I bought a home in west Eugene a little over two years ago. I was shocked to discover a constant toxic odor in the air. I learned that this was due to J.H. Baxter, a wood treatment facility south of Roosevelt Boulevard. It took some digging to discover LRAPA [Lane Regional Air Protection Agency], the DEQ [Department of Environmental Quality] and the long history J.H. Baxter has of polluting the west Eugene neighborhood, getting off with a series of slaps on the wrist.
That’s why it’s no surprise that the recent DEQ fine of $223,440 for the 1.7 million gallons of evaporated waste and additional runoff into the waterways was immediately appealed. With momentum building, we must pressure LRAPA, the DEQ and the city of Eugene to enact permanent change.
Jeremy AAsum
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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