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Former Commissioner Rob Handy Settles Suit with Lane County
September 19, 2017 01:59 PM
Camilla Mortensen

Former Lane County Commissioner Rob Handy announced in a press release today that he has settled two lawsuits against Lane County. Attorney Marianne Dugan says the settlement was for $89,000.

The lawsuits, in state and federal courts, addressed an emergency meeting of the Lane County Commission and a decision that was made to "lock Mr. Handy out of his office, email system, and other county systems during his last year in office."

The full press release is below, folowed by comment from the county.

On Monday, September 18th, former Commissioner Rob Handy and his constituent Brian McCall settled all lawsuits pending against Lane County, former County Administrator Liane Richardson and Commissioners Faye Stewart, Sid Leiken, and Jay Bozievich. The parties agreed to a global settlement of both federal and state lawsuits that were pending.

Mr. Handy’s and Mr. McCall’s federal civil rights case challenged the decision to lock Mr. Handy out of his office, email system, and other county systems during his last year in office. The state case challenged the county’s misuse of the Board of Commissioners’ “emergency meeting” provisions.

According to Rob Handy, “We originally filed these suits to bring attention to the politicization of the offices of the Lane County Commissioners and how those in power misused that power to further a political agenda. The three commissioners named in the lawsuit, while not all still in office, set a precedent of abusing their power and the concerns will always remain valid. We have been seeking access to justice and have now settled the cases because we believe we received the measure of justice that is possible through this process.”

Former Commissioner Rob Handy settled the lawsuits (which were filed against Lane County about five years ago) “Because I feel I met the goals I had for filing these suits and because Lane County is now under some different leadership that, with the changes in policies that they have made, seem to have learned from their mistakes and bad decisions of that time.

“When an elected Board of Commissioners turns into a political body where the majority acts with impunity and from a political agenda, it can leave no recourse to those who don’t have the votes to have a say or even the ability to place an item on an agenda or to speak out when not included in the work that the Commissioner was elected to do.

“In my last 18-months or so as an elected Lane County Commissioner, I was locked out of my office, locked out of the building, had my email removed as well as all my work product denied to me because a solid bloc of conservative commissioners saw that it moved their agenda forward.

“I worked within channels within Lane County government to redress these actions and got nowhere. This is why the courts exist – as a place of recourse when all other recourse is denied.

“I filed a state lawsuit to object to emergency meetings held where the conservative then- commissioners Stewart, Bozoveich, and Leiken, in collusion with then-County Administrator Liane Richardson held an emergency meeting where myself and Commissioner Sorenson received notice too late to attend and where there was actually no emergency at hand.

“I objected then and now to Lane County cherry-picking Commissioners for an emergency meeting in order to act quietly and with no scrutiny. Since I filed this lawsuit, Lane County has passed a new policy that requires all commissioners to receive all notices, equally and in a timely manner, using any and all means available to the County to contact and locate them before such a meeting convenes. I believe this policy regarding emergency meetings will ensure a similar inequitable treatment of commissioners won't occur in the future.

“Secondly, I filed a federal civil rights lawsuit, now also settled, to shine a light on politically-motivated behavior of the board majority, in collusion with the County Administrator at that time, and other staff. Again, there was no recourse to address these issues within the County. As a sitting commissioner, I was unable to place an item on a Board agenda, and each action was blocked by the majority. Even my good fiscal ideas, policy ideas, any ideas were summarily denied the light of day.”

Handy states, “The federal lawsuit was filed because I wanted to make sure that the County and its Commissioners knew that if those in a majority took action to interfere with a Commissioner’s ability to do his or her job, there would be consequences. This was vital to stand up for the commissioners to come who might also find themselves on the wrong side of a majority in this ‘bipartisan’ Board of Commissioners. I wanted to show that there is no impunity, there is no immunity – the County is not a kingdom where might makes right. We have the courts to help address abuse of power and assist in righting those wrongs. I am pleased to have finally resolved these two legal matters. We felt confident we would prevail in the end, but in the interest of moving forward after more than five years of waiting, we felt a settlement of these claims was the proper way to resolve them.

