The City Club of Eugene Podcast

Nonprofit boards of directors have a vital role in their organizations' governance. In this City Club of Eugene podcast, three speakers with expertise and experience on nonprofit boards explain best practices to ensure effective board participation. The speakers are Rylie Gryczko, first vice president of Children's Legacy Foundation Network; Andrew Kalloch, past president of Food for Lane County and City Club of Eugene; and  Jennifer Monegan, director of membership, development, and communications at Nonprofit Association of Oregon. You may watch the program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel. This program was recorded on July 17, 2026.

Could Coos Bay's port become a key intermodal container terminal along the Pacific Coast? In this City Club of Eugene podcast, listen to speakers explain their vision, steps to making it a reality, and possible hurdles to overcome. Speakers include Melissa Cribbins, executive director of the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port project; Jeff McGillivray, secretary-treasurer of Lane Coos Curry Douglas Building Trades (UA Local 290 Plumbers and Steamfitters); and Caddy McKeown, community relations for NorthPoint Development. You may watch the program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel. This program was recorded on November 21, 2025.

Eugene and Springfield host more sports than just the University of Oregon teams. Two examples are the Springfield Drifters baseball team and the coming Sporting Cascades soccer club. Listen to this City Club of Eugene podcast and root, root, root for minor league sports! The speakers are Knight Jarecki, director of communications for the Springfield Drifters Baseball Club; and Dave Galas, president of Sporting Cascades FC. You may watch the program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel. This program was recorded on July 10, 2026.

The Eugene Airport seeks to expand, but it needs federal funding. Several federal grants were put on hold when the airport could not comply with demands to ignore Oregon's sanctuary law. Learn about the resolution of this issue and about the airport's expansion plans in this City Club of Eugene podcast. The speakers are City Councilor Greg Evans; Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Brittany Quick-Warner; and Eugene Airport director Cathryn Stephens. You may watch the program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel. This program was recorded on Nov. 14, 2025.

Three area school superintendents give their perspectives on their districts and education in general in this City Club of Eugene podcast. The speakers are Todd Hamilton, then-superintendent of Springfield Public Schools; Miriam Mickelson, superintendent of 4J School District in Eugene; and Kraig Sproles, superintendent of Bethel School District in Eugene. You may watch the program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel. This program was recorded on Oct. 31, 2025.

Oregon's ash trees are under threat of infestation from the Emerald Ash Borer. In this City Club of Eugene episode, three arborists share their information and suggest countermeasures to maintain the health of these trees during climate change. The speakers are Erik Burke, director of Friends of Trees (Eugene-Springfield); Jeff Chandler, owner of Chandler's Tree Service; and Alby Thoumsin, registered consulting arborist with Sperry Tree Service. You may watch the program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel. This program was recorded on June 26, 2026.

Employer-provided health plans may not include behavioral health coverage or it may be fragmented. In this City Club of Eugene podcast, three speakers address the gaps, complications, costs and hopes for behavioral health care provided through employers. The speakers are Stephanie Evans-Wondra, licensed professional counselor with Cascade Health; Pete Kerns, president and CEO of Serenity Lane; and Robert Scheele, manager of large group account management for Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the NW. You may watch the program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel. This program was recorded on November 7, 2025.  

Eugene's downtown riverfront is being redeveloped. In the second look at regional development along the Willamette River, attendees of the City Club of Eugene and the City Club of Springfield heard about residential development located between the University of Oregon and the Market District. Speakers were James Atkins, developer with Atkins and Dame; and Will Dowdy, community development coordinator with the City of Eugene. Part 1 of this programming features information on the Glenwood Master Plan Area and is available as a separate podcast. You may watch the program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel. This program was recorded on October 17, 2025.    

What is the future of development along the Willamette River? Because the river runs through Springfield and Eugene, the two area city clubs collaborated on a two-part program about planning and creating riverfront development. In this episode, the clubs studied the Glenwood Master Plan Area. The speaker was Allie Camp, head of the City of Springfield's Economic Development Team. Part 2 of this subject features development along Eugene's downtown riverfront and is available in a separate podcast. You may watch the program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel. This program was recorded on October 2, 2025.    

