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A BICYCLIST'S COMPLAINT On Halloween day, instead of stuffing myself with caramel apples and candy corn, I sat in Lane County Circuit Court with my attorney, Misha Dunlap of the Civil Liberties Defense Center. The occasion was our appeal of a guilty verdict in Eugene Municipal Court for allegedly running a yellow (yes, yellow) light during March's Critical Mass bike ride. Ironically, our best evidence was Eugene Police Officer Carolyn Mason's citation, which stated: "as light turned yellow, Schlossberg entered" the intersection. The dictionary definition of the word "as" is: "at the same time that." This means I entered the intersection and the light turned yellow simultaneously, which is perfectly legal. Case dismissed, right? Not when the EPD is involved. When Officer Mason took the stand she ignored her written citation and instead testified that I entered the intersection "against" the yellow light, sealing my fate in the eyes of the judge: "guilty." Perhaps Mason didn't understand the difference between the words "as" and "against." Either that, or she deliberately lied on the stand. Another word Mason should have familiarized herself with before the trial is "perjury," because it's a criminal offense. The main problem with Critical Mass in Eugene has always been the actions of police. Aside from their repeated violence, unpredictability and constant harassment, the police don't seem to understand basic traffic laws, and instead hand out tickets like they were business cards. After thousands of taxpayers' dollars spent on holding trials and for excessive police presence during rides, many of the charges end up being dropped anyway. Would it not be easier (and cheaper) to simply educate the police regarding a bicycle's right to the road? What's more dangerous to cyclists than the EPD? How about tens of thousands of inattentive and uninformed motorists aiming lethal weapons (vehicles) at the bodies of cyclists on a daily basis. Rarely does a day go by where I am not almost hit by a car. Time and time again, were I to have taken my legally granted right of way and not slammed on the brakes, I would've been roadkill. Motorists are neither trained to look for the slighter profile of a bicycle nor how to drive safely around cyclists. Where are the billboards, radio and TV announcements and ads on the sides of buses advocating for safe driving around cyclists? Why is this not a mandatory question on the driver's test? Since the city of Eugene has done little to educate motorists, I feel the best avenue open to me for raising bicycle awareness is Critical Mass. Also, due to sheer numbers, Critical Mass is the only time I actually feel safe riding my chosen form of transportation on city streets. While the situation for cyclists may look dismal now, the future is looking bright. Currently, the last Friday of every month is the only time large numbers of cyclists clog the city streets, forcing vehicles to a crawl. However, with peak oil already upon us, the day is not far off when bikes taking over the streets will become a daily phenomenon.
Josh Schlossberg, Eugene
EDITOR'S NOTE: Josh Schlossberg's complaint was acknowledged by the city of Eugene with a note from Public Service Officer Michelle Mortensen that "although the Police Auditor's Office is not yet set up to receive public contacts, Internal Affairs is looking into the concerns you have noted."
REAL SOLUTIONS NEEDED Lane County voters sent county commissioners and judicial system Measure 20-114 proponents another "no thanks." The thinly disguised 20 percent lip service for crime prevention and 80 percent incarceration staffing formula was a smokescreen taxpayers thankfully saw through. Greater incarceration rates and "revolving door" treatment of detained petty drug criminals is unwise. Lockup strategies are self-perpetuating and overlook causes of criminal behavior like poverty, family cultures of crime, gang behavior and mental illness. Real solutions make connections between catching criminals, sustainable economies and social services. Commissioners might clearly propose better early interventions, effective family services, deeper foster care support, prevention through community policing, expanded parole/probation/job services, incentives for outpatient substance abuse therapies and more effective mental health services. The Register Guard's pre-election litany that our petty crime system is "stretched to its limits" suggested taxpayers throw money at the problem. If taxes increase $500, but without tax increases folks risk $250 in property crime, the system robs us at twice the cost. Why expand media ballyhooed "lock 'em up — dope 'em up to manage 'em — then release 'em" baloney? Next time I'd vote to spend half as much on better schools, social cures and crime prevention. Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Commissioners might propose a fairer tax, one that denies breaks to big landowners and lightens average taxpayers' burdens. PERS employees should also pay their share of the cost. Until politicians offer real solutions to property crime and a fairer taxation system, let's continue to vote down "public safety" initiatives. Ethen Perkins, Eugene
