When Melissa Favara and her family moved into an older home in the Mississippi neighborhood, she didn't consider that it could be tainted with lead.
"I always thought lead poisoning was something that happened on the East Coast, that it was a problem in places like Philadelphia," Favara told The Skanner. "I didn't realize it happened in Portland."
It wasn't until Favara's daughter Ramona was 8 months old, that she called the Josiah Hill Clinic, which offers free lead testing for pregnant women, children and nursing mothers. Favara's test showed both she and her daughter had been exposed to lead. Worse, baby Ramona's level was worryingly high....

With energy efficient windows and appliances, within walking distance to transit, parks and shopping, the future residents of Helensview will be living in innovative, green homes.
And in yet another trail-blazing move, 100 percent of the development is designated as affordable housing — and it's all located in the decidedly unhipster corner of 64th and Northeast Killingsworth.
"A lot of people view green building as a luxury option," says Devin Culbertson. "It's a big challenge to try and educate people about what the true benefits actually are."

Elmer Dixon, an original member of the Seattle Chapter of the Black Panther Party and his grandson, Zion Watt,
5, listen to some of the speakers during the 40th anniversary of the Seattle Chapter of the Black Panther Party on April 26 at Yesler Community Center.  The two day event included workshops, a panel discussion, music and poetry.

Civil rights leader and colleague of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Rev. James M. Lawson will be speaking at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 5 at Temple Beth Hatfiloh, 201 8th Ave. SE in Olympia. The event is free and open to the public.
Lawson will talk about how to build a community that values activism – to promote better quality of life and greater equity among citizens – and ensures civility and respect for the rights of all.
Lawson is a leading figure in the civil rights movement. On the eve of his assassination, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called Lawson "the leading theorist and strategist of nonviolence in the world." ...

A year-long project for six emerging African American performance artists in King County is about to hit the stage.
The Creation Project Showcase is a culmination of a year of new works and professional development programs for African American performing artists based in King County. Created by The CD Forum for Arts & Ideas, this is the debut of the first Creation Project Showcase and will run at 8 p.m., Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17 at the Broadway Performance Hall, 1625 Broadway St.
Immediately following the performances both nights, there will be a CD Forum Session — a question-and-answer session with audience....

What's happening for me in my City this week? Read here a day-by-day diary of free community events to fill your week. For a full calendar please click on "Read the complete article" below....

May 21 2008, 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.
at Olea Restaurant, 1338 NW Hoyt, Portland OR 97209
Innovative Job Seeking for the Region's Professionals
Job seeking has never been so much fun.
Visit www.colorsnwcareers.com to sign up.
For further details contact [email protected]

Four years ago, Tricia Tillman and Greg Wolley began leading simple, easy urban hikes for a handful…

Alcohol advertising on radio, television and magazines reached more African American youth than their peers in 2003 and 2004 on a per capita basis, according to a report by the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth at Georgetown University. During this same period, overall youth exposure to alcohol advertising in magazines and on radio has declined, but this report finds that African American youth continue to be exposed at higher levels than their peers -- and drink less. ...

Do you think perhaps things could be a little less difficult for Obama,
If he could change his name
If he could change his parents
If he could change his pastor
If he could change his temperament
If he could change his color
If he could change his support base
If he could change his friends
If he could change his award-winning book title
If he could change his speeches
If he could change his vision
If he could change his attitude
If he could change his aspirations
If he could change his
RACE?