3 dozen affiliated with the Gang Sur 13 in Springfield

Registerguard--

A meeting called by Mark Molina, a member of the city's police planning task force, with 30 attendees met Tuesday to begin discussion. Attendees included police officers; school officials and youth outreach program representatives to discuss youth gangs in Springfield.

"Whether or not anyone knows about it, (gang activity) is real," Molina told the group, which gathered in a meeting room at the Springfield School District's administration building.

Police agree, stating that they identified more than three dozen people in Springfield affiliated with the Sur 13 gang [definition]-- out of California.
Some of the attendees talked about why youth become involved in gangs in the first place, others feel that offering teens constructive activities is the answer.
and why not... the DA advertises in the paper what crimes it will not prosecute and the government refuses to prosecute people who violate federal laws... who wouldn't think that gangs would form and run rapid?

LCC President Mary Spilde worries that residents no longer have a favorable view of LCC...

Registerguard--

LCC which recently lost its levy by just over 70,000 (57%) voters voting no on their ballots which would raise over $1 million a year for the next five years. "Everyone was surprised," said LCC President Mary Spilde

Spilde worries that residents no longer have as favorable a view of LCC as they once had.

No sh*t

Some people are theorizing that the reason for the no vote is because they were unaware that LCC was on their ballot until they filled it out.

"We will need to redouble our efforts in the community to tell our story and why the college so important, especially in this economy when we need people who are trained for the jobs we have," Spilde said. "We know we have a lot of friends, and we need to ask them to help us tell our story."

I have never seen this one before

City of Eugene jobs listing--

I was doing my weekly job search on the Internet and I came across this notice…

Application Systems Analyst 2

JOB NOTICE:
THIS NOTICE IS BEING PROVIDED AS A RESULT OF, AND IN CONNECTION WITH, THE FILING OF A PERMANENT ALIEN LABOR CERTIFICATION APPLICATION FOR THE JOB OPPORTUNITY IDENTIFIED BELOW. ANY PERSON MAY PROVIDE DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE BEARING ON THE APPLICATION TO CERTIFYING OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.

The definition of a permanent labor certification is that it is a certification issued by the Department of Labor (DOL) that allows an employer to hire a foreign worker to work permanently in the US.

It sounds like someone applied for this job, however that being the case, then why would a posting like this have to be made?

It just seems weird.

the million-dollar bus hits the road

Registerguard--

it's here. "You see before you the future," declared Peter Defazio who had the honor of driving the first EmX bus into LTDs Eugene Station. This was the first of five 60 foot diesel electric buses in the EmX fleet that will debut in mid-January for the Franklin Eugene to Springfield route.

The buses with carry a $960,000 price tag can accommodate 100 riders (44 sitting) and include spaces for two wheelchair users and three bicycle-toting riders.

The Franklin Blvd. route cost an estimated $29 million and phase 2, the Pioneer Parkway route will cost an estimated $39 million.

LTD board member Gerry Gaydos, also sought to check expectations, remarking that the "full promise" of rapid-transit buses won't be realized until the entire network is in place. LTD plans to build the second EmX leg along Springfield's Pioneer Parkway, and is eyeing Eugene's West 11th Avenue corridor for its third leg.

if you do the math is over $1 billion

Peter Defazio said that rabid buses are perfect for communities "it are big enough for light rail." And he predicts that the EmX will result in "more ridership, more efficiency and more livable future."

but who pays for this? Where's the money coming from for these new Cadillacs of buses? Federal grants? (our tax money) And did you know that employers and people who are self-employed pay a yearly LTD tax to help support this system?

Personally, I still feel that there's a better solution, especially for the amount of funds that are being spent on this project. Money could have been better spent on public safety, schools, road repair and with cheaper and smaller diesel electric buses that do not require a special roadway, could cover more territory, hire more people, transport more people, the more flexible in the routes and cost less than one third for what they're paying for this limited bus system while accomplishing the same goals.

I also question the capacity claims of these buses. 100 passengers, 44 sitting...e.g. they are considering requiring seat belts for school buses, however will that exclude public transportation?

We Are Not Afraid of Christmas Anymore...

USA Today--

Christmas is the time when we celebrate the birth of Christ. This is a holiday that has been around for generations, however, a holiday that seems to be rapidly dying off because of the "politically correct" crowd. However, as many retailers have been taking heat for trying not to offend anyone by substituting "Holiday" for "Christmas". Such as the "Holiday tree" versus "the Christmas tree."
Wal-Mart on the other hand, is taking a different approach this year.

"We, quite frankly, have learned a lesson from last year," says Wal-Mart spokeswoman Linda Blakley. [Referring to be outrage and boycotts of last year [lifesite]-- ] "We're not afraid to use the term 'Merry Christmas.' We'll use it early, and we'll use it often

This decision was met with applause when Wal-Mart informed its 7000 associates of it's plans at a conference last month.

Lane Community College measure 20-120 failed

The voters decided to vote no on Lane Committee Colleges five-year levy 20-120 by 56% no, 42% yes. Lane County Oregon--
While I was glad to see that the measure did not pass and I will admit that I do have a dog in this fight, plus I have already contributed thousands of dollars in tuition fees, I really do feel sorry for the good instructors and programs that risk losing their jobs due to cutbacks.

From a consumer [student] standpoint and recent graduate of Lane community college who along with seven other students from my class feel that we did not receive the value of education nor did the program meet our expectations for the amount of money that we paid for our education.

Lane Co. Income tax fails; what's next?

KMTR--

The voters said no to measure 20-114 by 51% yes to 49% no. Commissioner Bobby Green says he hopes the people who voted against the measure will help solve the root problems that cause crime in Lane County...

"Unless we start to address the systemic issues around poverty, which is a lot of indicators around drug activities, crime ... and those who have chosen not to vote in favor of it, I take the position that's OK, too. But I hope they help us solve the problem," Green said Tuesday night.

Although there is no plan "B", District Attorney Doug Harcleroad [the same people who advertised which crimes they will not prosecute] says Lane County leaders will meet in early December to decide which public safety services to cut.

In a related article[link]-- if measure 20-114 is not approve, "the commissioners retain the authority to impose an income tax without restrictions as to the rate or purpose, but subject to possible referendum vote."

Ted Tax-and-gouge-me is back in for round two

It was either name recognition or people bought the sound bites during the commercials why they chose to reelect Kulongoski.

In either case, one thing you can be assured of is that the ODOT GPS mileage fee will still be on track to go into effect within the next couple years.

Computer down again

Sorry folks,
the computer died over the weekend and has to have a fresh install.
should be up again later this week.

Robin

a federal judge on Tuesday blocked the city of Hazelton from enforcing an ordinance targeting illegal immigrants

MSNBC--

Allentown Pennsylvania -- a pair of artists is targeting the illegal immigrants was blocked by a federal judge on Tuesday over two ordinances passed by the city of Hazelton just hours before the measures were to go into effect..

The measures, proved by the city Council would have imposed fines on landlords who rent to illegal immigrants and denied business permits to come these that gave them jobs.

US District Judge James Munley ruled that the ordinance would create "irreparable harm" and issued a temporary restraining order blocking their enforcement. "We find it in the public interest to protect residents access to homes, education, jobs and businesses," he wrote in a 13 page opinion.

The ACLU and Hispanic groups sued Hazelton on Monday, contending that the law violates the Constitution because they trample on the federal government exclusive power to regulate immigration.

The judge's restraining order expires November 14, 2006.

Hat tip to Laura for the article