Eugene has a public oversight mechanism for its police, but is it working? And how does it function? The June 12, 2026 City Club of Eugene program studied this system of accountability. Our speakers include Craig Renetzky, Eugene's independent police auditor; Chris Skinner, Eugene's chief of police; and Elise Josephenson, incoming chair of the Citizen Review Board. You may watch the program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel. This program was recorded on June 12, 2026.  

Cybersecurity is essential for individuals and businesses. In this City Club of Eugene podcast, hear how experts are working together to counter threats, thanks to the Oregon Cybersecurity Center of Excellence. Our speakers are Robin Mayall, director of information services for the City of Eugene; Brenda Moore, executive director of Lane Council of Governments; and Reza Rejaie, professor and head of the University of Oregon's Computer Sciences department. You may watch the program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel. This program was recorded on June 5, 2026.

What would it be like to discover the emaciated and dead prisoners in German concentration camps? And what would be the lasting impact on you and your family? Clarice Wilsey's father was a doctor who worked with the camp survivors in the days after liberation, and she wrote a book with Bob Welch about her family's experience. Welch speaks at this City Club of Eugene meeting about the letters Dr. Wilsey sent to his family from the war front; Clarice Wilsey was unable to attend the meeting. You may watch the program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel. This program was recorded on September 26, 2025.

The 2026 Turtle Awards winners - people and organizations that stick their necks out - were honored by City Club of Eugene. This podcast features, in order of appearance:    Jennifer Scurlock (introduced by Deb Lange)    Jenny Jonak (Colt Gill)    Black Thistle Street Aid (Lauren Regan)    Judge Michael McShane (Paul Solomon) You may also view the program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel. This program was recorded on May 29, 2026.  

Eugene's public library has enough card holders to fill Autzen Stadium twice. How have its services grown so popular, and what's planned for the library's future? Find out and hear about the May 2026 levy measure in this City Club of Eugene program. Speakers include Angela Ocana, the library's director; and Dana Fleming, executive director of the Eugene Library Foundation. You may also view the program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel. This program was recorded on May 15, 2026.

The arts reach youth. In this City Club of Eugene program, learn about two local arts groups moving beyond enrichment to make art with youth as examples of lifelines for well-being. The speakers are Miranda Atkinson, executive director of #instaballet; and Wynter Eddins, executive director of Simply Youth Institute. You may also view the program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel. This program was recorded on May 8, 2026.  

In this September 2025 City Club of Eugene program, speakers address the status of mobile crisis response in Eugene. CAHOOTS (Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets) became a nationally recognized mobile crisis response program. When service hours were cut by White Bird Clinic, the Eugene City Council allocated funding and directed the City Manager to prepare a proposal to restore some of the services. Meanwhile, a group of former CAHOOTS employees established a nonprofit, Willamette Valley Crisis Care. This program's speakers include Alese "Dandy" Colehour, OMHA, NREMT, and Laurel Lisovskis, LCSW, both from Willamette Valley Crisis Care; and Jacob Trewe, founder of Friends of CAHOOTS. A video of this program is available on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel. The program was recorded on Sept. 12, 2025.

May 1 is celebrated as Law Day. Speakers in this podcast episode discuss the role of civics education in creating informed citizens. Speakers include Nikki Darling, Southwest Oregon regional program manager for Civics Learning Project; Jenny Jonak, attorney; Martha Walters, retired chief justice, Oregon Supreme Court; Marty Wilde, attorney; and Elizabeth-Yvette Williams, student. You may also view the program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel. This program was recorded on May 1, 2026.

In this City Club of Eugene podcast episode, candidates for District 1 and District 5 of the Lane County Board of Commissioners responded to questions from KLCC's Rebecca Hansen-White. Speakers included Heather Buch and Bob Zybach, vying to represent District 5 (their opponent, candidate Jake Pelroy, did not respond to the invitation to speak); and Thomas Hiura, who wants to represent District 1 (his opponent, candidate Ryan Ceniga, had a scheduling conflict). You may view the meeting on the club's YouTube channel. This program occurred on April 10, 2026

A broad coalition has developed ACT (Advancing Community Together) Now Lane to address homelessness issues in our area. Learn about its role in this City Club of Eugene podcast episode. Speakers include Larissa Ennis, chair of the Homes For Good board; Brittany Quick-Warner, executive director of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce; and Karen Saxe, director of policy, advocacy and strategic relationships at Dev NW. You may watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel. This program was recorded on January 9, 2026.  

