10-5-20 Emerald Media - Monday Edition

PET FLEEING Emerald Media

FIRES FIND

OCT. 5, 2020

Monday Edition

TEMPORARY HOMES

NEWS: UO FACILITIES NAVIGATE COVID-19 P. 3

A&C: BACK TO SCHOOL: ROOMMATE ADVICE P. 6

OPINION: OWNING A PET AS A STUDENT P. 7

M O N D AY, O C T O B E R 5 , 2 0 2 0

|

EMERALD

|

PA G E 1

RE- GAME. PRE- ROLL. PREPARE.

UST JUSTDOOBIE DOOBIE PRE- GAME. PRE- ROLL. PREPARE.

WELCOME BACK STUDENTS!

We have great items at low prices!

PRE- GAME. PRE-ROLL. PREPARE. 1553 Oak Street Eugene, Oregon 97401 • (541) 345-8904 • KeepEugeneGreen.org @thegreenersideeug @TheGreenerSide

JUST DOOBIE Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. For use only by adults twenty-one years of age and older. Keep out of the reach of children.

treet Eugene,EVERYDAY Oregon 97401 • (541) -345-8904 10:00AM 9:00PM• KeepEugeneGreen.org @TheGreenerSide CALL@thegreenersideeug FOR DELIVERY OR CURB-SIDE PICK-UP EUGENE STORE ONLY

4 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU!

Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. For use only by adults twenty-one years of age and older. Keep out of the reach of children.

1553 Oak Street Eugene, Oregon 9701 (541) 345-8904 • KeepEugeneGreen.org

199 Q St. Springfield

541-746-7784

3 Oak Street Eugene, Oregon 97401 • (541) 345-8904 • KeepEugeneGreen.org @thegreenersideeug @TheGreenerSide Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. For use only by adults twenty-one years of age and older. Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. For use only by adults twenty-one years of age and older. Keep out of the reach of children.

(lots of clothes, furniture, housewares) 705 S. Seneca

345-8036

(lots of clothes, misc. household items)

ORDER TODAY! at dailyemerald.com/haywardbook New coffee table book celebrates Hayward Field’s Legends and Legacy Wonderfully written • Image rich • 140 pages, hardcover

For more information, call the Emerald at 541-346-5511, ext. 302, or email kcarbone@dailyemerald.com.

PA G E 2

|

EMERALD

|

M O N D AY, O C T O B E R 5 , 2 0 2 0

(clothes, furniture, books, beds, appliances & housewares) 1175 Hwy 99 N

607-4541

(our huge car lot)

115 W. Broadway | Jamesonbareugene.com

HAPPY HOUR ALL DAY PBR Micro Well Drinks

$3.25 $5.00 $5.00

2 Outdoor Patios Smoking Patio 4 Pool Tables

Open

2:00 pm - 10:00 pm 1395 University St. #302, Eugene, OR 97403

762-7837

Oo2-p10ePnM

LIMITED Y T QUANTI LE! B A L AVAI

ONLY $ 39.95

201 Division Ave.

(541)683-3154

NEWS

VOL. 122, ISSUE NO. 14

GET IN TOUCH

EMERALD MEDIA GROUP 1395 UNIVERSITY ST., #302 EUGENE, OR 97403 541.346.5511

NEWSROOM EDITOR IN CHIEF

Ryan Nguyen

UNIVERSITY FACILITIES NAVIGATE COVID-19 A TIMELINE

BY BRUNO CROLLA

MANAGING EDITOR

Francis O’Leary SOCIAL MEDIA AND ENGAGEMENT EDITOR

Jordan McMinn NEWS EDITORS

Jack Forrest Duncan Baumgarten Ardeshir Tabrizian A&C EDITOR

Sarah-Mae McCullough SPORTS EDITOR

Gabriel Ornelas PHOTO EDITOR

Maddie Knight DESIGN EDITOR

Kira Chan COPY CHIEF

Sophia Edelblute Capps MULTIMEDIA EDITORS

Meaghan FitzPatrick Sarah Miller

BUSINESS PUBLISHER & PRESIDENT

Bill Kunerth X317

bkunerth@dailyemerald.com VP OPERATIONS

Kathy Carbone X302

kcarbone@dailyemerald.com DIRECTOR OF SALES & DIGITAL MARKETING

Shelly Rondestvedt X303

srondestvedt@dailyemerald.com CREATIVE & TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Sam Rudkin X327

