A mother and son were detained by the University of Oregon Police Department on suspicion of bike theft Monday afternoon, around 4:30 p.m., on the lawn of Prince Lucien Campbell Hall. Neither of them are students.

The mother, Linda Jean Southwood, and son, Ian Bradley Maclaren “were seen by staff in a locked bike cage on the northeast side of the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art and appeared to be actively stealing a bike.” according to Kelly McIver,  the communications director and public information officer for the University of Oregon Police Department

Sergeant Cameron was near Johnson hall when he received the call, and quickly arrived at the scene with two other officers.

Sergeant Cameron repeatedly questioned the son about why he was carrying bolt cutters. The son refused the police officers’ requests to search his backpack.

The mother was detained because there is a warrant for her arrest, regarding a failure to comply to a third-degree theft charge with the Eugene Municipal Court

According to McIver, both subjects were arrested, and cited with letters of trespass.

According to an officer at the scene, theft has increased this summer with an influx of visitors to Eugene.

“People need to be aware that there are people with other things in mind than just visiting,” said Officer Rouse, a 15-year veteran of the UOPD.

Former UOPD officer James Cleavenger is suing the UO for wrongful termination, stating that a portion of the decision was based off of his negative opinion of a complied “bowl of dicks” list authored by UOPD officers. The list and its containing lawsuit were unearthed by UO Matters and was first reported by the Register-Guard.

The names and terms on the list – which range from politicians to famous personas such as Chelsea Handler and even particular crowds such as “mouth breathers” – were put there when UOPD officers disliked them for one reason or another. In the opinion of the officers, those referred to on the list were entitled to “eat a bowl of dicks,” according to the lawsuit.

Cleavenger is a graduate of UO Law and currently works as a clerk at the Eugene federal court. In his law suit, he said that the list was assembled during night shifts and that several officers contributed. The list was kept on Officer Eric LeRoy’s cell phone and, according to the lawsuit, the list was a constant topic and debated over during work hours.

In his lawsuit, the list, as well as other politically-charged conversations put Cleavenger at odds with other police officers and eventually resulted demotions, he says. The UO is working to have the case dropped but, in the process, confirmed the existence of the list. Though, according to the Register-Guard, it disputes the list was talked about as often as Cleavenger claims.

The university’s public relations website, Around the O, responded to the story Friday afternoon.

“A recent story with information about a legal matter involving a former employee of the University of Oregon Police Department focused primarily on the unproven allegations of the former public safety officer and did not provide the university’s responses to the courts or the newspaper reporter,” said the university.

The statement, written by senior director of communications Julie Brown, also claims Cleavenger misheard some names on the list. “The list included dozens of entries from the inventor of turtlenecks to the state of New Jersey and from Eli Manning to Rush Limbaugh. The list does not include names of the Eugene mayor, a former ASUO student body president or a local lawyer.” Around the O also published the list.

UO Police Chief Carolyn McDermed said that conversations have taken place to bolster appropriate attitude in the workplace and that UOPD strives for professionalism. But she also disagrees with some of the story in today’s Register-Guard. “The list was not meant maliciously, it was not labeled with the vulgarity referred to in the court complaint, and was not a collection of ‘enemies,’” McDermed said in the statement on Around the O.

Cleavenger’s case against the UO has not been dismissed and will be heard in the near future. The Register-Guard reports U.S. Judge David Carter will hear it.

Just 20 months after the use of marijuana in Washington was legalized, public sale officially began Wednesday.

For the statewide grand opening, 24 stores in Washington – with shelves stocked with strains – opened its doors to eager customers who have long awaited this opportunity.

In comparison, Colorado was the first state to open its doors to publicly sell weed on the first day of 2014 and began with 37 certified stores. Currently, Colorado has 70 operating marijuana stores, according to the website Colorado Pot Guide.

Top Shelf Cannabis in Bellingham and Altitude in Prosser were the first stores in Washington to open at 8a.m., on Wednesday.

Growing concerns over weed in Eugene?

Considering the relatively short trip up I-5 for Eugene residents, local police aren’t worried about an influx of marijuana-related crimes in town.

“I don’t see there being a massive change,” said Kelly McIver, communications director and public information officer for the University of Oregon Police Department, “because it is still an illegal substance in Oregon.”

