Melorie Begay

The Eugene Civil Liberties Defense Center filed an amended federal lawsuit against the city of Eugene and its police department this week. The filing names several officers whom they claim violated the rights of individuals during last year’s May 31st protest.

Winter storms in the southern U.S. have delayed the shipment of COVID-19 vaccines reserved for some in need of second doses in Lane County. But, officials say this won’t harm the effectiveness of the vaccine. 

Negotiations over whether the City of Eugene will renew a franchise, or right-of-way agreement with NW Natural gas remain ongoing after Monday, Feb. 8, council meeting. Neither the city or the company want to budge on carbon reduction terms that align with Eugene’s climate goals.

Eugene’s Homes for Good celebrated the grand opening of their latest development, the Commons on MLK on Thursday.

The City of Eugene recently adjusted policies on urban camping given COVID-19. But, advocates say the rules only dictate where the unhoused can’t stay, not where they can.

As of Thursday Jan.28, nearly 22,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Lane County. And more than 5,000 individuals have been fully vaccinated.

While communities across the country have delayed or cancelled their annual homeless point-in-time counts because of COVID-19, Lane County will proceed with theirs this year. They’re relying on a database to conduct the count safely.

Normally, Lane County counts the unsheltered with hundreds of volunteers who find and survey people who may be homeless. 

The Eugene City Council approved a resolution condemning white nationalism, seditious activities, and extremist groups during a Jan. 20 work session.

To show their ongoing commitment for racial justice, the Eugene-Springfield NAACP celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a drive-thru rally on Monday. The event saw more than 200 vehicles pass through.

Eugene Police Auditor Mark Gissiner will retire at the end of January. Gissiner has served in the position for 12 years.

In preparation for possible pro-Trump protests in Eugene in the coming days, Police Chief Chris Skinner briefed city councilors on plans during a Jan. 13 work session.

Eugene city councilors and the mayor heard from dozens of residents who called for greater action in addressing climate change, Monday night.

A new affordable housing development in Roseburg is set to open in April this year, and will begin accepting applications for eligible renters on Jan. 15

The advocacy group, Stop Death on the Streets held their 2nd annual vigil in Eugene on Friday Jan. 8. About 100 people came to mourn the lives of homeless people who died in the past year. 

Lane County Board of County Commissioners approved an affordable housing action plan conducted by Better Housing Together on Wednesday. The goal is to increase housing options and reduce the risk of homelessness.

A recent report from the Oregon State University Policy Analysis Laboratory showed the pandemic has “reversed” some of the state’s efforts to decrease food insecurity. About 25% of Oregonians faced food insecurity in 2020, which is double the number of last year.

One of Eugene’s most popular vegan restaurants is looking for community donations to stay open. Cornbread Cafe, like many restaurants in the area, has struggled to keep revenue flowing during the pandemic.

After reaching a land agreement last week to lease land from the Oregon Department of Transportation, the city of Eugene removed homeless campers living near the I-105 bridge, on Wednesday, Dec. 2.

Lane County has begun dispersing Pallet shelters to its cities, including loaning several to smaller communities. The temporary structures are part of an effort to increase non-congregate shelter options for the unhoused.

The Willamalane Park and Recreation District in Springfield announced on Wednesday they're issuing another round of furloughs, affecting 144 employees. An official says the decision is a result of the two-week ‘freeze.'  

Following Gov. Kate Brown’s 14-day "freeze" placing restrictions on some businesses and activities, the Eugene Family YMCA will pause all on-site services except for childcare. Gyms are required to remain closed during the "freeze" in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.