City staff present CSI survey results
City of Eugene staff presented the results of multiple surveys they conducted regarding the Community Safety Initiative proposal. Overwhelmingly respondents said they were interested in less money towards police, and prioritized supporting the unhoused and mental health. Surveys were conducted through forums aimed at both BIPOC and general public and through an online survey hosted on the City’s website.
Councilor Clark, who seemed to show contempt for the idea of taking away funding for the police, said he would like EPD Chief Skinner to show the presentation that he showed two years ago when the CSI was originally being proposed with 65% of funds going to police. Councilor Zelenka said he was not surprised with the feedback community gave, but that current staffing is still too low and we need more sworn officers.
Decisions on funding rates for the CSI going forward will be decided at a future meeting.
Gov. Brown releases new COVID metrics and guidelines
Gov. Brown released new metrics for COVID regulations on Tuesday, specifically with targets for vaccination rate. The governor says most restrictions will be lifted statewide when 70% of Oregonians 16 and older receive their first dose. Counties can move to lower risk when 65% of residents 16+ receive their first dose and “submit plan to close vaccine equity gaps.” As of May 10, the last update as of this writing, 49% of Lane County residents have received their first dose.
Local links
UO announced that they will require COVID vaccinations for on campus students, faculty, and staff this fall — with several exemptions.
After years of resistance from activists, Seattle developers began cutting down trees on the 3.5 acre property near Maurie-Jacobs Park to build the market-rate Lombard Apartments.
Lane County is seeking $103M from Lane Electric Cooperative and EWEB for Holiday Farm Fire damage
Upcoming events
Monday, 5:30 PM — City of Eugene Council work session
Ad hoc committee on police policy report to council
Wednesday & Thursday, 8:30 AM — UO Board of Trustees Regular meeting
Friday & Saturday — CAER 26th annual environmental justice conference
Sunday, 5 PM — CAN, CJL, & Sunrise Abolish cops, grow crops: a community discussion on abolition in the climate justice movement @ Washburne park
Find more events at solidaritynews.org