PHOTO: Milagro Theatre’s annual multidisciplinary festival La Luna Nueva presents the powerful hip-hop theatre production Dreamscape. Written by cutting edge playwright Rickerby Hinds, “Dreamscape” is based on the real shooting of Tyisha Miller, an African-American teenager in Southern California, shot by the police in 1998. The show is Sept. 19-20, and the festival itself with four other shows runs Sept. 12-28. Get more information and tickets at www.milagro.org. 

Police Bureau Seeking Public Input on Discipline Process Directives

The Portland Police Bureau directs member action through the establishment of policy, procedure, and rule, as found within directives. The Bureau is in the process of reviewing all its directives. At the beginning of every month, the Bureau will post directives for public review and ask for comments.

Currently, the Bureau is asking for the community's feedback regarding its directives pertaining to discipline process. Because the discipline process is a serious matter, a process which directly impacts members, reflects upon the Bureau, and is of interest to diverse, external parties, the Bureau is routing this series through its public process for a second time. The Bureau will be looking at national best practices and the public's comments in order to update these policies this fall:

330.00, Internal Affairs Compliant Investigation Process
331.00, Service Improvement Opportunity
332.00, Administrative Investigations
333.00, Criminal Investigations of Police Bureau Employees
334.00, Performance Deficiencies
335.00, Discipline Process
336.00, Police Review Board
337.00, Police Review Board Personnel Selection
338.00, Discipline Guide

Community members are encouraged to read the directives and provide drafting comments at: http://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/59757

This webpage also enables community members to sign up for email notifications when new directives are posted.  The discipline process directives will remain posted and comments collected for thirty days (30), Sept. 1, 2014 through Tuesday, Sept. 30.

Oregon’s 2014 Walk to End Lupus Now in Waterfront Park

The Walk to End Lupus Now, formerly held at Oaks Park, will be held at Tom McCall Waterfront Park – one of our city’s centralized locales – on Saturday, Sept. 13, onsite registration opens at 8:30 a.m., the walk starts: 9:30 a.m., and an after-party starts at 11:30 a.m.

Nearly 60,000 people in the Pacific Northwest suffer from lupus, a debilitating, painful and incurable autoimmune disease that mainly attacks women during their child-bearing years; women of color are 2-3 times more likely to get lupus than Caucasian women.

The Walk to End Lupus Now includes a short 3k and 5K non-competitive walk or run options. Registration is free.
For more information email info@lupuspnw.org, or call toll-free 877-774-2992. To register for the walk, go to www.lupuspnw.org, click on Walk to End Lupus Now, then click on Oregon Walk.

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Recruiting Volunteers for Search and Rescue Program

No experience required, the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office will begin enrollment this week in its annual Search and Rescue (SAR) program - open to those interested in volunteering their time. An orientation meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10, and again on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at the MCSO Hansen Building at 12240 N.E. Glisan St. Portland.

The program will accept volunteers over the age of 14, in good health, who are able to pass a background check. Middle and high school students must be making sufficient progress toward their diploma.

The 8-month program offers training and experience in current search and rescue techniques and culminates in Oregon State Search and Rescue certification. After the first month of training, new members will be able to participate in some searches. After just a few months, they can participate in all search types. Key elements of SAR training include search techniques; wilderness awareness; outdoor survival skills; evidence identification and crime scene preservation; land navigation using GPS, map and compass; medical assessment and first aid.

Those interested in joining are encouraged to attend either of the orientation nights. Questions can be emailed to info@mcsosar.org or check out our website at www.mcsosar.org for more information.

Clark County Museum Opens Food History Exhibit

Visit the Clark County Historical Museum to view our latest exhibit, Food for Thought: Clark County’s Food History. Come explore Clark County’s shifting landscape of food as researched by students from Washington State University-Vancouver and illustrated using artifacts, documents and images from the museum’s collection.

Opening reception is Sept. 4, from 5-9 p.m. as part of First Thursday Museum After Hours. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, $2 for children under 18 and free with membership.

At 7 p.m. enjoy a lecture on local food history by guest curator and Washington State University-Vancouver professor Candice Goucher. Refreshments will be provided by the Grant House. The exhibit runs through April 30, 2015. For more information go to www.cchmuseum.org.

AARP Voter Guide Available On Oregon Candidates Website

Want to know where your candidates for Oregon Governor, US Senate, and the US House of Representatives stand on the issues?

