Sube y Baja (The Teeter-Totter) by Francisco García
2024-10-14 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | West Linn Lutheran Church, 20390 Willamette Dr, West Linn, OR, United States
West Linn Alliance presents a staged reading of
Sube y Baja (The Teeter-Totter) by Francisco García
Mon., October 14th, 7:00
West Linn Lutheran Church
20390 Willamette Dr
Free Admission
(recommended for age 12 and up)
Two children come together at the border to ride a teeter-totter and share a brief moment of joy and heartbreak.
* Inspired by a 2019 art installation at the border wall between Ciudad Juárez, Mexico and El Paso, Texas.

The U.S.-Mexico border is front and center during this election season. At issue is finding ways to attract foreign labor to support American agriculture and business needs while stopping drug trafficking, violence, and illegal crossings. But how can we build relationships and get to know each other as neighbors? That is the theme for the play, Sube y Baja, that focuses on just four characters at the southern border: a boy from Texas of Mexican heritage, a girl from Juarez with from an indigenous family, a U.S. border guard and former soldier, and a Mexican border guard who is there “to protect and serve.”
The West Linn Alliance for Inclusive Community will host a play reading of Sube y Baja (The Teeter-Totter) at 7 p.m. on Monday, October 14 at the West Linn Lutheran Church, 20390 Willamette Drive, West Linn. This free event is appropriate for youth ages 12 and up and their families. The reading will be directed by the playwright, Francisco Garcia, who has cast two local, seasoned youth actors for the leading roles: Mila Kashiwabana as the girl and Kasey Tinoco as the boy.
While the play’s characters are fictional, the setting was inspired by an art installation that took place at the U.S.-Mexican border wall crossing outside of El Paso, Texas in 2019. With the aim of drawing communities together, California architects and designers, Ronald Rael and Virginia San Fratello, placed three pink teeter totters fabricated in Juarez through slats in the wall so that children from both countries could play together and interact. This 45-minute happening sparked Garcia’s imagination for creating a drama about a “real time event” involving adolescents. The border is merely a backdrop for exploring what happens when people are brought together momentarily, share their dreams, and divulge personal secrets.
Sube y Baja was commissioned and received developmental support by Artists Repertory Theatre’s new works program, Table|Room|Stage. The short work has had previous readings before audiences, but the West Linn play reading will be its last before going into full stage production.
About the Playwright and Director: Francisco Garcia lives in Portland where he works in film, television, commercials and theater. As an actor he has appeared in plays at the Mark Taper Forum, Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles, Bilingual Foundation of the Arts, Los Angeles Theatre Center, Cornerstone Theatre Company, East L.A. Repertory, Artists Repertory Theatre, Portland Center Stage, and Milagro Theatre. Engaging youth in theater is a passion for Garcia. He is currently a specialty teacher of Theatre and Dance for Portland Public Schools where he supports all K-12 Theatre and Dance programs, leading trainings and professional development for theatre and dance educators and mentoring new teachers. Now in the midst of co-directing the Portland production of the Tony award-winning play, Kiss of the Spider Woman, he will take time out to direct the play reading of Sube y Baja in West Linn on October 14.

The Very Unfortunate Wish of Melony Yoshimura
2024-11-03 13:00 - 14:30 | West Linn Public Library, 1595 Burns St, West Linn, OR, 97068, United States
Join us on on Sunday November 3 at the West Linn Library for a children’s book reading by Waka T. Brown. She will read from her recent publication: The Very Unfortunate Wish of Melony Yoshimura. This event is sponsored by the West Linn Alliance and the West Linn Public Library.

Waka T. Brown is an award winning West Linn author. Her other mid-grade books are: While I was Away and Dream Annie, Dream.

The reading will be at 1:00 pm at the West Linn Public Library.

