Occupy Eugene Responds Effectively to Crisis

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November 19, 2011, Eugene-Saturday at the Occupy Eugene camp at Washington Jefferson Park, a medical emergency occurred involving the Eugene Police Department and paramedics.

A man in his early 30’s overdosed from heroin around 4pm. Occupy protesters in camp immediately called 9-1-1 and came together to provide support. Luckily among the occupiers were a licensed nurse and doctor who responded to the scene immediately and gave the man CPR before the arrival of paramedics. After medics arrived on scene the man was stabilized and was seen sitting up and talking. An Occupy protester took the man to the hospital after medics left.

Protesters applauded the paramedics and police as they left the scene and thanked them for their assistance.

Due to the Occupy camp’s presence the situation was reacted to quickly and effectively with volunteer medical professionals on site when the overdose occurred, an immediate call placed to 9-1-1 and follow through medical assistance.

One Occupier in the camp was in a Communications Committee meeting when shouts for medical help were echoed. “Issues with homelessness and addiction have been happening in Washington Jefferson Park long before the occupation set up camp,” says Lauren Asprooth of Eugene. “But now that we are here, we can bring light to the issues and come together as a community to help when they do occur.”

Occupy Eugene continues to work with the City of Eugene Police Department to ensure the health and safety of the camp and the surrounding community.

Bruce Beasley’s ‘Big Red’ Becomes Willing Participant of Occupy Eugene

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Bruce Beasley’s ‘Big Red’ Becomes Willing Participant of Occupy Eugene

Bruce Beasley’s “Big Red,” the abstract steel sculpture which has sat in Washington-Jefferson Park between Sixth and Seventh Avenues since 1974, is a special feature of the City of Eugene’s landscape as well as the community’s culture. So while Occupy Eugene readied itself for the move from the Millrace to Washington-Jefferson Park, many of the activists understood the need to be proactive in paying respect to the landmark.

Martin Truther, an Occupy Eugene participant, took the initiative to write Beasley to ask if Big Red could become a pillar of the community, both metaphorically and literally, as Occupy Eugene’s Engineering Committee had tossed around ideas of using Big Red’s central spire to support a tarpaulin. Truther explained how Occupy Eugene planned to protect the sculpture from damage using carpet and recycled tires to act as a buffer.

Occupy Eugene was delighted when they received a response from Beasley that he was “pleased and honored to have Big Red be a part of [Occupy Eugene].” He added that it would be all the better “if she acts as some kind of guardian angel,” and that photos and videos of Big Red’s participation in Occupy Eugene would be much appreciated. Truther was even invited to Beasley’s sculpture garden in Oakland, CA, and the two were able to meet this past weekend to discuss everything from Big Red’s role in Occupy Eugene, to the state of Occupy Oakland in marked contrast to Occupy Eugene, as well as some of Beasley’s own history in social activism. “He’s an inspiring guy,” says Truther of Beasley.

So far, plans to integrate Big Red into the structure of the camp have been unnecessary, but the sculpture is a main focal point in the occupation and one that is regarded with much adoration and appreciation by the occupiers. A few days ago a sign sitting next to the sculpture read: “I’m With Them.” Occupy Eugene was also careful to build the occupation in such a way that the rest of the Eugene community’s view of Big Red isn’t obstructed.

With Bruce Beasley and Big Red’s enthusiastic participation, gracious cooperation from the Eugene Police Department, and the City Council’s decision on November 9 to exempt Occupy Eugene from a camping ban in Washington-Jefferson Park, Occupy Eugene is continually humbled by the amount of support the community has shown. Occupy Eugene and the broader Eugene community have created a model for a cooperative, productive relationship that can be used by other cities and occupations around the country, something the entire community can be proud of.

Day of Rage Against Wall Street

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“The people have grown weary of their corporate shackles, the greed of Wall Street having left them with nothing to lose, but their chains. From Cairo to Iran, London to Tunisia and Syria to Greece, this is our day of rage.” —Anonymous

Occupy Eugene’s big day is almost upon us. Tomorrow, October 15, 2011, Occupy Eugene will gather in solidarity with the nationwide Occupy movement to protest corporate greed and the politicians who enable it. Occupy Eugene will march through the streets to proudly display our support of a movement that has shaken up an entire country, brought national attention to urgent issues that affect everyday people, and provided a new sense of hope to countless Americans. We will demonstrate to our entire community that true democracy is still alive and well.

Protesters will meet at 2 p.m. in the Wayne Morse Free Speech Plaza (8th & Oak) to rally. From 2-4 p.m., there will be speakers addressing the crowd and sign-making. Occupy Eugene asks that protesters bring banners and any needed supplies for the occupation. They should come prepared to occupy after the demonstration and march. Protesters are also encouraged to wear suits and masks in mockery of Wall Street. At 4 p.m., the “Day of Rage Against Wall Street March” commences.

The march route is as follows: From Freedom Plaza north to 7th St., east to High St., north to 4th St., east to EWEB, continue on bike path to E. Ferry Street Bridge sidewalk. Exit Ferry Street Bridge and follow Club Road NW in a loop, pass beneath overpass and take bike path up and across W. Ferry Street Bridge sidewalk, continue west on 6th St. along path by St. Vincent De Paul, south on Willamette crossing 6th, west on 7th St., south on Oak crossing 7th. A map of the march route can be found below. (Note: for those concerned about the safety of crossing the train tracks, we will be monitoring the trains and have the option of taking the foot bridge along Coburg road to 4th Avenue, and then continuing on the proposed route).

The march will conclude at Wayne Morse Free Speech Plaza between 5:30-6 p.m. Upon returning, the occupation site will be announced and the Occupation of Eugene begins.

Occupy Eugene has been working tirelessly for the past few weeks to organize and make this event possible. The dedication and attention to detail coming from this group is nothing short of impressive, and committees ranging from First Aid to Sanitation to a Legal Team have been assembled. We hope you will join us for this groundbreaking event.

Day of Rage Against Wall Street March, Eugene OR

Day of Rage Against Wall Street March Route