McIver believes that UO students who already use and possess marijuana will continue their patterns. According to some media releases that he has read, the cost is popularly higher in Washington than Oregon, and therefore he expects drug crimes to stay steady.

As of fall 2013, students from Washington comprise the second-largest group of out-of-state enrollment, after California, with 890 students. California enrolled 4,852 students.

Regardless of the geographic makeup, McIver does not see that this new shift in sale just above Oregon’s border will cause problems for the UO campus.

McIver also said that marijuana will “not present a serious change in the way that business is done” for UOPD, and he has no say in whether this will affect the November ballot measure regarding the legalization of marijuana in Oregon.

The suspect and one student have been confirmed dead due to a school shooting at Reynolds High School in Troutdale this Tuesday morning, according to the Oregonian.

The deceased student has been identified as freshman Emilio Hoffman.

Todd Ripsler, a teacher at Reynolds, is reported to be the only teacher who was shot at the scene. Ripsler is reportedly in stable condition with no major injuries.

Ripsler was known to be a former star football athlete at Reynolds high school. Ripsler was also former track, football and basketball coach at Reynolds.

The scene of the shooting reportedly took place in a locker room, and happened early this morning, before 9 a.m.

While the school was in lockdown, police are recommended that parents meet their children at Fred Meyer Wood Village, located at 22855 N.E. Park Lane in Troutdale.

According to the Oregonian, by 1:55 there were no students left at Fred Meyer.

Currently, authorities will allow cars to be picked up from the high school this evening, but belongings in the school must be left as they are.

Diego Hernandez, Board member of Reynolds High School, commented about the shooting on his Facebook page.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to my community of Reynolds. I ask that when news comes of the the identity of the shooter that we focus on the lives and faces of the victims and not the shooter. These tragedies have to stop and we have to focus on what matters.” Hernandez said. 

Reynolds High School is the second largest high school in Oregon, behind David Douglas High School. Reynolds enrolled 2,800 students this year.

A man was arrested Monday evening for criminal trespassing at an apartment near Ferry Alley. The apartment is located between E. 18th and 19th Avenue and between the blocks of Ferry and Mill Street.

Eugene police were called to a dispute between two subjects that involved a gun.

Upon arrival police detained seven individuals involved in the dispute at the scene.

Upon further investigation one suspect was arrested for criminal trespassing. According to police, the suspect previously visited the apartment and was asked to leave several times by residents.

According to Sergeant Demian San Miguel, the man who owned the gun was not the man who was arrested, and was legally allowed to have the gun in his possession. The gun owner lives in the apartment where the dispute occurred and was defending his property.

Police are not releasing the name of any individuals involved at this time.

No one involved was injured.

More updates to come.

A reported shooting and SWAT investigation left the area between 18th Avenue and 19th Avenue on Ferry Alley blocked off by red police tape on Saturday afternoon.

According to a report released by the Eugene Police Department, the street was shut down on when the Eugene Police Department and SWAT arrived to search the apartment of a man suspected in the shooting of a 20-year-old woman in an apartment complex near South Eugene High School this afternoon.

EPD was first made aware of the situation following the woman’s arrival at the hospital around 3 p.m.

Christina Denton, neighbor said that police arrived at the scene between 4 and 4:30 p.m. Denton also said that she heard the police over intercom trying to reach individuals inside the apartment.

Police vans, three police cars, a Eugene Police Crisis Negotiation Team, SWAT and the Eugene Police Incident Command truck responded to the scene.

According to EPD sergeant Ron Tinseth, EPD has the names of suspects involved in the shooting but are not releasing them at this time.

According  to Donnie Pruitt – a man on the scene who allegedly met the suspect in prison – he texted the alleged shooter around 6:35 p.m. asking him to please talk to the police. At that time, the alleged suspect then made first contact with the police, Pruitt says.

According to the EPD press release, the woman is in stable condition.

The situation remains under investigation by EPD.

Traffic blockages along Hilyard and Broadway have been reopened as the city of Eugene wrapped up the expulsion of the Whoville homeless camp.

By 1:45 p.m., 75 percent of Whoville camp had been vacated according to Jan Bohman, community relations director for the city of Eugene.

Homeless advocate Jennifer Frenzer was among the crowd of onlookers and supporters. Frenzer claims that there was no previous notice for the campers and authorities arrived at the site this morning beginning at 9 a.m.

“Today the Whoville sanctuary for the unhoused was surprisingly dismantled by the Eugene Police Department.” Frenzer said.

According to a press release issued by the EPD on April 4, the city posted notices on March 27 “that the property is not open to the public and that the clearing and clean-up of the area would begin after April 1.”

According to Frenzer when authorities arrived campers began to flee the campsite and have currently dispersed throughout Eugene. Frenzer said there is no current plan of where the former occupants will be staying.

“The population is traumatized.” Frenzer said. She and other advocates were hoping to receive notice prior to the demolition of the site, and are very disappointed with the outcome.

Scott Perey, UO alumn and local homeless advocate was hoping to contact “the neighbors at Autzen” before the closure of Whoville to discuss a location change. He feels as though the homeless and advocates have been cornered in their position because “channels of communication have left a lot to be desired.”

The press release from the EPD advised there are two “rest stops,” or legal sleeping areas in Eugene, as well as Opportunity Village, which opened in October. There is also a third rest stop near Leo Harris Drive.

“The City Council and staff continue to try to balance the needs and views of all parts of our diverse community, to find options for vulnerable people while also addressing health and safety concerns of the entire community,” according to the press release.

Jennica Asbury contributed to this story.

Student travelers are all over the globe during spring break, while other students choose to relax at home. Whatever your plans are this break, it’s important to makes sure that you come back to your belongings the way that you left them.

Since students tend to travel over spring break property crimes tend to rise.

According to Steven Chambers, Eugene police crime prevention specialist, burglaries are the main crime that increases in Eugene over spring break.

“It’s easy to over look a bathroom or a kitchen window, so really making sure that those windows are locked prior to leaving,” Chambers said.

Also according to Chambers, the West University and Kinsrow Commons areas are both hot spots for criminals to target during the break.

When traveling for the break, taking valuables with you is a good way cut down on crime.

Other than locking windows and doors to students residences “keeping blinds or curtains drawn when you’re not around and don’t have valuables in full display really cuts down on the incentive that criminals might have to go and take those things” Kelly McIver said, UOPD public information officer.

Vehicle break-in’s can be a daily occurrence for Eugene drivers but they also tend to spike over the break.

“Consider where you are parking, park in secure locations or monitored locations and highly lit areas that are well traveled by people” McIver said. Keeping items out of sight in vehicles is vital in avoiding crime. Instead throw valuables in the trunk or take them with you upon exiting the vehicle.

“We don’t see a lot of cases when people have kept their doors and windows locked and valuables out of sight,” Chambers said. Leaving cell phone or GPS cords in cars can also invite a criminal in and taking the time to remove all items out of the car is the best way to prevent crime, according to Chambers.

Criminals are looking for an opportunity, and act on the quickest route to success.

For McIver, making sure that you aren’t a victim this spring break “comes down to taking a few extra steps to make sure that you are not the target that day.”

There are tips for spring break safety that students can access on the UOPD website and the Eugene Police Department also have a Facebook and Twitter account for students to stay up to date on crimes in their areas. Find them at Eugene Police Crime Prevention and @epdcrimeprevent.

The first annual Salsa Festival was brought to Eugene this year by Salseros Dance Company.

Michelle Hyde-Wright, assistant event manager of the festival, was excited about this event because salsa festivals happen all over the world in very big cities, and she was excited to bring it to a smaller culture in Eugene.

Hyde-Wright said, “One thing I really like about salsa is that it is so international.”

The event took place at the Vet’s Club Building and was open from Friday, Feb. 21-Sunday, Feb. 23.

University of Oregon grad student Lois Geertz attended the event and also partakes in several courses through Salseros.

Geertz began dancing as a coping mechanism to handle the stresses of completing her grad degree in violin. For her, salsa dancing is “completely rejuvenating,” and once she begins dancing she “gets drunk on the music.”

Brynn Powell, sophomore at the UO, also attended the salsa event. Both Powell and Geertz enjoy spending their Friday nights dancing the night away and celebrating the culture of salsa dance.

Powell embraces her Latino ethnicity and enjoys the connection she finds intertwining her culture with salsa dance. Powell said she is “connected more to the Latino community through salsa.”

