Inside Washington County with Rob Solomon: Recent Episodes
Rob Solomon
This week, in our 83rd and final show we focus on media bias.
Can journalists leave their opinions and emotions out of their reporting? Is it important they do so? And, is it possible?
To help us wrestle with this we have Virginia Bruce. Virginia is a community activist who manages the Cedar Mill Historical Society, manages CPO1 in the community Participation Organization system, and publishes a monthly news publication, the Cedar Mill News. and we have Mark Miller. Mark Miller works with the Pamplin Media Group as Editor-in-Chief of several of their publications, including the Hillsboro News-Times, Forest Grove News-Times, and Beaverton Valley Times among others.
This week we take a look at a special, long running program in our county - Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center.
The Center has been providing services for almost 50 years. Their mission is to provide high quality, comprehensive, and culturally appropriate primary health care to the communities of Washington and Yamhill counties with a special emphasis on migrant and seasonal farmworkers and others, with barriers to receiving health care.
Joining us today is Chief Executive Officer Gil Munoz and Foundation Executive Director Stephany Caballero.
It’s not news to note that one of the most talked about issues these days is the future of the Roe versus Wade Supreme Court decision. In a leaked document Last month, it appears that the Court is planning to strike down the 50 year old ruling that protects a woman’s right to choose.It’s a national issue that impacts women and men and children. Today we want to look at exactly what’s happening, why it’s happening and exactly what the impact will be nationally and locally.
Helping us to explore this often explosive issue is Dr. Jan Haaken.
Jan Haaken is a professor emeritus of psychology at Portland State University, clinical psychologist, author, and documentary filmmaker. She has done extensive research on issues related to reproductive rights. Inside Washington County · Inside Washington County On Roe Vs Wade
The country, our county and our cities within Washington County have a lack of affordable housing. In this encore show presentation from a few months ago we looked at the issues. Metro has passed a bond, agencies like Bienestar and Here Together are working hard to provide assistance to those in need. A group in Portland has unsuccessfully launched repeated arguments for shelter as a priority over housing. Things are getting tougher. This week we take a look at a group that has been working on this issue for decades-in their own way. We are going to discuss housing with Habitat for Humanity. Our guest is Steve Messinetti, executive director, Habitat for Humanity-Portland region.
Human Rights! in Washington County
We hear a lot about human rights we do have or should have. Just what is a human right? What are the right Americans are entitled to? And how do we protect and enshrine those rights in Washington County?
Our guest this week is Joy Stevens, chair of Beaverton’s Human Rights Advisory Commission.
Beaverton School District has gone through the process to select a new Superintendent. Guiding the District next school year is this week’s guest -Gustavo Balderas.
Mr. Balderas was the American School Superintendents Association’s 2020 National Superintendent of the Year. He begins in Beaverton on July 1.
Gustavo brings experience as a teacher, a counselor, assistant principal, principal, district administrator, and assistant superintendent. He has served as Superintendent in both Oregon and California. He comes to Beaverton after serving as Superintendent in Edmond, Washington.
We are not too far from the 2022 primary election. Elections- especially local elections can, and most often do, have an impact on our everyday life. In an encore episode from early last month, We’re going to discuss how the issues impact our county’s Latino community. Joining us are Maria Caballero Rubio-executive director for Centro culturale, Hector Hinojosa a well known community activist from Hillsboro, and Olga Acuna-Olga Acuna, President of the Latino Policy Council.
We’re continuing our look at the primary elections - this week focusing on the race for Washington County Chair. Our guests are incumbent Katherine Harrington. Before entering public service, Kathryn enjoyed a 22-year career in the high-tech industry. Moving into politics, she has served on Portland Metro and was elected County Chair in 2018. And we Have Beach Pace. Beach has lived in Washington County with her wife and children since 2012. Committed to a life of service, Beach is the Chief Executive Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Columbia Northwest and a Hillsboro City Councilor.
We are still focusing on the May primary election. This week we consider the competition for Washington County District Attorney. The DA race is an important, if not crucial one. The DA sets the tone and policy for the Department. The DA protects & serves the community. Our community. Joining us are the two candidates, incumbent Kevin Barton and Challenger, Brian Decker.
This week, we are into the primary election season. We welcome two challengers for metro council, position number 4- Incumbent Juan Carlos González and challenger James Ball. Let the debates begin!
This week, in an encore presentation on a very important issue - we look at guns. How does gun violence impact our communities? There are mass shootings which make headlines but make up less than 1 percent of the more than 38,000 gun deaths in our country every year. Bullets have become the leading cause of death for children and teens. The impact appears obvious, and it is. People are hurt or killed. But there’s damage to loved ones who survive, and an impact on the community that we will explore. Joining us today is Hilary Uhlig, Director of Oregon’s branch of Moms Demand Action. Uhlig joined the Oregon chapter four years ago, and now leads the chapter with 12 local groups statewide comprising thousands of supporters and volunteers. And we have Jennifer Langston who serves as the state survivor membership lead for the same organization.
Today, in an encore episode from earlier this year, we explore some non profit organizations who are doing their very best to help people struggling to survive the current economic realities in our County. Affordable housing is extremely hard to find, grocery prices are skyrocketing and gasoline costs are unbearable for too many. Joining us is Lisa Mentasana, co director of the Newly reopened Beaverton Resource Center; Lois O’Halloran, Board Chair for Beaverton’s Family Promise; and Gregg Clemmons, Board President for St. Vincent de Paul in Hillsboro.
Our focus this week is on Oregon’s forests- in Washington County and Statewide. Oregon is known for beautiful forests and a long history of logging those forests. We want to take a good look at those forests & all the trees! To learn what’s harming the industry, what’s happening to our forests and why- and given the threats to forests, what’s being done to preserve forested lands. Our guest today is Sean Stevens, Executive Director of Oregon Wild, a non profit organization working to protect the Oregon Wilderness.
We are not too far from the 2022 primary election. Elections- especially local elections can, and most often do, have an impact on our everyday life. We’re going to discuss how the issues impact our county’s Latino community. Joining us are Maria Caballero Rubio-executive director for Centro culturale, Hector Hinojosa a well known community activist from Hillsboro, and Olga Acuna-Olga Acuna, President of the Latino Policy Council.
Beaverton elected a new mayor last November and, after a vote to change the form of government, hired its first city manager. It’s new for Beaverton residents, and it’s new for City Council and City staff. Today we meet Jenny Haruyama, Beaverton’s City Manager. Join us for insights into a major change in how Beaverton works.
The country, our county and our cities within Washington County have a lack of affordable housing. Metro has passed a bond, agencies like Bienestar and Here Together are working hard to provide assistance to those in need. This week, in an encore presentation, we take a look at a group that has been working on this issue for decades-in their own way. We are going to discuss housing with Habitat for Humanity. Our guest is Steve Messinetti, executive director, Habitat for Humanity-Portland region.
This week we take a look at emergency services in Washington county. Lately, it seems there have been a lot of emergencies-a global pandemic, forests burning, flooded areas and more. The Emergency Management Office works to minimize the effects of major emergencies and disasters on the community. Today we’ll learn how they their job. Our guest is John Wheeler, manager of the Washington County Emergency Services Department.
Homelessness is a National, state , county and city issue. It’s a visible issue and hidden as well. This week, in an encore show from last November, we look at the homelessness situation in our county. We consider what resources we have, what’s being done with those resources and just what the future looks like. Our guests this week will help us do just that. Joining us is Nathan Teske – Nathan is the Executive Director of Bienestar, a Washington County-based nonprofit that provides affordable housing for primarily Latinx residents of Washington County. And, Mereida Alcazar.-Mereida is a case manager working in Bienestar’s new Supportive Housing Services program. In addition to her work, Mereida has a personal story of her own experience that she will share with us. And We have Jes Larson. Jes works for Washington County. She is the County’s Supportive Housing Services Manager. Join us as we dive into a complex issue.
Today, we explore some non profit organizations who are doing their very best to help people struggling to survive the current economic realities in our County. Affordable housing is extremely hard to find, living costs are skyrocketing- magnified by pandemic related issues it’s overwhelming for so many.
