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In Afghanistan • 2,221 U.S. troops killed (2,199) • 18,584 U.S. troops wounded in action (18,429) • 1,353 U.S. contractors killed (1,353) • 16,179 civilians killed (updates NA) • $632.1 billion cost of war ($632 billion) • $190 million cost to Eugene taxpayers ($189.8 million) In Iraq • 4,422 U.S. troops killed, 31,926 wounded • 1,594 U.S. contractors killed (1,594) • 123,421 to 1.2 million civilians killed* (122,757) Continue reading
• No big surprise in the defeat of the Eugene city services fee on this week’s ballot. What are the lessons to be learned here? For starters, the opinion polling that encouraged this measure did not include any of the objections that were easily anticipated. Continue reading
• The city of Eugene budget for FY 2014 is now available on the city’s website, Eugene-or.gov/budget. The city Budget Committee will meet and discuss the budget at 6 pm Thursday, May 23, at the downtown library, but no public input will be taken at this meeting. See the city website for feedback and schedule of public hearings. Continue reading
Soubise Restaurant opened May 12 at 50 W. Broadway, the redeveloped Broadway Commerce Center downtown. Restaurateur Cory Stamp and chef Gabriel Gil previously ran the Rabbit Bistro with a French theme, but their new restaurant is expanding its menu to serve a “modern Northwestern cuisine” with local and seasonal ingredients. Portland architect Mark Annen designed the layout and bar, and the granite tabletops and terrazzo floors at Sousbise were part of the original historic building. Local art and handmade furniture are also featured in the design. Continue reading
• It’s almost too late to mail those ballots buried among the bills on your kitchen table, but white ballot boxes can be found around town. Democracy relies on an informed public, and if you’re reading this you are probably more informed than most of your neighbors, so flaunt that knowledge and put it to work for a noble cause! Continue reading
EWEB meeting rooms that have been open to community and nonprofit groups for years may no longer be available starting next October if EWEB goes through with leasing out the second floor of its North Building. EWEB spokesman Lance Robertson did not disclose who would be leasing the offices but it is “highly possible” that meeting rooms at EWEB will be part of the lease agreement. Dozens of groups use the meeting rooms and those that have booked rooms through the year have been notified. Continue reading
• Some 4J Board members are holding informal conversations on a variety of topics around town from 4 to 5 pm on Fridays. The next will be May 17 at the Arts & Technology Academy, 1659 W. 22nd Ave. Last week’s Activist Alert blurb had outdated information about the locations for the May 10 and May 17 meetings. Continue reading
May in Oregon — a month comfortably nestled between spring and summer. The rains have ceased, the days are sunny and mild, and the nights are breezy and fresh. It’s the perfect time to pop open a pinot warmed in the modest sun or a chilled rosé, grab a blanket and relax in the grass and watch the sun sink into the cool blue valley. Or throw on a light sweater, grab a friend and head for the hills of wine country, where patios and tastings await. Better yet, pour yourself your favorite vino, sit in your favorite chair and take notes on 2013’s Uncorked. Continue reading
• A benefit for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon’s Lane County Legislative Action Team will be from 6 to 8 pm Thursday, May 9, at the Granary Pizza & Nightclub, 259 E. 5th Ave. in Eugene. Local entertainment from Grrrlz Rock!. Cost is $15 at the door or $13 in advance. Find the event on Facebook at wkly.ws/1gw. Continue reading
First National Taphouse is planning its grand opening May 9 during Beer Week. The brewpub and restaurant is the centerpiece of Master Capital Development’s renovation of the 1866 Bristow’s Brick Building at 51 W. Broadway downtown, known for many years as the Taco Time building. The building was home to the First National Bank of Eugene in the 1880s and still has its old vaults. Upstairs are 16 New York-style apartments and still under construction is the Bijou Metro Theater which is scheduled to open later this spring. Continue reading