creative@dailyemerald.com STUDENT SALES MANAGER

Stella Kalomiris

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Emma Swanson Fritz Hergenhan Patrick McCumber Lily Teague Amy Menendez

THE DAILY EMERALD

The Daily Emerald is published

by Emerald Media Group, Inc., the independent nonprofit media company at the University of Oregon. Formerly the Oregon Daily Emerald, the news organization was founded in 1900.

ON THE COVER

Before the pandemic, this is a typical office where therapy sessions would be held.

Because of the restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ways in which mental health services are provided have changed signifigantly.

(Will Geschke/Emerald)

Around OR REGIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Students walk throughout campus wearing masks as protection from COVID-19 on Sept. 23, 2020.

The University of Oregon implemented new rules and regulations, such as wearing masks on campus grounds, for further protection for the University of Oregon community. (Maddie Knight/Emerald)

Editor’s note: For this story, the Emerald interviewed staff of the Rec anonymously. This interview was conducted anonymously because the Employee Assistance Program at UO instructs REC staff to direct all media questions to their supervisors. In this article, the anonymous REC staff member is referred to as xxx.

Six months ago, the University of Oregon campus entered quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With this quarantine came the shutdown of many amenities around UO that had become staples in the lives of attending students. Places like the Erd Memorial Union, the Student Recreation Center and the Knight Library all adapted to a new way of life during a global pandemic.

In the past six months, many campus facilities have made progress in reopening.

While some initially did not have any remote options, many were able to adapt to the sudden shift from in-person events and activities to virtual experiences. Particular facilities that had provided essential services to students also adapted the way they operated.

Spring 2020 “I realized I wasn’t going to be working with the Rec when they started talking about finals being online,” xxx, staff member at the Rec center said. “That’s when I was like, ‘Something is going to happen.’”

The Rec center closed a week before spring break in March 2020 along with the Knight Library and a large portion of the EMU. In the EMU, some essential operations continued.

EMU Director Laurie Woodward said the ID card station stayed open throughout quarantine because it was consideredviewed as an essential service for students.

“One of our food vendors also wanted to stay open, so we kept Chipotle open the entire time,” Woodward said. “They wanted to be there doing takeout food.”

Although most of the EMU’s facilities were closed, a few program centers made the pivot to online in a matter of weeks. Only two weeks after closing, the crafts center in the EMU began hosting virtual workshops while the Center for Student Engagement hosted trivia tournaments online, according to Woodward. During this time, 80% of EMU staff were furloughed due to the closures.

The Knight Library operated their Knight Pickup Window with reduced hours during quarantine, which allowed students to pick up requested materials that they needed from the library. Book chutes were also available for

students to return any library materials they had checked out during or before the quarantine, according to the Knight Library website.

During spring term of 2020 all classes that were normally held in the Rec took place online.

All other facilities within the REC were closed throughout the summer.

Summer 2020 As the summer went on, the EMU began to open spaces for students to study. Following the guidance of the university’s incident management team, the EMU began letting students use the study areas as access to WiFi became an essential need to complete courses online.

The EMU followed the state’s reopening guidance for universities, restaurants and malls in order to configure the best way to go about opening more of their facilities. During this time, many staff members were able to resume their positions.

Around mid-summer, Rec Center employees were told that the building was planned to open in the fall.

“Things were very uncertain until we got any confirmation later in the summer,” xxx said. “My department was lucky because my boss was good at communicating with us.”