Joining us is Lois O’Halloran, Board Chair for Beaverton’s Family Promise; Lisa Mentasana, co director of the Newly reopened Beaverton Resource Center; Lois O’Halloran, Board Chair for Beaverton’s Family Promise; and Gregg Clemmons, Board President for St. Vincent de Paul in Hillsboro.
This week, in an encore program from this Fall, we take a look at mental health services in Washington County. We try to understand what our County needs in Mental health and just how Washington County government plays a role. We also consider the impact of Covid 19. Our guest is Nick Ocon, Director of our County’s Behavioral health department, covering both mental health and addictions.
This week, we look at guns. How does gun violence impact our communities? There are mass shootings which make headlines but make up less than 1 percent of the more than 38,000 gun deaths in our country every year. Bullets have become the leading cause of death for children and teens. The impact appears obvious, and it is. People are hurt or killed. But there’s damage to loved ones who survive, and an impact on the community that we will explore. Joining us today is Hilary Uhlig, Director of Oregon’s branch of Moms Demand Action. Uhlig joined the Oregon chapter four years ago, and now leads the chapter with 12 local groups statewide comprising thousands of supporters and volunteers. And we have Jennifer Langston who serves as the state survivor membership lead for the same organization.
This week, we are one-on-one with First District Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici has represented the First Congressional District of Oregon since February of 2012. The district includes Washington, Yamhill, Clatsop, and Columbia counties and part of Multnomah County. We discuss pandemic issues, insurrection accountability and much more!
This week is our last encore show for the holidays -next week, a new program, featuring Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici-one on one. This week take an encore look look at the city of North Plains. Our guest is Mayor Teri Lenahan. Mayor Lenahan has served on the North Plains City Council since 2008. In addition to serving as Mayor since 2016, she was Council President from 2011-2016, and serves on the Budget Committee, the Urban Renewal Agency, and the North Plains Events Association. Join us on this visit to North Plains in Western Washington County.
After more than 30 years in the aircraft industry, our guest in this encore presentation from September - King City mayor Ken Gibson, retired to King City in 2006. He has been on the City Council since 2008. Gibson has been mayor of King City since 2016. He will be retiring this week. Our County will miss his leadership. Inside Washington County wishes the Mayor an enjoyable retirement. We discuss the early effects of the pandemic, policing issues, growth plans and more!
https://media.blubrry.com/inside_washington_county/content.blubrry.com/inside_washington_county/Inside_WACO_2_16_21_Mayor_Ken_Gibson.mp3
This week we take a look at the issue of poverty. How pervasive is poverty in Washington County? What can be done and what is being done about poverty in our County?
Our Guest is Kemp Shuey from Community Action. Community Action works with those in need in our community. Kemp has been with the agency for seven years, serving as executive director for the past two.
This week we take a look at mental health services in Washington County. We will try to understand what our County needs in Mental health and just how Washington County government plays a role. We also consider the impact of Covid 19. Our guest today is Nick Ocon, Manager of Washington County Behavioral Health, a division of the Department of Heal & Human Services, covering both mental health and addictions.
Homelessness is a National, state , county and city issue. It’s a visible issue and hidden as well. Today we want to understand the current homelessness situation in our county, what resources we have, what’s being done with those resources and just what the future looks like. Our guests this week will help us do just that. Joining us is Nathan Teske - Nathan is the Executive Director of Bienestar, a Washington County-based nonprofit that provides affordable housing for primarily Latinx residents of Washington County. And, Mereida Alcazar.-Mereida is a case manager working in Bienestar's new Supportive Housing Services program. In addition to her work, Mereida has a personal story of her own experience that she will share with us. And We have Jes Larson. Jes works for Washington County. She is the County’s Supportive Housing Services Manager. Join us as we dive into a complex issue.
Washington County has Hillsboro. It has Beaverton….it also has smaller communities. Today we’re going to look at the city of North Plains. Our guest this week is Mayor Teri Lenahan. Mayor Lenahan has served on the North Plains City Council since 2008. In addition to serving as Mayor since 2016, she was Council President from 2011-2016, and serves on the Budget Committee, the Urban Renewal Agency, and the North Plains Events Association. Join us for a visit to North Plains in Western Washington County.
We live in cities, towns and rural areas. Community is something we develop. Our guest today is Cindy Cosenzo. Cindy began working on developing community since 2003, and has been a driving force in Hillsboro ever since….through fires and pandemics. We contacted Hillsboro Mayor Steve Callaway to ask about our guest’s contribution to the city. He kindly responded: “The isolation and uncertainty created by the pandemic has served as a stark reminder of the importance of relationships, engagement, and community. Cindy Cosenzo's work with Age Celebration has always made a difference. But she has been even more impactful keeping us together during the pandemic. She has given all of us opportunities to support, love, play, and create community. “
This week, We rebroadcast part one of our December 2020 expert panel discussing systemic racism. When groups engage in systemic racism, those targeted are most often kept from having power. We look at how power is denied and what all of us can do to promote equity. Our special guest host is community activist Héctor Hinojosa. Our panelists are: • Wajdi Said, PhD, Co-Founder and President of the Muslim Education Center. • Luhui Whitebear, PhD, Assistant Director of the Native American Longhouse Eena Haws, Oregon State University. • J.W. Matt Hennessee, PhD, CEO at Agape Resource Group and senior pastor and CEO and Vancouver First Baptist church in Portland.
This week, We rebroadcast part one of our December 2020 expert panel discussing systemic racism. When groups engage in systemic racism, those targeted are most often kept from having power. We look at how power is denied and what all of us can do to promote equity. Our special guest host is community activist Héctor Hinojosa. Our panelists are: • Wajdi Said, PhD, Co-Founder and President of the Muslim Education Center. • Luhui Whitebear, PhD, Assistant Director of the Native American Longhouse Eena Haws, Oregon State University. • J.W. Matt Hennessee, PhD, CEO at Agape Resource Group and senior pastor and CEO and Vancouver First Baptist church in Portland. Part 2-next week.
The country, our county and our cities within Washington County have a lack of affordable housing. Metro has passed a bond, agencies like Bienestar and Here Together are working hard to provide assistance to those in need. This week we take a look at a group that has been working on this issue for decades-in their own way. We are going to discuss housing with Habitat for Humanity. Our guest is Steve Messinetti, executive director, Habitat for Humanity-Portland region.
This week we consider women in politics. Historically, there have been far fewer women running for office than men in our state and Country. For the past 20 years the Democratic Party has been trying to change that with the “Emerge” program. Since 2002, Emerge has offered a premier, in-depth training program that provides aspiring women leaders with cutting-edge tools and training to run and win elected office. Emerge has trained over 4,000 Democratic women to run and 690 serve in elected office today. Our guest is Oregon’s emerge Executive Director Annie Ellison. Annie joins us with two special guests.
This week, we immerse ourselves in the issue of water in our County. We all know how important water is to our lives, to our very survival. Despite a tendency to just expect and rely on us having all our water needs satisfied here in the Pacific Northwest, that reliance appears to be in some jeopardy. Climate change and other issues challenge our water comfort level. Today, we want to understand how we get our water in Washington County, how we use and pay for it, and what to expect in the short and long term future. And. We’ll learn about Talking Water!-more on that from our guests a little later. Our guests today are from the Tualatin Valley Water District. We have Tom Hickmann, who serves as Chief Executive Officer. He has been with the Tualatin Valley Water District since August 1, 2019 and brings a Municipal Water Background with him. Prior to that he was with the City of Bend for 14 years . And also with us is Joel Cary, Water Resources Division Manager. Joel is currently serving as the General Manager of the Willamette River Water Coalition. Joel served as the Chair of the Oregon Water Utility Council in 2020-21
Our guest on this week’s encore program is Washington County’s newest County Commissioner-Nafisa Fai. Commissioner Fai was elected last November. Nafisa has made history as the first Black and first Muslim person to be elected to the Washington County Commission. As a twenty-two year resident of Oregon, Nafisa has spent the majority of her career working in public health. She also owns a small business based in Beaverton. Through her business, she helps local nonprofit and public and private sector clients grow and expand for their future. We get to meet the commissioner and discuss battling COVID, policing issues, racism and more.
