Slant 6-26-2014

• We wrote about longtime medical marijuana activist Jim Greig in this column May 8 when we heard he was not long for this world, and we enjoyed a final, upbeat conversation with him a short time before he died at home June 16. He expressed to us his gratitude for his 63 years on this planet, his family, his work and his many supporters. Greig suffered from debilitating arthritis, lung cancer and blindness in one eye. He found relief from his pain and other symptoms with medical pot, reducing his need for opiates. Continue reading 

Activist Alert 6-26-2014

• A benefit concert for David Oaks will be from 6 to 8 pm Thursday, June 26, at Cozmic, 199 W. 8th Ave., featuring music by Steel Wool. Oaks is a longtime advocate  for people with mental challenges. He was paralyzed in an accident last year. Contact Tim Mueller at gwproj@pacinfo.com for more information. Continue reading 

War Dead 6-19-2014

In Afghanistan • 2,329 U.S. troops killed (2,320 last month) • 19,798 U.S. troops wounded in action (19,765) • 1,510 U.S. contractors killed (1,510) • 16,179 civilians killed (updates NA) • $724.7 billion cost of war ($718.6 billion) • $299.6 million cost to Eugene taxpayers ($297.1 million)   In Iraq • 4,423 U.S. troops killed, 31,941 wounded • 1,607 U.S. contractors killed (1,605) • 138,882 to 1.2 million civilians killed* (137,533) Continue reading 

Slant 6-19-2014

• The Eugene Celebration (the official version of it anyway) may be canceled for this year, but the parade will go on. Kesey Enterprises sent out a press release announcing that thanks to “overwhelming public input and encouragement,” there will be a 2014 Eugene Celebration Parade 11 am Aug. 23 thanks to Lane Community College, the city of Eugene and an all-volunteer steering committee. That evening there will be a $5 concert at the Cuthbert. Sounds like plans are still underway by community members for an unofficial, and free, celebration of Eugene. Continue reading 

Activist Alert 6-19-2014

• An Interfaith Peace Walk is planned for 6:30 to 8 pm Sunday, June 22, beginning at the Ebbert United Methodist Church Community Garden at 6th and D Street in Springfield and marching to The Learning Garden at Brattain on C Street. “The purpose of this walk is to build relationships in our neighborhood,” say organizers. “Community gardens are one way we in Springfield promote peace and goodwill in our community.” For more information, call June at 603-8706. Continue reading 

Lane County Area Spray Schedule 6-19-14

• Oregon Department of Transportation is currently spraying roadsides. Call Tony Kilmer at ODOT District 5 at 744-8080 or call 1-888-996-8080 for herbicide application information. Highways I-5, Beltline and 99 were sprayed recently. • Roseburg Resources Co. plans to ground spray 109 acres near Green River with imazapyr, triclopyr ester and/or oil surfactant. See ODF notice 2014-781-00593, call Jim Hall at 997-8713 with questions. Continue reading 

Biz Beat 6-19-2014

Hard Times Distillery will be opening a tasting room at 547 Blair Blvd., across from Tacovore and next to Mame. “The neighborhood has become known for food, beer and wine, but now there are locally made distilled spirits as well,” says Ben Maude of Hard Times. Call him at 414-9752. Continue reading 

Slant 6-12-2014

• Eugene’s daily rag editorialized June 5 that the Eugene Celebration has become “calcified” and “perhaps it’s just as well” that the plug has been pulled this year. Well, we still adore the Eugene Celebration and parade and the only thing that’s calcified is the R-G’s perspective from the outskirts of town. There’s no doubt the celebration, even with its flaws, is much loved in the region, as demonstrated by the immediate community response to fill the void left by Kesey Enterprises. Continue reading 

Activist Alert 6-12-2014

• The Eugene Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee meets at 5:30 pm Thursday, June 12, at the Atrium Building, 99 W. 10th Ave. On the agenda is the Franklin Boulevard update, Better Eugene-Springfield Transit, priority bike lanes, Master Plan revisions and other business. • The Eugene Police Commission meets at 5:30 pm Thursday, June 12, at EPD headquarters, 300 Country Club Rd. Kilcullen Room. Public comments will be taken, and on the agenda is a discussion of emerging technologies. Continue reading 

Lane County Area Spray Schedule 6-12-14

Oregon Department of Transportation is currently spraying roadsides. Call Tony Kilmer at ODOT District 5 at 744-8080 or call 1-888-996-8080 for herbicide application information. Highways I-5, 99 and 126 were sprayed recently.  Seneca Jones Timber Company, 461-6245, plans to hire Washburn Contract Services, 503-831-1593, to spray about 5 miles of roadsides near Coyote Creek with 2,4-D, glyphosate, metsulfuron methyl and/or triclopyr with additives MSO and Syl-Tac. See ODF notice 2014-781-00563, call Brian Peterson at 935-2283 with questions.  Continue reading