With new DEI directives from the federal government, how can people and institutions remain allies of DEI compliance, community and culture? And what is an imperfect ally? Our speakers are Remi Calalang, PhD, assistant superintendent of Bethel School District; and Anna Lardner, mental health therapist and community organizer. You may watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 10:57). This program was recorded on July 25, 2025.

Deportation actions by the federal government raise questions about due process and the threat to our democracy. Four speakers provide the history of immigration  and update us on the current situation. Speakers include Tobin Hansen PhD, University of Oregon's Robert D. Clark Honors College; Katrina Kilgren JD, Kilgren Law; Benjamin Wang JD, Benjamin Beijing Wang PC; and Christine Zeller-Powell, JD, Director of Refugee and Immigration Services at Catholic Community Services. You may watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 7:14). This program was recorded on July 18, 2025.                                                                               

Lane County offers a deflection program, which moves people to programs and treatment. Is it working? Learn about this project in this City Club of Eugene podcast episode. Speakers include Chris Parosa, Lane County's district attorney; Clint Riley, Lane County's Deflection Program coordinator; and Art Zamudio, navigation team supervisor for Ideal Option. You may watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 21:02). This program was recorded on July 11, 2025.

What is the state's plan for meeting Oregon's future energy needs? An Oregon Energy Strategy is being developed, and City Club of Eugene attendees got a sneak peek. They also heard about "Beyonce" - bring your own new clean energy! The Oregon Department of Energy speakers were Edith Bayer, Energy Policy Team Lead, and Alan Zelenka, Assistant Director of Planning and Innovation. Due to technical difficulties, most of the Q&A was lost and no video is available. This program was recorded on June 27, 2025.

Museums are "windows and mirrors," according to one of the speakers at City Club of Eugene's program on local stories and local museums. Who gets to tell those stories? How are they told? Speakers include Keith Lohse, executive director of the Lane County History Museum; and Madeline McGraw, curator of the Springfield Museum. You may watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 1:53). This program was recorded on June 13, 2025.

"It's the most fun you can have while strengthening the economy." Dr. Mike Wilkerson, quoted in this podcast episode, was referring to the impact of sports, via travel and tourism, on local economies. City Club of Eugene asked two keen observers of the local sports scene to explain the economics of sports, using the Prefontaine Classic as an example. Our speakers include JB Carney, senior director of sports for Eugene Cascades and Coast; and Matt Sayre, executive director of Collaborative Economic Development of Oregon. You may watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 1:42). This program was recorded on June 6, 2025.  

The 2025 Turtle Award winners are Sharon Posner, Paul Solomon and Oblio Stroyman, all of whom are honored for their community work and sticking their necks out for the good of all. City Club of Eugene also inducted seven new members of the Order of the Turtle. You may watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (audio-only in the beginning). This program was recorded on May 31, 2025.

Oregon Country Fair has grown from humble roots to become a major event. In this episode of the City Club of Eugene's podcast, we hear more about how it grew as well as its community and philanthropic efforts. Speakers include Kirsten Bolton, OCF's general manager; Paxton Hoag, OCF board member and coordinator; and Arna Shaw, OCF board member and vendor. You may watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 8:21). This program was recorded on May 16, 2025.  

What is the role of public health, and prevention programs, studies and services does Lane County Public Health provide? City Club of Eugene gathered four speakers to address how local prevention efforts promote health and wellness: Dr. Patrick Luedtke, Lane County's senior public health officer; Anne Marie Mauricio, PhD, associate research professor at the University of Oregon's Prevention Science Institute; Dr. Kim Ruscher, PeaceHealth Oregon's chief medical officer; and Jocelyn Warren, PhD, Lane County Public Health's division manager. You may watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel. This program was recorded on May 9, 2025.    

Lane Transit District's CEO Jameson Auten updated City Club of Eugene attendees on the agency's current and future work to "connect community." You may watch the entire program, including slides, on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 6:50). This program was recorded on April 25, 2025.  

Two seats on the 4J School Board are contested in May's election, and City Club of Eugene asked Rebecca Hansen-White of KLCC to interview them. The candidates are Danny McDiarmid and Ericka Thessen (Position 2; Alan Madden declined to participate); and Donald Easton and Judy Newman (Position 3). Position 6's candidate is Maya Rabasa, an incumbent board member, who is running unopposed. All 4J voters may vote for candidates for all of the positions. You may watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at :18). This program was recorded on April 18, 2025.   