School is back in session! Amid constantly changing pandemic dynamics we’re going to look at Beaverton School Districts plans for this school year. Our Guests today are Beaverton School Board Chair Tom Colett, newly elected School Board Member Karen Perez and curriculum administrator Brian Seca. Today we will look at just what has been happening in our Washington County schools, what’s happening now and what we might expect as our future unfolds with substantial confusion
This week’s show looks at Police Reform. There have historically and more recently been calls to change various police regulations and procedures calling for equity.. Some Advocates are calling for some police funding to be diverted to social programs. The voices have been loud and have been vocal for years, for decades. We want to consider just what do the police want.Are they resistant to change wanting little or no reforms? Do their needs and wishes look that much different from what so many advocates for change have been seeking? Do the police unions agree with their managers? To help us figure all this out we have attorney Mark Makler. Mr. Makler represents several police unions in our county and has over 25 years experience working with these groups.
We are going to focus today on the homeless youth that struggle in our County. And our guests today are from the HomePlate agency. We welcome Jacen Greene a board member and Co-founder and Assistant Director, Homelessness Research and Action Collaborative from Portland State University and Bridgett Calfee, HomePlate’s executive Director. She has been with agency for over 15 years and in fact is it’s founding director. . Bridget holds a Masters of Social Work from Portland State University. We explore issues of homelessness in our state and county with an emphasis on youth, and our guests will share some very exciting news for the agency and the clients they serve.
This week, we offer part two of our discussion on racism in Washington County, with community activist Hector Hinojosa and an expert panel. In part two, we focus on the pandemic uncovering racist inequities, issues of social justice, activism, and consider what lies ahead. Panel: Luhui Whitebear, PhD, Assistant Director – of the Native American Longhouse Eena Haws at Oregon State University, in Corvallis, Oregon & Wajdi Said, PhD, Co-Founder and President of the Muslim Education Center & Dr. Rosa Colquitt is Vice Chair Oregon’s Democratic Party and Chair of the Party statewide Black Caucus. She has a PhD in the field of HealthCare Research Services, and is a well known community activist. Pictured: Hector Hinojosa, Wajid Said, Luhui Whitebear, Rosa Colquitt
This week, we take a second look at racism (See December 2020) along with community activist Hector Hinojosa and an expert panel. In this two part program we discuss what progress has been made in the battle for equity over the past dynamic year, and consider what lies ahead. Panel: Luhui Whitebear, PhD, Assistant Director - of the Native American Longhouse Eena Haws at Oregon State University, in Corvallis, Oregon & Wajdi Said, PhD, Co-Founder and President of the Muslim Education Center & Dr. Rosa Colquitt is Vice Chair Oregon's Democratic Party and Chair of the Party statewide Black Caucus. She has a PhD in the field of HealthCare Research Services, and is a well known community activist. Pictured: Hector Hinojosa, Wajid Said, Luhui Whitebear, Rosa Colquitt
Our guest this week is Tualatin city councilor Bridget Brooks. Bridget Brooks was elected in November 2018, and is serving her first term. Bridget is the co-founder of Brooks Appraisal Services and has worked as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker; she has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Wayne State University. She is concerned bout climate change.
Climate change is overwhelming. Today we are going to take a good look at Councilor Brooks’ program - the Tualatin Sustainability Network. And, we will explore what we humans can do to battle issues related to climate change in our own communities.
This week- we have one of our favorite encore shows from 2020. Rob talks with Leticia Aguilar, Chicas Youth Development Program Manager for Adelente Mujeres. This program is primarily focused on the needs of Latinas in Washington County. Leticia will share with us how Adelente Mujeres works in general and how it’s work has been affected by COVID 19. We will also discuss the Chicas youth program.
Schools are reopening. Some are opening fully, some are part time and are using a hybrid approach. Pandemics impact systems, and, our County’s educational system is not immune.This week we look at just what has been happening in our Washington County schools, and what we might expect as the future unfolds.
Our guests are Kris Damiano who serves as Social Emotional Learning Coordinator for Beaverton School District and Christopher Keller, who teaches Language Arts and Speech & Communication at Liberty High School
Parks, recreation, library services are important to our community. This week, we look at those services, gain an understanding of how our guests have managed their way through the pandemic to this point, and what the future holds. Our guests today will help us. We have Doug Menke with us. Doug was appointed general manager of the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District in November 2006. He has enjoyed more than 30 years of public service at THPRD since joining the district in 1984.
We also have Hillary Ostlund with us today. Hillary is library Director of Library Services for Hillsboro. Also from Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS ) we have Lisa Tattersall who serves as Manager for the system.
This week, we have the opportunity to get to know our County’s Chief Executive Officer Tanya Ange. Ms.Ange became Washington County administrator, overseeing all county staff and operations on Aug. 24, 2020. We explore county issues, leadership issues, and consider what it’s like to move and start a new job in the midst of a pandemic.
Inside Washington County · Inside Washington County With Tanya Ange
In Washington County we have cities and a large areas of unincorporated land. The Cedar Mill area makes up a large portion of the unincorporated part of our county, and no one knows Cedar Mill better than this week’s guest, Virginia Bruce. This is an encore presentation originally taped last fall over the Zoom platform.
Virginia is a community activist who manages the Cedar Mill Historical Society, manages CPO1 in the community Participation Organization system, and publishes a monthly news publication, the Cedar Mill News.
Our conversation focuses on county history, current issues, and differences between the cities and the unincorporated areas in Washington
Joining us this week is Deanna Palm, President of the Hillsboro Chamber. Deanna has been with Hillsboro Chamber for over 18 years. And since we last spoke, she is also president of Beaverton’s Chamber. We are also joined by Mark Spielberg, incoming Chair of the Beaverton Chamber Board . Our conversation focuses on the pandemic impact upon County businesses and a look at reopening issues. We’ll see what the future holds.
Our guest this week is Washington County’s newest County Commissioner-Nafisa Fai. Commissioner Fai was elected to represent district one which includes Beaverton, Aloha, Cooper Mountain, and Reedville last November. Nafisa has made history as the first Black and first Muslim person to be elected to the Washington County Commission. As a twenty-two year resident of Oregon, Nafisa has spent the majority of her career working in public health. She also owns a small business based in Beaverton. Through her business, she helps local nonprofit and public and private sector clients grow and expand for their future. We get to meet the commissioner and discuss our current battle against COVID, policing issues, racism and more.
This interview is from November, 2020.
For the past 25 years, Steve Callaway has worked to make a difference for the people of Hillsboro. He has served the community as an elementary school principal, Hillsboro School District Communications Director, Planning Commissioner, City Council President, and as the first Hillsboro Mayor elected President of the Oregon Mayors Association.
This candid conversation about Hillsboro, values, and current issues reveals much about the Mayor, and his hopes and plans for the City.
Our guest today Is Oregon’s senior US Senator - Senator Ron Wyden. Senator Wyden has served Oregonians, and the nation in the Senate since 1996 and, in addition to various Committee memberships, he serves as the Chair of the Senate Finance Committee.
Wyden previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Oregon's 3rd Congressional District from 1981 to 1996.
Our discussion covers a wide range of topics including the pandemic, the economy, racial equity and more!
This week in an encore presentation from one year ago (when no masks were needed) Rob discuss
es the developing Westside QRC Project
Our guests this week are Shannon Walton-Clark, Board Chair of the Westside QRC and Beach Pace, Board Member and Washington County activist. Rob discusses plans to bring a version of Portland’s Q Center to Washington County.
https://insidewashco.org/wp-content/uploads/westside-qrc.mp3
After more than 30 years in the aircraft industry, our guest today -king city mayor Ken Gibson, retired to King City in 2006.
He been on the City Council since 2008. Gibson has been mayor of King City since 2016.
We discuss the effect of the pandemic, policing issues, growth plans and more!
This week inside Washington County brings you a conversation with
Tricia Mortell, RD, MPH | Public Health Division Manager with Washington County Department of Health. She joined the department in 2014 bringing qualifications as a registered dietician and a Master’s in Public Health. Among her current responsibilities is to manage the distribution of Covid vaccines in our County. We recoded he show on February 23 2021, in the midst of the Covid pandemic. Ms. Mortell is kind enough to join us to discuss the virus and vaccinations.
