News
Thom Hartmann wants you to put corporations back in their place
By Joanne Zuhl, Staff Writer Long, long ago, in a country not unlike our own — actually, exactly like our own — people were people and corporations were corporations. Today, however, we have corporate personhood, a court-manufactured status that lets companies cloak themselves in some of the same constitutional protections intended for flesh-and-blood humans. The…
HUD’s hatchet job
By Jake Thomas and Joanne Zuhl, Staff Writers By now, every American is probably familiar with the term and concept —— if not the reasoning behind —— the national budget sequester. As of March 1, evidence of its fallout nationally has been trickling in, from international airline delays to local job furloughs. But the impact…
Little Sue, shining in a whole new light
By Sue Zalokar, Staff Writer Susannah Weaver. Why does that name sound familiar? Weaver, otherwise known as “Little Sue” has been a light in the Portland music scene since she moved here 20 years ago. She put out five albums in that time, and then, seemingly, disappeared from the public eye. But she has been…
Hard focus
By Erin Fenner, Staff Writer About four months ago, approximately a dozen people who were homeless or transitioning out of homelessness got together in a room to discuss what sort of film they wanted to make. The conversation wasn’t easy. Their mismatched personalities were more pronounced when contrasted against each other. But it also became…
Talking shop
By Nathan Gilles, Staff Writer In his left hand, high school senior John Theimer holds a shiny dial caliper. Using the engineering tool, which looks like a cross between a wrench and a pressure gauge, he makes very precise measurements of the toy car he’s holding in his other hand. Part wood, part purple plastic,…
Opinion
Feeling OK, even when you’re sure you’re doing it wrong
By Melissa Favara, Contributing Columnist I love teaching 20th Century American Literature in the Pacific Northwest in the spring. Spring term generally is great because it starts off gray and murky, and the students seem kind of draggy, and everyone gets more cheery and ebullient as the weather improves. But the best part is watching…
ACT network works to change police, ICE collusion policy
By Andrea Valderrama, Contributing Columnist “On August 12th, 2012 they arrested me around 2 a.m.,” the day laborer says. “I think they arrested me simply because they noticed I was Latino, but they wrote down it was for littering. The police officer told me I was being arrested but didn’t give me the reason. I…
Soup Can Sam: April 26-May 9, 2013
Taurus (April 20–May 20) The stars see great prospects in your future, but then they have a lousy sense of timing. This could just be a throwback to your conception when you really made something of yourself. Look on the bright side going forward. Gemini (May 21-June 20) Yeah, there’s a pill for that. But…
Community water fluoridation — the social justice issue of our time
By John Duke, Contributing Columnist Twice a month the Medical Teams International mobile dental van comes to Outside In to treat homeless youths and other patients within our homeless youth services. Even though the van has the ability to do cleanings and preventive care, they mostly do extractions and emergency care for our clients. For…
Why many medical professionals are opposing water fluoridation
By Dr. Jay Levy, D.D.S., Contributing Columnist As a practicing Portland dentist and one who has enjoyed reading and supporting Street Roots for years, it was very disappointing to read the Street Roots article and editorial regarding water fluoridation. This is especially true since Street Roots did not even contact any of the doctors, nurses,…
An important letter from a Street Roots board member
Michael Anderson, a Street Roots’ board member and longtime housing advocate recently wrote a piece about how Street Roots makes Portland a better place for all. He pinned the following commentary for the organization: I love Street Roots. For the news that matters most to me, there is no better media outlet in Oregon. Whether…
Housing sequestration 101: It’s going to hurt
By Douglas Rice, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities The budget cuts known as sequestration, initiated on March 1, will likely force state and local housing agencies to cut the number of low-income families using Housing Choice Vouchers to afford housing by roughly 140,000 by early 2014. This represents a sharp break from Congress’ bipartisan…
Vendor Profiles
Vendor Profile: Finding a new path, and partner in life
By Ann-Derrick Gaillot, Contributing Writer Eileen Vizenor’s life changed completely last December when she lost her home and all of her possessions in the span of a few weeks. The experiences were devastating, but none more than losing her two beloved cattle dogs after she couldn’t take care of them anymore. But these days Eileen…