DEFAZIO MEETS WITH FEMA ADMINISTRATOR ABOUT WILDFIRE RELIEF: On Saturday, Congressman Peter DeFazio met with FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor, UO Chief Resilience Officer André Le Duc and United Way. They discussed long-term housing for those displaced by recent wildfires, rebuilding efforts and cleanup of toxic material before it enters the McKenzie River. Raynor will stay in the area for two days to assess the damage and determine how to best use the $14 million disaster fund.

– JACK FORREST OREGON FOOTBALL OPENS UP SEASON AT AUTZEN STADIUM: Third time’s a charm for Oregon football. After announcing two schedules for a 2020 season, and both getting canceled, the Pac-12 announced that Oregon will open its season against Stanford on Saturday, Nov. 7. Fans won’t be allowed into the stadium but will be able to watch from the comforts of their homes or favorite bar.

– GABRIEL ORNELAS

Fall 2020 As the university enters fall term, many of the facilities are now reopened for student use. The EMU began setting out plans to reopen the rest of its facilities in accordance with the guidelines of both the governor and the university’s incident management team. All furloughed workers have returned to their positions, according to Woodward.

“What we are trying to do is a combination of virtual and in-person activities along with providing what we can for students.” Woodward said.

While most of the Rec has reopened to students and members, xxx expressed concern about the policies in place.

“I was told that it is Rec policy to allow people without masks in even if they don’t have doctor’s notes, and they’re just going to be written up,” said xxx Lane County and the University of Oregon are currently on high alert for COVID-19 cases. It was recently reported that the zip code 97401, which many UO students reside in, had the largest number of new COVID cases in Oregon.

(DL Young/Emerald)

PHOTOS SHOT DURING THE WILDFIRES: As the Echo Mountain fire shrouded parts of Oregon in smoke, Newport photographer Benjie King captured hauntingly beautiful scenes along the orange-tinted Oregon coast.

“I’m sitting here taking pictures while people’s homes are burning to the ground,” he told Oregon Arts Watch. “But I knew it had to be captured.” The photos are available via King’s Facebook page, Out West Photography, or his email, benjiekingphotography@yahoo. com – SARAH-MAE MCCULLOUGH

M O N D AY, O C T O B E R 5 , 2 0 2 0

|

EMERALD

|

PA G E 3

COVER

‘2 weeks of too many cats’: Animal rescue organizations and volunteers help communities affected by fire

BY SALLY SEGAR • TWITTER @SALLYSEGAR

Karly Grace Vaughn, a foster volunteer for Cat Rescue and Adoption Network in Springfield, got a call from her boss asking her to pick up a few cats. It was Sept. 6, and one of the center’s foster volunteers in Coburg had been put under a Level 2 evacuation notice due to the Holiday Farm Fire.

Vaughn arrived at the property as the evacuation notice increased to Level 3 — “leave immediately.” The woman threw a crate at her with two cats in it. Vaughn, a recent

University of Oregon graduate, remembered thinking two more would be fine in her small Eugene apartment.

Suddenly, the woman’s daughter handed Vaughn a second crate with another two.

Vaughn brought the four cats back home to her usual three — two fosters and her “foster fail,” Yukon, who she cared for but ended up adopting. The next 12 days were “two weeks of too many cats,” she said.

Since the Holiday Farm Fire started burning northeast of Eugene and Springfield, fire damage evacuation notices and hazardous air quality have displaced residents and their animals. Animal rescue organizations like Greenhill Humane Society of Eugene and CRAN have been helping with the disaster response.

Greenhill Humane Society has provided emergency pet boarding for animals from evacuation zones, distributed donated pet food and supplies and assisted in reuniting lost pets with their owners.

They also work with Lane County Animals in Distress and VCA McKenzie Animal Hospital in their disaster efforts, Megan Brezovar, Greenhill’s event and community engagement manager, said.