Our guests this week are members of Sunrise Beaverton, a local affiliate of the National Sunrise project.
The Sunrise Project is driven nationally by a passion to solve the climate crisis. They state: "We are a team of experienced campaigners, analysts, and communications professionals with a mission to scale social movements to drive the transition beyond fossil fuels." They emphasize and promote youth activism.
Today we welcome three representatives from the Beaverton affiliate. We'll learn more about the local organization, their achievements, and future plans.
This week Rob discusses philanthropy in Washington County with Max Williams and Todd Baker. Todd Baker, President of Baker Rock Resources Baker Rock Resources has been in Oregon for over 60 years and emphasizes giving back to and reinvesting in local communities in its business model. Each year, Baker Rock Resources hosts and supports numerous walks, fundraisers, community auctions, drives, and community events. Baker Rock Resources also assists countless local and regional organizations that help those who need a hand up, particularly veterans. Max Williams, CEO, Oregon Community Foundation The Oregon Community Foundation is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and businesses with directing charitable contributions and creating charitable funds. OCF is Oregon’s largest public charity. Formerly a lawyer, legislator, leader of the Oregon Department of Corrections, Max assumed his role as OCF president and CEO in 2012. He has helped individuals, families and businesses transform their philanthropy into sustained, community-driven impact, doubling the Foundation’s endowment in seven years.
While 71 percent of Americans believe that their local news outlet is doing well financially, local news organizations are actually struggling against declines in circulation and advertising. Over 2,100 newspapers have closed over the past 15 years.
In our connected age, there is an abundance of news and opinion coming at us 24/7. It’s all covered in minute detail, and we are free to share it and our opinions on the matter. But missing from that collection of trivia and substance is news of what is happening in our own backyards. Local news about a tax increase or a zoning decision is rarely of such interest that it trends nationally, but it has an outsized impact on the everyday lives of residents in small towns and city neighborhoods. When local newspapers fail, these communities are often left without any news organization to care about, watch over, and report on the actions of the county commission, city council, or the local school board.
Our guests this week are local journalists Chas Hundley and Mark Miller.
Chas is the Editor/Publisher of The Banks Post and The Gales Creek Journal. He grew up in Gales Creek, establishing the Gales Creek Journal after high school. He’s since gone on to launch a small media company with publications covering far west Washington County and the Tillamook State Forest.
Mark Miller works with the Pamplin Media Group as Editor-in-Chief of several of their publications, including the Hillsboro News-Times, Forest Grove News-Times, and Beaverton Valley Times among others. The Pamplin Media Group is a media conglomerate owned by Robert B. Pamplin, Jr., operating primarily in the Portland metropolitan area. Pamplin owns 29 newspapers and employs over 200 people.
This week, Rob introduces a special guest host and an expert panel to discuss systemic racism.
When groups engage in systemic racism, those targeted are most often kept from having power. We're going to look at how power is denied and what all of us can do to promote equity. Our special guest host is community activist Héctor Hinojosa.
Our panelists are:
Wajdi Said, PhD, Co-Founder and President of the Muslim Education Center. Luhui Whitebear, PhD, Assistant Director of the Native American Longhouse Eena Haws, Oregon State University. J.W. Matt Hennessee, PhD, CEO at Agape Resource Group and senior pastor and CEO and Vancouver First Baptist church in Portland.
This week, Rob introduces a special guest host and an expert panel to discuss systemic racism.
When groups engage in systemic racism, those targeted are most often kept from having power. We're going to look at how power is denied and what all of us can do to promote equity. Our special guest host is community activist Héctor Hinojosa.
Our panelists are:
Wajdi Said, PhD, Co-Founder and President of the Muslim Education Center. Luhui Whitebear, PhD, Assistant Director of the Native American Longhouse Eena Haws, Oregon State University. J.W. Matt Hennessee, PhD, CEO at Agape Resource Group and senior pastor and CEO and Vancouver First Baptist church in Portland.
For the past 25 years, Steve has worked to make a difference for the people of Hillsboro. He has served the community as an elementary school principal, Hillsboro School District Communications Director, Planning Commissioner, City Council President, and the first Hillsboro Mayor elected President of the Oregon Mayors Association.
He has also been elected Treasurer of the League of Oregon Cities, which puts him in the progression for VP and President of the LOC. This follows the paths of former Hillsboro Mayors Tom Hughes and Shirley Huffman.
Mayor Callaway has been instrumental in creating a safe, successful, and livable Hillsboro. His commitment to giving the residents of Hillsboro a powerful voice in their city government and creating a government that works for everyone is Steve’s legacy as a Hillsboro leader.
The City of Hillsboro is committed to equity. Equity work aims to remove barriers and eliminate social and economic disparities by centering those who have been excluded from the decision making process. Equity is the pursuit of equal outcomes.
This week's topic is Healthcare, Part 1 with former Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber. Dr. Kitzhaber is well known in Oregon and across the country for his expertise on health care and health policy. He has practiced as an emergency physician, served for 14 years in the Oregon legislature, and completed three terms as governor of Oregon. Through his service, he authored the Oregon Health Plan and was the chief architect of the state's Coordinated Care Organizations.
The Oregon Health Plan (OHP) provides health care coverage for low-income Oregonians from all walks of life. This includes working families, children, pregnant women, single adults, seniors, and more.
A Coordinated Care Organization (CCO) is a network of all types of health care providers who are working together in their local communities to serve people who receive health care coverage under the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid). CCOs integrate physical, mental, and dental care with the goal of better health, better care, and lower costs. CCOs focus on prevention of illness and disease and improving care. This helps reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and gives people support to be healthy.
Our guest today is civics educator, Donna Cohen. Donna started her interesting project years ago with a stated mission "to enhance civic knowledge and to inspire political involvement."
Donna has earned two masters degrees-MLIS [Master of Library and Information Studies], and an MEd. A former teacher, Donna now devotes her time to presenting workshops geared to help adults to learn and become engaged in political activity.
Topics in our discussion include civic engagement, advocacy, fake news, and more!
Learn more about Donna's workshops.
In Washington County we have cities and a large areas of unincorporated land. The Cedar Mill area makes up a large portion of the unincorporated part of our county, and no one knows Cedar Mill better than this week’s guest, Virginia Bruce.
Virginia is a community activist who manages the Cedar Mill Historical Society, manages CPO1 in the community Participation Organization system, and publishes a monthly news publication, the Cedar Mill News.
Our conversation focuses on county history, current issues, and differences between the cities and the unincorporated areas in Washington County.
Today we focus on the upcoming vote for Beaverton Mayor. Our guests are the two leading vote getters in the May 2020 Primary Election: incumbent Mayor Denny Doyle and Beaverton City Councilor Lacey Beaty.
In this year of COVID-19 campaigning, there have been several virtual debates between these two office seekers. We decided on a different format. Each candidate was interviewed separately with similar questions. We hope this format offers an additional way to compare and contrast the candidates.
Mayor Snider was drawn to public service early in life. He worked as an emergency medical technician (EMT) his senior year of high school and served two years on the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Board in Southern California during his junior and senior years of high school. In college, Mayor Snider took a semester off to attend paramedic school in Los Angeles, and he maintains his paramedic certification to this day.
Mayor Jason Snider has been a Tigard resident since 1999. He is the administrator of Kaiser Permanente Northwest's Regional General Surgery and Plastic Surgery Departments, and began his career as a clinical manager at American Medical Response.
Oregon has had issues with the delivery of and access to mental health services for years. Ballot Measure 110, Drug Decriminalization and Addiction Treatment Initiative, proposes to address many of the issues involved.
Today, we are taking a look at these concerns with two members of the Yes on 110 campaign – Anthony Johnson, chief petitioner and long-time drug policy reform activist, and Amelia Fowler, lead field organizer.
As of the time of this taping (August 18, 2020), we can find no organized opposition to this measure. If you have thoughts to share, please contact us.
Read recently-published SUPPORT and OPPOSITION statements here.
Our guest this week is Vision Action Network Executive Director Glenn Montgomery. Vision Action Network (VAN) is an agency that works rather quietly with other non-profits to serve our county.
Glenn joined VAN as Executive Director in March 2015 having worked in software development, sustainability work, lay ministry, and in non-profit management. He has curated a unique set of skills and experience in his varied career that serve him well in his role as convener and facilitator of cross-sector collaboration in Washington County.