Now you can read their positions at http://aarp.org/yourvote regarding issues such as Social Security, Medicare, financial security, family caregiving, retirement, and transportation. The AARP Voter Guide allows you to compare the candidates and create a personal ballot you can keep or share with others.

Former Workers May be Eligible for Federal Benefits

Wilsonville - The U.S. Department of Labor has certified that former workers of TE Connectivity, Medical Business Unit, may be eligible for benefits and services under the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Program. This includes workers whose wages were reported under Precision Interconnect, and including on-site leased workers from Kelly Services, Aerotek, and Total Technical Services.

The certification was a result of the company being adversely affected by import competition or shifts in production to a foreign country.

Anyone working for these companies who were laid off due to lack of work on or after May 19, 2013 and before June 27, 2016, may be eligible.

Under TAA, affected workers may be eligible for:

Re-employment assistance
Training
Job search allowances
Relocation Allowances
Additional unemployment insurance benefits in the form of Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA)

There are important deadlines associated with this program, so those who think they may be eligible should contact the Oregon Employment Department's Central Trade Act Unit right away at 1-877-639-7700.

Additional information may be found about the Trade Act Program online at www.Employment.Oregon.gov, or on the U.S. Department of Labor website, www.doleta.gov/tradeact.

Race The Wave 5K Fun Run/Walk to Practice Tsunami Evacuation Routes

September is National Preparedness Month and Pacific Northwest coastal communities are leading by example. Cannon Beach will host Race the Wave, their first hazard-themed fun run designed to blend awareness and action into a single activity.

Race the Wave is a 5k tsunami fun run/walk that follows an actual tsunami evacuation route in Cannon Beach. On Sept. 28, participants will learn about earthquake and tsunami hazards so they can make informed decisions and take actions to be better prepared, creating a more resilient community.

The race route begins on the beach and finishes at the higher ground of one of the community’s evacuation meeting points, where Cannon Beach will host a preparedness fair with interactive booths for all to learn more about how to prepare for emergencies and disasters.

Race the Wave: Natural warnings are the best sign of a tsunami. If you feel the ground shaking, move quickly inland or to a higher elevation. Listen to the radio to learn of tsunami warnings originating from non-local causes.

For more information and to participate in Race the Wave visit the community Facebook page.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion10 and www.facebook.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at twitter.com/craigatfema The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications

Added Hours Make Inspections Convenient for Home Improvements

Vancouver, WA – Homeowners planning repairs and remodels can get their projects done sooner under a new service that offers evening appointments for building safety inspections Tuesday through Friday.

This is a natural time to think about heating, plumbing, windows, roofs and siding for work to be completed before winter sets in, said Jim Muir, chief building official.

“Time can be a real pressure point, especially for people who may need to leave work to meet with inspectors,” Muir said.

“We now do inspections on relatively minor projects until 7 p.m. most weeknights. We are also creating flexibility to make appointments on Saturdays, but we won’t have a set schedule on the weekend until we see how many homeowners need that convenience.”

Call (360) 397-2069 or send email to TikTok@clark.wa.gov to find out if your project is eligible for an appointment after regular business hours or to schedule one up to 14 days in advance.

The county has a variety of other operational changes in progress to promote efficiency and reduce frustration for those meeting safety standards throughout unincorporated areas, Muir said.

For example, video inspections are available for minor projects and corrections that do not require an inspection on site. Owners and contractors may call (360) 397-2069 or send email to Sherlook@clark.wa.gov for that service.

The 4th Aging & Memory in the African American Community: The Heart-Brain Connection

At this FREE educational conference for midlife and older African Americans, learn from African American heart and brain experts how a healthy heart helps sustain a healthy brain. Discover ways you can improve both. Enjoy interactive resource information plus a healthy soul food lunch.

Tuesday September 30, 2014 from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM

Legacy Emanuel Lorenzen Conference Center
2801 N. Gantenbein
Portland, OR 97227

Drug and Alcohol Recovery Events set for September 8-16, 2014

Vancouver, WA – Clark County’s Substance Abuse Advisory Board will host the 13th annual Clark County Recovery Forum on Saturday, Sept. 13, in recognition of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.

The free event will be 5-8 p.m. in the Centennial Center at Red Lion Hotel at the Quay, 100 Columbia St. A buffet dinner will be provided from 5-6 p.m., or while supplies last.

The event celebrates the Access to Recovery Program and people who have been affected by addiction and made steps toward long-term recovery.

