Storm Part One Passes
No major outages were reported after last night’s dramatic thunderstorms and rain whipped down the coast line. During the day yesterday Central Lincoln PUD was dispatching trucks along the coast in preparation for todays predicted high wind event. The national weather service has upgraded their forecast to now include a high wind warning for the area with expected 25-45 mile per hour winds and gusts up to 60. They also extended it until 4 am Wednesday morning. The weather service has also added a high surf advisory with 21 to 26 foot breakers which will make beaches extremely dangerous with the possibility of sneaker waves. Authorities urge extreme caution when on the beach.
New Holiday Travel Record
AAA projects a record-breaking 79.9 million Americans—23.6% of the population—will travel 50 miles or more for Thanksgiving, a 2.1% increase from last year. Over 1.1 million Oregonians are expected to join the holiday rush. Car travel leads the way, with nearly 72 million Americans, including 984,000 Oregonians, hitting the road, thanks to lower gas prices. Air travel will also set a record, with 5.8 million flying, including 114,000 Oregonians. Other travel modes like buses, trains, and cruises are seeing a 9% boost over 2023. Travelers can expect the busiest times on Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and Sunday after. AAA anticipates rescuing over 570,000 drivers nationwide, so check your batteries and tires before you hit the road.
Housing Issues Addressed
With housing prices nearly doubling in the last 10 years, the number of Oregonians who can afford to buy a home without assistance has dwindled. A new coalition has formed to change that. The Unlocking Home Ownership Coalition is made up of more than 20 Oregon organizations, and is submitting plans to the Legislature to help address this problem. The plans include investing in affordable housing, assistance for first-time homebuyers, and closing the 15-percent homeownership gap for communities of color. Habitat for Humanity of Oregon is leading the coalition. Shannon Villehauer is Habitat’s executive director.
“Some Oregonians have just done all the right things, right? Worked on credit repair, saving for a down payment – and yet interest rates are high, wages have not kept pace with home prices, and sometimes we all need a hand up to enter this first-time home ownership market.”
She says people of color, especially African Americans, have a long history of being excluded from home ownership in Oregon. The state constitution originally banned Black people from owning land. Some were also denied benefits through the G-I Bill, or were subject to redlining into the 1990s.
Green Friday
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is bringing back “Green Friday,” offering free day-use parking at 23 state parks the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 29. This annual tradition encourages Oregonians to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. The waiver covers parks that typically charge a $5 fee, including popular destinations like Fort Stevens, Silver Falls, and Smith Rock. Shore Acres State Park offers free parking until 4 p.m., after which Holiday Lights admission begins. Director Lisa Sumption says the event is a great way to explore nature. Regular parking fees will increase to $10 in 2025, but multi-use permits remain unchanged.
Warm and Safe Winter
Lane County Health & Human Services, in partnership with First Christian Church, has launched Operation Winter Survival Stockpile. The initiative aims to collect clothing and supplies to help those experiencing homelessness endure harsh winter conditions. Maria Cortez, Lane County Human Services Program Coordinator, emphasized the importance of donations, saying, “These contributions are crucial to helping community members stay warm and alive.” A one-day donation drive will take place Monday, November 25th, from 1 to 5 PM at First Christian Church in Eugene. Items can also be dropped off weekdays or purchased through an Amazon Wish List, with details online. Supplies will support outreach providers like CAHOOTS.