(Age appropriate for 10 – 14 years)

Marys Woods Annual MLK Celebration
2025-01-18 14:00 - 16:00 | Marys Woods Chapel of the Holy Names, 17400 Holy Names Drive, Lake Oswego
GUEST SPEAKER GEORGE HOCKER, JR.BREAKING BARRIERSThe CIA’s First Black American Spymaster

The Marys Woods Annual Martin Luther King Celebration will be held on January 18 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Holy Names. The guest Speaker will be George E. Hocker, Jr., a retired 34 year decorated Senior Intelligence Service Spymaster from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). George served 15 years in Africa, South America and the South Pacific. George is the first Black American to serve as a Special Assistant to two CIA Directors, appointed by President Jimmy Carter and President Ronald Reagan.

Also the NW Freedom Singers return to raise their voices with us!

Equity and Belonging in Clackamas County
2025-01-28 17:30 - 19:30 | Mary’s Woods Nathman Bldg, 17530 Provost Street, Lake Oswego, Oregon
Join the Clackamas County Equity Coalition on January 28, 2025 for a workshop focused on the recently release social justice report: Cultivating Belonging in Clackamas County. The report, published by the Coalition of Communities of Color, examines the needs, truths, and desires of communities of color in Clackamas county and issues calls to action to promote equity for all those who choose to live and work in our county.

This free workshop will provide an opportunity to gain insight into the report from some of the authors and researchers and participate in discussions on how to implement the report’s calls to action.

Mary’s Woods has generously provided a venue for this event and it will be held at:

The Nathman Building | 17530 Provost Street, Lake Oswego. (5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m).

Clackamas County - Special District Election Candidate Open House
2025-02-18 14:00 - 15:00 | OR
Special District candidates and potential candidates are invited to attend the Clackamas County Special District Election Candidate Open House. The open house will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 2:00 pm, inside the Clackamas County Clerk and Elections located at 1710 Red Soils Ct. Suite 100 in Oregon City.

Topics that will be discussed include data list requests, requesting GIS maps of special districts, results release schedule, unofficial results, certification of official results, voters’ pamphlet filing process, Logic & Accuracy public tests, public observation of the elections process, campaign signs, and more.

To attend the candidate open house, please RSVP no later than Friday, Feb. 14. To RSVP, send an email to elections@clackamas.us or call 503-655-8510.

Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise Program
2025-02-20 11:00 - 12:00 | OR
Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise Program and Hotline: presented by ODOJ Civil Rights Unit w/ Women’s Foundation of Oregon

Time: Feb 20, 2025 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join ZoomGov Meeting

https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1604552156?pwd=[REDACTED]

The Oregon Department of Justice Civil Rights Unit operates Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise program and hotline for community members to report suspected sanctuary law violations, and provide support for targeted individuals and their families. The program may open investigations on behalf of the state into the violating agency. This presentation covers what Oregon’s sanctuary laws do and do not say, as well as services and resources available to targeted individuals and their families. The presentation is copyrighted, and cannot be recorded, transcribed, distributed, reproduced, or altered without the express, written permission from ODOJ.

Meeting ID: 160 455 2156

Passcode: [REDACTED]

Equal Rights for All Campaign Launch Party
2025-03-08 15:00 - 17:00 | OR
The Oregon Equal Rights for All ballot measure campaign is the antidote to the menace of a Trump 2.0 presidency to our bodily autonomy. This 2026 campaign makes sure the Oregon Constitution guarantees the right to abortion and other reproductive health needs, transgender rights and marriage equality, we’ll be strengthening Oregon’s resistance to Trump’s dangerous and extremist agenda.

To get this done, we need your support now—and we want to gather together and feel the joy and strength of our communities. Please join WFO in celebrating the campaign’s launch and explore ways to get involved!What: Fun, food, drinks, and minglingWhen: Saturday, March 8th, 2025, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.Where: SE Portland address provided with RSVPPlease RSVP at https://bit.ly/era-pdx

We know that the presidential election outcome is painful and life-altering for everyone who cherishes the freedom to be authentically ourselves, for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community, and for those who need reproductive freedom, especially BIPOC communities.