TIME FOR ACTION As most of us have expected, the Democrats have taken control of the U.S. House, and possibly the Senate as well. This election was a clear signal from the American people that we are fed up with the direction that the Bush administration has been taking us, and that we need to hold them accountable for the mess they have made. However, now the real work begins. The only way to hold Mr. Bush and his cronies accountable is to begin investigations into their crimes — specifically, the lies that lead to the Iraq invasion, the use of torture, the overrides of Congressional authority and too many others to list. Unfortunately, the new speaker of the House has publicly pledged that impeachment is off the table. If Congress does not investigate this president, with an eye to impeachment, then they will have abandoned their obligations to the American people. As residents of the Eugene area, our only voice in Congress is Peter DeFazio. When I asked him last year to support impeachment, he replied that such efforts would backfire in a Republican-controlled Congress. Now that this barrier has been removed, I am hopeful that he will sign on to support House Resolution 635, which calls for the creation of a commission to investigate these matters. If you believe as I do that investigation and impeachment of the president and vice president are essential in our nation's healing, I urge you to contact DeFazio as soon as possible, and ask him to co-sponsor HR 635. Jim Johnson, Eugene
ROOTS OF DISSENT I just wanted to write to say that I am really excited by Kera Abraham's five-part story on the Green Scare, and the roots of the story that started close to and in Eugene. I've been following the story in other media outlets, but this is the first time that I have heard the real back story, the very beginnings. The way Miss Abraham conveyed the spirit of Warner Creek was new and moving. Just wanted to say thank you and keep up the great work! I can't wait until next week's issue. Christina Sasser, Eugene
RADICAL LOONIES I have been an avid reader of EW for just under four years now, enjoying everything from the coverage of the smallest bands and artists in the music scene to dance and entertainment and the various stories that portray a great picture of how awesome Eugene really is. I am extremely appalled, however, at Kera Abraham's five-part article on the history of eco-terrorism in Eugene. Environmentalism is one of the greatest causes in the world and I am proud to say I live in one of the greenest cities in this country. But Ms. Abraham's blatant bias towards something that has cast a black cloud on environmental issues in the past years shines far too brightly to me. After reading two parts to this article, it is obvious to me that Abraham supports these radicals and all the damage they've done over the years in the name of their "cause." Memo to Abraham: We see terrorism today as a method of spreading ideals through fear. Just like our silly war on terror over in the Middle East, so do we deal with our own form of terrorism at home — these radical loonies who commit arson, defy police and protest law (peaceful protesting, my ass) and destroy for the sake of telling these big logging corporations "look at me, look at me." Sure, there may have been little to no human casualties on the side of those against these morons, but what if there were? How would Abraham feel if these acts resulted in dozens of accidental deaths? Would she still be in favor of blowing up a gas-guzzling Hummer or killing a logger or firebombing a warehouse to build a treehouse in a tree marked for cutting? What these radicals have done fits the definition of terrorism better than our own president could define (which is to say he can't). It's sad that Abraham has to resort to pushing such nonsense on the readers of this publication when she clearly has let her head get bigger than her pen, or keyboard. I am sad to see the Weekly's political agenda take charge over its normally strong content in the past few months, and I notice that Abraham is clearly spearheading the stories that do manage to make the cover. Why else would she be allowed such a large and unnecessary story? If this is supposed to be the work of the best journalist in town this year, thanks to your own awards, I must say I'm extremely disappointed in its integrity. Michael "Ike" Terrance. Eugene
SAVE THE HOLE! Once again the city of Eugene and developers are looking at the downtown with grand plans for its future. This has to be stopped. If downtown is to remain a deserted, ugly hulk, we must, must stop any half-hearted, spendy attempts to revive it. Like the Woodbury Hole on Willamette, it is vital the Sears Hole remain a monument to the poor city planning it so eloquently represents. We can not allow another miscued ploy to create a bustling, lively environment for people to live or stroll about on a warm summer night after a concert at the Hult Center or the WOW Hall. A place where art galleries and cafes thrive to bring folks to the center of town. Oh no. While this potential shining example of urban development wastes away like a ignored anorexic, the south town district blossoms like a popular debutante. As it should. We can not allow the library, bus depot and the McDonald Theatre to be swamped with desirability. We can not maintain the easy flow of traffic for cars and the future express bus if the area is developed. We can not spend our time complaining and engaging in sarcastic commentary if brighter minds got their way. No, save the Sears Hole and save the whiny, conservative, loser mentality that is the hallmark of Eugene. Alisa McLaughlin, Eugene