Greenhill temporarily houses animals at no cost and with no time limit as people find suitable and stable living conditions, Brezovar said.

They also distribute supplies to people affected by the fires so Katie Lively is the Volunteer Program Coordinator at Greenhill Humane Society, where displaced animals have been given a temporary shelter. The Holiday Farm Fire, located east of Eugene, caused many animals to be displaced from their homes.

(Marissa Willke/Emerald)

PA G E 4

|

EMERALD

|

M O N D AY, O C T O B E R 5 , 2 0 2 0

they can continue caring for pets even if they’ve lost their homes.

This preventative action is important at Greenhill, Brezovar said, so people don’t have to be in a situation where they need to surrender an animal because of financial concerns.

The organization’s emergency boarding program is meant to aid pet owners, and Greenhill does not adopt out people’s pets, Brezovar said.

Katie Lively is a planning, public policy and management graduate student at UO. She also works as a volunteer & foster care coordinator at Greenhill.

Lively’s community went quickly from no warning to Level 3 on Sept. 8, she said.

For about two weeks, three of her cats stayed at Greenhill. She and the cats were all stressed at first, Lively said, but her cats quickly adapted to the new environment.

“I already knew that this was an amazing place with amazing people who truly do care deeply about animals.” Lively said. “But, with my own cats, it added this personal level of really getting to see that in action. That was so powerful.”

All of Greenhill’s volunteers and staff are trained to deal with animals and provide them with care, Brezovar said, which is especially important during stressful times.

At the beginning of the pandemic, Greenhill had an influx of people applying to foster animals but a decrease in volunteers due to space restrictions. When the Holiday Farm Fire started, existing volunteers and new ones stepped up to help care for the animals.

When the fire started, Greenhill asked for donations of supplies and food. As community members and businesses brought in donations, the volunteers also aided in organizing and distributing

COVER them.

“It’s been so magical to watch so many people be so generous and kind,” Brezovar said. “We finally had to say: ‘Please stop bringing things, we are filled.’”

On the CRAN volunteer Facebook page, Vaughn said community members without any affiliation to the organization have been asking where they can donate and how they can help.

“It’s amazing the support that’s come from this community of just trying to take care of all these animals,” Vaughn said.

Between Greenhill’s many donors, fosters and volunteers making themselves “available at the drop of a hat,” Brezovar and Lively have witnessed overwhelming support.

“When we are in such a divisive time in our country right now,” Brezovar said, “it is amazing to see people of all walks of life coming in.”

Vaughn will continue to foster cats as long as she can, she said, even though it was only something she picked up because of the pandemic. She would like to see more people stepping up to donate, volunteer and foster, especially in the wake of such devastating fires.

“It’s not as hard as it sounds — unless you’re doing seven,” she said, “seven was a little hard.”

Since she is no longer housing seven cats, Vaughn said, it seems like the worst part and

Megan Brezovar is Greenhill Humane Society’s Event and Community Engagement Manager. Greenhill has been at the front lines for receiving animals that were displaced due to the Holiday Farm Fire and providing donated supplies to the community. (Marissa Willke/Emerald)

immediate danger are done. But for some affected by the fires, it’s far from over.

“There is a long road ahead. The people that have lost everything have lost everything. They’re going to need a lot of support,” Brezovar said.

“It’s a marathon, not a sprint. We are looking ahead to making sure these people are supported, their pets are supported through the long haul and we dont forget about them because they’re going to have a tough road ahead.”

Greenhill is working with the Humane Society of the United States and Lane Fire Authority to plan and start search and rescue efforts, Brezovar said. She expects to soon reunite more pets and owners through these efforts, and urges people to report lost pets on Greenhill’s website.

Lively and Brezovar are concerned that climate change will only continue creating more devastating fires in the future.

“We need to just be prepared and keep looking forward,” Lively said, “to be ready to support people in the community as much as we can.”

“It’s been so magical to watch so many people be so generous and kind,” Brezovar said. “We finally had to say: ‘lease stop bringing things, we are filled.’”

