We've got issues.
• The BLM will hold a “public scoping meeting” to discuss the Middle McKenzie Project near Vida at 6 pm Thursday, Sept. 26, at the McKenzie Fire and Rescue Building at 42870 McKenzie Hwy. in Leaburg. Comments can also be emailed by Oct. 17 to blm.or.eu.mail@blm.gov or mailed to the BLM Headquarters, 3106 Pierce Parkway, Suite E, Springfield, 97477. Continue reading
• Winter is approaching and the homeless among us are in increasing danger. The city of Eugene has spent millions over the years on programs to assist the homeless, the City Council has wrestled with many less-than-perfect proposals, local churches and nonprofits have struggled to provide life-saving services and facilities, human rights activists have protested and been arrested. It’s not enough. Thousands in our community still have no warm place to sleep, no place to prepare meals, no place to try to rebuild their lives. Continue reading
• The Many Rivers Group Sierra Club is planning a program on the topic “On the Road to Wilderness” from 7 to 9 pm Thursday, Sept. 19, at the The Eugene Garden Club, 1645 High St. Contact sally.nunn@oregon.sierraclub.org Continue reading
Rebates for ductless heat pumps are being offered by local utilitiy EPUD. EPUD announced last week that its rebates for ductless heat pumps have been raised from $1,000 to $1,500 for a limited time, and for the first time, $350 rebates are being offered on heat pump water heaters through Oct. 31. EWEB is no longer offering rebates on ductless heat pumps for both homeowners and landlords, but the incentives are expected to return later this year, says Lance Robertson, spokesperson for EWEB. “We will also be offering zero-interest loans, up to $4,000,” he says. Continue reading
In Afghanistan • 2,267 U.S. troops killed (2,265 last week) • 19,250 U.S. troops wounded in action (19,200) • 1,389 U.S. contractors killed (1,389) • 16,179 civilians killed (updates NA) • $657 billion cost of war ($655.2 billion) • $271.7 million cost to Eugene taxpayers ($270.9 million) In Iraq • 4,422 U.S. troops killed, 31,928 wounded • 1,599 U.S. contractors killed (1,599) • 125,380 to 1.2 million civilians killed* (125,359) Continue reading
• Lane County Commissioners behaving badly: Pat Farr has been sniping at fellow Commissioner Pete Sorenson on his ForumLane.org blog, calling Sorenson “high atop his self-built pedestal” for his stand on Free Speech Plaza and the homeless. Add to that Jay Bozievich’s snarktastic comments about Sorenson, city officials and local environmental groups in emails and on his Facebook page and the right-leaning side of the County Commission is looking like kids fighting in a social-media sandbox. We’re tired of the mess at the county. Continue reading
Student housing projects are rising all over Eugene, despite predictions of a “higher education bubble” about to pop, and now we hear a major student complex is being contemplated for five acres of commercial-zoned land outside the Springfield city limits on the west end of Glenwood. The property near the Glenwood Boulevard junction is right on an EmX stop along Franklin Boulevard, an easy ride to UO, LCC and NCU. The property also fronts the Willamette River. Continue reading
• Another O&C forestry forum is planned for 6 pm Thursday, Sept. 12, at the Cottage Grove Community Center, 700 E. Gibbs Ave. in Cottage Grove. The forum follows a similar event that was standing-room-only at the downtown Eugene Public Library Aug. 26. Speakers in Cottage Grove will include Francis Eatherington of Cascadia Wildlands, Doug Heiken of Oregon Wild and Ernie Niemi of ECONorthwest. Camilla Mortensen of Eugene Weekly will moderate. Continue reading
• Lane County is a shit storm lately — both with accusations of bowel movements being flung about as protesters continue to occupy the Wayne Morse Free Speech Plaza and with allegations of lying being flung by and at county officials. Jean Stacey of SLEEPS has filed a bar complaint against Liane Richardson and Stephen Dingle in connection to their recent poo testimony (see news briefs) and Commissioner Jay Bozievich created a stir when he used his Facebook page to accuse homeless advocate Alley Valkyrie and SLEEPS of lying. Continue reading
• Bijou Metro is holding over the documentary Dancing Salmon Home with showings at 2 and 6 pm through Thursday, Sept. 5. The film by Will Doolittle describes the Winnemem Wintu Tribe’s efforts to restore ancestral salmon that went extinct but were successfully transplanted to New Zealand. Email ruth2341@msn.com for more information or Google the film title to see a trailer. Continue reading