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Friends and Neighbors,
Upcoming Events
116th Community Conversation Happening Tomorrow!
Join Team #SD15 tomorrow Saturday, October 7th @ 11:00am-12:00pm for a Community Conversation at the Hillsboro Shute Park Library located at 750 SE 8th Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97123. This is an opportunity to bring your questions and concerns and join the discussion. I look forward to seeing you!
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), observed in October, is a time to recognize survivors and raise awareness about the devastating impact of domestic violence. One in three women, one in four men, and nearly half of all LGBTQ+ people will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. I am a survivor of domestic violence. It disproportionately impacts survivors of color, survivors with disabilities, immigrant survivors, and other survivors already experiencing marginalization and discrimination. Everyone knows someone affected by domestic violence, whether or not they realize it. Domestic violence not only affects those who are abused, but also has a substantial ripple effect on family members, friends, employers, co-workers, other witnesses, and the community at large. Domestic violence is not a private, or an individual problem - it requires community solutions and by coming together we can work towards ending domestic violence and create safe, healthy communities for everyone.
Throughout the moth of October, the Family Justice Center of Washington County will be hosting activities to raise awareness and bring visibility to this issue. I am a board member of the Family Justice Center. Events being held throughout the month can be found in English and Spanish using the provided links. You can register and read more about the Run for Hope in the "Community Outreach" section below.
You can also find more information on resources available to victims of domestic violence here in English and Spanish. I also encourage you to view the District Attorney's comprehensive resource guide detailing services available across Washington County.
Legislative Update
Senate Bill 4 - The Oregon CHIPS Act
Last week, the House Interim Committee on Economic Development and Small Business held an informational meeting on the Semiconductor Industry, providing an update on the investment made by the state legislature in this industry through the passage of Senate Bill 4, also known as the Oregon CHIPS Act.
During this hearing, economic officials stated that they expect $43.8 billion in new semiconductor investments in the coming year, creating roughly 6,300 new jobs. There were a total of 16 applications received by the Governor's office. All of the companies who applied for the Oregon CHIPS fund have an existing connection to our state and represent a diverse supply chain. The companies who submitted applications are also located throughout Oregon with investments being made in Benton, Deschutes, Jackson, Lane, Linn, Multnomah, and Washington Counties. The Governor's office also informed the legislature that currently not a single one of the applications requested land that was not already available within the cities urban growth boundaries. Contracts are still being finalized, but it has been amazing to hear about the great outcomes that we can expect to come to fruition from our states investment in the semiconductor industry!
To listen to last week's hearing and to find out which companies are on the path to receive Oregon CHIPS funding click here.
In the News:
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Listen. Learn. Act
Tri-County Meeting
This week, legislators and county commissioners came together for the Tri-County meeting to discuss issues Oregonians are facing. During this meeting we discussed workforce shortages, childcare investment need, cost of living impacts, ballot measure 110, behavioral health needs and a care continuum idea, unfunded mandates, safe drinking water, and property taxes. |
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Marion Acres Farm Visit - Hillsboro, OR
Yesterday I had the pleasure of visiting Marion Acres Farm to discuss issues related to meat and poultry processing, the development and value of agricultural land.
The Helvetia Farm Market is also located at Marion Acres. They're open daily Monday through Saturday 8AM to 7PM, and Sunday 9AM to 6PM. Everything they sell is local from the Pacific Northwest. Their market offers: NW Local Produce, Pasture-Raised Meats, Beer & Wine Pours, charcuterie, fresh flowers, espresso bar, grocery, old world bread, handcrafted goods, animal feed & hay, and more. Stop by 23137 NW West Union Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97124 to pay them a visit.
 Senator Sollman pictured with Geoff Scott (Owner of Marion Acres)
Meeting with Boy Scouts
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Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting with a group of Boy Scouts aiming to complete their requirement to become an Eagle Scout which is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program.
During this meeting we discussed issues ranging from energy and environment, housing and homelessness, M110, and emission reductions. It was great to hear directly from youth and share insights on how they can stay engaged and lend their voice for positive change in our community.
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Out and About in Senate District 15
SEIU Local 49 Healthcare Workers
SEIU Local 49 healthcare workers at Kaiser Permanente are seeking to settle a fair contract while grappling with an acute staffing crisis that is compromising both their well-being and the quality of patient care.
