 Saying No to Military Force in Portland
Portland did not ask, and does not need, National Guard troops to help with controlled and reasonable public protest. Free speech is a right. Deploying the National Guard would cost an estimated $10 million dollars. As a mom and teacher, when I think about what that money could do for schools, health care, and vulnerable members of our community, I am disgusted by the unnecessary waste such a troop deployment would represent.
It was powerful to stand with fellow councilors, former and current members of the military, and other community members last Sunday to say clearly that we do not need or want military intervention in our city. A huge thank you to Veterans for Peace, About Face, and to Councilor Mitch Green for their work on the "Duty to Disobey: Veterans Stand Against War on American Soil" event. I appreciate their efforts to underscore that the highest duty of any service member is to the Constitution, not to any individual commander-in-chief.
I am so proud of how our city is showing up in this moment. We are creative, resilient, and we take care of each other! Thank you for all you are doing to make our community stronger and more connected!
 Neighbor to Neighbor and Protect Oregon
As part of the goal of helping our city be more connected and resilient, Together Lab and the Portland Association of Teachers held Neighbors to Neighbors / Vecino a Vecino events yesterday and today. It was an honor to speak at the event at Clinton Park today. Gathering together with our neighbors and sharing resources, concerns, and ideas is especially important right now.
Protect Oregon, a coalition of community organizations, is offering a series of events to help people gather to discuss and plan responses to possible military involvement in our communities. An event in District 3 will be from 1 to 2:30 p.m. this Sunday, October 12th. The location will be provided upon registration. For a full list of their planned events across the city, or to RSVP, click here.
 Sparkle Party!
What a joy and honor to emcee at the Sparkle Party 2025: Radical Hospitality as Resistance fundraiser for Rahab’s Sisters Tuesday night! In addition to seeing Rahab’s Sisters reach the fundraising goal, it was wonderful to spend time with such a beautiful community. They are doing fantastic work!
 Standing Together Against Wage Theft
The Labor and Workforce Development Committee heard testimony from community members regarding wage theft in Oregon on Thursday afternoon. The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries estimates that 88,000 to 128,000 Oregon workers are paid less than the minimum wage each year, losing $283 million to $405 million annually. I am proud to support the committee’s legislative action on this issue, and to support Tita Maria, a caregiver in Portland who could be owed as much as $195,000. Click here to sign a Statement of Support for the Justice for Tita Maria Campaign.
Remembering Hòa Nguyễn
I am heartbroken about the death of Oregon State Representative Hòa Nguyễn. After months of living with cancer, she died Thursday morning at 41. The oldest daughter of Vietnamese immigrants, she was a devoted public servant who centered children and education in her work. Over her career she worked at Neighborhood House, Portland Public Schools, Clackamas Education Service District, and was elected to the David Douglas School Board. Nguyễn was one of five Vietnamese lawmakers who entered the Oregon Legislature in 2023. She led the way for many of us to see life in public service as possible. I am grateful for her vision and leadership, and will miss her dearly.
 No Kings Sign-Making and Coffee Event
A No Kings rally and march will be held noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 18, starting at Battleship Memorial at Waterfront Park. My office will be hosting a sign-making event right before the rally from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Southeast Uplift, 3434 SE Main Street. If you don’t want to make your own sign, you are welcome to take one of the fabulous pre-printed ones we will have available! Coffee will be provided.
 Never Again Is Now
Oregon Tsuru for Solidarity and Oregon Rises Above Hate will be hosting a pre-No Kings rally event at 11 a.m. October 18 at the Japanese American Historical Plaza, 2 SW Naito Parkway. Never Again Is Now is a way to stand in solidarity with the communities being targeted now, and also be reminded of the strength of the Japanese American community. Attendees are invited to wear red and yellow.
Flotilla Supporters Return Home
I’ve been tracking the capture of two brave Oregonians trying to break the siege on Gaza on the Global Sumud Flotilla. I am happy that Stephen and Paul have been released and are back home. It is unacceptable that anyone be held in prison for trying to bring baby formula and aid to starving people!
Mini Grants for Climate Change Solutions Available
Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) mini grants are a quarterly opportunity offering up to $5,000 for activities that align with the PCEF goals of addressing climate change while advancing social justice. Mini grants provide an opportunity for organizations to fund a wide range of activities, including grant writing support, small projects, events, training, and staff time. For more information click here.
Portland Street Response Committee Recruitment
Community members are being sought to serve on the Portland Street Response Committee. There will be 14 members of the committee, which has a specific, detailed, and outlined purpose, as well as a sunset date. This recruitment will close on Monday, October 27. Click here to apply.
82nd Avenue Construction and Coalition
There is so much happening with the 82nd Avenue Corridor! In the next two weeks, contractors with the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) will have several active work zones along NE/SE 82nd Avenue. One lane in each direction will remain open during construction. Information about construction projects can be found here. Future plans include the 82nd Avenue Transit Project, which will bring high-capacity FX-Frequent Express TriMet bus service along SE 82nd Avenue, between Clackamas Town Center and the Cully neighborhood. Throughout the design process for this and other projects, PBOT will be working with the 82nd Avenue Coalition. Convened by Oregon Walks, Verde, APANO, and Unite Oregon, this coalition is made up of people and organizations that live, work, and play along 82nd Avenue.
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