What's new in cancer research and early detection and prevention? Local experts tell City Club of Eugene attendees about scientific breakthroughs and primary/secondary prevention. The speakers are Bill Cresko, Center for Biomedical Data Science and Lorry Lokey Chair/Professor of Bioengineering at the University of Oregon; and Dr. Audrey Garrett, gynecologic oncologist at Willamette Valley Cancer Institute. You may watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 5:09). This program was recorded on April 11, 2025.   

Jos van Veldhoven, one of the @OregonBachFestival's artistic partners, spoke at City Club of Eugene about all things Bach: his works, his influence on contemporary conducting, and the importance of performing arts. You may watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at :12). This program was recorded on April 4, 2025.                  

Whatever you think of Oregon's journalism and journalists, it was wilder in the old days - and Bill Sullivan proves it in this City Club of Eugene program, "The History of Oregon Journalism." Be sure to listen to his comparison of the lack of journalism literacy to the digestion of food! You may watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at :08). Unfortunately, the Q&A portion of the program is audio-only. This program was recorded on March 28, 2025.

In her third year of serving Lane Community College, President Stephanie Bulger, PhD, updated City Club of Eugene on leading the @LaneTitans. You may also watch the entire program, including slides, on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 8:57). This program was recorded on March 21, 2025.

#Immigrants are facing new challenges, including @ICE raids and possible loss of #birthright citizenship. Hear from experts on these issues: immigration lawyer Rachel Hecht, @UOregon law professor Joel Sati, and Kuitlahuak Lopez Rojas, a @calclane liaison to immigrants. You may also watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 5:05). This program was recorded on March 14, 2025.  

In this podcast episode, City Club's speaker, Dr. Johnny Lake, talks about DEI or, as he says, "Difference, Equity and Inclusion." What are the reasons for hostility toward DEI? Are there shared solutions that respect and serve all of our communities? You may also watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 3:30). This program was recorded on March 7, 2025.

Is digital the future for journalism? City Club talked to three local media outlets about their visions for their online presence. Speakers included Ken Doctor, publisher of the coming Lookout Eugene-Springfield, which will be all-digital; and Chris Lehman, news director at KLCC-FM and Camilla Mortensen, editor of Eugene Weekly, both of which have robust websites and newsletters. You may also watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 8:09). This program was recorded on Feb. 28, 2025.

Two new behavioral health facilities are planned for Lane County. PeaceHealth and Lane County are developing Timber Springs Behavioral Health Hospital and the County is teaming with Connections Health Solutions to create the Lane Crisis Stabilization Center. Both are slated to open in 2028. Learn more from Alicia Beymer, PeaceHealth's chief administrative officer, and Eve Gray, Lane County Health and Human Services's director. You may also watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 6:45). This program was recorded on Feb. 21, 2025.

Support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities has led to community-based progams that support people where they choose to live. This program features two such programs, Reality Kitchen and RISE Services. Speakers include Jim Evangelista, co-founder and executive director of Reality Kitchen; Krista Smith, executive director of RISE Services in Oregon; and program participants. You may also watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at :12). This program was recorded on Feb. 7, 2025.  

Who will be the future leaders of Indigenous peoples? What is being done now to prepare them for those roles? City Club of Eugene attendees at the University of Oregon's Many Nations Longhouse heard from students and staff about how collaborations with tribes in Oregon and beyond are preparing them for the future. Speakers include students Te’e Philips Brown and Christina Thomas as well as University of Oregon Vice President and Chief of the Coquille Tribe, Jason Younker, PhD. You may also watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 6:28).                                 This program was recorded on Jan. 31, 2025.                                        

What are the goals of lawmakers for the 2025 Oregon Legislature? City Club of Eugene heard from Rep. Julie Fahey (D) and Rep. Lucetta Elmer on the issues, potential sticking points for agreement, and shared goals for this session. You may also watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 1:20). This program was recorded on Jan. 24, 2025.

