Features of the Week
Min Yasui Day
I will be sponsoring a pre-gavel ceremony to highlight Min Yasui Day at our next upcoming evening City Council meeting on March 18. Min Yasui Day, which falls every year on March 28, honors the inspirational work and legacy of Minoru Yasui, who challenged the incarceration of Japanese Americans in concentration camps during World War II.
It’s important to remember that years prior to and during World War II, the City of Portland actively contributed to the racist, unjust removal of Japanese Americans in our city. While we’re ashamed of that history, it’s vital to learn from our past and recognize the patterns of that past happening in our community and our country today. Now, more than ever, we should look to emulate heroes like Min Yasui, whose legacy of advocacy and fighting against all forms of racial injustice serves as an inspiration.
I’m looking forward to celebrating Min Yasui at City Hall on March 18. All are invited to join us for a casual gathering and refreshments starting at 5:30 p.m. in the atrium on the ground floor! I also encourage folks to attend the Minoru Yasui Legacy Project’s free celebration at the Oregon Historical Society on March 28.
Human Trafficking Community Conversation
Thank you to the Madison South Neighborhood Association and partners for planning a meeting and community discussion about human trafficking in the NE 82nd Ave area Thursday night. It was helpful to hear a presentation from Portland Police Bureau Sergeant Onest Robert on human trafficking, and inspiring to see so many impacted community members committed to sharing their experiences, learning more, and working toward solutions.
Japan-America Society of Oregon
The Japan-America Society of Oregon (JASO) has fostered connections between Japan and Oregon since its founding in 1907. Around 180 Japanese companies are in Oregon currently, and Oregon has 24 sister cities in Japan – including Portland’s sister city of Sapporo! JASO Executive Director Graham Morris met with our office this week to update us on the many events and programs JASO is involved with.
Coming Up
Community Conversation
I’m excited to say that my next constituent event is with Metro District 6 Councilor Duncan Hwang! We want to hear from you about questions and concerns, and can share about recent developments with our respective Councils. Please let us know if you are coming so we can provide refreshments! Please RSVP here.
Sustainability and Climate Commission
Volunteering and serving on one of the City’s many advisory bodies and commissions is a great way to engage in local issues, and help shape the work of the City. Importantly, some of these bodies have dedicated seats to ensure youth have a seat at the table. The Sustainability and Climate Commission advances climate action across the City with a focus on environmental justice and accountability. The Commission’s chief responsibility is to create and evaluate the City’s next climate action plan. This means identifying specific actions to accomplish our sustainability and climate goals, outlining expected outcomes, and holding the City accountable to those commitments. Of the 20 seats on the Commission, four are dedicated youth seats (ages 16-24). If you know any interested and dedicated people between the ages of 16-24, please encourage them to apply for the Commission!
Bicycle Advisory Committee Meeting
The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) will be holding a Bicycle Advisory Committee meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10 in room 216 of the Portland Building, 1120 SW 5th Avenue. Register to attend virtually here.
Cherry Blossom Season
It’s almost cherry blossom season! The Japanese American Historical Plaza at the north end of the Tom McCall Waterfront Park on the Willamette features 100 Akebono cherry trees, which typically bloom March 19-21, but may start earlier or later depending on the weather. The Japanese American Museum of Oregon posts regular updates about the waterfront cherry blossoms. The trees were a gift from members of the Japanese Grain Importers Association in 1990. The plaza, with 13 granite blocks inscribed with poems, is a memorial to the experience of Japanese immigration to Oregon, and the unjust incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. It borders the area known as Nihonmachi, or Japantown, where many Japanese Portlanders lived and worked before World War II.
Other Portland spots to check out cherry blossoms include Hoyt Arboretum, with about 60 trees, and the Portland Japanese Garden, home to Yoshino cherry trees and a weeping cherry. The garden has a blossom tracker too, and both of these locations tend to bloom a little later than the waterfront trees.
In the Media
Franklin High School’s student newspaper is always full of amazing stories, and their latest edition has a great article, “Planning for Portland: Are Cars the Future?” featuring our own policy advisor Alan DeLaTorre!
Every traffic death is avoidable, and we still have a lot of work to do. The most recent report from the Portland Bureau of Transportation does offer hope that we are moving in the right direction with Vision Zero safety efforts. BikePortland has an overview here.
Community Resources
Project Yellow Light scholarship competition
Project Yellow Light is holding a competition for video or radio service announcements to encourage peers to avoid distracted driving. High school and college students can enter through April 1, with scholarship awards ranging from $2,000 to $8,000.
Other Announcements
The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability has released a Housing Bonus Alignment Project draft focused on midscale and larger residential development outside of downtown. The project includes multiple bedroom units, units with greater accessibility for older adults and people with disabilities, and deeper levels of affordability. A virtual session will be held on from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 12, and the public comment period ends on March 23. To learn more, read the discussion draft, and comment click here.
Tell us what you think!
What would you like to see included in the newsletter? Email councilor.koyamalane@portlandoregon.gov to let us know!
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