Week of 2/8/09 - 2/14/09

*  I met with Dean Marriott, Director of the Bureau of Environmental Services, regarding the Office of Healthy Working Rivers

*  Met with Mayor Adams regarding the budget.  We discussed the elements in the Fiscal Emergency.  Content subsequently aired in public at the Tuesday morning Council worksession.

*  Regular monthly meeting with Chief Administrative Officer Ken Rust.  I am still working hard to understand the budget process and how to have the maximum effect on decisions.

*  Met with Erin Flynn, Portland Development Commission staff, regarding the Office of Healthy Working Rivers and PDC's Harbor ReDi initiative.

*  Met with Charles Wilhoite, chair of the Portland Development Commission, to discuss their budget and the Office of Healthy Working Rivers.  Also discussed the proposed soccer/baseball stadium deals and voiced my concerns about using money wisely on basic services first.

*  Attended a dinner with the Chinese Benevolent Society to celebrate Chinese New Year.  So fun!  I sat near former Governor Vic Atiyeh, who says he likes to call himself the Last Republican Governor of Oregon.  I also enjoyed talking with members of the Chinese Citizens Benevolent Association, and with Carol, wife of Fire Chief John Klum.

*  Council work session on the budget, in Council Chambers on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.

*  Meeting on the City's Wellness Program with co-chair Mark Bello

*  Met with departing Bureau of Housing and Community Development Director Will White, to thank him for his service to the city and all he taught me in my years as a citizen activist

*  Briefing from staff from the Office of Neighborhood Involvement, on the process for renaming a street for Cesar Chavez.  I subsequently talked with Mayor Adams about this, and stopped by the first meeting of the Historical Committee to thank the members for their service and express the hope that everyone will be more respectful in this process than in the last one.

*  Met with representatives from Oregon Action, who requested a City Ordinance prohibiting racial profiling.  I will be following the work and recommendations of the Community-Police subcommittee of the Human Rights Commission, as well as attending an Oregon Action event on 2/21 to hear more from the community on this important matter.

*  Metro Policy Advisory Committee five-hour training, most of which I missed as it conflicted with the City Council Safety Day recognition event.

*  Belmont Avenue Business Association annual dinner - speaker.  Popp Catering, 2420 SE Belmont, starts 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday 2/11/09.  So fun!

*  Hosted youth visiting City Hall for Black History month, from Jefferson and Benson High Schools and later Beverley Cleary Middle School.

*  Monthly meetings with Directors from Emergency Communications and from Cable/Franchise management

*  Met with staff from Resolutions Northwest regarding their programs, funded through the Office of Neighborhood Involvement and in jeopardy with the proposed budget cuts.

*  Met with Harold Williams Sr. regarding The Diversity Institute and funding for gang outreach.  I felt truly blessed and honored to hear the advice of this venerable community leader and former legislator.

*  More training on my role in a disaster

*  Met with Kayse Jama and Diversity and Diverse Civic Leadership team regarding ongoing advocacy work

*  Met with Susan Anderson, Director of Planning and Sustainability, regarding the Office of Healthy Working Rivers. 

*  Columbia Slough restoration work party, which I attended incognito in grubby planting clothes, and greatly enjoyed despite the snow and rain

*  Celebration party for Oregon's 150th birthday, at the State Capitol.  Shook hands with Governor Kulongoski and sat with the Royal Rosarians.  As veterans of many formal dinners, they helped school me in the importance of getting to the dessert table before the chocolate runs out.