No matter how dark it may feel, despair and resignation are not an option or a strategy. In Oregon, we can protect our rights. Let’s celebrate International Women’s day together by fighting to protect our rights and the rights of our children, grandchildren, friends, and communities!

We are powerful. Despite constant, unfair attacks on our basic freedoms, we will resist and move forward with strength and courage. We’ve got work to do. We’ve got this. We’ve got us. Please join WFO, APANO and East County Rising!

Fill out this form https://bit.ly/era-pdx to rsvp! Please share with folks who are interested in helping the campaign.

In solidarity,The Team at WFO

Policing Immigration
2025-03-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
The League of Women Voters of Portland Presents a Panel Discussion:Policing Immigration

Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 7-8:30 pm by Zoom

LWV of Portland is announcing our theme for our spring Community Education series: Immigration. A polarizing and profound issue facing our nation, the series will explore how changing policies around immigration are impacting our community and our wider world. Our March panel will start locally, with a focus on enforcement issues. Our April panel will explore national policies and humanitarian concerns. Join us for our the first part of our spring Community Education program: “Policing Immigration” on Wednesday, March 12 from 7 to 8:30 pm via Zoom. Register to join our Spring Community Education seriesThis event will provide perspectives on how immigration enforcement is changing under President Trump, with an emphasis on local impacts. Join this dynamic conversation to hear many perspectives on how changes in federal policy relating to immigration and immigrants are affecting our community and how the community may react.Speakers bring important professional experience working with immigrants and developing immigration policy:Portland Police Assistant Chief Amanda McMillanIsa Peña of Innovation Law Lab Mercedes Elizalde of Latino NetworkElliot Young of Lewis & Clark College We hope this webinar will educate our members and the broader community about the key issues facing immigrants regarding enforcement of changing immigration laws and policy.This program is one of our community education programs held free of charge for our members and the public. All of our programs are recorded for rebroadcast by MetroEast Community Media and available by video and podcast from our website, lwvpdx.org. Attendees can engage with panelists by asking questions in the Zoom chat. Funding for production of this program is provided by the League of Women Voters of Portland Education Fund and the Carol and Velma Saling Foundation.Register now for our Immigration panel series

WLWV BIPOC Parent-Guardians Invited for Listening Session
2025-04-07 18:45 - 20:15 | Riverside High School, 2900 SW Borland Rd, Tualatin, Oregon, 97062, United States
When: 📅 Date & Time: Monday, April 7 | 6:45 – 8:15 p.m.

Where: 📍 Location: Riverside High School

The West Linn-Wilsonville School Board invites parent-guardians who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and have currently enrolled students in the district to participate in a Listening Session focused on the district’s anti-racism policies (Policy AC, Policy ACB) and related practices.

This session is an opportunity for parent-guardians to share their experiences, perspectives, and insights directly with Board Directors in a guided discussion facilitated by an experienced moderator. The feedback gathered will help inform the Board’s work on Board Goal No. 1 and ongoing efforts toward equity and inclusion.

The WLWV School District has designated this event as an open meeting, and all community members are welcome to observe. However, to ensure that as many parent-guardians as possible have the opportunity to participate in the discussion, they ask that BIPOC parent-guardians RSVP through the following form if they plan to take part in the conversation. Space is limited.

RSVP Form

Otherness and Empathy
2025-04-10 15:00 - 17:00 | OR
Otherness is the state of being different from the members of a group. Whether we are talking about us mammals, us Oregonians, or us bird-watchers, anyone who is not part of us is part of the other. How does otherness shape our sense of identity and our perception of others? In this conversation, we will reflect on our personal experiences of belonging to uncover the universality of otherness and examine how we can use empathy to bridge the divides in isolated communities and foster the acceptance of diverse voices. This exploration of otherness aims to cultivate empathy for both ourselves and others, leading to a more inclusive understanding of our identities and those around us as well as exploring otherness as a form of strength and our own uniqueness.

