The City Club of Eugene Podcast

In this September 2022 program, we hear from West Lane County commissioner candidate Dawn Lesley. Unfortunately, her opponent in the general election, Ryan Ceniga, declined to participate. KLCC's Brian Bull moderated the discussion. Watch this episode, including Q&As, on City Club of Eugene's YouTube  channel. (This episode was broadcast on September 16, 2022)  

What's coming in Oregon's 2022 general election? Speaker Rick Metsger, a political veteran, gives us his best guesses about what could be the statewide and national outcome of this fall's elections as well as what's changed in running for office and gaining voters' support.  Watch this episode, including Q&As, on City Club of Eugene's YouTube  channel or on our  Facebook  page. (This episode was b...

Should three dams on the lower Snake River be removed to help salmon survive? The Northwest dam system generates 40% of America's hydropower; conversely, the Snake is the largest source of our salmon. Is it possible that a solution exists to serve the fish and industry/agriculture? This episode of the City Club of Eugene podcast examines the issues and potential solutions. Speakers include: Nancy...

In 2021,Oregon legislators passed a law requiring oversight of certain hospital mergers and acquisitions. What will this oversight mean for Oregonians seeking health care? Will mergers decrease competition or address the reality of failing systems? Speakers in this episode include Gary Bruce, attorney with Schwabe, Williamson and Wyatt; Kraig Delana, assistant professor at the University of Oregon...

Community colleges have a vital role in educating residents, but that role has been evolving. Dr. Margaret Hamilton, retiring president of Lane Community College, spoke to City Club of Eugene about the changes students are demanding, how community colleges are funded, who enrolls in these schools of higher education, and how to avoid the ebb and flow of demand for courses. Watch this episode, incl...

Newspapers are struggling for readership and profitability. Yet, Americans have entrusted journalism with a role in holding government accountable and providing reliable information. In this episode, City Club of Eugene invited the perspectives of three speakers: George Custer, interim editor of the Highway 58 Herald in Oakridge; Steve Forrester, CEO of the EO Media Group ; and Jackman Wilson, fre...

Eugene, Oregon is nicknamed Track Town USA because of its many running and field events. The town honors the legacy of Steve Prefontaine, past and present coaches, and the many track and field athletes - and ordinary runners - who participate. Discussing the magic prior to Oregon 22 are: Ian Dobson, former Olympian, race director for Eugene Marathon and organizer of the World Athletics Championshi...

In this episode, learn more about why Russia launched a war against Ukraine, the international impact of the war. and what may come next. Our speakers include Keith Eddins, retired diplomat and adjunct professor at the University of Oregon; Julie Hessler, associate professor of history (Soviet Union specialty) at the University of Oregon; and Christoph Rass, professor of modern history and histori...

This program outlines what happens when a refugee reaches Lane County, Oregon. You'll learn about the resettlement efforts, the steps an asylee must take to be a permanent resident, and the experiences of three refugees. Our main speaker is Christine Zeller-Powell, a lawyer with Catholic Community Services, which provides refugee resettlement in our area. You'll also hear from speakers from Afghan...

How did the Eugene Public Library survive the pandemic? What lessons did the library staff learn? What has changed, and what is planned for the future? Will O'Hearn, director of the library, and Angela Ocaῆa, community services manager at the library, share their experiences during the pandemic and their vision for the library's future. Watch this episode, including Q&As, on City Club of Eugene’s...

City Club of Eugene's annual meeting honored outgoing and incoming officers plus winners of the Turtle Awards and Order of the Turtle designations. Listen to the 2022 stories of Lisa Arkin and Eric Richardson, activists and community-minded Turtles. In addition, we recognized Norton Cabell and Sally Sheklow. The full list of all honorees since the awards began is at https://cityclubofeugene.org/tu...

Four undergraduate women from the University of Oregon explain their #research projects in this annual celebration of research at the college level. Our speakers include Sanjana Basak from the #EmbodyLab at the @UOKnightCampus, explaining her research on ophthalmic biochemistry; Karly Fear, discussing ways to improve bone fracture healing; Audra McNamee, @UOComputerInformationScience, talking abou...

