of arthritis, since the '80s. He was confined to a wheelchair and was bedridden 80 percent of the time. He began using medical cannabis in 1995 and became a tireless advocate shortly after."
Steph Sherer, executive director of Americans for Safe Access, has written a lengthy eulogy to Greig in her Huffington Post column today. Greig lived in Eugene and is credited with helping elect Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum in 2012. According to The Oregonian, Rosenblum issued a statement on Greig's passing, calling him "a passionate and kind person who truly benefited from the ability to have safe and legal access to medical marijuana to treat his condition. I will miss him."
Greig appeared frequently in EW, both as a source and as an opinion writer. We will update this blog with any information on a memorial.
This just in from Kesey Enterprises: the Eugene Celebration Parade will go on!
Eugene Celebration Parade and Evening Concert set for August 23, 2014*
After overwhelming public input and encouragement, Kesey Enterprises is pleased to announce that the 2014 Eugene Celebration Parade will take place on August 23 at 11:00 am. This event is made possible through generous support from Lane Community College, the City of Eugene, and an all volunteer steering committee.
In addition, that evening, the Eugene Celebration, Lane Community College, the City of Eugene and Kesey Enterprises will be presenting a $5.00 concert at the Cuthbert Amphitheater which will feature the Eugene Celebration parade awards as well as performances by Hell’s Belles, Zepparella and Foreverland.
The Eugene Celebration Parade details including entry and volunteer applications as well as the Cuthbert show and artist information will be made available on June 23 at www.eugenecelebration.com and www.thecuthbert.com
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Now the questions are: Where will the Slug Queen coronation take place (we vote there's an appearance by the "raining" queen and her retinue at the Cuthbert) and will there be an "alternative" Eugene Celebration?
There will be an automatic recount of the votes in both the East Lane (incumbent Faye Stewart was seven votes over the 50 percent +1 needed to avoid a runoff in the race versus Kevin Matthews, Joanne Ernst, Jose Ortal and Jack Schoolcraft) and West Lane (incumbent Jay Bozievich was 17 votes over the 50 percent +1 needed to avoid a runoff with Dawn Lesley this fall), says the Oregon Secretary of State's Office.
Here are the press releases from the county:
East Lane
For Immediate Release 6/10/2014
Automatic Recount for East Lane County Commissioner Race to Take Place
Contact: Lane County Public Information Officer Anne Marie Levis: 541-915-4659
Lane County Elections will be conducting an automatic recount in the race for East Lane County Commissioner. This decision comes after new guidance from the Oregon Secretary of State’s Elections Division on the statutes covering automatic recounts. The clarification impacts all counties in Oregon.
In the final certified election results, Faye Stewart came within one-fifth of one percent from crossing the 50 percent plus one vote threshold required to avoid a runoff election in November. The recount is estimated to cost Lane County between $2,000 and $3,000. The recount will begin on Monday.
According to Oregon Statute, an automatic recount is required if number of votes cast for a candidate differs from a majority of votes cast for the office by more than one-fifth of one percent. For the East Lane County Commissioner race, one-fifth of one percent meant that Stewart would have needed 27 or more votes beyond the 50 percent plus one vote threshold. Stewart had seven votes above the 50 percent plus one mark.
West Lane
For Immediate Release 6/11/2014
Automatic Recount for West Lane County Commissioner Race
Contact: Lane County Public Information Officer Anne Marie Levis: 541-915-4659
Lane County Elections will be conducting an automatic recount in the race for West Lane County Commissioner. Yesterday, based on new guidance from the Oregon Secretary of State’s Elections Division, Lane County Elections announced an automatic recount for the East Lane County Commissioner race as well.
In the final certified election results, Jay Bozievich came within one-fifth of one percent from crossing the 50 percent plus one vote threshold required to avoid a runoff election in November. The recount is estimated to cost Lane County between $2,000 and $3,000. The recount will begin early next week.
