Oregonians 16+ now eligible for the COVID vaccine
Oregon cleared vaccine eligibility to everyone 16 years of age and older on Monday, April 19. Eugene/Springfield residents have many options to schedule a vaccine appointment from pharmacies to White Bird Clinic to Lane County Public Health to the University of Oregon.
Oregon is in the middle of the fourth surge of COVID cases, with 888 cases reported Saturday, something not seen in several months. The spike is being seen in Lane County, including in the K-12 population. With the rise Lane County says it “highly likely” that the county will return to the High Risk level Friday, April 23.
Eugene considering plan for car and tent camping sites
The City of Eugene presented a new plan that would provide up to 300 “Safe Tent Camp Sites” and 200 “Safe Car Camp Sites” for six months. Under this ordinance the City would also “demobilize” the Washington Jefferson and 13th & Chambers sites where the unhoused are staying, meaning folks would no longer be able to stay in those areas. The Council will hold a hearing on April 26 for this proposed ordinance.
Local links
City of Eugene Manager Sarah Medary is set to present the Fiscal Year ’22 Proposed Budget in front of the Budget Committee on April 28, but you can view the budget document now.
The City of Springfield has also released its proposed budget and will hold its first budget committee meeting of the year on April 27.
Gov. Brown nominated seven new people to the UO Board of Trustees, among the nominees is the head of union-busting Columbia Sportswear, Tim Boyle.
From Eugene Weekly’s obituary of Kim Roberts Repp that they are running as part of their mission to run an obituary for every person who died while homeless this year: “An incredible cook, Repp was often found in the kitchen preparing Louisiana classics — gumbo, jambalaya, fried chicken and collard greens. She loved to host parties for family and friends, and would prepare for days in advance.”
Sarah Alvarez, a staff attorney for the CLDC writes about the “Independent Assessment” Springfield released of SPD’s actions on July 29, 2020, “Rather than admitting that SPD’s status quo operations must change dramatically, the department is already attempting to weasel out of taking basic steps.”
Street Roots covers the shelter Lane County opened in the former Red Lion for those displaced by the Holiday Farm Fire.
Bethel School District hires Kraig Sproles, Salem administrator, as new superintendent
Lane Youth Soccer Association Board of Directors sent out an email to parents railing against mask mandates
Upcoming events
Monday, 5:30 PM — City of Eugene City Council work session
Monday, 5:30 PM — City of Springfield City Council work session
Monday, 7 PM — City of Springfield City Council meeting
The firm hired by Stacy Kenny’s family to review the killing of Kenny by the SPD will present its report.
Monday, 7:30 PM — City of Eugene City Council meeting
Wednesday, 12 PM — City of Eugene City Council work session
Wednesday, 6 PM — HCAO Universal healthcare’s impact on communities
Thursday, 2 PM – 4 PM — OSPIRG Earth day youth climate summit
Thursday, 4 PM — Sunrise Eugene Earth day action @ Park Blocks
Sunday, 1 PM – 4 PM — Carry It Forward TRAC House open house and fundraiser