The City Club of Eugene Podcast

Students’ Perspectives on Oregon Education

Is Oregon's education system working for the students it serves? Do our future educators agree with the direction of the state's policies? To find out, City Club of Eugene sought the perspectives of University of Oregon students.

Speakers include Olga Burlay, Jonathan Moses, Ivan Moncure, Noah Thompson, and Ellie White.

Watch the entire episode on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 6:38).

This program was recorded on Nov. 17, 2023.

The Future of Bethel

Bethel is a community within the City of Eugene. In this podcast episode, City Club of Eugene looks at its past, present, and future.

Speakers include Pat Farr, Lane County Commissioner and Bethel resident; Tai Pruce-Zimmerman, co-chair of Active Bethel Citizens; and Kraig Sproles, superintendent of Bethel School District.

Watch the entire episode on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at :30).

This program was recorded on Dec. 1, 2023.

Recalls

#Recalls are an option for #voters, but is the process misused? When is it appropriate to organize a recall election?

Joshua Spivak, @recallelections, gives us the big picture; then listen to Michael Borke, who is leading the effort to recall three city councilors in Cottage Grove, Oregon.

Watch the entire episode on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 6:48).

This program was recorded on Nov. 3, 2023.

@PluribusNews @BerkeleyLaw #CaliforniaConstitutionCenter #ORpol

Dangers to Journalism

Attacks on journalists are attacks on democracy because the First Amendment protects the freedom of the press. In this City Club of Eugene program, three journalists explain what journalists are facing while reporting stories.

Peter Laufer is a journalist, journalism professor and author; Micah Loewinger is a reporter for WNYC's On The Media; and Camilla Mortensen is the editor of Eugene Weekly.

Watch the entire episode on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 9:31).

This program was recorded on Oct. 27, 2023.

Arts & Music Education

In Eugene, we have twice as many cultural activities than is typical for a city of our size. Still, we struggle to provide arts education and opportunities for our children. Ben Minnis, arts education program coordinator for Lane Arts Council, and Katy Vizdal, education and community engagement director for the Eugene Symphony, discuss the issues with Stacey Ray, executive director of Lane Arts Council.

Read a report about the economic impact of arts and culture in Eugene.

Watch the entire episode on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at :29).

This program was recorded on Oct. 20, 2023.

 

 

Outdoors: Good for You, Good for the Economy

Being outdoors is good for people and good for our economy. In this episode, City Club of Eugene looks at the positive impacts of Oregon's abundant nature.

Speakers include Daniella Crowder, owner and director of Mountain Bike Oregon; Ben Hansen, University of Oregon economics professor and outdoor enthusiast; Ariel Lissman, executive director of Eugene Parks Foundation; and Jared Tarr, volunteer and intern coordinator, Friends of Buford Park and Mt. Pisgah.

Watch the entire episode on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 5:30).

This program was recorded on Oct. 13, 2023.

 

 

Civil Liberties in a Blue State

1. Oregon is a so-called blue state, but does that mean residents don't have to worry about their civil liberties? City Club of Eugene asked three speakers to share their observations: Garrett Epps, professor of practice at the University of Oregon School of Law; Bethany Grace Howe, communications consultant and communications specialist for the Oregon Department of Human Services, plus Transhealth Data Collective and Transwers; Angela Ocana, acting director of the Eugene Public Library.

Watch the entire episode on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 4:04).

This program was recorded on Sept. 29, 2023.

 

Manufacturing

City Club of Eugene explored the state of manufacturing in Lane County with three speakers: Chris Dawson, CEO of Arcimoto; Courtney Griesel, Oregon community relations manager for Sierra Pacific Industries; and Avril Watt, general manager of Astec.

Watch the entire episode on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 7:13).

This program was recorded on Sept. 22, 2023.

Through the Eyes of A Child: Race, Culture, Ethnicity

"I do progressive work with children and remedial work with adults."

How do race, culture and ethnicity influence us, whether it is our own history or how we view others? Dr. Johnny Lake, diversity and equity administrator for 4J School District, uses his own experiences and those of the children he works with, to help us understand where we are and where we are going. He says, "I do progressive work with children and remedial work with adults."

Watch the entire episode on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 1:30).

This program was recorded on Sept. 8, 2023.

Foster Care

City Club of Eugene examines the state of foster care in Lane County during a time when the number of foster parent homes has decreased and child mental health issues have increased.

Speakers include Kendra Jones, executive director of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Lane County; Judge Valeri Love, Lane County Circuit Court; and Chuck Nyby, program manager of the Child Welfare Division of the Oregon Department of Human Services.

Watch the entire episode on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 2:56).

This program was recorded on Sept. 15, 2023.