Eugene city officials and police aggravated as out-of-control parties continue in the west university area.
"Three episodes makes it feel like more of a trend, so I am concerned and frustrated," says Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis.
"There are residents that are getting repeated calls for service,” says Eugene Police Lt. Doug Mozan. “And we have many of these houses getting dozens of calls for service over the last few months, and that's just unacceptable."
Police handed out 64 citations over the weekend.
This comes as Eugene PD increased their presence in the west university area to prevent unruly parties.
It’s the third weekend in a row that something like this has happened.
And once again, police say some parents of the partiers were in attendance. One large party took place at 1915 Hilyard Street
Neighbors described a luau party taking place with lots of people drinking and sliding on a water slide.
But they say this is typical college behavior.
"They have sand right now in their backyard, so they have beach parties,” says neighbor Olivia Paul. “And I just came home from work and saw a bunch of people walking from their house barefoot and I was like, oh, they're coming from the sand party.”
Neighbors are coming forward after the third straight week of these parties near the University of Oregon campus.
Neighbors say the “luau party” behavior displayed is common.
"They're just college kids partying. It's way more tame than before the pandemic, I feel like."
It's the third weekend in a row where officers have found students and parents acting out of control.
"You want to party with your kids? Take them to a bar," Lt. Mozan says.
Police once again reported having objects thrown at them.
64 citations were issued.
"There are so many problems that can happen based off irresponsible partying behavior that when we advertise those, I consider it a success.,” Lt. Mozan says.
EPD says they will have increased patrol teams in the university area throughout the end of the term.
"We have scarce resources. But the resources we have are working together cooperatively. They're fairly efficient, but they're unfortunately in a very target-rich environment."
However, Olivia Paul, a graduating senior, says that because of how EPD has handled situations in the past, this won't help.
"Back then, when the cops came, we would like, be afraid, and run away and break it up,” Paul tells us. “But I feel like now there's less of that and people are more willing to fight. Like, they don't want someone telling them what to do and mess with their freedom now."
Additional citations are still pending from events throughout the weekend.
The property owners where tenants were issued citations under the city's Unruly Gathering Ordinance will receive letters in the coming days notifying them of activity at their property as well as their potential obligation for the events.
The University of Oregon released the following statement:
A healthy and safe community is a shared responsibility. As members of the broader Eugene community, we are mindful of the inherent responsibility to be good neighbors and community members. The university has programs, services and staff that allow us to listen and communicate to our students and residents, and liaise between the two.
University staff participated Friday night in ride-alongs with EPD officers to better understand community issues related to off-campus activities.
Students are expected to adhere to a Student Code of Conduct on and off campus. When able and appropriate, the Dean of Students office conducts investigations about complaints it receives. The consequences of violating the UO’s code of conduct may include educational sanctions, disciplinary probation or suspension depending on the egregiousness of the behavior. Complaints related to this incident will be reviewed, after which necessary and appropriate action may be taken.