Coal Foes Rally in Salem to Highlight Health and Environmental Risks of Trains
Nine schools are close to tracks highlighting risk to children
2013-03-12
By Helen Silvis Of The Skanner News
Officials are concerned about the impact of coal trains on the health of people living near the tracks. At least nine schools in Multnomah County are on the railroad route: Roosevelt High, Rosa Parks Elementary, George Middle, Woodlawn Elementary, Faubion, Helensview High, Parkrose High, Shaver Elementary and Troutdale Elementary. Read the complete article
Former Seattle City Commissioner Richard McIver, 1941-2013
Proudly a fifth-generation Seattleite and known for his “laid-back” style, McIver was also known for speaking his mind and breaking with political traditions
2013-03-11
After years of serious health problems, former City Commissioner Richard McIver died Saturday night at age 71. Read the complete article
Washington Senate Votes to Allow Police to Search Students for Breaking School Rules
Appeals lawyer says law would be challenged as unconstitutional
2013-03-08
By Helen Silvis Of The Skanner News
Washington State Senate has passed a bill that will allow police to search students without their parents consent, if they are suspected of breaking a school rule. But Greg Link a defense attorney with the Washington Appellate project says that if the bill passes it likely will be struck down. Read the complete article
Time to Speak Out: City of Portland is Holding Public Budget Hearings
Hearing March 6 highlighted support for East Portland Plan, more hearings planned
2013-03-07
By Helen Silvis Of The Skanner News
A public hearing on the city budget March 6 packed the conference room at the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization in East Portland. Upcoming meetings are scheduled for North and Northwest Portland Read the complete article
Rat City Rollergirls Raise $2,000 for First Book Program
The money will go toward purchasing more than 700 books for local children
2013-03-07
Alyssa Keehn Special To The Skanner News
“Let’s get this party started!” celebrity librarian Nancy Pearl yelled to an excited crowd of more than 4,000 roller derby fans at Seattle’s Key Arena last month. Read the complete article
Digging Deep to Find Success: Michael Martin Owner of Northwest Infrastructure
Construction firm NW Infrastructure grows with help from Albina Opportunities Corp.
2013-03-07
Helen Silvis Of The Skanner News
Michael Martin struggled for years to build his construction business. Now he's taking it to the next level with help from loan nonprofit Albina Opportunities Corporation Read the complete article
Lewis & Clark Graduate School Opens New Center for Problem Gambling
The new service, located on Southwest Barbur Boulevard, features a telephone hotline and is open on weekends
2013-03-04
Lisa Loving The Skanner News
A new help center for problem gambling opened last month in Portland, offering free services in multiple languages - even on weekends, the time frame when many people need it the most. Lewis & Clark Problem Gambling Services is located at 4445 SW Barbur Boulevard. Read the complete article
New Pilot Program Will Help Underwater Homeowners Refinance
Help with arrears and mortgage payments also available
2013-03-04
By Helen Silvis Of The Skanner News
A new pilot program will help underwater homeowners refinance and take advantage of current lower interest rates. Other foreclosure prevention programs help with arrears and mortgage payments. Read the complete article
Rift in Queer Community Begs Question: Is Portland as Progressive as It Thinks It Is?
Booking of blackface performer brings racial tensions to the forefront
2013-03-04
Bruce Poinsette Of The Skanner News
Gentrification, the intersection of race and gender, and white privilege have all come to the forefront as the fallout continues from a Northeast Portland bar booking a blackface drag queen. Read the complete article
Multnomah County Health Report Says Coal Trains Could Hurt People of Color Most
Report calls for more research, a regional environmental impact study, says exporters should prove safety
2013-03-01
By Helen Silvis Of The Skanner News
Multnomah County Health report says coal trains could hurt people of color most. Noting good research is missing, it calls for a regional environmental impact study, says exporters should prove safety Read the complete article