“We believe that by filing and resolving these lawsuits, no commissioner will again be locked out of an office and deprived of email and other connections to constituents. Elected officials must be able to carry out their work in an environment that is fair and includes due process and where decisions are transparent.” Handy states, “I believe my lawsuits met the goals I set out to achieve and that because of the light shed on these issues Lane County has already made some key policy changes and will not be discriminating against commissioners of the future simply because a transient board majority can. I am pleased with the results and also happy to be moving on.”

Constituent Brian McCall adds his comment: "This whole sorry incident of interfering with my commissioner’s ability to do his job by locking him out of his office and denying him access to his own work diminished what trust I once had in our county government and has exposed the partisan leanings of our supposedly unbiased local news media. I sincerely hope that the settlement of this conflict finally leads to healing, and to a restoration of at least some of that trust."

Local attorney Marianne Dugan represented former commissioner Handy in both the state and federal cases (and Mr. McCall in the federal case), and in the appeals to higher courts which reversed dismissals and required that these cases be heard and proceed to trial.

Lane County's response (bold in the orginal).

Mr. Handy brought a number of lawsuits dating back to 2012. The first was a public records lawsuit which the County won at trial. Mr. Handy brought a second lawsuit alleging a violation of public meetings law in State court. The County prevailed at the trial court level. Mr. Handy appealed and the case went before the Oregon State Court of Appeals and again Lane County prevailed.

Finally, Mr. Handy filed a third lawsuit in federal court. The case was initially dismissed. The case then moved between the Court of Appeals and the District Court. The County chose to settle this final lawsuit in order to save future litigation costs. The settlement agreement does not admit liability.

What’s in a name? Deadline looms for Kesey Square’s official name
September 14, 2017 02:25 PM
Camilla Mortensen

“Meet me at Kesey Square.”

Say that to most Eugeneans, and they will know to find you at that little open space at the corner of Broadway and Willamette where local artist Pete Helzer’s statue of famed author Ken Kesey sits reading to his grandchildren.

Google “Kesey Square” and the first hit you get is Eugene’s own Kesey Square via the city of Eugene’s website, which lets you know it’s also called Broadway Plaza.

Google “Broadway Plaza” and the first hit you get is a hotel in New York City. You will get hits for Broadway Plaza (Kesey Square) in Eugene, but you will also get hits for Broadway Plazas in Tucson, Minnesota, Denver and more.

Kesey Square is the unofficial name, according to the city, for the open space downtown. But it’s the name most people in the area call it. The Eugene City Council will be discussing Sept. 20 whether or not to change the name officially from Broadway Plaza to Kesey Square and the public comment period on the proposal ends Sept. 15.

In its press release the city awkwardly says that the reason for the comment period is “to ensure that the proposed name is acceptable to the community,” apparently not noting that this is the name the community actually uses.

Jerry Diethelm, a University of Oregon professor emeritus of Landscape Architecture and Community Service and a member of Friends of Kesey Square, recently sent a comment on the Kesey Square issue to the mayor, City Council and city manager outlining both why the name should be changed and why some might oppose the change.

Diethelm writes, “It’s become common knowledge that you are now being asked once again to delay your decision to rename Broadway Plaza, Kesey Square.”

Diethlem points to objections that the city may want to use the name Kesey elsewhere, like at the Park Blocks and says, “Not very likely. That’s Skinner and Mulligan land. The proposed square there is far more appropriately, and in keeping with the donor’s wishes, a Skinner Market Square, or something of the sort.”

He also reminds the politicians that the very consultants the city hired to tell them what do about downtown recommended “identifying it as the heart of downtown’s commercial and entertainment district and installing a cafe and beer garden concept that wraps around the tall walls that border the plaza to the east and south.”

Why, then, might anyone object to the idea of renaming Kesey Square? The original debate was not over whether to rename the square but actually arose over an attempt by developers to take over that open space and turn it into a building.

“Changing the name doesn’t really interfere with any plans or planning,” he writes. “Those urging delay are mainly worried about losing the opportunity to build there.”

That then is the crux of the renaming debate. It’s not about what to call Kesey Square but what it is — public, open space — and what it should remain.

The public has through Sept. 15 to submit comments in writing about whether to rename Kesey Square.

Comments may be submitted in writing to:
Mayor Vinis and City Council
125 East 8th Avenue, 2nd Floor
Eugene, Oregon  97401
mayorcouncilandcitymanager@ci.eugene.or.us

To read Diethelm’s full comments go to his Facebook post here.

