February 26, 2016 

Nick was pleased to participate in Teach-In: Consequences of Xenophobia at Portland State University last night.

Nick joined a panel of community and student leaders to discuss to the repercussions of xenophobia and Islamophobia, and how our community can unite to combat it.

The dialogue was respectful and constructive.

Nick noted in passing that thanks to some of the most extreme rhetoric at the national level, people are organizing around the values of tolerance, hope, and love.

Recent events and actions include: the Muslim Educational Trust’s grand opening in December, the City of Portland’s Resolution opposing hate speech and supporting Muslim-Americans, passed in December, and a panel discussion about Islamophobia on KGW’s Straight Talk. 

Special thanks to Dr. Birol Yesilada, PSU student leaders and PSU administrators for organizing the event, and to Kayse Jama, the Center for Intercultural Organizing’s Executive Director, for moderating.

February 29, 2016

March is national Women’s History Month. It celebrates the vast contributions women have made and continually make to society.

Women’s History Month began over a century ago, in 1911, as International Women’s Day. In 1981, after increased popularity, Utah Senator Orrin Hatch and Maryland Representative Barbara Mikulski passed a Congressional Resolution proclaiming Women’s History Week. In 1987, Congress expanded the week to a full month. 

On Wednesday, Mayor Hales will proclaim March as women’s History Month in the City of Portland. The City will host many events throughout the month to honor women.

Check out the Women’s History Month 2016 Calendar for a full list of events from the City of Portland.

March 1, 2016

This Saturday, grab your neighbors and friends, and head over to Watershed Wide!

Watershed Wide is the Johnson Creek Watershed Council’s largest community planting event of the year. It’s a great excuse to venture out to the beautiful Johnson Creek, and help make it healthier for people and wildlife.

Watershed Wide was coordinated in partnership with the City of Portland, the Johnson Creek Watershed Council, the City of Gresham, Friends of Trees, and other great local organizations.

Tools, gloves, and instruction will be provided at each site. Kids are welcome to join too! And, there’s free pizza for volunteers in Gresham and Milwaukie.

Visit the Bureau of Environmental Services’ website for more information. There are multiple locations, so be sure to check out the map.

Watershed Wide

March 5, 9 am – 12 pm

March 3, 2016

This afternoon, Nick was proud to attend the 2016 Daily Journal of Commerce’s (DJC) Newsmaker’s Award Luncheon.

DJC Newsmakers recognizes leaders in architecture, engineering, and construction in our community. The Water Bureau’s Chief Engineer, Teresa Elliott, was one of the awardees.

Teresa began her career with the Water Bureau 20 years ago, as a civil engineer. Since then, she has broken glass ceilings, becoming the bureau’s first female principal engineer, and now, the first female Chief Engineer.

As Chief Engineer, Teresa oversees a team of 125 engineers and support staff. One of her top priorities is preparing our water infrastructure for the “Big One.” There are 2,800 miles of water pipes in the city, and Teresa is working to ensure they survive an earthquake.

Congratulations, Teresa! And thank you for your great service to the Water Bureau and our city.

Evening News: R2DToo Segment

KBOO  

Here’s What A City-County Homelessness Office Could Look Like

Dirk VanderHart in the Portland Mercury

Business group may challenge R2DToo move

Jim Redden in the Portland Tribune

Portland City Council approves confidentiality for arts tax

Brad Schmidt in The Oregonian

In arts tax vote, Steve Novick gets biblical and Dan Saltzman remains sensible: Editorial Agenda 2016

The Oregonian Editorial Board

Steve Duin: Great expectations, and journalism, at Grant Magazine

Steve Duin in The Oregonian

Portland fought water customers for 2 years over ‘very small disagreement’

Brad Schmidt in The Oregonian

Unpacking the 'N-word' at Grant High School: Editorial

The Oregonian Editorial Board