Speakers include Board of Clark County Commissioners Chair Tom Mielke, Commissioner Edward L. Barnes, Cleve Thompson, retired Clark County Alcohol and Drug Program manager, and two officials of the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Five people, including Sheriff Garry Lucas, will receive special recognition, and three people will share their stories of recovery.

This year, the forum is part of Recovery NW Project’s first regional conference, which includes training, a two-day conference for people in recovery, and a recovery walk.

All attendees and presenters must register for the conference, forum and Recovery Walk at http://recoverynw.org, so coordinators can plan logistics and food accordingly.

The goal of organizers in Washington and Oregon is to raise awareness about recovery and encourage others toward it. The forum is an opportunity for the community to learn about the realities and challenges of helping a person into recovery and local resources that make recovery possible.

Persons requiring special arrangements should call Cyndi Smith, Community Services, at (360) 397-2075 ext. 7835.

AARP SMART DRIVER COURSES OFFERED FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY

The AARP Smart Driver Course, offered by AARP Driver Safety, is the nation's largest classroom and online driver safety course and is designed for drivers age 50 and older, but all ages can attend. The Oregon courts have approved the AARP Smart Driver Course for completion of a court-ordered driver safety program for all ages.

In Oregon, classes are held in every county. A list of classes in October in Washington County.

In Oregon, participants may be eligible for a multi-year auto insurance discount upon course completion. Participants are encouraged to check with their insurance agent for details about the type of discounts they can receive by taking the course.

The classroom course costs only $15 for AARP members and $20 for nonmembers. The cost for the online course is $17.95 for AARP members and $21.95 for nonmembers.*

For more information or to find a course, visit www.aarp.org/ADS2014 or call 1-888-227-7669. The course is open to drivers of all ages, and AARP membership is not required to take the course.

Neighborhood Emergency Team Trainings – Sign Up Now

The City of Portland has two scheduled Basic Training classes coming up: one in Linnton in September, and another in New Columbia (Portsmouth neighborhood) in October.
The trainings are designed to train local neighbors on how to take charge and help their block in the event of an earthquake or other natural disaster. Space is limited and participants are urged to sign up now.

This class will cover all basic curriculum to become certified as an active member of Portland's Neighborhood Emergency Team Program.

You do not need to reside in Linnton or New Columbia to take the training at either location.

Get links to the signup page by contacting the NET Coordinator Jeremy Van Keuren, Portland Bureau of Emergency Management, at 503-823-4421 jeremy.vankeuren@portlandoregon.gov

Also, a two-day Ham radio course is being offered at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center on Friday, Sept. 12 and Saturday, Sept. 13. The class is free and all materials are provided. The exam fee, however, is $14. 

If you are interested in joining the class, please email Eric Kosko at eric.kosko@providence.org.

The Celebration of Wild Steelhead Returns

U.S Fish and Wildlife and Soul River /NCO are teaming up with other area vendors to organize a fun-filled, family-friendly outdoor music event, The Celebration For Wild Steelhead.
The weekend celebration kicks off Sunday, Sept. 7, at 1 p.m. in Peninsula Park where there will be instructional workshops, giveaways, and a live reggae/blues performance by The Rising Buffalo Tribe. The event runs until 6 p.m.

The celebration promotes ethical and respectful fly fishing and the conservation of Wild North American Steelhead with a fun filled day of music, fly fishing workshops, conservation, and other exciting activities.

There will be free fly fishing instructional workshops that cover fly casting, fly tying, responsible practices, as well as conservation seminars. Soul River will also be giving out free beginner fly rod kits to youth in attendance (quantities are limited).

5th Annual Black Parent Initiative Symposium

The Black Parent Initiative hosts its 5th Annual Parent Symposium: Saturday, Sept. 6, at Warner Pacific College, 2219 SE 68th Ave.

The Symposium will provide parents and community members with the opportunity to gain practical knowledge about best practices needed when raising Black children.

This year’s Symposium will focus on identifying the giftedness and needs of your child, building healthy cultural identity, and strengthening parental strategies for supporting educational and emotional success both in and outside of the home.

The featured performers, Black Violin is the blend of classical, hip-hop, rock, R&B, and bluegrass music.

For more information go to www.thebpi.org.

Pet Specials at Multnomah County Animal Services

The Multnomah County Animal Shelter located at 1700 W Historic Columbia Highway in Troutdale is urgently seeking the public’s help adopting or fostering animals for a short period of time in their home.