COMPASSIONATE ACTIVIST I want to thank you for the kind words contained in Part I of your series "Flames of Dissent" (11/2): "But here in Eugene, where most of the alleged saboteurs have lived, those faces are familiar to hundreds and dear to many. EW spoke with more than a dozen local people who described the accused as compassionate, Earth-loving people, influenced by a time that also shaped Eugene." These words touched my heart because through my work I met Kevin Tubbs, his dog Pujo (both pictured in a much younger and wilder time in the article) and his partner Michelle in August 2005. A tearful message on my answering machine from Kevin led me to a house call to see if anything could be done to help their 15-year-old dog recover from a terrible infection on his neck. I met a sweet, caring couple who cared deeply for their old friend. I could tell they were dedicated and capable of the nursing care needed if Pujo was going to get better. After three to four weeks of daily bandage changes and medication (coaxed by many dog treats), Pujo fully healed from the infection. During this time I greatly enjoyed their company as we shared stories about the animals in our lives, how to live more sustainable ... your basic Eugene "kindred spiritism" that makes living here so wonderful. Eight months later I got another call from Michelle that Pujo was starting to have more difficulties. It was then I learned of Kevin's arrest and incarceration earlier in the year, and Kevin's grave concern that Pujo would die before he would get to see him again. Michelle told me that when Kevin was arrested and their house was raided, Pujo had to be quickly locked in a room so he would not be mistaken for a guard dog and shot by the arresting agents. Kevin's last moments with his dear old friend were seeing him confused and scared as he was closed in the bathroom while their home was being ransacked. On examination, Pujo's aged body was really declining this time and, after many attempts to try and keep him comfortable, he died at home in July. Pujo's passing was a devastating loss to a couple who have already had more losses this year then most of us could even imagine. I'm sure similar stories and situations could be told for most of those individuals that are being held awaiting trial and sentencing for the alleged "eco-sabotage crimes." I was moved to share this story because I wanted the community to know Kevin Tubbs in the way I know him. That whether we understand, applaud or are appalled by the alleged acts of property destruction for which he is being accused, he is a loving, compassionate human being. I understand during these times we may be afraid to even acknowledge that we know others accused of these crimes of dissent, but I feel they need to know we are thinking of them and they are not alone. I encourage anyone who knows him or others in this way to take the time to drop them a note or in some way let them know that you are thinking of them while they are going through these difficult times. Dr. Roberta Boyden, DVM , Eugene
THE TALE OF THE RAMP It has been many years since I worked at the WOW Hall, but I felt it important to respond to some of the inaccuracies stated in Lynn Braverman's letter (11/2) regarding the history of accessibility efforts at the WOW Hall. The first wheelchair ramp into the WOW Hall was built by WOW volunteers around 1976-77. We knew that a rear entry ramp was not sufficient, but after barely surviving for a little more than a year after its birth and being hemmed in at the property line on 8th Avenue and Lincoln Street, it was all the organization could afford. That ramp was rebuilt and replaced several times in the ensuing years. In 1979 the Community Center for the Performing Arts produced a design program for the restoration, retrofitting and expansion of the WOW Hall funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. The basic design for the current front-entry wheelchair ramp and access is pictured in that program. The first projects outlined in the design program to be completed that year were the revision of the lobby, bathrooms and rear ramp to meet code for wheelchair accessibility. After many attempts to locate funding, in 1996 the CCPA managed to convince the city that providing proper access to the Hall for everyone was an important community priority. After having mounted a two-year effort to overcome bureaucratic hurdles, the WOW Hall received Community Development Block Grant funding for the new ramp and access which was built soon thereafter. These efforts to provide access to the Hall were the result of years of hard work by the board, staff and volunteers at the WOW Hall, the generous gifts of WOW Hall members and the wise assistance of the NEA and the city of Eugene. They were based on an ongoing commitment to provide access for all that began at the birth of the CCPA. That commitment has been tempered only by the level of community resources made available to the Hall through the years. There is certainly more accessibility work to be done at the Hall and I encourage those who wish to see these and any other improvements to the Hall or its programs to become involved, participating members of one of the only performing arts venues I know of in which members from the community at large have direct input in the governance of the facility. It is my observation that the current board and staff of the WOW Hall remain firm in their commitment to providing access to the Hall to everyone in the community. Jon Pincus, Eugene
CAMPBELL WAS RIGHT John E. Heintz's letter to the editor (11/9) praises Brett Campbell's Oct. 9 article about the Oregon Bach Festival, but then criticizes all of Campbell's key recommendations. I agree with the praise. I disagree with the criticism. Four modern works, all tonal oratorios, in the 30 year history of OBF is not the contemporary programming sorely needed by OBF. Lecture notes in the Discovery Series are not a substitute for period instrument performances. Contemporary audiences worldwide respond to the enormous color range and the depth of spiritual feeling that only period instruments can convey. There is no reason to deprive Eugene audiences of this experience. Heintz can spell UO professor Mark Vanscheeuwijck's name but he cannot name a single performance that this brilliant period instrument cellist has ever been permitted to perform at the UO's own Bach Festival. Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson sell millions of CDs, not a few thousand, and they tour worldwide to stadium-sized audiences. Unfortunately, their audiences are not competing to buy OBF tickets. However, Brett Campbell knows and reviews the full range of music from Dylan to Bach to Gyorgy Ligeti. Campbell knows a lot more about appealing to music audiences of every age and type than Mr. Heintz, or I, do. OBF would be wise to carefully consider Campbell's recommendations. David Wade, Eugene