Air Pollution on the Smoky Days
September 6, 2017 05:42 PM
Camilla Mortensen

As Eugene’s skies have been smoky and the air hazardous to breathe over the last two days, one thing that hasn’t changed is the amount of industrial pollution, air traffic and car traffic entering the air.

Lane Regional Air Protection Agency Executive Director Merlyn Hough explains that as bad as the air has been, it didn’t reach the level that would require people to stop driving, planes to stop flying and industries to stop polluting.

Industries, airplanes and motor vehicles all pollute to some degree, however the amount of pollution they are allowed to release is regulated at the federal and other government levels.

Under Title 51 of LRAPA’s rules and regulations, it lays out exactly when a shut down would be triggered. This regional policy is governed by the federal Clean Air Act, Hough says, specifically, 40 CFR part 51 subpart H. CFR is Code of Federal Regulations. Coincidentally, both policies use the number 51 for their section names.

“The purpose of that program is to keep air pollution from approaching levels of significant harm,” he says. “But those are a very high threshold before affecting traffic, industry or airport operations.”

Industrial polluters, Hough says, are designed to operate in a “steady state.” This is different, he says from when in the winter people with wood burning stoves are told to stop burning due to adverse air quality, because winter wood stoves follow a cycle of starting up and shutting down. He says that asking industry to start up and shut down can actually exacerbate the pollution versus an ideal of steady state emissions in a well-controlled facility.

According to Hough, industrial emissions were more of a factor during the “normal delightful” air quality of 22 that we had on Aug. 30, than the Sept. 5 air quality of 250, which was caused by wildfire smoke. For example, an emergency plan triggered on the day the area had an air quality rating of 22 would have had more affect on the air than triggering it on the day it reached 250 (very unhealthy). 

To monitor the air quality in Eugene/Springfield, Cottage Grove and Oakridge, go to LRAPA's webpage. The agency has been updating residents on the air quality situation regularly on social media and you can find the Facebook page here.  LRAPA has an opening on its board of directors, for more info go here. 

Lane Community College Statement on Trump Ending DACA
September 5, 2017 12:02 PM
Camilla Mortensen

Following the Trump administartion's announcement this morning that it will end "DACA -- a program that had protected nearly 800,000 young undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children from deportation," Lane Community College President Margaret Hamilton sent a statement to LCC employess addressing the move on Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals, saying, "We must do everything we can to prevent harm to our students if this happens."

The full email is below.

It is with dismay and determination that I write to you regarding today’s news that the White House plans to phase out the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. We must do everything we can to prevent harm to our students if this happens.

As you no doubt know from your own experience, DACA is critically important to community college students throughout the United States, including at Lane. DACA affects more than 750,000 young people nationally and an estimated 21,000 in Oregon. We’re not sure exactly how many students are affected at Lane because at LCC, we do not record immigration status. We do know they are here and part of our Lane family.

Lane Community College is proud to be an open-access institution. Our mission is to serve and educate all members of our community. It is our commitment to inclusiveness that makes LCC a safe haven for all our students.

In June, the board adopted a policy, Protection of Immigrant Students, to clarify our intent to provide “access to higher education for all students regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, immigration status, age, disability, gender or gender identity.” The college also issued a statement on August 31 reaffirming our position, as news began to emerge about the White House position. The statement is on our home page.

In anticipation of today’s DACA decision, I reached out to my executive team and others over the weekend to be clear that it is our priority to work with you to determine how changes to DACA will affect our students and what we need to do to support them. I also directed my staff to identify an office on campus to coordinate information and services for undocumented students and publish updated information to the college website.

The Department of Homeland Security will stop processing new applications for DACA as of today. It will continue to renew permits for anyone whose status expires in the next six months—meaning Congress does have time to act before any currently protected individuals lose their ability to work, study and live without fear of deportation. Our leadership team will continue to call on Congress to act responsibly and humanely and protect students.

I have great faith in all of you. Though I haven’t been here long, I have found a dedication to students in each and every one of you whom I’ve met. That is so affirming!

Thank you for your partnership and rest assured that it is an additional priority for our leadership team to do whatever we can to help those impacted by today’s news.

Oregon Republican Party Blames White Supremacists, KKK, neo-Nazis "and Other Groups" in Charlottesville Statement

August 22, 2017 03:27 PM
Camilla Mortensen

The Oregon Republican Party issued a statement that has echoes of President Donald Trump's remarks on Charlottesville today.

