The CNN community-building workshop in June is a step towards organizing across cultures. Close to 50 area youth and community members discussed opportunities to work together in our neighborhoods. Following brief presentations of diverse projects, participants exchanged ideas, resources, and began to forge relationships around 3 action areas: Engage Youth and Parents in the Community; Link to Underutilized Sites for Community Activities; and Explore Transportation Alternatives for Under-served Communities. Local cultural groups performed dances and a fashion show. As a result of the group discussions, Somali and Latino teens and parents are coordinating performances together in connection with local church space.  Click here for more on the workshop series.

Along with national estimates of air toxics, Portland air toxics are at levels that can be harmful to public health. Exhaust fumes, wood and debris burning are producing air toxics of most concern in the area. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is hosting the first meeting of the Portland Air Toxics Solutions Advisory Committee August 13. The purpose of the committee is to recommend strategies for a 10-year plan to reduce toxic pollutants in the air we breathe. The plan may consist of regulatory and voluntary measures to reduce the air toxics causing the most health risk in the Portland region. The public is invited to comment at the end of the agenda.  Click here for meeting details.