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(she/her) councilor.koyamalane@portlandoregon.gov

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In this week's newsletter:

• Feature of the Week
• Coming Up
• Community Resources
• Other Announcements

Feature of the Week

This week was the first day of school for Portland Public Schools. I got to fill my cup with some classroom visits this week. Thank you to the teachers who welcomed me in to read aloud and play games with your students! To all the educators putting in so much time and energy to support your students and families during this busy time: I SEE AND APPRECIATE YOU!

Back to School also means Back to Bike Bus Fun! Alan (policy aide on my team) and I met with Bike Bus leaders and supporters about ways we can make our greenways safer for our kids (and all of us!). We have some exciting ideas in the works. Want to learn more about Bike Bus? Want to join one? Take a minute to learn more about Bike Bus PDX

Also, I’m sending so much love to all the families embarking on this new chapter. For me, it’s my first time in 17 years NOT walking into my new classroom to meet the kiddos I’d get to spend the year with— and while that feels bittersweet, it also gives me space to reflect on how complicated the back-to-school season truly is.

This week, I tuned into Dr. Becky’s latest Good Inside episode, “Let’s Talk Back-to-School,” where she shares something that really stuck with me:

“Even if back-to-school season looks shiny on the outside, it often comes with a swirl of messy feelings for kids and parents! … Starting school is more than just a change in schedule — and how to stay sturdy during the turbulence of transitions.”

That phrase—“a swirl of messy feelings”—captures it perfectly. Whether you’re a kid, a caregiver, or someone who used to be in the classroom like me, there’s so much to hold and process. So here’s to being both excited and overwhelmed this week—to honoring the complexity and embracing whatever feelings come your way. We’ve got this.

I had so much fun at the District 1 People’s picnic last weekend! It was an incredible celebration of District 1 hosted by Councilor Avalos! It was great to see Mayor Wilson come out to speak. I have said it before, but I will continue to emphasize how important this new form of government is to make sure that all parts of Portland are represented. The picnic was so lovely with a DJ, wonderful food, lots of activities for the kiddos, and a neighborhood bulletin board for everyone to share their upcoming events! Thank you so much for having me, Councilor Avalos!

Coming Up

Defend Migrants Campaign

On Monday, the Defend Migrants Campaign will be embarking on a caravan from Portland to the Tacoma Detention Center. More from the organization and details on how to join below:

Let our voices be heard at the NW Detention Center: Join on September 1st to caravan from Portland to the NW Detention Center in Tacoma, Washington. Why? Community members will be protesting the unjust detainment and dehumanization of our cherished community members within the detention center and building people-to-people solidarity with one another. 

Portland Caravan to NW Detention Center (Sept 1, Labor Day

Lakad for Kalusugan

Lakad for Kalusugan, "Run for Health," will take place on Monday, September 1. Lakad for Kalusugan is a family-friendly 5k race raising funds for health-related projects and initiatives in the Philippines that will provide relief and rehabilitation to communities impacted by typhoons and volcano eruptions and to support the Filipino Bayanihan Center’s Health Programs in Portland, OR. “Lakad” means walk or move in Tagalog. Please invite your community to come join us for this family-friendly walk/run/jog for a cause and stay for the Filipino festivities afterwards! They will have food, drinks, and some incredible performances lined up for you. 

Sign up at LAKAD PDX

Join Me for My Next Constituent Coffee with PDX Saints Love!

My next constituent coffee will be Saturday, September 13 from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at PDX Saints Love at 247 SE 82nd Ave Portland, OR 97215. Do you know about the work of PDX Saints Love? They do such important work in our district! 

Please come be in community with us and share your thoughts about Portland! Thank you to our dear friend, PDX Saints Love, for hosting us! If you are able to bring a pair of new socks to donate, they would greatly appreciate it (of course donations are not required to come!). RSVP here.

Save the Date!

After passing unanimously out of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee in May, our resolution reaffirming the city’s commitment to Vision Zero heads to full council on September 17! Register for testimony or submit written testimony to Council | Portland.gov. I am excited to get the work of actionable accountability started, and revitalize our charge to end traffic violence in our City of Roses. I will have lots of exciting ways to engage with Vision Zero throughout the week of that council meeting! 

One way is to get involved with Park(ing) Day! Held on the third Friday in September, Park(ing) Day invites people to temporarily create public installations in parking spaces (aka parklets). The deadline for filing a permit to participate this year is September 12.

Community Resources

Hope and Bread

I had the honor of spending time at Hope & Bread Church over the weekend! I had a beautiful time with Reverend Sarah Fischer and other community members! Here is a message from Hope & Bread about their services:

Hope & Bread Church is no ordinary church. A mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon, led by the Rev. Sara Fischer alongside volunteers of all faiths and none, Hope & Bread meets every Sunday evening, rain or shine, in Montavilla Park on 82nd Avenue. The community gathers to enjoy a home-cooked meal, fellowship, and a simple service that always offers two things we all need every day: hope, and bread. Hope & Bread can always use volunteers, especially community groups that might like to provide a meal once a month for 50-60 hungry folks. We also distribute supplies and can use new or gently used adult footwear, t-shirts, and hoodies, along with new socks for men and women. Donated funds help to pay our musician and set-up helpers, buy cold drinks, and cover monthly costs of a storage unit. 

You can find out more about Hope & Bread through their website: Hopeandbread.org

ICE Updates

Councilor Morillo has released a statement and information on ICE in Portland as the situation continues to evolve. I stand with my colleague and encourage everyone to read this update. Update on ICE in Portland | Portland.gov

Other Announcements

AARP Oregon

On Thursday, September 18 from 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., AARP Oregon is hosting an 2025 Age-Friendly Oregon Summit at Portland State University.

Thank you for reading!

Until next time,

Teacher Tiffany