In a postscript to the full statement, the ORP notes that Oregon Dems had reached out in an effort to craft a joint statement but "were ultimately unable to craft a mutually acceptable statement."

The ORP indicated its changes to the Democractic draft with underlining. And in a move reflecting Trump's controversial remarks on Charlottesville in which he cast blame on "both sides" for the violence that killed anti-racist protester Heather Heyer, the ORP writes: 

It is imperative that we all stand together in unison against the hate-filled agenda of white supremacists, KKK, neo-Nazis, and other groups that perpetuate violence instead of meaningful dialogue, and who seek to divide our nation.

The whole statement is below. And available online here.

Dear Oregonians,

The actions of white nationalists in Charlottesville demand the strongest forms of condemnation. We will not stand for displays of hate, racism, bigotry or violence in our country, and especially at home here in Oregon.

It is imperative that we all stand together in unison against the hate-filled agenda of white supremacists, KKK, neo-Nazis, and other groups that perpetuate violence instead of meaningful dialogue, and who seek to divide our nation. We cannot allow these organizations to feel enabled by the silence or passiveness of public leadership.

Our nation is stronger when we all come together to defend our values of equality, free speech and peaceful assembly. As such, we, fully disavow the hate, racism, bigotry and violence of all supremacist movements and call upon our state and national leadership to do the same.

Sincerely,

Chairman Bill Currier

Oregon Republican Party

P.S. - We want to extend our appreciation to the Democratic Party of Oregon and DPO Chair Jeanne Atkins for their suggestion of a joint statement and the initial draft they provided for consideration. While we were ultimately unable to craft a mutually acceptable statement, the process was a welcome opportunity to explore possible areas of common ground. The underlining in the statement above indicates language added by the ORP to the original statement proposed by the DPO.

Radio Station Cuts Ties with Portland Shock Jock Who Called for Protesters to Be Run Over
August 16, 2017 06:17 PM
Camilla Mortensen

Dino Costa, the sports shock jock who earlier this summer called for Black Lives Matter protesters to be run over is no longer with Alpha Media and its Portland station 750/102.9 The Game.

Randi P'Pool, vice president of marketing for Alpha Media, has issued a statement saying:

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

EW reported on Costa's June 7 remarks in light of the recent death of a Heather Heyer, a counterprotester in Charlottesville, Virginia, who 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. In addition to Heyer’s death, 19 other people were injured.

Costa said, in reference to an incident in Minnesota where protesters shut down a highway: “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." He clarified during his diatribe that his remarks pertained to Portland as well.

Costa continued, "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!”

EW asked the University of Oregon Duck athletics for comment on the remarks, in light of Charlottesville. Costa's now-fomer station KXTG (750/102.9 The Game) is listed as a "flagship" station broadcasting Ducks games and says on its website that is "Your 2017 Home Of Ducks Football." The UO  has a multi-media license agreement with IMG Media, which then gives radio stations like KXTG multi-media and sponsorship rights. 

Jimmy Stanton, UO's senior associate athletics director, responded: "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."

IMG's contract with the UO has a morals clause that says:

IMG represents, warrants and covenants that it will not, and will not permit IMG's employees or subcontractors or anyone else to, (i) use the Licensed Marks or other licensed property in a manner that harms University's reputation or (ii) violate laws or engage in conduct involving moral turpitude that negatively impacts the value of this Agreement. In the event of any violation of this Section 6.03, in addition to IMG's attempts to cure in accordance with Section 3.05, IMG agrees to use best efforts to immediately cease any such violation, including without limitation, if requested by University, terminating such third party's rights to use University's marks or other licensed property or any other rights to sponsor or otherwise associate with University.

Willamette Week picked up the story and the Portland Timbers soccer team also issued a statement saying it would review its contract with Alpha Media at the end of the 2018 MLS season.

On his Aug. 14 show, after  Heyer's death, 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 in the broadcast.

Portland Shock Jock on UO Sports "Flagship" Radio Station Called for Protesters to be Run Over
August 14, 2017 06:11 PM
Camilla Mortensen

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. 

