Ausgust 4, 2015

Nick had a busy weekend out and about in Portland.

On Saturday, he was pleased to attend the Regional Arts & Culture Council’s (RACC) 20th anniversary celebration and fundraiser, “In the Garden of Artistic Delights.” The celebration was hosted by Jim Sampson and Geof Beasley in their magical Bella Madrona gardens.

Nick is proud to serve as Council liaison to RACC and our diverse community arts organizations. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards RACC’s grantmaking programs for individual artists.

On Sunday morning, Nick had breakfast at the Bipartisan Cafe in East Portland, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Then he visited the annual Montavilla Street Fair. Local fairs are a great way to enjoy the sun, meet our neighbors, and support small businesses!

The Street Fair was funded, in part, by Venture Portland. Nick serves as Council liaison to Venture Portland, which is dedicated to growing Portland’s 50 unique neighborhood business districts. 

In the afternoon, Nick and Mike Jordan, our new Bureau of Environmental Services Director, attended the Willamette River Revival in North Portland's Cathedral Park.

Nick and Mike met with local community leaders, including the Portland Harbor Community Advisory Group, the Cathedral Park Neighborhood Association, the Portland Harbor Community Coalition, Groundwork Portland, and members of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.

Afterward, Nick joined community leaders, including his friend Sho Dozono, at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Japanese American Historical Plaza in Tom MCall Waterfront Park. 

The powerful memorial was founded by the Oregon Nikkei Endowment. It serves as both a celebration of the Japanese American experience in the Pacific Northwest, and as an important reminder to protect civil liberties during times of crisis.

The event included live music, a water show by Portland Fire & Rescue, and stirring speeches by special guests, including former Mayor Bud Clark and Star Trek’s original Mr. Sulu, George Takei.

At the end of the event, Nick announced a $25,000 grant from the City designed to help renovate the beautiful plaza. The celebration was followed by a cruise on the Willamette River with Thomas Lauderdale and friends.

Photos courtesy of Curtis Suyematsu of Reflections Photography LLC.