As the region’s only open-door shelter that accepts all stray animals, the shelter is at 105 percent capacity. Throughout the month of August, the shelter is offering a discount on adoptions with its “Pretty in pink” adoption special. All shelter pets designated with the color pink can be adopted for just the cost of a license fee. That's $25 for dogs and $12 for cats.

If you can’t adopt right now? There are other ways to help especially with our community’s cats. Find out how you can help at www.multcopets.org.

You And Your Racist Brain: The Neuroscience Of Prejudice

Science on Tap is a science lecture series where you can sit back, enjoy a pint, and laugh while you learn, Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver, Wash. Doors at 6 p.m. event at 7 p.m.

Cost is $8 online advance tickets, $10 suggested cover at the door with beer, wine, pizza slices, popcorn and snacks available.

Dr. Larry Sherman, a senior scientist in the Division of Neuroscience at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) will explore the neuroscience behind prejudice and racism. He will discuss the so-called "cross-race effect" and how the brain can overcome this reaction, raising intriguing possibilities about how prejudice and racism can be reversed. Listen to experts talk about the science in your neighborhood and around the world. You don't have to be a science geek to have fun--all you need is a thirst for knowledge.

Mitchell S. Jackson selected for Everybody Reads 2015

In January, 2015, Multnomah County Library will launch Everybody Reads 2015, the library’s 13th annual community reading project, with Mitchell S. Jackson’s debut novel, “The Residue Years.”

Set in 1990s Portland, The Residue Years is Jackson’s semi-autobiographical account of a family’s struggles in a neglected black neighborhood of a predominantly white city.
Mitchell S. Jackson received an M.A. in writing from Portland State University and an M.F.A in Creative Writing from New York University.

He has been the recipient of fellowships from Urban Artist Initiative and The Center For Fiction and teaches writing at New York University. His writing has appeared in publications including the New York Times, Salon, and Vice Magazine.

Jackson will speak on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Tickets are available from Literary Arts.
To read more about Multnomah County Library, visit www.multcolib.org.

Entrepreneurship Course for Baby Boomers Coming to Portland

Portland-area residents aged 50 and over soon will be able to learn how to more effectively turn their entrepreneurial ideas into business success thanks to a new program from Kauffman FastTrac® and AARP. “FastTrac NewVenture™ for the Boomer Entrepreneur” is specifically designed to help Baby Boomers who are considering entrepreneurship to hone their unique strengths, experience and expertise in order to start their own businesses.

The 10-week course will meet one evening per week beginning on Sept. 16 at the Avita Business Center, located at 5257 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Portland. In an outreach to its membership, AARP is offering $500 scholarships to 60 aspiring entrepreneurs who were born prior to 1965. Learn more at www.states.aarp.org/category/oregon.

Jim PepperFest 2014

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Parkrose High School Performing Arts Center, 12003 NE Shaver St., Portland

The public is invited to the free all-ages performances, Native American art show and sale, and other attractions from noon to 7:00 pm.
Please bring 2 cans of food for the Oregon Food Bank. There will be a ticketed evening benefit concert supporting music education and access to band for Parkrose High School music students.

20% of gross ticket sales will be dedicated to the Jim Pepper Remembrance Scholarship Fund, which will provide college scholarships in Jim Pepper’s name equally to Parkrose students and Native American music students living on or off reservations anywhere in the USA. Click here for more information.

Northwest Children's Nature Play Week

September 11-15

Join us in a catalyzing week focused on making health, happiness and the outdoors a priority for our kids, families, and communities. From September 11 – 15 David Bond of Project Wild Thing will be in Portland. Hailing from the U.K., David will be visiting with parents, kids, educators, parks professionals, and everyone in between to share his work and help inspire further growth to great things already going on here in the northwest. A series of events, dubbed the Northwest Children’s Nature Play Week, have come together and we are really excited.

Check out the schedule of events here.

Awesome Portland provides micro-genius grants for flashes of micro-brilliance.

The Portland Chapter of the Awesome Foundation for the Arts and Science, is part of an ever-growing, worldwide network of people devoted to spreading Awesomeness in the universe. The Portland Awesome Trustees pool their money and distribute a $1,000 grant every other month to encourage projects that build community, foster fun and support creativity. Our next application deadline is September 9, 2014 and the winner will be selected September 25, 2014 at Velo Cult.

Learn about past winners, find out how to apply for the next grant and learn more about Awesome Portland at: www.awesomeportland.org. Follow us:@awesomepdx.

Find more events in Portland and Seattle on The Skanner News' Community Calendar