Who is closed for the Eclipse?
August 11, 2017 12:51 PM
Camilla Mortensen

Armageddon The Total Solar Eclipse (or partial if you stay in the Eug) is Monday, Aug. 21, starting around 9:04 am. Oregon has mobilized the National Guard. The Red Cross suggests you camp out this weekend to prep for possible disasters like a 9.0 Cascadia earthquake … or the eclipse. 

In the spirit of possible disaster, what businesses plan to close down that day? EW is planning a half day to give employees a chance to watch the eclipse and not worry about traffic (don't worry, our reporters will be working and covering the phenomenom and any craziness that might happen). 

Does your workplace plan to close for the eclipse? Know any businesses that are holding "eclipse hours"? Drop us a note at Editor@eugeneweekly.com.

Local Comic Takes on the Eclipse
August 3, 2017 04:52 PM
Camilla Mortensen

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.

Places to Cool Off During the Heat Wave
July 31, 2017 04:55 PM
Camilla Mortensen

With temperatures predicted to rise above the 100 degree mark this week, Eugene Weekly asked the the city of Eugene and Lane County if they will be opening cooling centers to provide relief, particularly for those who don't have a way to get cool or are homeless.

Eugene's places to get cool are below, and Lane County tells EW they will send information on staying cool from Public Health in the morning.  Lane County has supplied a list of cooling centers across the county from Junction City to Cottage Grove here.

Beat the Heat at City Facilities

As temperatures rise this week, the City of Eugene invites individuals to cool off in air conditioned libraries, community centers, swimming pools and parks.

All three Eugene Public Library locations are air conditioned.

The current hours of operation are:

• The Downtown Library, 100 West 10th Ave., is open 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., M-Th, and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. F-Su  

ª The Bethel Branch Library, 1990 Echo Hollow Rd., and Sheldon Branch Library, 1566 Coburg Rd., are open 12 p.m - 8 p.m. Tues, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. M,W,Th,F & Sa; closed Sundays.

 Lap swim and rec swim times over the weekend are as follows:

• Amazon Pool:

    Lap Swim: Monday-Friday 5:30-9 a.m. and 10:50 a.m.-6:15 p.m.; Saturday 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 2-5 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 2-5 p.m. Rec Swim: Daily 2-5 p.m., Monday and Wednesday 6:30-8:30 p.m. 

    Parent/Child Swim: Daily 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Monday-Thursday 5:30-6:30 p.m. 

• Echo Hollow Pool:

    Lap Swim: Monday-Friday 5:30-8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

    Rec Swim: Monday-Friday 1:15-3:15 p.m. and 7-8:30 p.m.; Sunday 1:15-3 p.m.

• Sheldon Pool:

    Lap Swim: Monday-Friday 5:30-6:30 a.m., 7-8 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 5:15-6:30 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

    Rec Swim: Monday-Friday 1:30-3:30 p.m.; Monday and Wednesday, 7:35-8:30 p.m.; Friday 7:30-8:30 p.m.; Saturday 12-2 p.m.

• The City operates five community centers Monday through Friday that are air conditioned.

The hours of operation and locations of those centers are:

    Amazon Center, 2700 Hilyard St., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., M-F

    Campbell Center, 155 High St. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., M-F

    Hilyard Center, 2580 Hilyard St., 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., M-F

    Petersen Barn Center, 870 Berntzen Rd., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., M-F

    River House Center, 301 No. Adams St., Noon-4 p.m., M-F

• Spray play areas in City parks are a cooling resource, as well. Spray play areas are located in the following parks:

    Fairmount

    Oakmont

    Skinner Butte

    RiverPlay Playground

Washington

Update: Willamalane in Springfield has posted its list of places to cool off as well. 

For the public’s safety and well-being, Willamalane has also designated both the Bob Keefer Center and Willamalane Adult Activity Center as cooling centers.

   Bob Keefer Center, located at 250 S. 32nd St., features a large lobby area for people to sit and relax while they cool off. The center is open from    6 a.m. – 9 p.m., Monday – Friday; 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday; and 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday.

    Willamalane Adult Activity Center also has a large lobby area with ample seating accommodations and cooling air conditioning. The Adult         Activity Center, located at 215 W. C St., is open on 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Monday – Thursday; 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Friday; and 9 a.m. – noon on Saturday.

