Author: EW Staff

Biz Beat 2-14-2013

Biz Beat

Sam Adato’s Drum Shop is packing up its huge inventory of new, used and rental percussion instruments and associated accessories in San Francisco and moving to 1755 W. 11th Ave. in Eugene, a location previously occupied by the Reptile Kingdom pet shop. The new store hopes to open March 1. Why the move? Adato closed his doors in San Francisco in late December and is quoted in the East Bay Express saying he likes Eugene and he’s ready for a change. “It’s a beautiful place to live,” he says. “I went from L.A. to Santa Cruz to San Francisco. Continue reading →

Activist Alert 2-14-2013

Activist Alert

• Valentine’s Day finds Basic Rights Oregon and Oregon United for Marriage pushing for same-sex marriage legislation. Events are happening all over Oregon on Feb. 14, including a gathering from 4 to 6 pm at Temple Beth Israel, 1175 E. 29th Ave. In Corvallis the event will be the same time at First United Methodist Church, 1165 NW Monroe Ave. Google Oregon United for Marriage for details and registration. Continue reading →

Pluto is not a planet; it’s a band

Music

We’re in it now, stumbling through the depths of the PNW rainy season. Burdened by a crippling lack of vitamin D and the knowledge that soggy socks are all but inevitable, the only comfort comes in knowing we’re not the only ones. Eugene-based band Pluto the Planet can relate to precipitation-related woes, as the chorus of their song “Port Orford” can attest. “And it rains here almost every day/I really need a hot getaway/Someplace I really want to stay/I just need a break from all the rain.” Amen, boys! Continue reading →

Biz Beat 2-7-2013

Biz Beat

A new business, Flower Power Self Defense for Girls, opens Feb. 16 with three beginning level classes to be held at 412 W. 17th Ave. Founder and director is Tonya Valadez who has a master’s degree in special education and eight years of teaching and training in self defense. Classes will be geared for ages 5 to 12. Valadez can be reached at sdforgirls@gmail.com or call 606-3541. Continue reading →

Activist Alert 2-7-2013

Activist Alert

• “Neighbors Without Addresses” is a photo project of Community Alliance of Lane County (CALC) completed with the assistance of Springfield Shelter Rights Alliance (SSRA). The exhibit is modeled on CALC’s three existing traveling photo exhibits and community and families. The photos will be displayed during the 2nd Friday Art Walk from 5 to 7 pm Friday, Feb. 8, at Springfield City Hall, 225 5th St. Email joanna.safercalc@gmail.com for more information.  Continue reading →

Slant 2-7-2013

Slant

• Bonny Bettman McCornack is back in our pages this week reviving her City-Zen Journal column. We’ve missed her strong voice and clear analysis of complex issues. She retired in frustration in 2009 after a memorable eight years on the Eugene City Council and numerous committees and commissions in Lane County. Often she was the only voice in public meetings asking tough questions and calling for accountability and transparency. Continue reading →

Slant 1-31-2013

Slant

• The proposed $10 a month stormwater fee hike has been reduced to $5 after a public outcry against it and doubts that the City Council would approve it. But some interesting ideas have surfaced that might be worth pursuing as the city struggles to raise much-needed revenues. One proposal kicking around unofficial email lists is changing our city stormwater fee to reflect the footprint of living units and other impermeable spaces. Continue reading →

Biz Beat 1-31-2013

Biz Beat

Biz Beat has been running nearly every week for more than a year now. It’s a humble effort to give some attention to small businesses, nonprofits and the people behind them who are vitally important to our community but don’t always get media attention. Our thanks to the many people who have sent us suggestions. Keep ’em coming. Continue reading →

Activist Alert 1-31-2013

Activist Alert

• A meeting with the LaurelRidge PUD planning consultant is planned for 6 pm Thursday, Jan. 31, at the Comfort Suites Hotel at the I-5 Glenwood interchange. This meeting is to view the current development plans for the 126 acres southwest of Laurel Hill Valley adjacent to 30th Avenue near Spring Boulevard. Continue reading →

Slant 1-24-2013

Slant

• The city is in a fiscal pickle with major cuts in city services behind us and more to come, but how do we go from sour pickle to sweet pickle? Eugene City Manager Jon Ruiz and his staff have come up with a set of fees (in lieu of new taxes) that would cost each household in the city up to $240 a year, with partial waivers for low-income households. The city is currently facing a $6 million budget gap and the proposal would generate about $7.5 million a year, eliminating the gap and restoring some services that have already been cut. Continue reading →