Activist Alert 7-23-2015

• The NAACP national convention was earlier in July, and City Club of Eugene will have a report at noon Friday, July 24, at the Downtown Athletic Club, 999 Willamette Street. Speakers will include Eric Richardson, president of the local NAACP, and members of the Eugene-Springfield faith and social justice communities. $5 for non-members.

• The Oregon AFL-CIO will be doing statewide canvassing Saturday, July 25, talking about why raising the minimum wage is important for Oregonians and their families. “We’ll also be asking folks to pledge their support for raising the minimum wage,” say organizers in an email to supporters. “We need to send a strong message: It’s time to raise the wage to lift up half a million Oregonians and their families, and create an economy that works for all of us.” The Lane County activities will begin at 10 am at the AFSCME offices at 688 Charnelton Street. RSVP to the Fair Shot for All website, wkly.ws/21r or call 682-4288.

• Kari Norgaard, Ph.D., will speak on “Living in Denial: Climate Change, Emotions and Everyday Life” at 4 pm Sunday, July 26, at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 1685 W. 13th Ave. Free. Norgaard is an associate professor of sociology and environmental studies at UO. She is widely published and her lecture title is also the name of her book published by MIT Press in 2011. Her lecture is a follow-up to the presentation June 24 by professor Guy McPherson (see our cover story last week).

• Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy will hold her monthly community outreach meeting from 5 to 6 pm Tuesday, July 28, at Albertsons, 311 Coburg Road. The meetings are held in different parts of the community each month to make them more easily accessible.

• Springfield is now eligible for a second representative to serve on the board of Lane Regional Air Protection Agency due to an increase in Springfield’s population. The representative will be appointed by the Springfield City Council with a term ending Dec. 31, 2018. To apply, visit the Springfield City Manager’s Office, 225 Fifth Street, during regular business hours, or visit the city website. Deadline to apply is Sept. 4.

A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.

That’s because of you!

Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.

Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.

We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.

And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.

As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.

Thank you for standing with us!