T.a. Barnhart Podcast

My first chat with Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler since he took office. We touched a little bit on how the year has gone, but mostly we talked about East Portland and the East Portland Action Plan. And the Mayor talked a lot about the amazing people who are taking this blueprint for change and making it real. The Plan is volunteer-driven, so if you want to be part of the work, or you want to add your own ideas, just start attending the meetings. Get to know the folks and learn how to become part of the team. Check out the EPAP website.

I've known Cameron for the past five years, but now that he's working for the East Portland Action Plan, I wanted to catch up with him and find out what's going on with that. This is also a chance to introduce Cameron – the real Cameron – to folks who only know the name and the Facebook posts. You can contact Cameron at EPAP via email. And check out EPAP at their website. And he's got a podcast (of course he has a podcast) with fellow activist Greg McKelvey): the Chocolate and Caramel Podcast.

I finally met Rep Tawna Sanchez (HD 43, N/NE Portland), and it was a great conversation. I used this podcast to get to know her; I used to live in her House district but moved before she won that seat. I got a lot out of this podcast, and I hope you do, too. Tawna is Director of Family Services at NAYA, the Native American Youth and Family Center. In the Leg, she serves as Vice-Chair of the Human Services and Housing Committee, is a member of the Judiciary Committee and of the budget-writing Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety. Tawna's service in the Legislature is another reminder of how important it is that those we elect accurately represent the people of Oregon. Whatever it takes to increase the number of people of color, and particularly women of color, in government, we need to do. We need more electeds like Tawna Sanchez. To reach Rep Sanchez Official phone: 503-986-1443 Rep.TawnaSanchez@oregonlegislature.gov

Kayse Jama is a Zen master of justice organizing. I mean that in the truest Zen sense: His approach is one that ends false divisions, that asks people to see the connections, the commonalities, the mutual interests that arise when looking at problems with, as Buddhist would put it, the right vision. It took over 3 months for us to connect for this interview, and it was worth the wait. This is the most challenging, the most educational conversation I have ever had. I understand now that while I work on issues of importance to me, such as mental health, that I will contribute to Kayse's work & the work of others throughout the community – if I bring a social justice lens to my work. This interview is worth several listens even if it's longer than I usuall do. Kayse is someone who has lived through experiences few of us can imagine. He shares his wisdom freely, and we'd be foolish to not take advantage. Kayse is Executive Director of Unite Oregon; their mission: Led by people of color, immigrants and refugee

Is the death of Heather Heyer going to be a turning point in the current history of American bigotry? We can hope. But we also have to remember that Heyer is just one of many killed by racists in this country, and that people of color are victims of racist murder in horrifying numbers. We must mourn Heather Heyer, but we cannot forget Sandra Bland who died an even more terrible death.

Housing affordability is being termed a crisis in the Portland Metro area. Displacement, gentrification, houselessness; many people are suffering and there doesn't seem to be relief in sight. There are, however, lots of loud voices and lots of strong opinions. I wanted to talk with Nolan Lienhart about these issues. He's Director of Planning and Urban Design, ZGF Architects; he's also a Bus Project Board member, and an African-American who grew up in a working class neighborhood that working class people can no longer afford to live in. His opinions on these issues are valuable to me, so I was glad to get the chance to sit down and ask some of the questions I have on this complex and critical area of policy.

I love baseball & soccer, so I'm gonna podcast about baseball & soccer about once a week. Mostly the LA Dodgers & Portland Thorns, my two favorite teams, but I won't ignore lamenting the Mariners, mocking the Jints, & hoping this is the season Leeds United returns to the Premier. Music by Artofescapism, used by rights granted under Creative Commons, Attribution/Sharealike/Noderivatives. 

Former Portland City Councillor Steve Novick talked with me about some of the problems he sees with our city government, as well as with Portland progressives in general. As usual, he's frank & open about his opinions, eschewing the timid "niceness" that we get tossed at us too often.

Jeanne Atkins is the new Chair of the Democratic Party of Oregon, the DPO. We talked about how the party moves forward in 2017, facing challenges such as the urban-rural divide and a resistance that has a base broader than any political party.

The first podcast of 2017 is an introduction to State Representative Diego Hernandez, my new state rep. After sharing a brief bio, we talked about the upcoming legislative session, the need for increased revenues to pay for education and health care, are related topics. I'll be having Rep Hernandez and other members of the Oregon Leg on the show regularly in the coming months.

New Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler held a ceremonial inaugural ceremony at Jason Lee Elementary School in East Portland, an important symbolic gesture showing his commitment to the entire city. Today's podcast has highlights from his speech as well as a couple of the guest speakers.

Jenn Lynch, President of the Board of the Oregon Alliance for Gun Safety and one our state's most outspoken and valuable leaders for common sense gun legislation and gun safety. We talked about the work of the Oregon Alliance, the 2016 election, what ordinary citizens can do, and the need for action on the number gun violence issue: suicide. A quick note: this podcast was recorded before the November election, which is why some portions are dated.

I spoke with Portland Mayor-elect Ted Wheeler about how he'll maintain connection with Portlanders once he takes office. It's a goal he's already working hard on.