Activist Alert 10-8-2015

• Blood banks in Oregon responded to the Umpqua Community College mass shooting Oct. 1 and are now trying to replenish their supplies of red cells, platelets and plasma. Blood types A along with B negative and O negative are needed. The Lane Blood Center is at 2211 Willamette Street. Drop by or better yet, call 484-9112 ext. 700 to make an appointment and avoid waiting.

• Saturday, Oct. 10, is National Homeless Day with citizens banding together to help those in need. Bring new socks and cash donations to a demonstration site near the football game at Autzen Sadium at noon. Socks will be distributed via Occupy Medical. Cash donations will go to sanitation for OURS, a local unhoused campsite.

• White Bird’s Stay Warm Drive has begun to collect blankets, sleeping bags, winter coats, hats, socks and rain gear for those in need in the community. Drop off donations at the Crisis Clinic at 341 E. 12th Avenue or call 342-8255 to arrange pick-up for larger donations.

• 350 Eugene will team up with Southern Oregon Rising Tide and Cascadia Forest Defenders for a free weekend of intensive direct action training Oct. 16-19 to Stop LNG export infrastructure in Oregon. A special workshop on “Power Through Paris” will be from 3 to 5 pm that Sunday. The events will be held at the Irving Grange, 11051 Irvington Drive, and will include training, workshops and panels, culminating with a direct action to oppose LNG exports on Monday, Oct. 19. See sorisingtide.org for registration and more information or call 343-5091.

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!