 Belmont Library is OPEN!
I am so excited about the reopening of the Belmont Library (1038 SE Cesar Estrada Chavez Blvd)! Originally opened as a small brick building in 1924, it’s gone through several changes over the years. One of the busiest locations in the county for circulation, it’s now doubled in size physically – and is beautiful as well as more functional. You can read more about the updates here, and I definitely recommend checking it out in person!
I’m looking forward to hosting a family-friendly constituent coffee and read-aloud event at the library from 1 to 2:30 pm Sunday, September 20. Mark your calendars; I’d love to see you there!
Part of Saturday’s grand opening honored beloved children’s librarian Jeanie Diaz. She is dearly missed, and remembered always.
 Tsuru for Solidarity Peace Pilgrimage
The Tsuru for Solidarity peace pilgrimage was held Sunday. After marching from the Japanese American Historical Plaza to the ICE facility, we said loudly and clearly that Never Again is Now. As a fourth-generation Japanese American, I am proud to stand in solidarity with groups being targeted by Homeland Security and ICE agents, and to call for an immediate end to family detention and state violence.
 Better Center Project in Foster-Powell
It is an honor that my office could support the Better Center Project with $10K for their street improvement projects, including the sunflower intersection mural at SE 75th and Center St, updating Creston Elementary School’s playground, including a traffic design to help teach bike safety, and the soon-to-be-repainted Wallie the Octopus intersection painting at SE 67th and Center St. Center Street is a key route through Foster-Powell, connecting neighbors to schools, businesses, and parks. Although it’s designated as a Neighborhood Greenway and a Safe Route to School, it doesn’t have basic safety features like curb ramps, curb extensions, traffic-calming elements, and street trees. The Better Center project aims to make Center Street safer and more welcoming by turning to Tactical Urbanism and community-led improvements, i.e. changes residents can implement themselves. This is about equity, climate, and traffic safety goals, plus empowering the community to shape their own streets! Thank you to Nathan Williams for some of these photos! Learn more and get involved HERE.
Remembering Fallon Smart
It has been 10 years since Fallon Smart, a 15-year-old Franklin High School student, was killed by a speeding driver while crossing SE Hawthorne Blvd near 42nd Avenue. Being at her vigil on Wednesday was a powerful reminder of how essential it is that we keep working to make sure that no one is killed or seriously injured when traveling through our city. You are missed and remembered, Fallon.
 Visit with PSU/Japan Program
What a delight it was to speak with college students and professors from Tohoku University and Ritsumeikan University Wednesday! The group is visiting from Japan as part of Portland State University's pilot social entrepreneurship program, organized through the Office of Global Engagement and Innovation. They had great questions about Portland’s community engagement and community-based organization.
Over the weekend my staff also participated in the Portland-Sapporo Sister City Association gathering at Laurelhurst Park. I am so grateful for these cross-Pacific friendships that continue to grow and connect communities!
 Margaret Carter Commons Housing Grand Opening
Last week’s grand opening of the Margaret Carter Commons development by Urban League of Portland and Northwest Housing Alternatives was an exciting chance to check out the brand-new 55+ affordable housing community at 3675 N Interstate Ave. M Carter Commons, named in honor of Oregon’s first Black woman legislator Margaret Louise Carter, is an income-restricted community that features studios and 1-bedroom homes. The Urban League of Portland will provide onsite resident services. You can learn more HERE.
Supporting Businesses on SE Division
Last Thursday my staff participated in the Office of Small Business’s Show Up for Small Business event at the ModHaus food cart pod. It was a great opportunity to celebrate the small businesses that make District 3 and Portland so special – and of course to enjoy some great food! The new spot is home to Jojo PDX, Hawker Station, Makulit, Chick & Pig PDX, Shekinah Sushi, Le Fragole, Fabo’s Tacos, Burmese Corner, DesiPDX, and Shawarma Spot.
In partnership with the Division Clinton Business District, the event also encouraged folks to keep supporting local businesses on SE Division, as the paving project between Cesar Chavez and SE 50th has made it harder for local businesses including Scoreboard Sports Bar, Village Merchants, Taqueria Lindo Michoacan, Sckavone’s Restaurant, Marino Café, L’ Echelle, New Rose Tattoo, El Sazon De Mi Rancho, The Turning Peel Pizza, The Cornet Custard, Nakhon Sawan Thai Restaurant, Switchback Saloon, Chi Em MeKha Grill, Los Gorditos, Capes and Crepes Board Game Café, Trouble Bar, and Tokio Table.
Free Yard Trees in District 3
SE Uplift and Portland Urban Forestry are teaming up with eight District 3 neighborhood associations to help residents get free yard trees — and build toward a goal of 25% tree canopy in every neighborhood. They will host a yard tree giveaway priority selection event from noon to 3 pm this Saturday, August 22 at SE Uplift, 3534 Main St. If you are unsure of what kind of tree to get, you can come to learn about available tree species and consult with Urban Forestry staff.
Residents of Brentwood-Darlington, Buckman, Creston-Kenilworth, Foster-Powell, Kerns, Mt. Scott-Arleta, Powellhurst-Gilbert, and South Tabor get priority access to available trees through the Tree Partner Program. If you live in one of these neighborhoods, sign up now through the Tree Partner Program Form. Referrals from a partner organization qualify for free tree delivery and planting.
Live outside one of the eight partner neighborhoods? You’re still welcome to stop by with questions. Complete the Yard Tree Interest Form to get an email when registration opens citywide.
Movie in the Park, Sewallcrest Edition
The Richmond, Sunnyside, and Hosford-Abernethy Neighborhood Associations, in partnership with Portland Parks & Recreation, will show Cool Runnings on Saturday August 22 in Sewallcrest Park, SE 31st Ave & Market St. The program starts at 7:30 pm with a kids/teens martial arts presentation by One With Heart martial arts studio, and the movie starts at dusk. More event information can be found here.
Taborhood Block Party
The Taborhood Block Party will be held from 5 to 8 pm Wednesday, August 26 at All City Church, 2700 SE 67th Ave. Free food, games, prizes, crafts, live music, skateboarding, basketball, and opportunities to meet local businesses and organizations will be included.
My Voice Music Block Party
My Voice Music, a youth music non-profit for 9-24 year olds creating original rock and hip-hop music, is hosting a block party from 1 to 6 pm Sunday, August 30. The event will be on one block of SE 89th Avenue, just north of Stark St, and will include live music, DJs, skate ramps and basketball from Dream Big City, the public reveal of a new youth-led mural. More information can be found here.
Third Act Film Screening with Director Tadashi Nakamura
JAMO is hosting a screening of the film Third Act, in which Filmmaker Tadashi explores his father Robert A. Nakamura's life as an influential Asian American artist and activist, while grappling with Robert's Parkinson's diagnosis, and navigating themes of art, grief, and their father-son relationship. The film will be shown at 2 pm Saturday, Sept 5 at Clinton Street Theater, 2522 SE Clinton St. Learn more and get $15 tickets HERE.
Portland Staycation Event
The third edition of Portland's Staycation weekend will be held September 11-13, and includes a Sunday Parkways route, performances, and discounts at a range of businesses downtown. You can RSVP at PDXStaycay.com to receive a virtual "Local's Pass" that unlocks deals, discounts, and special menus from more than 100 Portland area businesses and attractions. You can learn more HERE.
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