Interviews with key people on key issues in Washington County, Oregon.
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 https://soundcloud.com/mark-barry-618732394/inside-washington-county-back-to-school
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.
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
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