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Good evening,
The Eugene City Council today, in a unanimous vote, recommended that City Manager Sarah Medary turn off the Flock Safety license-plate reader system that has been deployed around town. The police have been using it to investigate crimes for months, but the system has come under public criticism. “This is the wrong tool at the wrong time,” said councilor Eliza Kashinsky, who made the initial motion to recommend disabling the cameras. Grace Chinowsky reports on today’s events.
In case you missed it earlier, Grace also put together an explainer piece about the Flock cameras and how they work. If you’d like more background on the whole situation, check it out.
As long as we are on the topic of police, the Springfield City Council has OK’d the purchase of a four-wheel-drive off-road armored vehicle known as a Lenco BearCat for $467,000. Springfield police say it’s for “high-risk” situations. Lillian Schrock-Clevenger reports.
Eugene Mission Executive Director Sheryl Balthrop plans to sit on a couch for 24 hours having conversations about homelessness with a variety of people, from policymakers, to advocates, to some who have been homeless themselves. The whole series of discussions will be livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook beginning at noon Thursday.
The supply of vaccines for flu, COVID-19 and RSV has been “disrupted” this fall by unclear guidance from federal health officials. Clinics run by Lane County Public Health are still waiting for their seasonal supply of shots. Ashli Blow explains.
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DAILY DIGEST
Eugene City Council recommends turning off Flock cameras
By Grace Chinowsky
Councilors on Wednesday unanimously voted to recommend that City Manager Sarah Medary turn off the city’s new license-plate reader cameras, citing a lack of trust in the company that operates them.
Springfield police will use federal forfeiture funds to buy armored vehicle
By Lillian Schrock-Clevenger
The Lenco BearCat off-road armored rescue vehicle costs $467,000. Springfield police say the vehicle will improve response times for high risk incidents such as active shooters and could be used during natural disaster rescues.
Eugene Mission to host 24-hour livestreamed conversation about homelessness
By Ben Botkin
The Eugene Mission’s executive director, Sheryl Balthrop, will sit on a bench and talk with community members about homelessness. The event, called “Conversations on a Bench,” is aimed at increasing understanding and dialogue about the challenges surrounding homelessness.
Flu shot supply ‘disrupted’ at Health Clinics of Lane County
By Ashli Blow
Federal delays and shifting guidance have slowed vaccine distribution, leaving the county-run clinics waiting for flu shots. Physicians are also still waiting for COVID-19 vaccines.
‘Voters face a clear choice … join me in voting yes to renew the Springfield fire levy’ | Letter to the editor
By Letters to the Editor
Enjoy your evening,
Bob