Senate District 15 Small Business Spotlight
Through the Veil - Orenco, Hillsboro
In 2022, the historic Orenco grocery building in one of Hillsboro's oldest neighborhoods was reopened as a retail store known as Through the Veil.
The owners August Hesse, and Courtney Pheils-Hesse gave the former grocery store a gothic makeover. They sell everything from book galore, tarot cards, incense, and carry everything you could need as a practicing Wiccan, witch, or pagan. Shoppers who aren't seeking these specific items will still find plenty of things ranging from artwork and jewelry to Halloween-themed houseware and spooky figurines.
Check out their store at 6698 NE Alder St, Hillsboro, OR 97124. They're open Tuesday through Sunday 10AM - 7PM on most days!
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Community Outreach
Celebrate the New Mural at M&M Marketplace
It's time to celebrate Hillsboro's newest mural, Together We Have a Bright Future by artist Li Tie.
Join the City of Hillsboro and M&M Marketplace for a dedication of the mural at the Marketplace (346 SW Walnut St) this Sunday, October 8 from 2PM - 4PM. Enjoy live music, light refreshments provided by M&M vendors, and remarks by project partners.
Parking is available and everyone in the community is welcome to join. Remarks will begin at 2:30 pm. To learn more about the mural process, and about Li Tie and his design click here.
 Pictured: "Together We Have a Bright Future" by artist Li Tie.
Run for Hope
This Sunday, October 8 from 12PM to 4PM the partners of the Washington County Family Justice Collaborative are throwing their 2023 Run for Hope 5k Run/Walk and Community Fair to recognize and celebrate Domestic Violence Awareness Month!
Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome to attend! In addition to a 5k run or walk, food trucks, a DJ, bouncy house, face painting, a resource fair, emergency responder vehicles to explore, and more will be available. Community members are welcome to attend without participating in the 5k, folks who are wishing to participate in the 5k must register.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is represented by purple and purple ribbons. Prizes will be given to participants for wearing their finest, most creative, and fantastically festive purple outfits!
Click on this link to learn more and register for the 5k run/walk!
Location and Parking:
Hare Field at 1147 NE Grant Street, Hillsboro, Oregon, 97124. (click for directions)
Parking lots are located around the entrance and across the street from the field. There is additional parking in the surrounding neighborhoods.
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Forest Grove - Free ESL Class | Clase de inglés gratis
Tuesday, October 10: 2:30PM - 4:30PM; Repeats every week Tuesday
Goodwill Industries is offering free English classes at the Forest Grove Library. Tuesdays from 1:00-3:00pm in the Rogers Room. Registration is not required. All levels welcome!
For more information, email us at fgl-reference@wccls.org.
Goodwill ofrece clases de inglés gratis a la biblioteca de Forest Grove. Todos los martes, 1:00-3:00pm en la sala Rogers. No es necesario registrarse. Todos los niveles son bienvenidos!
Para obtener mas informacion, escríbanos a fgl-reference@wccls.org.
Scholarship applications now open for Small Business Management Program
Are you ready to take your small business to the next level? This is the your opportunity to get the business skills you need to level-up your operations.
The Portland Metro Chamber, in collaboration with the Portland Community College’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers a 10-month training program designed to help small businesses increase revenue, improve operations, and hire great employees.
Applications for the 2024 Small Business Management program cohort are now open! Apply before October 23rd to be considered for this in-depth business training.
Thanks to the generous support from Bank of America, this training will be offered to up to 12 small businesses each year at a substantially reduced cost of just $500. But that's not all. As part of this scholarship, participants will also receive a complimentary two-year small business membership in the Portland Metro Chamber, which comes with its own set of valuable benefits.
If you're interested in applying for this program, or learning more please visit this link or scan the QR code pictured below.
Additional Resources
Senate District 15 – Event Calendars
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Food and Housing Assistance
Be good to yourself and each other. ❤
Onward & Upward,
Senate District 15 lies on Kalapuya land. The Atfalati were the northernmost band of the Kalapuya that lived along the Tualatin River in present day Washington County. Many of the Atfalati descendants are members of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon today. The Indigenous Peoples of this land experienced a painful history of colonial violence, sickness and removal from their land. The Atfalati are the foundation of Oregon’s past and we must honor them well into our future.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1715
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-207, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/sollman
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