BEYOND THE NORM Thanks very much for adding the Dan Savage column. Because I seem to be addicted to all advice columns or anything printed in the Q&A style, you can imagine how much I love reading about other people's sex lives. Please don't pay attention to the whining complaints you've printed protesting "bad" language and/or "bad" habits that have been aired by Savage. Since the Weekly is Eugene's alternative press I think Eugene's alternative population deserves to read about things that may be above and beyond even our day to day routine. Now if only you'd consider printing the weekly summary that is called "Earthweek: Diary of the Planet" which is currently printed in The Oregonian and the San Francisco Chronicle (where I discovered it). It is a terrific compendium of various telling events that never quite make it to local newspapers. Keep up the good work. Deborah Craig, Eugene
NOT SO GREEN Best Green Business? (Best of Eugene winners, 10/26.) The title of "green business" should reflect sustainability, not just act as a marketing ploy or buzz word. I'm confused about how stocking shelves with knick-knacks made in China is considered green. Before becoming part of the problem by spinning non-truths to look true, consider this. A business that sells more local, regional and nationally made products is what a green business should be about. BRING is the true leader, supporting our community and the planet by recycling.
Eric Briggs, Eugene
EDITOR'S NOTE: Best of Eugene winners are selected by the votes of our readers.
SLOW KILLERS Great article (9/21) on "School Sprays." The well-educated communities on the subject of pesticides and herbicides here in Blachly and towns on and around Highway 36 are tired of these toxic sprays and their negative effects on people's health. The truth is that these synthetic substances do drift into air and watersheds (our primal food). These noxious poisons then accumulate in body tissues and organs, and in time manifest into various autoimmune diseases including cancer. These slow-killing poisons are being permitted to be used around children, people and animals in the name of "industry," "profit" and "management?" Are people's lives less important? Do these CEOs or the employers that work for their companies ever wonder how much suffering their sprays have caused? Do they have families or children and can they imagine? There are practices of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified wood that do not require the use of noxious herbicides and poisons, and those are the wood products people we need to support. The FSC way of forestry is proven and doesn't slowly kill people along the way. We pray that big business will realize that they are fragile human beings, too, and what you sow you shall reap. They need to understand that their use of these poisons is causing suffering and open up their hearts to truth and compassion and reconstruct their ways away from the pesticide industry. Mariana Haps, Blachly
THE SPELL IS BROKEN Perhaps now that the spell of fear and divisiveness have been temporarily broken, we can get back to the challenging business of building right human relations through goodwill. We have gone down the weary path of hate, war and separativeness for far too long as a planet, and only the healing energy of love can lead us into a new world of global compassion. Isn't love and compassion for others really the essence of the teachings of Jesus, as well as many other visionaries from all cultures and races, both past and present? Christopher Michaels, Eugene
GOD IS GREEN We've got political tunnel-visions of democracy, while we pollute ourselves to death. We don't admit how much pollution were causing, adding to greenhouse-gas climate crisis. We're so eco-politically correct, helplessly saving the forests‚ while ignoring how much timber we kill to read papers, consume packaging and wipe our brown butts. But we recycle paper here and export zillions of tons of logs and chips for wasting elsewhere as logging corporations buy our politicians. It's PC to blame Bushites for wars, auto-car monopoly and epidemic carbon emissions rather than own our daily "ecological footprint" impacts on bioregion life cycles and our health. We do curb-side recycling, hauled away and disappearing weekly! Good. But the true costs of technology and paper waste are in production, transport and total toxic load into watersheds and our bodies, not money. Our national techno-efficiency has gone down with water and air quality, as prices, drugs, speed, medicine and chemo-food grow faster than we remember. We're blind to our future generations suffering the unintended consequences of our gluttony of favorite tastes, miracle media and speeding traffic in luxury empire power-grids. Our healthy abilities to create are retarded by the hi-tech tools and toys we use, making us more powerful to control and destroy things: dirt, germs, fertility, trees, enemies, cold, wet, dark and habitats. We enjoy a clean, safe life far from the destruction we pay for! Our tunnel vision misses the whole energy systems of technology and ecology where we live, like fish in water. God is green! Money and fashion — or plants, veggies and herbs?
Micheal Sunanda, Eugene
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