Kucinich will speak tonight at Knight Law Center
Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich will be on campus today to meet the public and discuss issues such as academic freedoms relating to the USA PATRIOT Act, health care, education funding and the war in Iraq.
At 5 p.m., Kucinich will be in the EMU Skylight for a meet-and-greet session, said Leandra Bell-Matson, from the Eugene campaign for Kucinich.
At 7 p.m., he’ll speak in Knight Law Center 175 about education, women’s rights, civil liberties, fair trade, renewable energy and environmental protections. Admission is free and everyone is invited.
“He always welcomes the question-and-answer period,” Bell-Matson said. “And that’s why he’ll be on campus.”

— Jared Paben
 

Residents can take free emergency classes
Lane County residents can learn how to help their families and neighbors in various emergency situations by participating in the free Community Emergency Response Team training program beginning April 20.
The Eugene Citizen Corps, American Red Cross, Eugene Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department and the city of Eugene’s Emergency Manager Chuck Solin are coordinating and supervising the eight-session course.
Solin said the Federal Emergency Management Agency has made a major push to institute these courses in the past couple of years.
Solin said Veneta and Creswell have similar programs, which have been successful.
He added that this training is very important in the Eugene area because if certain emergencies were to occur, such as a major earthquake, the city does not have enough trained emergency-response personnel to help everyone. Therefore, this program would provide many neighborhoods with someone trained in emergencies who could help until emergency professionals show up.
“The purpose of this program is to give people skills so they can take care of themselves and their neighbors in an emergency situation,” he said.
Solin said the residents seem to be excited about the idea, adding that the courses beginning on April 20 have almost filled up.
He said if this first training session fills, those still wanting to participate will be put on a waiting list for future courses.
Solin said he hopes this program can get established in neighborhoods throughout the Eugene area.
Upon completing the training, Solin said volunteers will received safety equipment and an ID stating they are certified in emergency training.

— Lisa Catto