In addition to the cooling centers, Willamalane’s two pools provide additional options to beat the heat, while enjoying a refreshing swim, or a fun day with the family

    Splash! at Lively Park, Splash! offers Waterpark swims, which includes a wave pool, water slide, family activity pool, hot tub, lap pool and kiddie pool on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. – 8 p.m., and Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Additional hours in the mornings and evenings are available for lap swimming and water exercise. Splash! is located at 6100 Thurston Road in Springfield.

    Willamalane Park Swim Center is also a great place to cool off and fit in some exercise. The Swim Center features an eight-lane, 25-yard lap pool, an accessible deep-water pool with diving boards and a shallow wheelchair accessible play and exercise pool with a waterslide. For exercise, the Swim Center is open 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday – Thursday; 5:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Friday; and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. For recreation swims, hours are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. The Swim Center is located at 1276 G Street in Springfield.

For more information, go to willamalane.org.

SLUG Queen Applications are Open!
July 28, 2017 12:02 PM
Camilla Mortensen

 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.

USDA Under Trump Administration Supports Designation of Devil's Staircase Wilderness

July 26, 2017 12:52 PM
Camilla Mortensen

At a July 26 Senate Energy and Natural Resources subcommittee hearing, the Forest Service under the Trump administration endorsed wilderness protection for the Devil’s Staircase and the Wild Rogue in Sen. Ron Wyden’s Oregon Wildlands Act, S. 1548.

In his statement to the committee, Glenn Casamassa, associate deputy chief of the National Forest System, U.S. Forest Service, United States Department of Agriculture, says:

“The proposed Devil’s Staircase Wilderness provides an outstanding representation of the Oregon Coast Range and would enhance the National Wilderness Preservation System. There is an existing road within the proposed boundary of this wilderness that would require decommissioning by heavy equipment prior to designation as wilderness or allowance for use of mechanized equipment for this purpose after the enactment. USDA supports the designation of the proposed Devil’s Staircase Wilderness.”

And of the Rogue, he states, “Section 301 of the bill would designate 56,100 acres managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and by the Forest Service as an addition to the Wild Rogue Wilderness. USDA supports this addition of wilderness on National Forest System.”

Andy Stahl of Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics (FSEEE) points out that the BLM’s prior pro-Devils Staircase position appears to remain unchanged.

In a July 13 statement on the bill, Wyden said, 

“When it comes to recreation opportunities in some of the world’s most uniquely beautiful places, Oregon has it all. It’s time for Congress to listen to the voices of Oregonians from every part of our state who have spoken in favor of protecting these unmatched natural treasures for years to come.”

Sen. Jeff Merkley, who introduced the bill with Wyden, added, “These Oregon jewels deserve to be protected for future generations of Oregonians and Americans,” Merkley said. “With this bill, we will not only preserve some of Oregon’s unique and most special places, we will also boost local economies and help cement Oregon’s well-deserved reputation as one of the world’s greatest recreation destinations.”

You can read Casamassa’s full statement here.

Springfield Waives Some Costs on Granny Flats to Create Affordable Housing
July 10, 2017 12:53 PM
Camilla Mortensen

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.

Someone Kicked In Eugene Weekly's Door Last Night. Do You Know This Guy?
July 6, 2017 10:39 AM
Camilla Mortensen

Apparently someone gets a kick out of Eugene Weekly.

In all seriousness, on the evening of July 5, someone kicked in EW’s employee door, scattering the glass more than 10 feet into the building.

According the Eugene Police Department, at 7:44 pm on July 5, a man who was riding his bike on West 12th “heard glass breaking and rode in that direction. He saw a man pulling his leg from Eugene Weekly’s broken glass door. The man became aggressive toward the bicyclist, who was trying to take his picture. So the bicyclist backed away.”

The witness was able to get a photo.

EWand the Eugene police would appreciate help in identifying the subject. The case 17-11100.  To report a crime call 541-682-5111. To leave a tip, please call 541-682-8888.

You can also call Eugene Weekly at 541-484-0519.

Here is EPD’s description. “The suspect is a white male adult, with a thin build, short blonde straight hair, and a scruffy beard. He was last seen wearing a black and gray jacket, tan pants, brown shoes and a black backpack.”

EW very much appreciates the witness who reported the crime and EPD’s prompt and courteous help in responding to the situation. 

EW's employee entrance.

Full photo of the suspect

City-Wide MEChA Graduation Tonight
June 29, 2017 04:16 PM
Camilla Mortensen

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.