In response to the recent cover story (“Rock ‘n’ Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution,” Feb. 9) asking whether or not rock ‘n’ roll is noise pollution: You bet!
No one type of music has the right to be loud. Any category of music is noise pollution if it is intruding into the private space, including garden or patio, of people who have not chosen to listen to it. This principle holds whether the music is rock ‘n’ roll or opera.
Notification and limited frequency would seem to be the way through for indie bands wanting some outdoor play. It sounds (ha!) like Sigi Allen has the right idea in distributing flyers to neighbors and holding events only about once a month.
When music that someone has not chosen is imposed upon them, and they have no way of knowing whether this will be unusual or become the new normal, irritation rises very fast to intense levels. Frequent or unannounced loud outdoor concerts in residential districts show a basic lack of consideration for others. Those involved should expect to have neighbors call EPD.
And kudos to Eugene police officers for facing large audience groups who are upset at having their listening interrupted. This cannot be a pleasant job for them, and they deserve respect for carrying it through.
Carlis Nixon
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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