The City Club of Eugene Podcast

Arts Economy

In Eugene, the arts contribute about $124 million to our economy, create 2,700 jobs and involve 3,800 volunteers. Read the full report on the positive impact of the arts and learn more by listening to our speakers:

Kelly Johnson, executive director of the Arts and Business Alliance of Eugene; Josh Neckels, executive director of Eugene Ballet; and Kari Westlund, president and CEO of Travel Lane County.

Watch the entire episode on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 8:31).

This program was recorded at Midtown Arts Center on Feb. 2, 2024.

 

Legislative Preview

Oregon's 2024 legislative short session starts soon, and Rep. Charlie Conrad (R) and Sen. Floyd Prozanski (D) gave City Club of Eugene attendees a preview. Learn about their goals for the session, how the legislative system works, and more!

Watch the entire episode on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 7:40).

This program was recorded on Jan. 26, 2024.

UO President Scholz

Karl Scholz PhD has been the University of Oregon's president for more than six months, and he came to City Club of Eugene this month to outline his first impressions and his goals.

Watch the entire episode on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (audio only; starts at 4:17).

This program was recorded on Jan. 19, 2024.

Measure 110 & Legislative Fixes

Oregon's legislature will meet in a short session in February, and a major topic will be Measure 110. It was passed in 2020 by a solid majority of Oregon voters and decriminalized most small-scale drug possession and encouraged treatment. However, perceived problems with Measure 110 may lead the legislature to make course corrections.

Learn more about possible legislative amendments to Measure 110 in this City Club of Eugene podcast episode. The speakers include: Dr. Camille Cioffi, a research scientist; Christopher Parosa, Lane County assistant district attorney; and Brittiny Raine, cofounder and co-executive director of Community Outreach through Racial Empowerment. 

Watch the entire episode on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 8:39).

This program was recorded on Jan. 5, 2024.

Gifts to the City 2023

In this City Club of Eugene podcast episode, nine area residents were asked to give gifts to the city of Eugene, and they responded with a wide range of presents!

Speakers included emcee Dan Bryant, who introduced Ibrahim Coulibaly, Ib Hamide, Slug Queen Jubilee Hedonisto, Alma Fumiko Hesus, DeLeesa Meashintubby, Melinda Preciado, Rabbi Ruhi Sophia Motzkin Rubenstein, Nick Sixkiller and Karrie Walters.

Watch the entire episode on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 6:35).

This program was recorded on Dec. 15, 2023.

Closure of Eugene’s Hospital

With PeaceHealth's closure of Eugene's only emergency department, City Club of Eugene takes a look at the impact of the closure and the steps to take to serve the city's residents.

Our speakers include Dana Petersen-Crabb, senior director of housing services, ShelterCare; Lynda Pond, ADN/RN, formerly with Oregon Nurses Association and a semi-retired former PeaceHealth employee; and Jocelyn Wensel, medical student and interim managing director and healthcare workforce development program manager for the NAACP.

Watch the entire episode on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at :27). Note that the video version has an audio echo but is available on our channel; this link has clean audio but no video.)

This program was recorded on Dec. 8, 2023.

 

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.