What seems to be a new coalition is calling for equity from the City of Portland in transportation spending for communities of color and low income people. The Climate Justice Collaborative specifically criticizes a proposed linear park in inner Portland called the Green Loop.
In a letter to City Council members the group writes: “the Green Loop fails to meet even the simplest understanding of equity, one of the five guiding principles of your Comprehensive Plan. All the while, numerous areas outside of the City core lack even the most basic pedestrian and bike safety infrastructure.”
Demanding equity in the City of Portland’s transportation spending is an important issue, and what is especially heartening and first caught my attention is the mighty coalition of groups backing the initiative: APANO, Coalition of Communities of Color, Native American Youth & Family Center, OPAL Environmental Justice Oregon, PAALF, Portland African American Leadership Forum, and Verde. Ally organizations include Oregon Walks, Green Lents, and the Safe Routes to School National Partnership.
I first learned of the issue from a Bike Portland article. It’s great they brought the issue to light, but the article is somewhat dismissive of what he calls activists’ “grumbling”. Bike Portland Publisher / Editor Jonathan Maus wrote that got push back from his transportation sources, and that they didn’t even want him to publish the letter. He did reach out to all the City Council members who expressed support for the CJC’s demands.
Citing history and current attitudes, achieving that equity in the built environment is going to be an uphill battle for sure. One of the things the CJC wants is outreach to communities like those in East Portland, so let’s start now: is there a certain intersection that you think needs improvement?
FRIDAY
Detroit, Wonder Woman, Network (1976), and four other second run movies are playing this weekend at Academy Theater. You don’t have to wait until Sunday when the rains roll in Sunday see a movie.
Academy Theater, 7818 SE Stark * adults $4, seniors and children $3
SATURDAY
The Malden Court Community Orchard, a project of Green Lents, is hosting their monthly work party (Facebook page). Wear work clothes, and they will provide coffee, snacks, gloves, and instruction. This month:
“Jonathan Brandt is going to lead a workshop at the beginning of the work party about Pest and Disease Management and Orchard Maintenance. Tool shed construction is continuing, blackberries need to be removed, strawberry beds need maintaining, and more! Come join us and see what you can contribute to our beautiful neighborhood green space.”
7677 SE 87th Ave * 9 am – noon
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Aquifer Adventure (more information and how to volunteer here) is an outreach effort from Portland Water Bureau to encourage businesses and individuals to prevent chemical spills that could pollute aquifer water in the wellhead protection area that runs between the Columbia River and I-84 from 82nd Ave east to Wood Village. The Columbia South Shore Well Field is the secondary drinking water source for over 900,000 Oregonians.
“Big and little pirates alike are welcome to join us for a family festival all about groundwater! Play fun games and go on a scavenger hunt in search of hidden treasure – not gold, but groundwater, a precious resource that flows beneath your feet! Come dressed in yer finest pirate togs, or else the Cap’n might make ye walk the plank! Free kids T-shirts to the first 300 kids!”
There’ll be free canoe rides, face painting, hands-on science activities, ice cream aquifers, and food for sale from Mixteca Catering.
Portland Water Bureau Launch, 16650 NE Airport Way * noon – 4 pm
SUNDAY
In cooperation with Wildflower Baking, Blank Slate, a new bar on Glisan, is hosting a brunch pop up that benefits the Vestal School PTA.
Blank Slate, 7201 NE Glisan St * 10 am – 2 pm
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The Festival of Nations, sponsored by the Division Midway Alliance is being held Sunday. Over 50 vendors, a model train exhibit, and cultural entertainment will be present. For photos of performers visit divisionmidway.org.
Duke’s Bar & Grill, 14601 SE Division St * 11 am – 5 pm
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Both the Montavilla and Lent Farmers Market are open Sundays!
Lents Farmers Market, SE 92nd Ave & Reedway St, between Foster and Harold * 9 am – 2 pm
Montavilla Farmers Market, 7700 block of SE Stark St * 10 am – 2 pm
Village Portland 