Facilitator: Michelle FujiWhen: 3:00 p.m. Pacific

RSVP for Otherness and Empathy

The Science and Story of Awe
2025-04-29 15:00 - 17:00 | OR
During times of great change, anxiety and overwhelm can keep us stuck asking “What can I do?” on repeat, often leading to fear and isolation. The experience of awe, as employed in both science and story, can help us all get unstuck. What is awe, and what good does it do? Join Amber Peoples for an experience and exploration of the transformative nature of wonder.

Facilitator: Amber PeoplesWhen: 3:00 p.m. Pacific

RSVP for The Science and Story of Awe

Talking About Values Across Political Divides
2025-05-06 16:00 - 17:00 | OR
“How can I be me without making it difficult for you to be you?” This question gets at the fundamental challenge of being in society together. We live in a contentious political world, and it’s difficult to talk about our deepest values and beliefs in safe, civil, and respectful ways. In 2021, the Pew Research Center found that nearly six in ten Americans felt that political conversations with those you disagree with are generally stressful and frustrating, as opposed to being interesting and informative. If we avoid such conversations, we lose opportunities to form a community with others that reflects our best selves. How can we learn to share our values in ways that bring us together rather than push us further apart?

Facilitator: Lowell GreathouseWhen: 4:00 p.m. Pacific

RSVP for Talking About Values Across Political Divides

Conflict Resolution 101
2025-05-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
In partnership with Clackamas County Resolution Services, mediation specialist, Tera Cleland, will provide a free, online training about resolving conflict in these conflicted times. Open to all people and useful for both your personal and professional life.

CCC Summer Connections
2025-06-06 17:00 - 19:30 | Clackamas Community College, 19600 Molalla Ave, Oregon City, Oregon, 97045
Celebrating Juneteenth and Pride Month

Link for More Information

Wacheno Welcome Center, Oregon City campus, 19600 Molalla Ave., Oregon City, OR 97045

Pride Celebration and Mural Reception
2025-06-07 14:00 - 16:00 | Willsonville Parks and Recreation Center, 29600 SW Park Place, Wilsonville, Oregon, 97070
Speakers, Music, Activities, Food Carts

Link for more Information

Wilsonville Parks and Rec Building

Tigard Juneteenth Celebration
2025-06-14 15:00 - 18:00 | Cook Family Park
Food, Music, Entertainment, Speakers

Link to More Information

Cook Family Park, Shelter 4

Gladstone Juneteenth Celebration
2025-06-15 16:00 - 19:00 | OR
Link to more information

Wilsonville Juneteenth Celebration
2025-06-19 17:00 - 19:30 | OR
June 19th, 5 pm – 7:30

Music, Limited Food, Activities, Organizations

Link for more information

Town Center Park

Boozy Book Fair - Read With Pride
2025-06-21 17:00 - 18:30 | White Rabbit Books and Gifts, 503 Main Street, Oregon City, Oregon, 97045

Lake Oswego Juneteenth
2025-06-22 13:00 - 16:00 | OR
June 22nd, 1 pm – 4 pm

Food, Music, Vendors, Performances

Link to more Information

Millennium Plaza Park

Celebrating Juneteenth in West Linn
2025-06-26 18:30 - 20:00 | OR
Celebrating Juneteenth in West Linn

Link For More Information

West Linn Public Library Community Room

Tigard Pride Festival
2025-06-28 14:00 - 16:30 | OR
https://www.tigard-or.gov/explore-tigard/community-events

CCEC: Community Safety
2025-11-06 18:30 - 20:30 | OR
Please join Clackamas County Equity Coalition for its Fall Quarterly Meeting on November 6th, in partnership with Unite Oregon. For this session we will focus on what it means to be a sanctuary state, what our rights are when it comes to immigration enforcement, and how we can best support our migrant neighbors. We will end in break out groups to apply what we’ve learned to CCEC’s four focus areas: Policing, Schools, Candidates and Misinformation/Disinformation.