“Yukon” was once one of Karly Grace Vaugn’s foster cats, but she ended up adopting him herself. Vaugn is a foster volunteer for the Cat Rescue and Adoption Network in Springfield who recently fostered four cats that had been displaced due to the Holiday Farm Fire. (Marissa Willke/Emerald) Some of the displaced animals that are temporarily sheltered at Greenhill Humane Society have not yet been identified. Greenhill has been at the front lines for receiving animals that were displaced due to the Holiday Farm Fire and providing donated supplies to the community. (Marissa Willke/Emerald) M O N D AY, O C T O B E R 5 , 2 0 2 0

|

EMERALD

|

PA G E 5

A&C

ROOMMATE RUMBLINGS: BACK TO SCHOOL ADVICE

BY EM CHAN • TWITTER @CATCHUPTOEMILY

Coming back to Eugene for fall term, you may be living in the dorms or with randomly assigned roommates. With new roommates comes problems that may arise with clashing living styles. Let’s sort out common conflicts: How do I get my new roommate to stop eating my food and using my stuff?

It’s definitely really frustrating to run into this kind of scenario, so sort this out as soon as possible.

The first thing to do is think about what other boundaries (besides laying off your stuff) you want to establish. Boundaries become more difficult to negotiate the longer you allow them to be crossed, so be thorough in what you want to address.

Outline exactly what the behavior they’re doing is, why it upsets you and what you would prefer, using “I” statements to avoid sounding accusatory. For example, if your roommate keeps drinking the milk that you buy, you can say: “I really enjoy having you as a roommate, but I dislike when you drink my milk, because it’s my favorite drink. If you did want some, I’d appreciate it if you asked first or bought your own.”

Sounds simple, right? The trouble comes from people being afraid of confrontation — but if you don’t speak up, your irritation will continue to fester until one day you may hate them. So think about what you’re feeling frustrated with, write it down if that helps and ask your roommate when you can speak with them without interruptions.

Once you have that time scheduled, all that’s left is to practice saying what’s on your mind with full confidence.

My roommate doesn’t have the greatest personal hygiene, and it makes me uncomfortable. How can I get them to fix it?

The funny thing about living with people outside your family is realizing people’s personal hygiene habits. This is a touchy subject for some, so it is best to tread carefully.

Before you say anything, figure out exactly what is bothering you and come up with ways they can fix the problem. Using blanket statements like, “The way you live is gross” will create unnecessary tension. By targeting exactly what is bothering you and providing a solution, you’re showing you have put thought into the situation.

I recommend asking a close friend to hear what you want to say before you say it. Double-check that it doesn’t come off as accusatory or insensitive, because you don’t want to ruin the relationship between you and your roommate, but you still want to make sure your point comes across. Just remember that setting boundaries and cohabitation is difficult, and that you’re not alone in trying to figure it all out.

As you sort out your relationship and boundaries with your roommate, these types of conversation will become easier, and hopefully you’ll have a harmonious relationship with them for the rest of your lease.

My roommate isn’t taking precautions against COVID-19 as strictly as I am, what should I do?

This is quite a pickle. If you’re feeling unsafe, definitely sit down with your roommate and have a serious conversation where you outline some rules. Make sure they understand it’s not a you-versus-them situation, but one of concern for you both.

Figure out where your roommate’s coming from and why they aren’t taking precautions. Perhaps they’ve been misinformed by social media or friends and family, but either way, bring up some evidence. If they seem genuinely disinterested in trying to understand your concern, make the appeal that you want to be safe, and hope they will at least respect that request.

Since there are many types of housing, figuring out boundaries for visitors depends on your individual space. Talking about who you both hang out with, and frequency and proximity is vital. Again, frame this as your concern for them and their health, rather than you simply looking out for yourself.

