What comes to mind when you think of a lobbyist? Are you also picturing an old man, wearing a suit, being paid to talk about an issue? Well, that is what comes to my mind, but with the newest generation of activists from OSPIRG at the University of Oregon, the stereotype is changing.
Over the week of Feb. 8 through 12, I had the opportunity to lobby our local elected officials on issues that students and all Oregonians care about, one being climate change and the importance of committing Oregon to 100 percent clean electricity. Due to an unprecedented wildfire season this past summer, 4,000 Oregonians lost their homes, and we are now experiencing the after effects. One is the dangerous situation of the salmon native to the McKenzie River, which is recently discussed in an article by Taylor Griggs called “Salmon in the Smoke” (EW, 2/4).
As Oregonians are experiencing the lasting effects of climate change, we need a solution that requires a statewide commitment to 100 percent clean electricity. The time to act is now, and Oregon has the opportunity to be a leader in tackling climate change.
Emma Ruby
Eugene
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!
Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519
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