Today we discuss Ballot Measure 107 with Kate Titus, Oregon State Director for Common Cause. Kate has been a long-time advocate for campaign finance reform.
Measure 107, Campaign Finance Limits Amendment, would authorize the Oregon State Legislature and local governments to limit political contributions and expenditures.
Currently, Oregon campaign finance laws allow unlimited contributions to candidates and ballot measures. Oregon is one of five states with no limits on campaign contributions.
Today Rob talks with Leticia Aguilar, Chicas Youth Development Program Manager for Adelente Mujeres. This program is primarily focused on the needs of Latinas in Washington County.
Leticia will share with us how Adelente Mujeres works in general and how it's work has been affected by COVID 19. We will also discuss the Chicas youth program.
This week Rob discusses philanthropy in Washington County with Max Williams and Todd Baker. Todd Baker, President of Baker Rock Resources Baker Rock Resources has been in Oregon for over 60 years and emphasizes giving back to and reinvesting in local communities in its business model. Each year, Baker Rock Resources hosts and supports numerous walks, fundraisers, community auctions, drives, and community events. Baker Rock Resources also assists countless local and regional organizations that help those who need a hand up, particularly veterans. Max Williams, CEO, Oregon Community Foundation The Oregon Community Foundation is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and businesses with directing charitable contributions and creating charitable funds. OCF is Oregon’s largest public charity. Formerly a lawyer, legislator, leader of the Oregon Department of Corrections, Max assumed his role as OCF president and CEO in 2012. He has helped individuals, families and businesses transform their philanthropy into sustained, community-driven impact, doubling the Foundation’s endowment in seven years.
Our guests today are Lorraine Clarno, Executive Director for Beaverton’s Chamber of Commerce. Lorraine has served the Chamber more than twenty years and is well known in the community.
Also joining us today is Deanna Palm, President of the Hillsboro Chamber. Deanna has been with Hillsboro Chamber for over 18 years.
We have been living in a pandemic for months. In this interview we explore the impact COVID-19 has had on our economy in Washington County and how we've been responding. We also discuss what's likely to happen as we struggle on with the battle to balance health and the economy.
Rob talks with Marni Kuyl, Director of the Washington County Department of Health and Human Services. Ms. Kuyl has a 30-year background in health care and management. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing from Arizona State University. She has lead the Department since 2014.
Today's focus is on the pandemic. We explore the County's initial response, the issues involved, and what we can expect over the coming months.
This episode was recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic. With our studio unavailable to us, we used the Zoom platform to record today's conversation.
While 71 percent of Americans believe that their local news outlet is doing well financially, local news organizations are actually struggling against declines in circulation and advertising. Over 2,100 newspapers have closed over the past 15 years.
In our connected age, there is an abundance of news and opinion coming at us 24/7. It’s all covered in minute detail, and we are free to share it and our opinions on the matter. But missing from that collection of trivia and substance is news of what is happening in our own backyards. Local news about a tax increase or a zoning decision is rarely of such interest that it trends nationally, but it has an outsized impact on the everyday lives of residents in small towns and city neighborhoods. When local newspapers fail, these communities are often left without any news organization to care about, watch over, and report on the actions of the county commission, city council, or the local school board.
Our guests this week are local journalists Chas Hundley and Mark Miller.
Chas is the Editor/Publisher of The Banks Post and The Gales Creek Journal. He grew up in Gales Creek, establishing the Gales Creek Journal after high school. He’s since gone on to launch a small media company with publications covering far west Washington County and the Tillamook State Forest.
Mark Miller works with the Pamplin Media Group as Editor-in-Chief of several of their publications, including the Hillsboro News-Times, Forest Grove News-Times, and Beaverton Valley Times among others. The Pamplin Media Group is a media conglomerate owned by Robert B. Pamplin, Jr., operating primarily in the Portland metropolitan area. Pamplin owns 29 newspapers and employs over 200 people.
This week Rob discusses the new Westside QRC Project.
Our guests this week are Shannon Walton-Clark, Board Chair of the Westside QRC and Beach Pace, Board Member and Washington County activist. Rob discusses plans to bring a version of Portland's Q Center to Washington County.
"We know what it feels like. We know how horrible it feels, and we'd love for that 15-year-old I mentioned, who can't get all the way into Portland, to walk into the Westside Queer Resource Center and understand that they are welcomed and understood, and that there's going to be somebody there, either at an affinity group meeting or even behind the desk, who has walked a path similar to theirs." ~ Beach Pace
Raziah Roushan is the Executive Director of Tualatin Valley Creates, a local non-profit organization that drives the development of inclusive, resilient, creative communities using arts, culture, heritage, and humanities. Their vision is to foster the growth of a robust arts and culture ecosystem in Washington County by increasing visibility and community engagement with local happenings and engaging under-served populations by making arts and culture more accessible.
For two decades, Raziah has also been working as a professional artist in mediums such as oil, acrylic, charcoal, pastel, aerosol, printmaking, as well murals and large-scale chalk art. After receiving a Bachelors of Fine Art from Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland Oregon in 2004, her travels lead to teaching, networking, and contracting for the purposes of visual art.
Mayor Frank Bubenik was elected to the Tualatin City Council in November of 2010 and re-elected in November 2014. In 2018 he was elected mayor, taking office in January 2019. Mayor Bubenik is committed to the safety of Tualatin's varied neighborhoods, understands the economics of a well-run city, and is dedicated to the well-being of all residents. Mayor Bubenik wants the city to be socially cohesive and inclusive, and wants to make sure that no section of the community is left behind.
As a Green Bay, Wisconsin native, Toni came to Washington County for the position of Executive Director of the Family Justice Center of Washington County in December 2017. She is the proud mother of two children. Toni's career has been in the helping profession, having nearly 20 years experience working in domestic violence and 25 years as an Executive Director.
The Family Justice Center of Washington County is a partnership of agencies passionately dedicated to providing a range of services for survivors of domestic violence. Staff are compassionate, non-judgmental, knowledgeable and they will help determine a path leading to safety, healing, and freedom.
More on their website: https://www.fjcwc.org/
As the 33rd Sheriff of Washington County, it is my great privilege to work with our talented Sheriff's Office team. Our mission is to Conserve the Peace through values driven service. Our organizational values are to do our best, do the right thing and treat others the way we would want to be treated. When deciding the "right thing," we expect our men and women to place our community above individual or personal interests.
With controversial topics, Inside Washington County makes every effort to include multiple points of view. If you think we've missed something, let us know.
The following statements are those of the Oregon Firearms Federation (OFF).
"The Oregon Firearms Federation was founded in 1998. After several years of watching other local 'gun organizations' give away the store, it became obvious that Oregon needed a no-compromise voice for gun owners."
"We have seen numerous attempts to ban modern firearms, efforts to force 'lock-up-your-self-defense' laws and constant attempts to ban guns anywhere school children gather. But since 1999 OFF has defeated almost all of them."
"When Oregon was forced into compliance with the Brady Campaign/NRA mental health reporting legislation, it was OFF members whose constant pressure forced over 10 amendments to provide protection for the privacy of Oregon residents and it was OFF that convinced the Psychiatric Security Review Board to remove some of its more onerous impediments to firearms rights restoration."
With an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering, Chair Harrington enjoyed a 22-year career in the tech industry. She is experienced in leading teams and business units that develop and sell new software products, including experience at Wang Laboratories, Central Point Software and at Intel in Hillsboro, where she worked for 10 years. In 2004, Chair Harrington left industry to give back to her community full time, working as a community advocate with Community Participation Organization 7 and several transportation planning committees.
Elizabeth Furse is a former member of the United States Congress from Oregon's First District. She served three terms from 1992 to 1998. Since 1998 she has worked with national tribal leaders to establish the Institute for Tribal Government in the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government at Portland State University. She was also a co-founder of the National Coalition to Support Indian Treaties (1970-78), the Director of the tribal restoration project for the Native American Program at Oregon Legal Services (1980-86), and the Founder and Director of the Oregon Peace Institute (1986-91). During her tenure in the U.S. Congress, Ms. Furse served on the Merchant Marine & Fisheries, Banking, and Armed Services Committees.