According to Oregon Statute, an automatic recount is required if the number of votes cast for a candidate differs from a majority of votes cast for the office by more than one-fifth of one percent. For the West Lane County Commissioner race, one-fifth of one percent meant that Bozievich would have needed 29 or more votes beyond the 50 percent plus one vote threshold. Bozievich had 17 votes above the 50 percent plus one mark.
My first question when I saw this scam alert was: Who the heck would have "extra asphalt" that they would just go romping around rural Lane County trying to smear on your driveway?
WATCH OUT FOR PAVING SCAMS IN LANE COUNTY
News Release from Construction Contractors Board
Posted on FlashAlert: June 3rd, 2014 11:14 AM
Salem - Paving scammers may be at work in the rural Lane County. Property owners should be wary of people who show up on their doorstep with "extra asphalt" they offer up in a deal.
The state Construction Contractors Board (CCB) recently learned of a property owner in Marcola who was approached earlier this year with an offer to pave his driveway. An investigation is under way.
Call the CCB at 503-378-4621 if anyone contacts you for paving you didn't solicit. Legitimate contractors typically do not solicit work door-to-door.
Meanwhile, here are some ways to spot scammers:
* You don't call them - they show up at your doorstep.
* Their vehicles often show out-of-state license plates.
* They say they have leftover materials so they can give you a great price.
* They quote an initial low price, then demand more to finish the project.
* Generally, they are not licensed with the CCB.
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About the CCB
The CCB is the state agency licensing 33,000 contractors. Anyone who is paid to repair, improve or build a home must be licensed. Learn more about how to have a successful project at www.oregon.gov/ccb.
Contact Info:
Cheryl Martinis, 503-934-2195
I would have taken more science in college if my profs had sung to me. Dr. Richard Alley brings together my love for folklore with the dangers of climate change in this glacier-oriented version of "The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night."
Alley created this video and others like "Peaceful, Easy Obduction" for his Geology of the National Parks course, according to his YouTube page.
"The Great Penguin Waltz" was apparently not for his class, but is educational nonethless — points for rhyming the words "Aptenodytes patagonicus look good in their nighties."
Federal Judge Michael McShane ruled at noon today at the U.S. federal courthouse here in Eugene that Oregon's ban on same-sex marriage was unconsitutional. That's not the only good news. By 12:20 Lane County had send a press release announcing the Lane County Clerk's office will begain issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples at 1 pm and "The Clerk’s Office will also officiate for same-sex couples wishing to marry, according to the press release below, which also asks people to remember that the clerk's office also has to handle tomorrow's elections.
Lane County to Begin Issuing Same-Sex Marriage Licenses
Contact: Public Information Officer Anne Marie Levis, 541-915-4659
Under direction from the Oregon Vital Records Department, the Lane County Clerk’s Office will begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples beginning at 1:00 p.m. The Clerk’s Office will also officiate for same-sex couples wishing to marry.
“Our staff strive to provide the highest level of customer service as we go through the expected influx of marriage licenses. In addition to issuing marriage licenses, our staff is also responsible for Tuesday’s election,” said Lane County Clerk Cheryl Betschart. “We appreciate the understanding of couples awaiting this important moment.”
Marriage Information
Where:
Deeds and Records Office, inside the Lane County Courthouse, 125 E 8th Ave., Eugene
When:
Licenses are sold from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Weddings are performed most mornings, and slots are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Purchase of a license is required before time for a wedding ceremony may be reserved.
Cost:
License: $60
Waiver of three day waiting period: $10
Marriage Ceremony: $100
Certified copy of completed license (proof of the wedding, needed for name changes): $4
According to the Oregon Health Authority Center for Health Statistics, same-sex couples have the option of choosing between marriage and a domestic partnership, which has been available in Oregon since 2008. Couples who are in a domestic partnership may marry their current partner. Someone in a domestic partnership who wishes to marry another person must dissolve that partnership prior to any marriage. Same-sex couples who were married in another state do not need to take any action: their marriage is already recognized under Oregon law.
This just in from Oregon United for Marriage:
