An independent newspaper
http://wwv7.dailyemerald.com
Monday, April 5,2004
Since 1900 University of Oregon Eugene, Oregon
Volume 105, Issue 126
Ducks begin training Page 7
SATURDAY at the MARKET
Eugene’s Saturday Market
had a successful opening day,
welcoming several thousand
eager customers this weekend
By Moriah Balingit
News Reporter
The aroma of international cuisine and
the sound of accordions filled the air once
again as the "eclectic" population of Eu
gene gathered at 8th Avenue and Oak
Street for the Eugene Saturday Market's
35th-year opener this weekend.
. Beth Little, the market's general manag
er, said between 5,000 and 7,000 people
turned out to tour the 300 arts and crafts
booths, which featured products ranging
from copper jewelry and candles to duct
tape wallets and purses made from old
record covers. All items were hand-crafted.
"The market is always new. It's always
changing," Little said.
In addition to the arts and crafts, a di
verse array of food was available in the In
ternational Food Court. The food was the
most appealing part of the market for Uni
versity freshman Tara McGraw.
"The tofu cheesecake is pretty good,"
she said.
The food court featured cuisine from all
over the world, including chicken curry,
yakisoba noodles, crepes, tamales and a
wide selection of other culinary treats.
Junior biology major Astra Lashbaugh,
one of the employees working at Renais
sance Pizza's booth, said she has "one of
the best jobs around."
"All of the people that go to the Satur
day Market are generally really nice and
friendly and want to talk," she said.
"Working there is really nice. It's a differ
ent experience."
Lashbaugh added that she enjoyed the
market's music. The main stage was posi
tioned right in front of the food court, and
a number of arts including a polka-dot
clad group named "Accordions Anony
mous" performed. Additionally, a string
Erik R. Bishoff Photographer
Eugene Saturday Market jewelry vendor Angela Lees said she felt that Saturday was the "best day
ever. It's just such a beautiful day and business is really good.” Saturday marked the beginning of the
season for the market. It runs through mid-November at East Eighth Avenue and Oak Street.
quartet treated attendees to a bit of Mozart
on the lawn.
The Farmers' Market section featured or
ganic produce and a number of other
items, including homemade jams, honey
and home-brewed sodas.
Junior architecture major Adam Di
Benedetto was at the farmers' market
selling organic fruit trees for his unde's farm,
Earth Rising Co-Op Farm. Business was go
ing well, according to Di Benedetto.
"I think it's been pretty good," he said.
"I had one guy buy half of all one species
we had."
Turn to MARKET, page 6
MEChA event showcases local talent
Friday’s Xicano Xplosion had
more than 40 people dancing,
acting and reciting poetry
By Peter Sur
Freelance Reporter
More than 40 singers, dancers and ac
tors performed Friday night for MEChA's
annual talent show, Xicano Xplosion.
The 16 acts featured choreographed
dances, poem readings, songs and plays,
and a double-jointed "comedic contor
tionist" whose monologue made audience
members laugh and cringe.
"Our goal was to get talent from here in
the University and also go out to the com
munity, Eugene and Springfield," MEChA
"We want to make it as
diverse as possible."
Denisse Guadarrama
MEChA talent recruiter
Program Director Jose Pena said.
Pena added that despite the talent show's
name, participation was not limited to Chi
canos.
"We want to make it as diverse as possi
ble," said Denisse Guadarrama, who recruit
ed the performers.
This year's Xicano Xplosion — pro
nounced "Chicano explosion" — attracted
more than 150 people to the Fir Room. Per
formers alternately stood, danced and
contorted themselves on a stage near the
back of the room.
Springfield High School students per
formed "Los Vendidos," or "The Sellouts,"
which addressed how popular
culture pigeonholes Mexican-Americans
into stereotypes, SHS multicultural liaison
Juan Carlos said.
Twelve students from Jefferson Middle
School performed "Fulanito," a hip-swivel
ing, twisting merengue dance.
"Our group is called Ganas," eighth-grade
student Alma Reyes said, referring to the
middle school club for Chicano students.
Students of the Indian Subcontinent
members Jessica Nair and Edwin Prasad per
formed "Nao Nao," an Indian dance
Turn to XICANO, page 12
Law students
help community
with pro bono
service event
Saturday’s event allowed members of Oregon
Law’s Public Interest Public Service Program
to reach beyond the legal issues they study
By Joe Boyd
Freelance Reporter
Eleven local nonprofit organizations received volunteer
help from more than 70 University law students during
Public Service Day on Saturday.
The event was organized by Oregon Law's Public Interest
Public Service Program. Currently in its first year, PIPS has
been responsible for hosting service-based workshops and
prominent speakers. According to its Web site, PIPS is a fac
ulty-approved group that seeks to "develop understanding
of the value of public-interest and service work nationally
and globally; promote public interest and service activities
and knowledge through lectures and discussions," among
other goals.
Lauren Sommers, first-year law student and service pro
gram secretary, said it is important for law students to realize
Turn to PRO BONO, page 4
West University
joins coalition
for tenant rights
The West University Neighborhood Association
joined Eugene Citizens for Housing Standards
in pursuit of a local housing code for renters
By Parker Howell
News Reporter
The West University Neighborhood Association Executive
Board unanimously agreed Thursday to become part of a
growing coalition of housing-standards supporters.
The board's decision made it the second Eugene neighbor
hood organization to join the Eugene Citizens for 1 lousing
Standards coalition, which includes the Jefferson West Neigh
borhood Association, along with the University and Lane
Community College student governments.
ECUS staff member Brett Rowlett said 98 percent of the
housing units in the neighborhood are rentals. Rowlett and
ASUO President Maddy Melton presented the request for sup
port to the neighborhood association.
Melton said Eugene, with more than 54,000 renters, re
mains the largest city in Oregon without a locally enforceable
housing code. Instead, residents rely on the Oregon Landlord
Tenant Act, which requires that tenants go through small
claims court if they have grievances against their landlords.
Melton said the current process is inefficient and costly.
"The problem we're finding is that this both takes a lot of
time to go through small claims court and also it costs folks
money," Melton said. "I think that we can all agree that our
Turn to CODE, page 6
WEATHER
INSIDE
NEXT ISSUE
LOW
38
HIGH
58
Campus buzz.
Classifieds.
Commentary.
..3 Crossword.11
10 Horoscope.11
..2 Sports.7
ASUO elections
coverage begins