Overall, do not feel that your caution toward the pandemic is unwarranted — this virus has killed over 200,000 people in the U.S., with more cases each day. It’s people like you taking precautions that are helping other people. Know that others appreciate it.

PA G E 6

|

EMERALD

|

M O N D AY, O C T O B E R 5 , 2 0 2 0

(Makena Hervey/Emerald)

OPINION

SHOULD STUDENTS OWN PETS WHILE IN COLLEGE?

BY BAZIL STERLING AND ANDY STEVENS Leaving behind your furry, scaly or feathered friends for college can be difficult, but should you get a pet while in college? Whether it’s a simple goldfish or a new puppy, this is a decision to deeply consider. You’ll have to take care for your pet between classes, jobs and other responsibilities, and you’ll have to make sure you can afford to invest time and money into veterinarians’ appointments and otherwise caring for your pet. With all that in mind, is it a good idea for college students to own pets?

STERLING: PROPER PLANNING MAKES OWNING PETS IN COLLEGE WORTH IT Have you desperately been missing hanging out with friends during the global health crisis? Ever wanted an excuse to go on a run? Just stare at a glass bowl for an extended period of time? If so, I highly recommend getting your own personal companion, a pet, to enhance your college experience.

Leaving your childhood pet behind at the beginning of college is one of the hardest things you’ll ever have to do.

But, there is a way to lessen the pain. Whether you’re willing to commit to a lovely, yet time consuming, four-legged creature or a pet rock, pets are bound to improve your quality of life. Obviously, consider all possible time commitments and expenses before adopting

or purchasing. But, I can’t even begin to express the amount of time I’ve spent longing for my mom’s dog. I catch myself staring at stray cats out of my kitchen window and scheming how I could potentially lure one into my home.

Personally, the presence of non-humans, particularly furry creatures, is a guaranteed stress-reliever. Petting a dog is a surefire way to focus on something lighthearted and positive. Even the distractions that come from the responsibilities of pet ownership help take my mind to a calming place. College can be an incredibly tense time, and going through this experience with any kind of pet is bound to improve your experience.

STEVENS: HOLD OFF ON THAT PET UNTIL AFTER COLLEGE As a college student, it is almost always better to hold off on a pet until you’ve finished school. Some students think it is a good idea to adopt a puppy or kitten to keep them company at school, but taking care of an animal is always much more work than you think.

Pets are expensive. Paying for food, grooming supplies, litter or any other pet necessity adds up — especially when you are surviving on a budget, let alone the potential medical issues many pets can face.

Pets are a big time commitment. If you have a dog you have to walk them every day, and if you have a cat, you have to make sure their litter box is clean. Animals require attention on a daily basis that can be hard to fit into a busy college schedule.

Unless your pet is a service animal, most apartment buildings will not allow you to keep a pet. Seeing as apartments make up a majority of college housing, this point is especially relevant. In this case your pet might cost you thousands in fines.

With a pet, you can’t be as impulsive. One of the best parts of college is making plans on a whim. Deciding to make a trip to the coast or Bend is no longer a possibility without finding someone to take care of your pets.

Pets are one of the best parts of life, but they are best saved for after college. In a time when we are learning to be responsible for ourselves, it helps not to be responsible for the life of something else.

M O N D AY, O C T O B E R 5 , 2 0 2 0

|

EMERALD

|

PA G E 7

Local events you won’t want to miss!

Multimedia from the Emerald team!

Breaking news about UO delivered to your inbox!

Email Newsletter

SIGN UP NOW! Win a pair of FREE gift certificates from any of the following businesses InJoy Wellness Massage Center • Buffalo Exchange • Vitality Bowls • Barre 3 • Lube-It USA • SuBo • Hacienda Amigo

To Sign Up, Simply Go To: dailyemerald.com/dailye Drawing Ends Nov. 2, 2020

Everything You Want to Know, Everything UO

@Dailyemerald PA G E 8

|

EMERALD

|

M O N D AY, O C T O B E R 5 , 2 0 2 0