Good morning, Eugene.

Gavin McComas, the owner and general manager of Sundance Natural Foods, died on Nov.

25 with close family and friends by his side — he devoted his life to supporting community health. He transferred ownership of the store to a Perpetual Purpose Trust in 2023 — ensuring the store will never be sold.

The Eugene Police Department is asking residents to donate new or gently used hoodies and gift cards to support high school students in need this holiday season.

Donations can be dropped off at designated points including Kendall Auto outlets and EPD headquarters—helping local teens stay warm until December 31.

Rogue Ales closed its brewery and brew-pubs in mid-November and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on November 24—this move has left brewers in Eugene and nearby adjusting to slower sales and changing consumer tastes.

Some local brewers are adding cider and wine to their menus and expanding their tasting room services to meet new market needs.

Gas prices in Eugene fell by 1.5 cents over the past week to an average of $3.49 per gallon, according to a GasBuddy survey of 78 stations.

Nationally, the average dropped to $2.95 per gallon—analysts expect further declines as refinery work finishes and production rises.

Gasoline prices in Eugene dropped by 1.5 cents over the past week to $3.49—78 stations showed a 16.4-cent decline from last month while prices remain 15 cents above last year's levels.

National averages fell to $2.95 as refinery maintenance and rising oil production pushed costs down—diesel prices also eased.

Oregon’s Umpqua, Willamette, Siuslaw and Deschutes National Forests are offering $5 permits to cut holiday trees from designated areas away from main roads and recreation sites — tree hunters should check individual forest rules for allowable species and purchase permits online, in person, or at select BiMarts. Buyers must print permits if purchased online and follow all posted guidelines.

Today the Eugene Water & Electric Board signed a contract with the Bonneville Power Administration that will secure between $2.5 and $3 billion in hydropower through 2044 to keep customer rates low.

EWEB chose a block with shaping product after almost two years of study & public input to best meet local energy needs.

Construction began Monday at Whiteaker Commons, a five-story building that will provide 120 affordable homes for households earning up to 60% of the area median income.

The project includes 66 studios, 40 one-bedroom and 14 two-bedroom units plus features like in-unit air conditioners, washers, dryers, a community room, bike parking, a dog washing space and an open courtyard, and it will be completed by summer with applications opening three months before finish.

O Christmas Tea - A British Comedy

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience a laugh-out-loud British comedy that blends propriety with unexpected humor.

Eugene Symphony - Elf In Concert

2:00-3:30 p.m. — Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Ticketed event — Enjoy a festive live concert featuring the film 'Elf' with an orchestral score.

Eugene Symphony: Handel's Messiah

7:30-9 p.m. — Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Tickets available — Experience the majesty and emotion of Handel's Messiah with a rich orchestration that enhances this beloved holiday masterpiece.

Maddy O'Neal Live Performance

7-9:30 p.m. — WOW Hall — Ticket information not specified — Experience a vibrant journey of dirty funky bass music blended with soulful melodies and glitchy rhythms.

25th Annual Authors and Artists Fair

10 AM – 5 PM — Lane Events Center — Free entry — Explore creativity while meeting local authors and artists and supporting library services.

Hanukkah Wonderland Celebration

4-6 p.m. — Valley River Center — Free entry — Celebrate the joy of Hanukkah with music, crafts, and delicious treats in a festive atmosphere.

Aerial Reimagining of The Nightmare Before Christmas

7-9 p.m. — Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Tickets starting at $35 — Experience the magic of Halloween Town with aerial performances and enchanting storytelling.

Eugene Ballet - The Nutcracker

2:00-3:30 p.m. — Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket pricing varies — Experience the magic and wonder of a classic Christmas ballet with enchanting performances and lively scenes.

Eugene Ballet - The Nutcracker

1-2:30 p.m. — Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Eugene, OR — Ticket prices vary — Experience the timeless holiday classic with enchanting ballet performances.

Nutcracker Short & Suite: A Sensory Friendly Experience

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Family-friendly cost — Experience the joy of a sensory-friendly Nutcracker performance designed for all ages and abilities.