Activist Alert 1-14-2016

• 350 Eugene is having a New Year’s gathering from 7 to 9 pm Thursday, Jan. 14, at the First United Methodist Church, 1367 Olive Street. The agenda includes an expert panel on Oregon’s Healthy Climate Bill and updates on climate campaigns.

• A rally for raising the minimum wage to $15 will be at 3:45 pm Thursday, Jan. 14, the Oregon State Capitol. A joint committee public hearing will be at 6 pm that day (not 4 pm as earlier announced) with opportunities to sign up to testify. Carpooling is planned from Eugene and elsewhere in Oregon. See 15noworegon.org to get on the mailing list.

• The NAACP of Lane County is presenting “Community Conversations: Building Unity in our Community,” a series of five public meetings on race, privilege and equity. The first is from 5:30 to 8 pm Thursday, Jan. 14, at the EWEB Community Room, North Building, 500 E. 4th Ave. Additional meetings will be at the same time and place on the second Thursday of each month through May. Reservations requested through naacplanecounty.org or the Facebook page.

• Eugene PeaceWorks’ general weekly meetings regarding KEPW Homegrown Community Radio have changed back to 6 pm Thursdays (task force meetings are at 5 pm) at Growers Market upstairs at 454 Willamette Street. Find KEPW on Facebook.

• The Eugene Sustainability Commission Climate Change Committee meets at 2 pm Thursday, Jan. 14, at the Atrium Room 250, 99 W. 10th Ave.

• The Eugene Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee meets at 5:30 pm Thursday, Jan. 14, at the Atrium Sloat Room, 99 W. 10th Ave. The Railroad Quiet Zone is on the agenda.

• The Eugene Police Commission meets at 5:30 pm Thursday, Jan. 14, at EPD Headquarters Kilcullen Room, 300 Country Club Road. Time is allowed for public comments.

• Artists and writers for Bernie Sanders will hold a “Bernie Readout and Exhibit” from 6:30 to 9:30 pm Thursday, Jan. 14, at Tsunami Books, 2585 Willamette Street. Email pittore44@yahoo.com to participate.

• A public forum on the TransPacific Partnership will be at 1 pm Saturday, Jan. 16, at the UA Local 290 Plumbers and Steamfitters union training center at 2861 Pierce Parkway in Springfield.

• A celebration of life for longtime activist Peg Morton will be from 2 to 4 pm Saturday, Jan. 16, at First United Methodist Church, 1376 Olive Street. Morton died Dec. 19 at the age of 85 (see cover story last week). Music at the celebration will include the Raging Grannies and the Eugene Peace Choir. Morton’s autobiography will be for sale at the event. Call Community Alliance for Lane County at 485-1755 or email calcpeace@efn.org.

• A volunteer training for the annual Homeless Point in Time Count will be from 3 to 5 pm Tuesday, Jan. 19, at 151 W. 7th Ave. RSVP to calcpeace@efn.org. The survey, done in collaboration with Lane County Human Services Division, will be conducted Wednesday, Jan. 27, and will include people sleeping on the streets, in cars, parks, shelters and other places not meant for human habitation. Information gathered will be used in multiple efforts to end homelessness in the county.

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!