Transportation: River Road: Results, Reflections, and Next Steps – June 1st meeting

Posted on May 18, 2026 by Gary Haliski

Hello SSCO Neighbors,

BEST has spent the last eight months hearing from over 400 members of the community through surveys, interviews, a North Eugene High School classroom, and more. Before we formally report back to you and the community, including the City of Eugene and Lane Transit District, we’d love the opportunity to share these tentative results with you and listen to your reflections. 

Please join us: 
River Road: Results, Reflections, and Next Steps
June 1st, 7:00 PM
River Road Park District Annex
1055 River Road

This is part of a River Road Community Organization meeting but we will discuss both the Santa Clara and River Road neighborhoods. If you are unable to come in person there will be a hybrid option via Google Meets.

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Friends of HJ Andrews Experimental Forest

Posted on May 16, 2026 by Tim Foelker

This is a little far afield from Santa Clara, but everybody should know Brandi Ferguson, who spearheaded the Friends of Awbrey Park for over a decade. One of her new ventures is Friends of HJ Andrews Experimental Forest (up near Blue River, OR). This is an amazing protected area, a nearly-pristine research forest! It has a headquarters in need of stewardship that hosts forest researchers, educational projects, including international scientists every year during their active season. I attended the inaugural volunteer day and it was an opportunity worth the trip.

You’re invited to join the Friends of HJA for the 2nd volunteer day to help prep headquarters for the busy season. 

We accomplished a lot during our first work party and there is more good work to be done! 

For more details and to RSVP please click the link below.

You’re welcome to share this invite with others who care about HJA and might want to join. Bring a friend!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScwstqoJ2s8dcfUySicjeMlDAkGrnjoq-3nb3LoXxfBquDXJg/viewform?usp=publish-editor

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SCCO Meeting Recap: Watershed Bill of Rights and Emergency Preparedness

Posted on May 8, 2026 by Gary Haliski

A well-attended audience was treated to opposing views of the May ballot measure about the Watershed Bill of Rights. In addition, various groups representing different aspects of Emergency Preparedness shared vital information regarding how to prepare for various types of disasters. Wildfires, earthquakes, and more.

How would you do without water for drinking and flushing your toilets? Where would you go to get more water? What about food? How would you survive for weeks without electricity?

We apologize that some of the video is very difficult to hear, but we feel taking the time to view these videos is worth it:
Opposing Views on the Watershed Bill of Rights
Emergency Preparedness overviews

The audience listened to the short interviews and then went to the tables staffed by various experts.

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MAY 7 Emergency Preparedness Fair at SCCO meeting

Posted on May 3, 2026 by Gary Haliski

In the event of an emergency, you are the help until the help arrives.  That could be hours or days, depending on the type of emergency.  Are you ready to help yourself, your family, and your neighbors?  The Santa Clara Community Organization meeting will feature stations covering facets of preparedness, with tips and tricks to help attendees be more prepared.

The beginning of the meeting will feature a brief pro/con of the Watershed Bill of Rights on the May ballot and SCCO board elections. 
May Emergency Preparedness Fair and Santa Clara Community Meeting:
7-9 pm at Messiah Lutheran Church
3280 River Road
or virtually for the elections and ballot portion of the meeting at 
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/hjn-gwpb-zis
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 567-318-0185‬ PIN: ‪117 866 219‬#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/hjn-gwpb-zis?pin=2161285938745

Posted in Emergency Preparedness, Public Safety, SCCO Meetings | Leave a comment

15th Annual Awbrey Park Wildflower Celebration this Saturday- 11 am – 2 pm – FREE admission

Posted on April 30, 2026 by Gary Haliski

Don’t miss this Saturday’s big event at Awbrey Park at the corner of River Road and Spring Creek Drive.

Fun Activities
Wildflower Tours
A Treasure Hunt – Complete it and earn a free native plant while quantities last
Live Music – The Nostalgics; Tim Foelker
Food Trucks – King Whippy and Calle Steelo Taqueria Tacos will be back
Rock Painting

Community Booths:
The Friends of Awbrey Park
Parks and Open Spaces Department (City of Eugene)
Santa Clara Community Organization
Santa Clara Community Foundation
Lane County Master Gardener Mobile Clinic
River Road – Santa Clara Volunteer Library
Boy Scout Troop 182 & Irving Grange
CERT and EMCOMM (Community Emergency Response Team
and Emergency Communications
Friends of Trees
Citizens Climate Lobby

Bring a picnic. Play areas for toddlers through 12-year-olds.

Posted in Events, General Interest, Parks - Dog Parks, Parks and Natural Resources | Leave a comment