In this Elephant in the Room program, Rob Del Mar from the Oregon Department of Energy talks about solar energy advances - cheaper and better storage options.

Rep. Paul Evans speaks about legislative proposals to either add seven governor-appointed members to the Salem-Keizer School Board or require the school board to adopt zone-based voting. The school board has come under fire for not responding to community members' requests to remove police from schools and by adopting a policy to curtail some public comment.  (Note: a Willamette Wake Up report on the school board meeting in question was podcast on Dec 10, 2020.)

Hear clips from the Polk County Report that defined 2020 for this rural Oregon county.  Plus clips from all WWU's regular special programs, from climate change to labor news and a lot in between.

Clips from 23 past Willamette Wake Up episodes are played with narration in between, giving listeners a romp through the defining events of 2020 in the mid-Valley.

Mimi Casteel, a holistic vintner in Hopewell, talks about using permaculture principles at Bethel Heights winery. Every 5th Tuesday, program host Tom Ellis produces a segment showcasing permaculture practices in the mid-Valley region.

Mimi Casteel, a holistic vintner in Hopewell, talks about using permaculture principles at Bethel Heights winery. Every 5th Tuesday, program host Tom Ellis produces a segment showcasing permaculture practices in the mid-Valley region.

On Legislative Matters - Tune in Take Part, the special legislative session from Dec 21, 2020, is reviewed, emphasizing the discussions underlying the eviction moratorium extension and relief for renters and landlords.

In part 2, Bob Berto Rossi shares the stories of day to day life in the Colorado coal towns during the 1920s.  The program recaps part 1 from November 27, 2020, reveals the day to day lives of women & children, and gives insight into the writer and his motivations for telling these stories.

Rick Gaupo, CEO & President of the Food Share, congratulates the community for coming together and rising to the occasion to feed the thousands of extra hungry individuals and families caused by the crises of 2020.

Jimmy Jones, Executive Director of the Community Action Agency, gives a year-end review of the agency's efforts and programs to address homelessness and poverty in the mid-valley. There's a long way to go to meet the need, but for the passionate like Jones, they keep going.