Best of Eugene 2008-2009: Best of the Ballots
BEST CATEGORY WE SHOULD’VE INCLUDED (AND WHO’D WIN IT)
Most annoying people: Pretentious UO undergrads at Cafe Roma (I know your professor really opened your eyes to “Capitalism, man” but I can’t help but throw up a little in my mouth at your over-accessorized American Apparel ensembles while you daintily puff on your Camel Lights and sip your Americanos through Nicole Richie sunglasses. Get over yourselves. Let’s see you earn that tuition through love of “your music.” You know intellectual indie isn’t going anywhere, right? Death Cab sold out like half a decade ago.)
BEST LOCAL UPROAR
The downtown “exclusionary zone.” It’s like me being crowned king: On a lot of levels I love the idea, and it would probably be a net benefit to the citizens, but it’s transparently unconstitutional.
BEST DRUNK GIRL WHO ALWAYS SHOWS UP AT TAYLOR’S WITHOUT HER SHOES
Drunk girl who always shows up at Taylor’s without her shoes.
BAR WITH THE BEST AMUSEMENTS
Horsehead. Shoot moose, eat ribs, watch drunks fall down.
PERSON OF THE YEAR (AND WHY)
Mayo Finch, because of his dedication to the biweekly Kesey Square events. His vision for a positive drug-free all-ages downtown ongoing event has been building steam.
PERSON OF THE YEAR (AND WHY)
Dave Mendonca: The former owner of Flicks & Pics always had a smile and a good movie recommendation for anyone who entered his store. Later, when he chose to close Flicks down, he made sure all of his movies went to the library where the citizens of Eugene can still enjoy Flicks’ extensive collection. Dave is now working as a manager at Market of Choice and has shown everyone how to handle changing economic times with class, dignity and community spirit.
BEST WAY TO IMPROVE EUGENE
Make a zipline between the buttes so you can fly over Eugene. WEEEEEEEEEE. Bring back the trolley cars. Also no police other than a special unit of super nerdy Star Wars fans with lasers and colorful spandex suits who respond to violent crimes in progress.
BEST NAUGHTY BUSINESS
Going through the browser history on our computers at work to gauge the porn tastes of my co-workers (which are disappointingly tame).
PERSON OF THE YEAR (AND WHY)
Kara Penniman, president of Emerald City Roller Girls. She has so much responsiblity weighin’ down on her shoulders. Derby for her is 24-7, and she balances it somehow with her job during an entire school year. Every little thing that ECRG is a part of, Penniman has overseen or approved or been a huge part of in the final decision making — most times in the brainstorming in the beginning. Without her, ECRG would not be where it is today and would not be as big a part of the community as it is now
PERSON OF THE YEAR (AND WHY)
Steve Novick. Showed us all that a one-armed kid from Cottage Grove can come within a few inches of the Democratic nod for the U.S. Senate. Steve ran an outstanding grassroots campaign and had the nomination purchased away from him. A truly engaging and inspiring effort from one of Lane County’s own.
PERSON OF THE YEAR (AND WHY)
The Broadway Hoodlum — apparently he’s the most powerful person in Eugene, able to get the city to drop $30 million to get him to move his drunk ass six blocks downtown to Monroe Park.
BEST THING ABOUT EW
Strong Christian values. American Apparel ads. (Tie)