This week's interview is Part 2 on Affordable Housing and Homelessness. Bringing their experience to the conversation are Cole Merkel, Cadence Petros, and Nathan Teske.
Cole Merkel is the Deputy Director of Outreach and Engagement at Here Together, a Portland-based nonprofit that helps find solutions for the systemic crises of homelessness, including issues of housing affordability and equity. He previously served as the vendor program director for Street Roots, a weekly street newspaper that assists people experiencing homelessness by offering them paid work for distributing the paper.
Cadence Petros is the Development Division manager for the City of Beaverton. Her department oversees the development of affordable housing projects within Beaverton. She has served the City of Beaverton for seven years, first working as Assistant City Attorney before progressing to her current role in the Development Division. Previously, Petros served as a general counsel for the Mercy Corps.
Nathan Teske is the Executive Director of Bienestar, a Washington County-based nonprofit that provides affordable housing for primarily Latinx residents of Washington County. He has over 15 years of experience improving outcomes for immigrant and low-income communities. His experience ranges from fund development for complex commercial projects to creating and managing new economic and social programs not found anywhere else in Oregon.
This week's interview is Part 1 on Affordable Housing and Homelessness. Bringing their experience to the conversation are Cole Merkel, Cadence Petros, and Nathan Teske.
Cole Merkel is the Deputy Director of Outreach and Engagement at Here Together, a Portland-based nonprofit that helps find solutions for the systemic crises of homelessness, including issues of housing affordability and equity. He previously served as the vendor program director for Street Roots, a weekly street newspaper that assists people experiencing homelessness by offering them paid work for distributing the paper.
Cadence Petros is the Development Division manager for the City of Beaverton. Her department oversees the development of affordable housing projects within Beaverton. She has served the City of Beaverton for seven years, first working as Assistant City Attorney before progressing to her current role in the Development Division. Previously, Petros served as a general counsel for the Mercy Corps.
Nathan Teske is the Executive Director of Bienestar, a Washington County-based nonprofit that provides affordable housing for primarily Latinx residents of Washington County. He has over 15 years of experience improving outcomes for immigrant and low-income communities. His experience ranges from fund development for complex commercial projects to creating and managing new economic and social programs not found anywhere else in Oregon.
With controversial topics, Inside Washington County makes every effort to include multiple points of view. If you think we've missed something, let us know.
Hilary Uhlig is the Oregon Chapter Leader for Moms Demand Action, a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence. Moms Demand Action strives to pass stronger gun laws and work to close the loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our families. They also work in our own communities and with business leaders to encourage a culture of responsible gun ownership.
Moms Demand Action has established a chapter in every state of the country and Washington, D.C. and, along with Mayors Against Illegal Guns, Students Demand Action and the Everytown Survivor Network, it is part of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country with nearly 6 million supporters and more than 350,000 donors.
Maria Caballero Rubio is Executive Director of Centro Cultural de Washington County, a nonprofit that delivers workforce, business, and youth development services for low income and Latino residents in Washington County. Maria came to Hillsboro and Washington County in 1969 with her migrant farmworker family from Sonoma County, California. Her career includes 30 years in local, state, and federal government service primarily in public safety.
She was a Policy Analyst at the US Department of Justice during part of the Clinton and Bush administrations overseeing 35 community policing institutes based at universities across the country designed to bridge the gap between communities and police. Other jobs include Executive Director of the Institute on Community Policing at Western Oregon University, Policy Director for Public Safety for Portland mayor Tom Potter, and Vice-President of Equity and Inclusion at United Way of the Columbia-Willamette in Portland, Oregon. Her career has focused on systems change and organizational learning.
Join host Rob Solomon and producer Rick Paulson for an informal analysis of the results from the May 19, 2020 Primary Election.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect the campaigns, the voter turnout, and the results? Beaverton voters had three choices for mayor, including incumbent Mayor Denny Doyle. At the same time, the role of the mayor in city government was on the ballot as one of the proposed changes to the city charter. What issues did these choices present? Washington County voters approved all of the tax-related bond measures. Was it a surprise to see all five measures pass while the economy is struggling under the effects of the pandemic? Campaign finance reform is headed for the November ballot. How should voters respond to this change to the Oregon State Constitution?
Tune in to hear Rob's answers to these questions and others.
Since Jason became a lawyer in 2009, he has participated in nearly 50 jury trials. He has more civil trial experience than any other Oregon lawyer of his generation. Jason works collaboratively with the other trial attorneys to prepare and try major cases. He also works with clients and insurance companies to get cases resolved before trial. Jason is active in the Honest Elections Oregon organization, a movement that supports campaign finance reform in Oregon.
Jason’s legal experience includes working for the Environmental Law Foundation in Oakland, where he helped draft a strategic plan to protect and expand California’s Public Trust Doctrine. As a summer associate at Lerach Coughlin Stoia Geller Rudman & Robbins in San Diego, Jason worked extensively on a consumer class action against Capital One credit cards for targeting and defrauding low-income citizens.
Juan Carlos González joined the Metro Council in 2019, representing the northern urban areas of Washington County on the Metro Council, including Hillsboro, Bethany, Aloha, Bonny Slope, Raleigh Hills, West Slope, Cedar Mill and Cedar Hills, Beaverton, Cornelius and Forest Grove.
Born in Forest Grove, raised in Cornelius, and now living in Hillsboro, Juan Carlos is a first-generation American who has dedicated his life to giving back to the communities that have given so much to him. Juan Carlos graduated as a valedictorian at Forest Grove High School and earned a degree in economics and government from Georgetown University.
After college, Juan Carlos returned to Washington County to join Centro Cultural de Washington County, a nonprofit that works with local Latino families to create self-sufficient and engaged citizens. Today he is the organization’s director of development and communications, leading the work to secure the $1.7 million annual budget that provides for innovative youth STEM programs, workforce development services, and civic leadership and advocacy initiatives in the community.
This week is the fourth virtual debate with candidates in the Washington County Primary Election on May 19. The candidates include Denny Doyle, Lacey Beaty, and Cate Arnold, all running for Beaverton Mayor.
This week is the third of four virtual debates with candidates in the Washington County Primary Election on May 19. The candidates include Nafisa Fai, Jeff Hindley, and Manuel Castaneda, all running for Washington County Commissioner District 1.
This week Rob continues the virtual debate series with candidates in May 19 Primary Election in Washington County. In the second of four debates, we feature the race between incumbent Pat Garrett and challenger Red Wortham, the two candidates for Washington County Sheriff.
This week Rob begins the first of four virtual debates with candidates in Washington County Primary Election on May 19 . First up, we feature the race between incumbent Roy Rogers and challenger Ben Marcotte, the two candidates for Washington County Commissioner District 3.
This week Rob discusses the new Westside QRC Project
Our guests this week are Shannon Walton-Clark, Board Chair of the Westside QRC and Beach Pace, Board Member and Washington County activist. Rob discusses plans to bring a version of Portland's Q Center to Washington County.
"We know what it feels like. We know how horrible it feels, and we'd love for that 15-year-old I mentioned, who can't get all the way into Portland, to walk into the Westside Queer Resource Center and understand that they are welcomed and understood, and that there's going to be somebody there, either at an affinity group meeting or even behind the desk, who has walked a path similar to theirs." ~ Beach Pace
This week Rob discusses philanthropy in Washington County with Max Williams and Todd Baker. Todd Baker, President of Baker Rock Resources Baker Rock Resources has been in Oregon for over 60 years and emphasizes giving back to and reinvesting in local communities in its business model. Each year, Baker Rock Resources hosts and supports numerous walks, fundraisers, community auctions, drives, and community events. Baker Rock Resources also assists countless local and regional organizations that help those who need a hand up, particularly veterans. Max Williams, CEO, Oregon Community Foundation The Oregon Community Foundation is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and businesses with directing charitable contributions and creating charitable funds. OCF is Oregon’s largest public charity. Formerly a lawyer, legislator, leader of the Oregon Department of Corrections, Max assumed his role as OCF president and CEO in 2012. He has helped individuals, families and businesses transform their philanthropy into sustained, community-driven impact, doubling the Foundation’s endowment in seven years.