Water, water everywhere...we hope. Eugene Water and Electric Board and the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission are doing more than hoping; they are working to ensure a resilient and sustainable domestic water supply, even in emergencies, and to recover wastewater resources, such as recycling the water. Learn about their work in this City Club of Eugene podcast episode! City Club of Eugene's speakers include Karen Kelley, EWEB's chief operations officer, and Todd Miller, deputy director of Springfield Environmental Services/Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission. You may also watch the entire program, including slides, on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 3:48). This program was recorded on Jan. 10, 2025.

What techniques are available to help students and adults stabilize and improve their mental health? Attune Ed, a program developed by Oregon Mind Body Institute, is teaching helpful ways to boost mental health. City Club of Eugene's speakers include Lori Allen, PhD, executive director of Oregon Mind Body Institute; Daniel Gallo, MAT, educator; Ryan Kruse, Lane ESD Career Academy; and Maureen Linn Medici, field coordinator/bus supervisor, Salem-Keizer Public Schools. This program was sponsored by the Oregon Community Foundation. You may also watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 2:58). This program was recorded on Jan. 3, 2025.

What present would you give to the City of Eugene? Thirteen people give their gifts in this City Club of Eugene podcast episode! Speakers include Talicia Brown, Black Cultural Initiative; Chris and Kathy Calise, Eugene Foodies; Charlie Conrad, retiring state legislator; Kevin Cronin, Housing Oregon; Larissa Ennis; Glorious Gastropause and Holly GoSlugly, former SLUG Queens, Kris McAlister, Carry It Forward; Melissa Scholz, attorney; Denise Thomas, Let's Move Fitness; Chris Wig, Emergence Addiction and Behavioral Therapies; John Winquist, Eugene Parks Foundation. Dan Bryant emceed. You may also watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 4:55). This program was recorded on Dec 13, 2024.  

After eight years as Eugene's mayor, Lucy Vinis is stepping down. City Club of Eugene invited her to reflect on her tenure as well as answer attendees' questions. Listen to her perspectives in this podcast episode. You may also watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 7:13). This program was recorded on Dec 6, 2024.

About 16% of the residents of Lane County live in households with incomes at or below the poverty level. The proportion is higher in the urban areas. This poverty makes food insecurity a real threat. What are some of the local responses to this reality? Speakers at this City Club of Eugene program include Meredith Branch, Student and Family Resource Coordinator at Springfield High School; Carrie Copeland, Education and Program Coordinator, FOOD for Lane County; and Mary Leighton, coordinator, Interfaith Food Hub. You may also watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 4:42). This program was recorded on Nov. 22, 2024.

What's the impact of the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on homeless camping? In this City Club of Eugene podcast episode, learn about the case, the consequences of the decision and the experiences of those working with unhoused people. Our speakers include Heather Marek, senior attorney at Oregon Law Center; R. Everett Meadows, co-host and co-founder, Oregon Reporter Podcast; and Renee Yandel, executive director of HIV Alliance. You may also watch the entire program, including slides mentioned in the audio, on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 8:04). This program was recorded on Nov. 15, 2024.

Technology is big business in Eugene's economy. In this City Club of Eugene podcast episode, four speakers address how they utilize high tech in the Silicon Shire, whether creating games or supporting manufacturing, as well as the big picture for our region. The speakers include Hogon Mulgrave, owner and president of WRICO Generators; Skip Newberry, president and CEO of Technology Association of Oregon; Anshuman Razdan, VP of research and innovation at the University of Oregon; and Dan White, co-founder of Pipeworks. You may also watch the entire program, including slides mentioned in the audio, on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 8:30). This program was recorded on Nov. 1, 2024.

Which Lane County sheriff was known to be kind but was killed while trying to capture a fugitive? How did Oregon's first female mayor take the job away from her husband? Learn more about the ghosts of Oregon's past in this City Club of Eugene podcast episode with history writer Jennifer Chambers. You may also watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 3:17). This program was recorded on Oct. 25, 2024.

Should Oregon adopt ranked choice voting for some of its elections? Learn more about Measure 117 so you're ready to vote! The speakers in this podcast episode are Melanie Billings-Yun, Portland League of Women Voters Ranked Choice Voting Committee; and State Rep. Edwin Diehl. You may also watch the entire program on City Club of Eugene's YouTube channel (starts at 18:30). This program was recorded on Oct. 18, 2024.