Opinion
Street Roots is ready for anything, large or small
Street Roots editorial Jim and Street Roots’ Vendor Coordinator Cole Merkel started around the same time. Jim was a Street Roots vendor. Cole was a Jesuit Volunteer a year out of college and looking to make a difference in the world. For more than a year, Cole watched Jim struggle to get sober. Jim slept…
In search of ‘the meaningful life’
By Robert Britt, Contributing Columnist It’s been five years since I left Iraq. Five years since I stepped off that flight carrying me and hundreds of others from the Middle East to rural Kansas, an unloaded rifle slung across my back and an empty pistol on my hip. Five years since I stepped off the…
Health care equity long overdue for Asians, Pacific Islanders
By Joseph Santos-Lyons and Victoria Demchak, Contributing Columnists I learned early that the question, “How are you?” could become profound. Elders would look into my eyes and ask me in such a way that I felt not only a deep connection, but had to answer in the most holistic way possible. We bring this spirit…
JTTF relationship continues to hide behind ‘trust us’ facade
By Becky Straus, Contributing Columnist On March 27, with dissenting votes from Commissioners Fritz and Novick, the Portland City Council voted to accept the annual report on the Portland Police Bureau’s collaboration with the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). The report, submitted by Chief Mike Reese, was nearly identical to the report that was accepted…
Director’s Desk: Vendor’s life inspires family’s support of others
By Israel Bayer, Staff Writer A month ago, Paul Gefroh came to talk to me. It had been two years since he had lost his son. The memory of Nick is still very fresh in his heart. We talked about Nick’s involvement with Street Roots, his childhood and his compassion for others. Nick was a…
News
Liv and let Liv Warfield
By Sue Zalokar, Contributing Writer Sultry, smoky, soulful and smooth – sentiments that flow effortlessly between the tone and timber of Liv Warfield’s amazing voice. She is a Portland original, albeit a transplant from the Midwest, one who was not only inspired by her Northwest contemporaries, but who inspired others with her debut album, “Embrace…
Behind the kitchen door
By Mike Wold, Contributing writer Fair trade, farm-to-table, locally sourced: Restaurant menus are replete with politically correct terms, but the kitchen door conceals another struggle. Labor organizer Saru Jayaraman reveals why the treatment of restaurant workers ought to be the next front in our fight for food justice. What really goes on behind the kitchen…
Renters feel brunt of tighter housing market
Staff Reports Fewer available rental units, rising demand among renters and higher rents are putting greater stress on low-income renters. That’s according to the annual housing affordability report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition. In “Out of Reach 2013” the NLIHC illustrates how large numbers of low-income renters can’t afford the cost of living…
Housing takes center stage in Salem
By Joanne Zuhl, Staff Writer They carpooled and packed into buses, wearing buttons in solidarity and some paired in matching T-shirts. More than 150 of them, of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, made the trip. They came for Housing Opportunity Lobby Day, April 4, at the State Capitol, where lawmakers paused to open their doors…
Home sweet home
By Ashley Koronko,Contributing Writer It was cold and windy when I pulled up to meet Cynthia and Don near what was soon to be their new apartment at Stark Firs. They flag me in, spotting me from two blocks away, Don waving and Cynthia ready with her warm smile. We trek down to the management…
Vendor Profiles
Vendor Profile: Classic service from a long time vendor
By Ann-Derrick Gaillot, Contributing Writer On any given day at the Red and Black Café, an anarchist, worker-owned vegan restaurant at the corner of Southeast 12th Avenue and Oak Street, you can find people from all walks of life enjoying good food and a laid back atmosphere. You’ll also find Street Roots vendor Tee Mills,…
Poetry & Art
Poems from the Native American Youth and Family Center
The NAYA Native American Literature class has been studying the history of Celilo Falls, shown at right, and the impact of the building of the dam on Native communities. Students wrote two-voice poems, capturing two perspectives on the building of the dam and the loss of the falls. The voices are distinguished between straight text…
Soup Can Sam: April 12-25, 2013
Aries (March 21–April 19) It’s a strange world. If you know up from down this month, then you are well ahead of the rest of us. Stick with that. Taurus (April 20-May 20) It’s spring. BTW, it’s not. It’s still gloomy and wet and cold. At least the flowers are blooming. Take the good with…