Our COVID-19 Practices When you look at the photo from this week's interview, it may appear that our production staff at Inside Washington County is ignoring social distancing recommendations from the Oregon Health Authority.
Appearances can be deceiving. That's why we want you to know that this interview was recorded on February 5, 2020, before COVID-19 warnings surfaced. We put concern over health risks to our guests and staff well ahead of our goal to bring you weekly interviews.
Our commitment to social distancing changed the way we conducted the last four interviews in our broadcast season. As much as we enjoy meeting our guests face-to-face, we requested virtual interviews instead. While the virtual model put an extra load on our guests and staff, we were pleased to receive a 100-percent agreement!
While 71 percent of Americans believe that their local news outlet is doing well financially, local news organizations are actually struggling against declines in circulation and advertising. Over 2,100 newspapers have closed over the past 15 years.
In our connected age, there is an abundance of news and opinion coming at us 24/7. It’s all covered in minute detail, and we are free to share it and our opinions on the matter. But missing from that collection of trivia and substance is news of what is happening in our own backyards. Local news about a tax increase or a zoning decision is rarely of such interest that it trends nationally, but it has an outsized impact on the everyday lives of residents in small towns and city neighborhoods. When local newspapers fail, these communities are often left without any news organization to care about, watch over, and report on the actions of the county commission, city council, or the local school board.
Our guests this week are local journalists Chas Hundley and Mark Miller.
Chas is the Editor/Publisher of The Banks Post and The Gales Creek Journal. He grew up in Gales Creek, establishing the Gales Creek Journal after high school. He’s since gone on to launch a small media company with publications covering far west Washington County and the Tillamook State Forest.
Mark Miller works with the Pamplin Media Group as Editor-in-Chief of several of their publications, including the Hillsboro News-Times, Forest Grove News-Times, and Beaverton Valley Times among others. The Pamplin Media Group is a media conglomerate owned by Robert B. Pamplin, Jr., operating primarily in the Portland metropolitan area. Pamplin owns 29 newspapers and employs over 200 people.
This week's topic is Healthcare, Part 2 with former Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber. Dr. Kitzhaber is well known in Oregon and across the country for his expertise on health care and health policy. He has practiced as an emergency physician, served for 14 years in the Oregon legislature, and completed three terms as governor of Oregon. Through his service, he authored the Oregon Health Plan and was the chief architect of the state's Coordinated Care Organizations.
The Oregon Health Plan (OHP) provides health care coverage for low-income Oregonians from all walks of life. This includes working families, children, pregnant women, single adults, seniors, and more.
A Coordinated Care Organization (CCO) is a network of all types of health care providers who are working together in their local communities to serve people who receive health care coverage under the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid). CCOs integrate physical, mental, and dental care with the goal of better health, better care, and lower costs. CCOs focus on prevention of illness and disease and improving care. This helps reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and gives people support to be healthy.
This week's topic is Healthcare, Part 1 with former Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber. Dr. Kitzhaber is well known in Oregon and across the country for his expertise on health care and health policy. He has practiced as an emergency physician, served for 14 years in the Oregon legislature, and completed three terms as governor of Oregon. Through his service, he authored the Oregon Health Plan and was the chief architect of the state's Coordinated Care Organizations.
The Oregon Health Plan (OHP) provides health care coverage for low-income Oregonians from all walks of life. This includes working families, children, pregnant women, single adults, seniors, and more.
A Coordinated Care Organization (CCO) is a network of all types of health care providers who are working together in their local communities to serve people who receive health care coverage under the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid). CCOs integrate physical, mental, and dental care with the goal of better health, better care, and lower costs. CCOs focus on prevention of illness and disease and improving care. This helps reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and gives people support to be healthy.
This week’s interview is Part 2 on Affordable Housing and Homelessness, where Rob’s conversation with Cole Merkel, Cadence Petros, and Nathan Teske is focused on the homeless. Cole Merkel is the Deputy Director of Outreach and Engagement at HereTogether, a Portland-based nonprofit that helps find solutions for the systemic crises of homelessness, including issues of housing affordability and equity. He previously served as the vendor program director for Street Roots, a weekly street newspaper that assists people experiencing homelessness by offering them paid work for distributing the paper. Cadence Petros is the Development Division manager for the City of Beaverton. Her department oversees the development of affordable housing projects within Beaverton. She has served the City of Beaverton for seven years, first working as Assistant City Attorney before progressing to her current role in the Development Division. Previously, Petros served as a general counsel for the Mercy Corps. Nathan Teske is the Executive Director of Bienestar, a Washington County-based nonprofit that provides affordable housing for primarily Latinx residents of Washington County. He has over 15 years of experience improving outcomes for immigrant and low-income communities. His experience ranges from fund development for complex commercial projects to creating and managing new economic and social programs not found anywhere else in Oregon.
This week's interview is Part 1 on Affordable Housing and Homelessness. Bringing their experience to the conversation are Cole Merkel, Cadence Petros, and Nathan Teske. Cole Merkel is the Deputy Director of Outreach and Engagement at Here Together, a Portland-based nonprofit that helps find solutions for the systemic crises of homelessness, including issues of housing affordability and equity. He previously served as the vendor program director for Street Roots, a weekly street newspaper that assists people experiencing homelessness by offering them paid work for distributing the paper. Cadence Petros is the Development Division manager for the City of Beaverton. Her department oversees the development of affordable housing projects within Beaverton. She has served the City of Beaverton for seven years, first working as Assistant City Attorney before progressing to her current role in the Development Division. Previously, Petros served as a general counsel for the Mercy Corps. Nathan Teske is the Executive Director of Bienestar, a Washington County-based nonprofit that provides affordable housing for primarily Latinx residents of Washington County. He has over 15 years of experience improving outcomes for immigrant and low-income communities. His experience ranges from fund development for complex commercial projects to creating and managing new economic and social programs not found anywhere else in Oregon.
Elizabeth Furse is a former member of the United States Congress from Oregon’s First District. She served three terms from 1992 to 1998. Since 1998 she has worked with national tribal leaders to establish the Institute for Tribal Government in the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government at Portland State University. She was also a co-founder of the National Coalition to Support Indian Treaties (1970-78), the Director of the tribal restoration project for the Native American Program at Oregon Legal Services (1980-86), and the Founder and Director of the Oregon Peace Institute (1986-91). During her tenure in the U.S. Congress, Ms. Furse served on the Merchant Marine & Fisheries, Banking, and Armed Services Committees.
Mayor Frank Bubenik was elected to the Tualatin City Council in November of 2010 and re-elected in November 2014. In 2018 he was elected mayor, taking office in January 2019. Mayor Bubenik is committed to the safety of Tualatin's varied neighborhoods, understands the economics of a well-run city, and is dedicated to the well-being of all residents. Mayor Bubenik wants the city to be socially cohesive and inclusive, and wants to make sure that no section of the community is left behind.
Since Jason became a lawyer in 2009, he has participated in nearly 50 jury trials. He has more civil trial experience than any other Oregon lawyer of his generation. Jason works collaboratively with the other trial attorneys to prepare and try major cases. He also works with clients and insurance companies to get cases resolved before trial. Jason is active in the Honest Elections Oregon organization, a movement that supports campaign finance reform in Oregon.
Jason’s legal experience includes working for the Environmental Law Foundation in Oakland, where he helped draft a strategic plan to protect and expand California’s Public Trust Doctrine. As a summer associate at Lerach Coughlin Stoia Geller Rudman & Robbins in San Diego, Jason worked extensively on a consumer class action against Capital One credit cards for targeting and defrauding low-income citizens.
Cindy founded AgeCelebration in 2003, and in 2008, began a personal journey to help foster a stronger sense of community in Hillsboro. She started a volunteer initiative called My Hillsboro Creates Community and has continued to create new programs and partnerships that benefit and connect Hillsboro Community members. Cindy has also been an active member of the Hillsboro 2035 Outreach Team helping to collect community ideas for the year five update of the Hillsboro 2035 Community Plan.
