We've got issues.
GUNS IN THE USA As a Springsteen fan, I’m offended by your Nov. 29 cover. This image must somehow fit with the wacky worldview of EW staff, but it in no way fits with Springsteen’s music or stated political views. Couldn’t you have found someway to use Ted Nugent on your cover instead? Born in the U.S.A., Aaron Toneys, Eugene EDITOR’S NOTE: Baby, we were born to pun! OCCUPY’S FAILURE Continue reading
THE POTTY DILEMNA We have 11 restrooms in downtown Eugene that the public can sometimes use: two below the Overpark (the only truly public restrooms), five at the library and one at the LTD station. The ones under the Overpark are not well maintained, have no stall doors, and are frequently locked at random times. People have speculated that these restrooms are closed because they need cleaning and no staff are available to maintain them. Continue reading
ANOTHER DEADLY WINTER When the Occupy Eugene site was closed in December last year, we went peacefully under the impression that certain promises made by our City Council would be followed through. We went under the false understanding that those who had no place to call their own would be taken care of, that they would not face another winter, sickness and probable death, alone on the streets without at least the option for a warm place to sleep. We thought that despite everything, we had made some small but solid victories. Continue reading
RACIST CODE WORDS The election brought good news, not only because the candidates whom I supported did well, but because the process speaks well of us. The biggest money didn’t always carry the day. And a campaign of racism, misogyny, gay-bashing and persecution of immigrants and the poor got its ass kicked. Continue reading
TAKE DOWN THE SIGNS Continue reading
YOU ARE NOT ALONE On behalf of the Human Rights Commission and the city of Eugene, we extend our deep sympathy and concern for acts of hate and violence that have occurred in our community. The Human Rights Commission and the city of Eugene stand in solidarity with those who are impacted, and will speak out against acts of hate and violence. We do not condone either the acts themselves or the acceptance that silence implies. Continue reading
WILL COUNCIL ACT? The Eugene City Council is slowly, painfully, somewhat incoherently inching its way toward considering the proposal by Opportunity Village Eugene (OVE) to set up a self-governed village for homeless people, somewhat modeled after successful villages in other cities. Continue reading
REMEMBERING MISA SMITH 1929 — 2012 There are a few people who quietly influence and bring out the best in this city. These people never seek center stage or public attention; they simply live from day to day doing what they have to do with dignity and strength, contributing immensely to our local culture. Continue reading
ILLEGAL DISPOSAL “We conclude that the Fourth and 14th Amendments protect homeless persons from government seizure and summary destruction of their unabandoned, but momentarily unattended, personal property.” In early September, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in Lavan v. City of Los Angeles that confiscating and destroying the personal property of the homeless constitutes unreasonable seizure. This ruling is legally binding upon the state of Oregon. Continue reading
FANTASTIC RECORD Once again Betty Taylor is the clear choice for City Council to represent south Eugene. Betty has done an outstanding job of representing her progressive and environmentally conscious district. She listens to all perspectives and always makes careful, thoughtful decisions. She works hard to represent us and has a fantastic track record of service. You can always reach Betty by phone if you need to talk with her about city issues. Continue reading