 Refugee & Immigrant U18 Girls World Cup Soccer Tournament
On Sunday, March 29, I was a part of an amazing event in District 1 organized by Bottles to Soccer, a volunteer-driven initiative creating soccer opportunities for refugee, immigrant, and low-income youth. Eastside Timbers and 30 other partners came together to offer a wonderful event that culminated in a tournament that brought joy of sport to counter ICE fears. Councilor Avalos kicked off the day with dancing and celebrating with the community, and I had the honor of presenting medals and trophies to the two finalists. Council President Dunphy was also a supporter of the event and I sincerely appreciate the opportunity for cross-District partnerships like these.
If you are interested in supporting immigrant and refugee families through sport, consider joining a peaceful community rally on May 3.
 Transgender Day of Visibility
Tuesday, March 31, was Transgender Day of Visibility and I was proud to join the City’s Queer Alliance Employee Resource Group in celebrating. Being in a space centered on celebrating trans and gender-diverse lives – their resilience, brilliance, and impact – was powerful in itself. And the performance by Sapphire Smoke was absolutely unforgettable.
I want to uplift the City’s Queer Alliance Employee Resource Group, whose work and advocacy continues to make a real difference across our city, from supporting employees to strengthening the culture and policies that shape Portland, they are a reminder that inclusion isn’t abstract – it’s something built every day by people who care deeply about each other and the communities we serve.
I’m incredibly proud of championing pro-trans and pro-LGBTQIA2S+ legislation at City Council, and I'm committed to fighting for trans rights, especially at a time when basic human rights are under attack.
 Obukan Judo at the Oregon Historical Society
I was honored to celebrate 100 years of Obukan Judo at the Oregon Historical Society—a place that has shaped community, character, and connection in Portland.
As a Councilor for District 3, I know thriving neighborhoods aren’t just built on streets and buildings—they’re built on spaces where traditions are preserved and values are passed down. Obukan has done exactly that for a century, creating resilience, dignity, and belonging, especially for Japanese immigrants and their families.
Today, it remains a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming community—honoring its roots while teaching discipline, respect, and joy. Congratulations to Obukan on 100 incredible years! Here’s to the next century of inspiring and connecting Portland. Learn more here: https://obukanjudo.org
 Friends of Mt. Tabor Park Annual Meeting
I had the pleasure of visiting the Friends of Mt. Tabor Park annual meeting— I’m also proud to be a member! It is always great to be reminded about the incredible work they do to care for and celebrate one of District 3’s most beloved green spaces. Their commitment to stewardship, community programming, and collaboration is inspiring, and I encourage anyone interested in supporting or learning from them to get involved. Organizations like Friends of Mt. Tabor Park remind us how much stronger our neighborhoods are when people come together to protect and enrich the places we all share!
 Visit with Portland Public Schools Board
This week, I spoke to the Portland Public Schools Board of Education as both a teacher and a parent, sharing how hot, stuffy classrooms and low ventilation affect students’ focus and health. I urged the Board to add indoor air quality goals to our climate and sustainability policy, with practical solutions like higher ventilation and air purifiers. Using this platform, I’m able to lift up real classroom experiences and push for policies that make schools healthier and more equitable for all students and staff.
 Sunnyside Elementary School Visit to City Hall
On Tuesday, we were excited to host two classes of third graders from Sunnyside Environmental School on a field trip to City Hall! Portland City Hall belongs to every Portlander, not just the ones that are old enough to vote. Third graders had the opportunity to tour City Hall, write letters to the Mayor and City Council in the beautiful Rose Room (picture above; reserved for dignitaries and special groups like these students!), and had the opportunity to ask questions directly to me, Portland Housing Bureau Interim Director Michael, and Mayor Wilson (picture below). It was wonderful having the students learn about local government, and it’s an important reminder to all of us that the City of Portland serves everyone, no matter how old or young.
 Visit to Grout Elementary School
After the Sunnyside classrooms visit to City Hall, I visited two combined classes at Grout Elementary School. Being an educator will always be part of who I am, I love working with students! I had the opportunity to discuss my role as an elected official, my history as a fourth generation Japanese American, and some of the similarities between WWII-era government overreach and what we are witnessing today. The students had some great questions and had the opportunity to learn about government, history, culture, and justice.
Budget Survey Reminder (April 7 Deadline)
Last call for responses to the District 3 Budget Survey 2026. Please submit your responses by the end of the day on Tuesday, April 7. We’ve received 500 responses so far and really want to hear about your priorities and concerns so we can better represent District 3 this budget season.
District 3 Budget Open House (April 8)
I invite you to join me and my team, Mayor Wilson, and District 3 Councilors Morillo and Novick on Wednesday, April 8, for a District 3 Budget Open House. The event will take place from 6:00-8:00 pm at Marysville Elementary School (7733 SE Raymond St, Portland OR, 97206). This event will provide opportunities to provide input at stations focused on several important community topics: Active, Safe and Inclusive Communities; Housing and Homelessness; Economic Development; Arts and Culture; Environment and Sustainability; and Effective, Efficient and Equitable Government.
Immigrant and Refugee Support
We are reposting some resources that support immigrant and refugee communities in Oregon:
- To report ICE activity in your community, you can call the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition (PIRC) at 1-888-622-1510. Their nonemergency line is 971-940-9053.
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The Equity Corps of Oregon (ECO) provides free legal assistance to immigrant and refugee Oregonians who need help with immigration law, are seeking asylum, are applying for DACA, are filing for an immigration work permit, or cannot afford a lawyer or filing fees. For help finding an immigration attorney through ECO call 1-888-274-7292 or email Info@equitycorps.org.
If you or someone you know was targeted in violation of Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise laws, please call the Sanctuary Promise Hotline at 1-844-924-STAY / 1-844-6-AMPARO or report online at SanctuaryPromise.Oregon.gov or PromesaSantuario.Oregon.gov.
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