AgeCelebration brings people together through innovative programming to intentionally create community and foster human connection. AgeCelebration now offers over 15 community programs to #CreateCommunity, including Walk with Friends, Hillsboro Community Pickleball, MENtours, Walk All Over Hillsboro, Walk with a Librarian, Community Greeters, Community Readers, Team AgeCelebration, Intergenerational Cursive, AgeCelebration Adventures, as well as “You’re Welcome” and “Quiet Mind” classes.
Felicita is the President/Director of Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District. She is also an enthusiastic nonprofit professional whose passion for the community has guided her work. She joined the THPRD Board in 2017. She has lived in Washington County since age five and took her first job as a camp counselor at THPRD when she was 15.
Felicita is the Policy and Advocacy Officer for Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center serving Washington and Yamhill Counties. In this role she supports the efforts of the internal Equity Team and leads the work of the Advocacy Team.
Raziah Roushan is the Executive Director of Tualatin Valley Creates, a local non-profit organization that drives the development of inclusive, resilient, creative communities using arts, culture, heritage, and humanities. Their vision is to foster the growth of a robust arts and culture ecosystem in Washington County by increasing visibility and community engagement with local happenings and engaging under-served populations by making arts and culture more accessible.
For two decades, Raziah has also been working as a professional artist in mediums such as oil, acrylic, charcoal, pastel, aerosol, printmaking, as well murals and large-scale chalk art. After receiving a Bachelors of Fine Art from Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland Oregon in 2004, her travels lead to teaching, networking, and contracting for the purposes of visual art.
With controversial topics, Inside Washington County makes every effort to include multiple points of view. If you think we've missed something, let us know.
Hilary Uhlig is the Oregon Chapter Leader for Moms Demand Action, a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence. Moms Demand Action strives to pass stronger gun laws and work to close the loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our families. They also work in our own communities and with business leaders to encourage a culture of responsible gun ownership.
Moms Demand Action has established a chapter in every state of the country and Washington, D.C. and, along with Mayors Against Illegal Guns, Students Demand Action and the Everytown Survivor Network, it is part of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country with nearly 6 million supporters and more than 350,000 donors.
With controversial topics, Inside Washington County makes every effort to include multiple points of view. If you think we've missed something, let us know. Watch future interviews for other opinions on this topic.
The following statements are those of the Oregon Firearms Federation (OFF).
"The Oregon Firearms Federation was founded in 1998. After several years of watching other local 'gun organizations' give away the store, it became obvious that Oregon needed a no-compromise voice for gun owners."
"We have seen numerous attempts to ban modern firearms, efforts to force "lock-up-your-self-defense" laws and constant attempts to ban guns anywhere school children gather. But since 1999 OFF has defeated almost all of them."
"When Oregon was forced into compliance with the Brady Campaign/NRA mental health reporting legislation, it was OFF members whose constant pressure forced over 10 amendments to provide protection for the privacy of Oregon residents and it was OFF that convinced the Psychiatric Security Review Board to remove some of its more onerous impediments to firearms rights restoration."
Senator Elizabeth Steiner Hayward has lived in Oregon since 1991. In December of 2011, she was first appointed to the Oregon Senate. With strong support from her District 17 constituents, she returned to the Senate in 2012. Senator Steiner Hayward's primary areas of combined concern and expertise include creating an affordable healthcare system, improving education statewide, improving the economy for small and local businesses, and building a balanced state budget.
In the Oregon State Legislature, Senator Steiner Hayward serves on the following committees:
Joint Committee On Ways and Means, Co-Chair Joint Committee On Ways and Means Sub Committee on Capital Construction Joint Committee on Legislative Audits
When she is not serving in the Legislature, she works as physician practicing Family Medicine at OHSU. Her 25 years of experience as a health care provider have given her a breadth of understanding of state systems that can be transferred to other large systems and agencies in our state government.
She and husband Michael live in unincorporated Multnomah County. Their youngest daughter currently attends Macalester College, their middle daughter recently graduated from Harvard University and now lives in Chicago, and their oldest daughter and her partner make their home in northeast Portland.
Suzanne Bonamici grew up in a small town in Michigan. Her father worked for a local bank and her mother was a small business owner and piano teacher. Many of her strongest childhood memories are of family camping trips with her two brothers.
Suzanne was first elected to the US Congress in a special election on January 31, 2012. She was then elected to a full term in November of 2012, and reelected in November 2014, 2016, and 2018. She serves on the Education and Workforce Committee and the Science, Space, and Technology Committee.
Mayor Snider was drawn to public service early in life. He worked as an emergency medical technician (EMT) his senior year of high school and served two years on the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Board in Southern California during his junior and senior years of high school. In college, Mayor Snider took a semester off to attend paramedic school in Los Angeles, and he maintains his paramedic certification to this day.
Mayor Jason Snider has been a Tigard resident since 1999. He is the administrator of Kaiser Permanente Northwest's Regional General Surgery and Plastic Surgery Departments, and began his career as a clinical manager at American Medical Response.
As a Green Bay, Wisconsin native, Toni came to Washington County for the position of Executive Director of the Family Justice Center of Washington County in December 2017. She is the proud mother of two children. Toni's career has been in the helping profession, having nearly 20 years experience working in domestic violence and 25 years as an Executive Director.
The Family Justice Center of Washington County is a partnership of agencies passionately dedicated to providing a range of services for survivors of domestic violence. Staff are compassionate, non-judgmental, knowledgeable and they will help determine a path leading to safety, healing, and freedom.
More on their website: https://www.fjcwc.org/
Maria Caballero Rubio is Executive Director of Centro Cultural de Washington County, a nonprofit that delivers workforce, business, and youth development services for low income and Latino residents in Washington County. Maria came to Hillsboro and Washington County in 1969 with her migrant farmworker family from Sonoma County, California. Her career includes 30 years in local, state, and federal government service primarily in public safety.
She was a Policy Analyst at the US Department of Justice during part of the Clinton and Bush administrations overseeing 35 community policing institutes based at universities across the country designed to bridge the gap between communities and police. Other jobs include Executive Director of the Institute on Community Policing at Western Oregon University, Policy Director for Public Safety for Portland mayor Tom Potter, and Vice-President of Equity and Inclusion at United Way of the Columbia-Willamette in Portland, Oregon. Her career has focused on systems change and organizational learning.
With an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering, Chair Harrington enjoyed a 22-year career in the tech industry. She is experienced in leading teams and business units that develop and sell new software products, including experience at Wang Laboratories, Central Point Software and at Intel in Hillsboro, where she worked for 10 years. In 2004, Chair Harrington left industry to give back to her community full time, working as a community advocate with Community Participation Organization 7 and several transportation planning committees.
Denny Doyle was elected Beaverton's Mayor in 2009. Prior to becoming Mayor, he spent 14 years serving on the City Council. Prior to joining the City Council, he was elected to serve on the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District Board of Directors.
Mayor Doyle believes in working collaboratively to get the job done and knows you cannot build a better city without the help of residents, businesses and regional partners. Under Mayor Doyle's leadership, the city implemented the Beaverton Community Vision which is the driving force behind the city's priorities and budget.
As the 32nd Sheriff of Washington County, it is my great privilege to work with our talented Sheriff's Office team. Our mission is to Conserve the Peace through values driven service. Our organizational values are to do our best, do the right thing and treat others the way we would want to be treated. When deciding the "right thing," we expect our men and women to place our community above individual or personal interests. My priorities to accomplish our mission are below.
Juan Carlos González joined the Metro Council in 2019, representing the northern urban areas of Washington County on the Metro Council, including Hillsboro, Bethany, Aloha, Bonny Slope, Raleigh Hills, West Slope, Cedar Mill and Cedar Hills, Beaverton, Cornelius and Forest Grove.
Born in Forest Grove, raised in Cornelius, and now living in Hillsboro, Juan Carlos is a first-generation American who has dedicated his life to giving back to the communities that have given so much to him. Juan Carlos graduated as a valedictorian at Forest Grove High School and earned a degree in economics and government from Georgetown University.
After college, Juan Carlos returned to Washington County to join Centro Cultural de Washington County, a nonprofit that works with local Latino families to create self-sufficient and engaged citizens. Today he is the organization’s director of development and communications, leading the work to secure the $1.7 million annual budget that provides for innovative youth STEM programs, workforce development services, and civic leadership and advocacy initiatives in the community.