“No matter how tired you are, once you come here you’re suddenly awake again,” Powell said.

This event had performers from all over the West Coast and beyond come to show their salsa skills. Dance companies traveled from California, Washington and Portland.

The event also had several classes for visitors and members of Salseros Dance Company, ranging from beginner’s level to advanced salsa dance.

Jose Cruz, founder of the event, said Saturday night there were people dancing until 2:30 a.m. Cruz said that on Friday nights it is typical for the group to dance until 1 a.m., but to have a group of people dancing so late was very exciting for him.

Cruz said that the festival for him was “exactly what he was expecting,” and his favorite part was “everything. We had excellent workshops all day.”

Cruz plans to have a second-annual Salsa Festival and hopefully many more to come years after.

Salseros Dance Company hosts salsa dances at the vet club every Friday at 9 p.m. Before 9:30 p.m. the charge is $5 for a beginners course, and after 9:30 p.m., the charge raises to $7. There is a DJ that comes at 10 p.m., and the dancing continues all night long.

For university students, Salsa Libre, another salsa dancing class, is offered in Lawrence Hall, room 166, every Wednesday from 7:30-8:30 p.m., and dancing continues until 10 p.m. This event is free for students.

Was it the countless misconduct reports, the mountainous lines of students outside of fraternities on a Friday night or the reputation of the UO for being a top party school that pushed the University of Oregon to eliminate alcohol from greek houses and enforce stringent rules on alcohol on campus.

One may never know, but what we do know is these regulations still affect student life today.

Options for students that are looking to drink before going to a party are slim as they know that the party they are attending probably won’t have alcohol available.

For students going to fraternity parties on the weekends, several students “pre-game” prior to an event, and consume copious amounts of alcohol in a very short amount of time.

Students feel as though this method is the best approach in helping them achieve the effects of alcohol that they feel is necessary to enjoy their night.

This method causes students to conform to this design of drinking and creates routine of binge drinking as a way of life for partiers in college.

Binge drinking increases health risks in several categories including various injuries, liver disease and neurological damage. All of these concerns raise the question: Is a dry campus really doing the job it is put in place to do?

In 2002, former University of Oregon President David Frohnmayer (1994-2009) and his administration announced the University of Oregon would make the shift and become a “dry” campus. This means that it is forbidden to serve or consume alcohol on the premises of the campus, unless previously approved.

This includes all fraternity and sorority events, sporting events, areas within the grounds of university housing and all other campus associated events.

For Frohnmayer, the decision came from the abuse of alcohol on campus, specifically at Greek functions. Because of this, Frohnmayer and his administration made the switch in an effort to change the Greek party lifestyle at the UO.

Frohnmayer said the switch began as “an opportunity to provide a model of responsible alcohol consumption.” Frohnmayer also said a dry campus for him means “that the service of alcohol is simply regulated.”

After the new dry campus was in effect, some Greek communities were sanctioned and others lost their charters through the university.

The Buzz Cafe, located underneath the fishbowl of the EMU, recently began serving beer, wine, and hard cider from 4 p.m. until close on weekdays.

The Buzz does not serve alcohol on weekends, and this is mostly because, “it’s not worth the trouble”, and “there is not enough potential customers on weekends,” Allen Faigin, director of EMU food services said.

Faigin said that it was a lengthy process to approve alcohol being served at the Buzz café.

The university does allow individuals living in university housing above the age of 21 to consume alcohol, as long as their door is shut.  If the individual is drinking socially with others of age, they are limited to a maximum of four members in one room at one time.

Other authorities of Eugene have taken the matter into their own hands to bring down the UO’s reputation of being a party school.

A new ordinance on unruly gatherings adopted by the City of Eugene last January, defines unruly gatherings as any event where alcoholic beverages are being served and consumed, and partake in at least two other law violations.Some violations include assault, harassment, menacing, disorderly conduct, and criminal mischief.

The reprimands of hosting an unruly gathering have steeped higher than ever before, and can to take a toll on students at the university. The ordinance reads, “Violation … is punishable by fine or confinement in jail, or both … In addition, the court may order any treatment, related to the violation, deemed necessary for rehabilitation of the offender and the safety of the community.”

Fines for unruly gatherings can be up to $1000 for students, and students may also be ordered to complete community service, depending on the court’s decision.