Parking in the Whit

WCC steps up to solve problems

During the Whiteaker Block Party, parking is usually a pain, with drivers scouring residential streets for a spot, sometimes giving up and parking illegally. This year, the Whiteaker Community Council is trying to alleviate the problem by opening up at least two gravel lots in the neighborhood for $5 per car. The WCC will use its share of the funds for a big long-term goal: a public parking lot in the Whit. Continue reading 

2014: A Beer Odyssey

Eugene’s craft beer scene is out of this world, and Eugene’s biggest brewery, Ninkasi Brewing Company, is ready to make that figurative statement literal. On July 15, the Civilian Space eXploration Team (CSXT) will launch its second rocket into space, carrying 16 strains of brewer’s yeast as part of its cargo. Ninkasi CEO Nikos Ridge says that to his knowledge, it’s the first brewing experiment involving ingredients that have traveled to space, and the first step toward brewing beer in space. Continue reading 

Eat so that others may eat

After David Minor died in a biking accident in 2008, friends and family paid tribute to the social justice activist in a number of ways, from naming the David Minor Theater in his honor to establishing the David Minor Memorial Fund with the Willamette Farm and Food Coalition, helping improve access to healthy, locally grown foods for low-income people. Continue reading 

Finish bike month with a ride

If you've missed out on Bike Month thus far, there are still chances to celebrate before May runs out. Friday, May 30, celebrate Breakfast at the Bridges from 7 to 9 am at Blue Heron Bridge, behind Cesar Chavez  School on the Fern Ridge path. Saturday, May 31, roll with the Eugene Circus Bike Ride beginning in Monroe Park at noon and ending at Island Park in Springfield. After the ride is a barbecue picnic potluck and free circus show. More info at wkly.ws/1rj. Continue reading 

Olive Oil in Oregon

Tonight Slow Food Eugene hosts Paul Durant and Libby Clow, who will talk about creating an olive oil culture in the Pacific Northwest. High-quality olive oil is much more palatable than the average grocery store stuff; there will be a tasting aftward to prove it. Learn more about cool climate varietals and Oregon Olive Mill's experimental crop at 7 pm at 16 Tons Cafe, 2864 Willamette. Come early to grab a spot. Here's more on the speakers:   Continue reading 

Weather & Wine

Thanks to its cool, moist climate, the Willamette Valley is renowned for its wines. But climate isn’t the only atmospheric condition that affects grapes grown for wine — weather, or atmospheric conditions in the shorter term, also changes grapes. For example, rain can dilute the sugar levels and flavors that accumulate during ripening. Weather also encourages or tamps down prospects for various pests and diseases. Continue reading