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Credit Oregon's land use regulations or Eugene's efforts to keep within its urban growth boundary or our economic recession. Regardless, Eugene is ranked fourth in the nation in a new University of Utah analysis of cities in terms of "smart growth" and resisting sprawl. See http://wkly.ws/1rr Continue reading
Rumors that the Eugene Celebration and parade are being canceled this year are true, according to Brendan Releford of Kesey Enterprises, the private organization that runs the celebration along with the McDonald Theater and Cuthbert Theater. A press release is expected to be sent out to media at about 5:30 pm today (Tuesday, May 3) Continue reading
Corvallis attorney and Pacific Green Party activist Blair Bobier has an essay in Common Dreams today on "The Power and Potential of DIY Democracy." "A seismic shift in the American political landscape has gone largely unnoticed," he writes. "Yet, the implication of this political earthquake knows no bounds." http://wkly.ws/1rb Continue reading
Frank Moore, age 91, is well known in Eugene and around the region for his longtime conservation work on behalf of Oregon rivers and his unique story. He spoke at the McKenzie Flyfishers monthly meeting May 19 and has given a TEDxPortland talk about his life. Continue reading
Supporters of marriage equality are planning to show up outside the U.S. Courthouse in Eugene Wednesday morning, May 14. Federal Judge Michael McShane will be hearing oral arguments regarding Oregon's ban on same-sex marriages. He will also be considering an effort by the National Organization for Marriage, a national anti-gay group, to intervene in the case. Supporters will be gathering at 8 am and the hearing is scheduled at 9 am. The proceedings will be livestreamed to an overflow room in the courthouse. Continue reading
The documentary DamNation is now showing in Portland and we hope it makes it to Eugene soon. The film looks at dams and their impact on not only fish runs but entire ecosystems and cultures in America. Rogue River dams are featured. High production values in this film by Patagonia. Continue reading
The Ashland City Council voted this week in favor of a ban on plastic bags. Plastic bag bans have seen growing public support in Oregon, with the cities of Portland, Corvallis, and Eugene adopting similar bag bans since 2011. Here's a press release from Environment Oregon: Last night, Ashland took a big step by joining the growing list of plastic bag-free cities by passing the ordinance with a vote. The approved ordinance bans the use of single use plastic bag and assesses a 10-cent fee for paper bags. Continue reading
A protest is being planned on the UO campus Thursday in response to allegations of rape of a UO student by former Duck basketball players. The UO Coalition to End Sexual Violence has published a scathing open letter on its website and is calling for accountability by the UO administration and action. See the letter at http://wkly.ws/1qv The protest will be at noon Thursday, May 8, on the lawn behind Hendricks Hall on campus. Continue reading
East Lane County Commission candidates appeared at a forum in Cottage Grove sponsored by the Cottage Grove Blackberry Society and League of Women Voters. Continue reading
A private donor gave $17,000 to buy and set up a portable shower and laundry facility for Ashland's houseless population. Continue reading