Work, jobs and the labor force have changed. "The Great Stagnation," also called "The Great Resignation," means employers scramble to find employees and keep them. What caused the shift? Sarita Gupta, vice president of U.S. Programs for the Ford Foundation, speaks to City Club of Eugene about policies, workers' rights and other elements that have affected the labor market. Gupta is the 2021-22 Way...

As prospective tenants race to rent in the Eugene area, they face a limited supply of housing, high rents, multiple deposits and a competitive market. Owners of rentals have issues, too, such as costs, maintenance and repair, tenants leaving without notice, evictions and regulations. How can tenants find and maintain good housing with no surprises? How can owners lessen their risks and find good m...

How has Oregon's recent redistricting changed voters' representation? Has redistricting eliminated gerrymandering or added to it? Jim Moore, political science professor at Pacific University and a keen observer of Oregon politics, explains how redistricting occurs and the impacts of the legislature's recent redrawing of electoral maps. Watch this episode, including Q&As, on City Club of Eugene’s Y...

Did the pandemic create adult mental health crises or sharpen our awareness of them or both? What can be done to respond? In this City Club of Eugene podcast episode, three speakers explain what's going on and what can be done to help people. The speakers are Bridget Byfield, Community Resilience Project ; Dan Isaacson, co-chair of the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Lane County; and Maureen Zalew...

A BIPOC patient or physician will experience racism in the medical profession, according to the speakers in this podcast episode. "Racism in Medicine" looks at the issue from both sides of the exam room. Speakers include Siobhan Cancél (patient perspective); Christal Crooks, M.D., with Oregon Medical Group; and Derick DuVivier, M.D., Oregon Health Sciences University's VP for Diversity, Equity and...

Our children have been deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as shown by the increased reports of anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. City Club of Eugene brought together three experts to address aspects of this concerning issue. Our speakers include Dr. Beth Stormshak, head of the Counseling Psychology & Human Services Department, University of Oregon; Ellen Thornton-Love, LCSW, clinic...

If agencies working on sheltering the homeless could coordinate and collaborate, would it result in better or faster permanent housing? City Club of Eugene examines how local nonprofits are teaming their resources on this issue. Speakers include Debi Farr, manager of community relations at Trillium Health Plan; Jacob Fox, executive director of Homes For Good; Michelle Hankes, CEO of ShelterCare; a...

The University of Oregon is committed to teaching, research and service. How did it fare during the first two years of the pandemic? What lessons is it applying to its operations and mission? Dr. Michael Schill, president, gives us his update and perspective on the university's "new normal." Watch this episode on City Club of Eugene’s YouTube  or  Facebook  channels. (This episode was broadcast on...

What are our youth learning about climate change? A group of local high school students and their teachers talk about their awakening to the issue, the education they are receiving on the topic, and their suggestions for combatting environmental damage caused by the changing climate. Note: We apologize for the poor sound quality. Watch this episode on City Club of Eugene’s YouTube  or  Facebook  c...

If you were asked to give a gift to Eugene, what would it be? In a City Club of Eugene tradition, 10 people offer their presents. Gift givers include Dr. Silky J. Booker, Gabe Casteel, Karin Clarke, Aisha Elliott, Holly Go Slugly (Debbie Williamson-Smith), Roger Jensen, Ryan Moore, Lyllye Reynolds-Parker, Sandra Shotridge and Beth Stein. Dan Bryant is the moderator. Watch this episode on City Club...

Oregon's voters chose to add minimum mandatory sentences for certain crimes. Measure 11 has been in effective for nearly 30 years. Does it deter crime? Does it give too much authority to prosecutors, not judges? Over the years, Measure 11 has been modified by the legislature. Should it be amended again or should it be narrowed to apply only to those found guilty of murder? City Club of Eugene aske...

Recovery from the pandemic-induced recession has been hampered by the difficulty in finding workers. The speakers in this City Club of Eugene podcast episode look at the labor shortage from different perspectives. Henry Fields is the workforce analyst/economist for Lane and Douglas counties for the Oregon Employment Department. Kristina Payne is executive director of Lane Workforce Partnership. Le...

Days before this program, a young man was arrested in Lane County for an alleged hate crime against a gay man. Eugene has a robust reporting system, which means residents can learn more about the prevalence about this crime than they might if they lived in other areas. But what is the origin of hate crimes? How do we make them rare? We'll hear from Fabio Andrade, civil rights and equity analyst fo...