 Candlelight Vigil
Thursday night more than 400 community members gathered at City Hall in response to the shooting of two members of our community by border patrol agents. Coming just one day after the shooting of a woman in Minneapolis by federal agents, we stood together to speak up for democracy, legal process, and basic humanity.
History teaches us that injustice does not begin with violence. It begins with dehumanization, with bureaucratic cruelty, and with people saying “this is just how it works,” or “there’s nothing we can do.”
As we grieve the harm done to our community by these repeated, reckless violations of due process, we must also be clear-eyed about the moment we are in. This is how history repeats itself, unless people interrupt it.
Democracy does not defend itself.
It requires people — ordinary people, and especially those with power and platforms — to stand up, to speak out, and to choose courage over silence.
On January 13 Councilor Sameer Kanal’s proposed ban on mask wearing by ICE agents will come to the Community and Public Safety Committee. I look forward to passing this ban when it comes to full Council, as well as other protections and legislation being planned.
May we stay rooted, together, in what is just.
 Drivers Union
It was wonderful to meet with members of the Drivers Union on Monday. We discussed policy solutions for rideshare drivers, including increased fare transparency, work protections, and a fair appeals process with the right to representation. I’m grateful for the testimony drivers have given at Council meetings. Hearing their stories is so powerful. I’m looking forward to supporting helpful legislation in the new year.
 Braided River Campaign
Over the winter break I got to connect with members of the Braided River Campaign. Their organization focuses on making the lower Willamette River waterfront a safe and healthy place. Topics they work on include CEI Hub policy, neighborhood greenways, renewable fuels policy, the Portland Harbor Superfund Cleanup, and the Portland Climate Emergency Policy. I’m grateful for their work, and for the sweet connection with Sunnyside School founder Sarah Taylor! Their gallery at Lloyd Center is definitely worth a visit, and is open to the public from 2 to 6 p.m. on Thursdays.
 p:ear Visit
Another highlight of the winter break was visiting p:ear, a safe and creative space for young people experiencing and moving through homelessness. The program serves an average of 65 kids per day, and provides 23,160 meals per year. In addition to offering maker spaces and a gallery to showcase art, p:ear offers work training programs in the coffee industry and bicycle repair, has cooking classes, and provides support for pregnancy and parenting. They’re a great organization to volunteer with and support.
 Mom Visiting and Exploring D3
The absolute best thing about winter break was getting to visit with my mom and show her around District 3! My sons and I had a great time visiting City Hall and other favorite spots around Portland.
 Happy Retirement
Before the recess City Council thanked Michael Jordan, the City of Portland’s first city administrator, for his work in this new position. Jordan is now officially retired, and I wish him lots of well-deserved relaxation and fun! I am grateful for the knowledge and kindness that he brought in service to our city. Thank you, and Happy Retirement!
 Let’s Talk!
Please join me for a talk about all things D3 and city of Portland! I’d love to hear your thoughts and priorities. TOMORROW, Saturday January 10, 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the Fireside Room of SE Uplift, 3534 SE Main St. Let me know you are coming by RSVPing!
I will also be at the Town Hall hosted by Roseway Neighborhood Association on January 27 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Calvary Church, 3516 NE 71st Avenue. Along with my fellow District 3 councilors Angelita Morillo and Steve Novick I’ll be participating in a Q&A session about community issues.
Rallies
The Democratic Socialists of America is holding a “Hands Off Venezuela” rally starting at 11 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, January 10 at Battleship Memorial on the Portland Waterfront.
Portland Immigrants Rights Coalition, CLEAR Clinic PDX, Voz, Together Lab, and Asylum Seeker Solidarity Collective are holding a We Protect Us vigil from 4 to 6 pm tomorrow at Terry Schrunk Plaza, on SW 4th between Madison and Jefferson streets.
Free Fridge Tutorial
At SE Uplift’s next Community Care + Safety Task Force meeting, there will be a presentation about how to set up a free fridge or pantry in your community. The meeting will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m this Monday, January 12, at SE Uplift and also available online via Zoom. For more information and to register visit their webpage.
Free Documentary Screening
The Oregon Justice Resource Center is hosting a free film screening and panel discussion of the documentary The Alabama Solution at 4 p.m. on Monday, January 19th (MLK Jr. Day) at the Clinton Street Theater.
The documentary is about Alabama's prisons and features footage filmed by incarcerated people telling their stories. The discussion will center on what we can learn here in Oregon. For more information or to RSVP visit the event website.
Learning Landscape Plantings
Urban Forestry is looking for volunteers to help with school plantings through the Learning Landscapes program. Upcoming plantings include Arleta Elementary School on January 23 and Lane Middle School on Feb. 6. Both events are from 8:45 to 11:45 a.m., and you can sign up at the Urban Forestry volunteer events webpage.
Local Progress is an organization working to help elected officials develop and advance progressive policies for their communities. I’m proud to make a small appearance (page 8!) in their Year in Review report. It’s always inspiring to learn about ways other government bodies and communities are finding pathways toward lasting racial and economic justice. I’m excited about getting even more wins for our community in 2026!
Coverage of Thursday night's Candlelight Vigil, from OregonLive
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