Follow-up On Santa Clara Hate Crime

Posted on July 27, 2021 by Gary Haliski

After the paintball damage to their home, Xia Wang and Ben Christensen reached out to a number of social justice organizations, including SURJ (Standing Up for Racial Justice), CALC, (Community Alliance of Lane County), the Unitarian Universalist Church, and your own SCCO’s newly formed Bias Response Team.  The very same day the damage occurred, several dozen friends, neighbors, and concerned fellow citizens converged at Xia and Ben’s house, bringing items for cleanup, snacks, and flowers.  This lively and enthusiastic group worked at scrubbing the house and cars for several hours, and made good progress.  More cleanup and painting took place later. 

My take-away from this story is, given our nation’s current climate of anger and intolerance, we may not be able to prevent this kind of incident.  However, we all can make a difference by providing support afterwards.  Here is a tidbit from the Bystander/Upstander training that several of us from the SCCO Social Justice Committee attended:  If you witness an incident of harassment or aggression, the worst thing you can do is to ignore it.  That leaves the targeted person feeling isolated, which compounds the hurt.  It is important and helpful to approach the targeted person and offer support.  You can do this by saying something very simple, such as: “I noticed your lawn sign was defaced.  How are you feeling about that?”  Take time to listen to their feelings, then ask how you can help.  Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a whole neighborhood to create an atmosphere that is welcoming, where everyone feels they belong. 

The latest good news is that the help they received around the paintball damage has shifted Xia and Ben’s feelings about living in Santa Clara.  When I mentioned to Xia that I hoped she wouldn’t move away after being targeted repeatedly, she said they will stay because of the overwhelming support they have received.  In conclusion, this kind of neighbor-to-neighbor support can make a big difference, and it’s something we all can do. 

Martha Johnson
SCCO Social Justice Committee and Bias Response Tea

Mural for Xia and Ben
Photo from Double Sided Media. Click photo to see article by Mary Bell and Jams Croxton
Posted in Diversity, Social Justice | Leave a comment

Schedule for FOOD for Lane County summer food programs

Posted on July 23, 2021 by Gary Haliski

We’ve been asked to share the following information. For more information, go to https://foodforlanecounty.org/find-a-food-pantry/

Food Pantry Schedule
Food Pantry Schedule

For more information, go to https://foodforlanecounty.org/find-a-food-pantry/

Posted in General Interest, Houseless & Rest Stops, Social Justice | Leave a comment

Local Evacuation Zones—Levels of Evacuation Information

Posted on July 23, 2021 by Tim Foelker

Hello neighbors,

The Lane County, the City of Eugene, and the City of Springfield Emergency Management Teams have shared this update:

“In our continued effort to enhance the safety of our communities, Eugene Springfield Fire has developed Evacuation Zones to be used in case of an emergency (i.e. severe weather event, wildfire, flooding, etc.) requiring evacuation. The Evacuations Zones allow community members, emergency services, emergency managers, and 9-1-1 to be on the same page when initiating a mass evacuation due to an emergency.”

Visit https://www.eugene-or.gov/4732/Emergency-Evacuation-Zones for an interactive map to find your Evacuation Zone and more information. 

The Santa Clara neighborhood falls mostly within Zones 13 (East of River Rd.) and 20 (West of R.R.). 

Notice that there are no public assembly points identified within the Northwest Eugene area.

LEVEL 1 – BE READY: You should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media for information. This is the time for preparation and the precautionary movement of people with special needs, mobile property and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system.

LEVEL 2 – BE SET: You must be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. This level indicates there is a significant danger to your area. You should either voluntarily relocate outside of the affected area or, if choosing to remain, be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. You may have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at your own risk.

LEVEL 3 – GO: Leave immediately. Danger to your area is current or imminent and you should evacuate immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be able to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home. This will be the last notice you receive. Entry into evacuated areas may be denied until conditions are safe.

Please see the attached pdf for the Levels of Evacuation and how to prepare for each stage:

Levels_of_Evacuation_Lane_CountyDownload

— 
Thanks to Jacque Wurster of the
River Road Community Organization Emergency Preparedness Team for forwarding this message.
emergencyprep@riverroadco.org
RRCO Emergency Preparedness Team YouTube Channel
RRCO Emergency Preparedness Team Facebook Group

July Preparedness Tip – Write down a list of your medications and keep it with your important paperwork. Start planning out how you can acquire a 2+ week supply to keep at home. Ask your doctor to help coordinate the refills and check with your insurance company to request periodic early refills.

Posted in Emergency Preparedness, General Interest, Government, Public Safety | 1 Comment

Free Bus Pass – VAXPass From LTD (August)

Posted on July 22, 2021 by Gary Haliski

In August, Lane Transit District (LTD) is offering the community a boost with the Vaxpass free bus pass for those who are vaccinated against COVID-19. Federal regulations require all passengers and members of the public to continue wearing a face mask over the nose and mouth when on LTD property and on its buses.

Register Today>>

LTD vaccination pass

Also, LTD us switching their phone app to an app named Umo. Find information here.

Posted in Environment-Recycling, LTD Mass Transit, Transportation | Leave a comment

Over 30 People show up to support Hate Crime Victims in Santa Clara

Posted on July 21, 2021 by Gary Haliski

Last Friday, a vehicle drove by Xia Wang’s and Ben Christensen’s home in Santa Clara shooting almost 30 paintballs at their house and cars. An excellent article by Mary Bell and James Croxton of Double Sided Media describes the entire incident and three previous occurrences at the same house.

The SCCO rejects hatred, bigotry, and vulgarity in all forms. Members of the SCCO Bias Response Team, along with twenty five of Xia and Ben’s friends showed up to clean and offer support.

If you would like to join the SCCO Bias Response Team please email sjc@santaclaracommunity.org . If another incident occurs in Santa Clara, you will be emailed about any actions that might be taken, such as helping clean up or showing support. The goal is to increase the Response Team to at least 30 members, knowing not everyone can help on short notice.

Xia and Ben are planning a community building project – a mural on their property. They hope to start this Sunday or Monday, just a little over a week after being targeted.

Paintball attack on Santa Clara house that had a Black LIves Matters sign in the front yard.
Photo by Mary Bell//Double Sided Media. Click on photo to go to entire article.
Posted in Diversity, Events, Public Safety, Social Justice | Leave a comment