The City Club of Eugene Podcast

Reframing the Frame of DEI

In this podcast episode, City Club's speaker, Dr. Johnny Lake, talks about DEI or, as he says, "Difference, Equity and Inclusion." What are the reasons for hostility toward DEI? Are there shared solutions that respect and serve all of our communities?

You may also watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 3:30).

This program was recorded on March 7, 2025.

Local Electronic Media

Is digital the future for journalism? City Club talked to three local media outlets about their visions for their online presence.

Speakers included Ken Doctor, publisher of the coming Lookout Eugene-Springfield, which will be all-digital; and Chris Lehman, news director at KLCC-FM and Camilla Mortensen, editor of Eugene Weekly, both of which have robust websites and newsletters.

You may also watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 8:09).

This program was recorded on Feb. 28, 2025.

New Behavioral Health Facilities

Two new behavioral health facilities are planned for Lane County. PeaceHealth and Lane County are developing Timber Springs Behavioral Health Hospital and the County is teaming with Connections Health Solutions to create the Lane Crisis Stabilization Center. Both are slated to open in 2028.

Learn more from Alicia Beymer, PeaceHealth's chief administrative officer, and Eve Gray, Lane County Health and Human Services's director.

You may also watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 6:45).

This program was recorded on Feb. 21, 2025.

Programs for People with Disabilities

Support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities has led to community-based progams that support people where they choose to live. This program features two such programs, Reality Kitchen and RISE Services.

Speakers include Jim Evangelista, co-founder and executive director of Reality Kitchen; Krista Smith, executive director of RISE Services in Oregon; and program participants.

You may also watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at :12).

This program was recorded on Feb. 7, 2025.

 

Indigenous Leaders

Who will be the future leaders of Indigenous peoples? What is being done now to prepare them for those roles? City Club of Eugene attendees at the University of Oregon's Many Nations Longhouse heard from students and staff about how collaborations with tribes in Oregon and beyond are preparing them for the future.

Speakers include students Te’e Philips Brown and Christina Thomas as well as University of Oregon Vice President and Chief of the Coquille Tribe, Jason Younker, PhD.

You may also watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 6:28).                                

This program was recorded on Jan. 31, 2025.                               

        

2025 Legislative Preview

What are the goals of lawmakers for the 2025 Oregon Legislature? City Club of Eugene heard from Rep. Julie Fahey (D) and Rep. Lucetta Elmer on the issues, potential sticking points for agreement, and shared goals for this session.

You may also watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 1:20).

This program was recorded on Jan. 24, 2025.

Our Water Supply

Water, water everywhere...we hope. Eugene Water and Electric Board and the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission are doing more than hoping; they are working to ensure a resilient and sustainable domestic water supply, even in emergencies, and to recover wastewater resources, such as recycling the water. Learn about their work in this City Club of Eugene podcast episode!

City Club of Eugene's speakers include Karen Kelley, EWEB's chief operations officer, and Todd Miller, deputy director of Springfield Environmental Services/Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission.

You may also watch the entire program, including slides, on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 3:48).

This program was recorded on Jan. 10, 2025.

Boosting Mental Health

What techniques are available to help students and adults stabilize and improve their mental health? Attune Ed, a program developed by Oregon Mind Body Institute, is teaching helpful ways to boost mental health.

City Club of Eugene's speakers include Lori Allen, PhD, executive director of Oregon Mind Body Institute; Daniel Gallo, MAT, educator; Ryan Kruse, Lane ESD Career Academy; and Maureen Linn Medici, field coordinator/bus supervisor, Salem-Keizer Public Schools.

This program was sponsored by the Oregon Community Foundation.

You may also watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 2:58).

This program was recorded on Jan. 3, 2025.

Gifts to the City

What present would you give to the City of Eugene? Thirteen people give their gifts in this City Club of Eugene podcast episode!

Speakers include Talicia Brown, Black Cultural Initiative; Chris and Kathy Calise, Eugene Foodies; Charlie Conrad, retiring state legislator; Kevin Cronin, Housing Oregon; Larissa Ennis; Glorious Gastropause and Holly GoSlugly, former SLUG Queens, Kris McAlister, Carry It Forward; Melissa Scholz, attorney; Denise Thomas, Let's Move Fitness; Chris Wig, Emergence Addiction and Behavioral Therapies; John Winquist, Eugene Parks Foundation. Dan Bryant emceed.

You may also watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 4:55).

This program was recorded on Dec 13, 2024.

 

Exit Interview with Mayor Vinis

After eight years as Eugene's mayor, Lucy Vinis is stepping down. City Club of Eugene invited her to reflect on her tenure as well as answer attendees' questions. Listen to her perspectives in this podcast episode.

You may also watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 7:13).

This program was recorded on Dec 6, 2024.