As we’ve reported several times over the years, local nonprofit Depave is working on a big and exciting project on SE 7th Avenue between Stark and Sandy. They want to turn this vast expanse of pavement and lanes where people can drive, to a carfree oasis and “Green Plaza.” Their current activation is a skate park, and while it’s really awesome, BikePortland has heard quite a bit of grumbling from folks who think the bikeway through the skateboarding features could be much better.
Depave is aware of the issues and they’ve tweaked things a few times in response to feedback. Keep in mind this is a permitted plaza that will be in place through September 22nd.
I rolled over Sunday to take a closer look. Watch the video above (or view directly on Instagram) and check out some of the comments on our Instagram post to get a sense of how people feel about this project.
On Tuesday, as I processed the jaw-dropping revelations about Portland City Commissioner and mayoral candidate Carmen Rubio’s numerous traffic violations and irresponsible motor vehicle use, another shocking item popped up on my timeline: A few days before The Oregonian story came out, Rubio was endorsed by The Street Trust.
Rubio shared the endorsement on Instagram over the weekend. In the caption Rubio wrote: “Through their dedication, we are making progress toward ending preventable deaths resulting from lax safety and inequality. With their support, I know that our city can lead the way on policy transformations and major investments to save lives… Together, we can end the public health emergency of traffic deaths and injuries.”
The endorsement was made by The Street Trust Action Fund a legally separate arm of the organization launched in 2018 that is allowed to lobby and endorse political candidates without the limitations of a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit.
“I closed the book on those times, but I haven’t forgotten the lessons I learned.”
– Carmen Rubio in a campaign email today
The timing of this endorsement by Portland’s most well-known active transportation advocacy group is notable because of the story published Monday that outlines Rubio’s driving history. According to The Oregonian, Rubio was written up for more than 150 parking and traffic violations over the past 20 years and didn’t pay them off for months and sometimes years. Rubio also had her license suspended on “at least six occasions” when she didn’t appear in court or provide payment.
In a statement to The Oregonian regarding the infractions, Rubio said, “I put my family financial and career obligations first… These are the experiences that have shaped who I am today and also make me a better leader because I have greater empathy for people who have gone through similar things.”
In an email to campaign supporters today, Rubio said said, “I want to apologize” and added, “I know that the best things to do when you make mistakes are to take responsibility, to clean up the mess and do better, and that’s what I’ve done when I paid my fines off many years ago*, I closed the book on those times, but I haven’t forgotten the lessons I learned.” (*The Oregonian reports that Rubio was cited for at least three violations since she took office as a city commissioner in 2021.)
On Tuesday, LiUNA Local 737, a union that represents 3,000 Portland-area workers, withdrew their endorsement of Rubio, saying they were “shocked by the information” about the traffic violations.
BikePortland has reached out to The Street Trust Action Fund executive director for comment about their endorsement of Rubio but has not yet heard back.
On The TST Action Fund website, the organization shares the process they go through to choose candidates. BikePortland has also seen the questionnaire given to candidates. It’s all pretty standard fare about transportation policies and projects, except for the last question: “Is there anything we haven’t asked you that you believe we should know?”
August 14th BHH scene. (Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland)
It should be a nice night on the Gorges Beer Co patio (SE Ankeny & 27th) and since I’ve missed five of the last six weeks on family trips I’m really excited to see everyone again.
Given the big news with the Community Cycling Center and their financial crisis, they’ve agreed to come out and answer questions and talk to us. The CCC’s programs director and a member of their Board of Directors will be on the patio and will speak a bit during open mic. They’ll also be available for questions.
There’s lots more to talk about. I’m still processing the Carmen Rubio news. And when I pass by Citybikes on the way to Bike Happy Hour it will be the last time I do so while it’s still open for business. What else is on your mind? Did you watch my latest video featuring folks who ride on the Springwater and Esplanade paths? How are you feeling about personal safety on the paths lately?
PBOT making the plaza even better! (Photo: Claire Vlach)
And who can fill me in on what I missed being gone the last two weeks? How was the MADE Bike Show? See anything cool?
One last thing: Come out and see PBOT’s new traffic barricades on the Rainbow Road!
I’ll show up at 3:00 and that’s a good time for one-on-one conversations. Remember that there will be free fries at 4:00 pm and the mic will be open at 5:00 to anyone who wants to speak. If you’re running for local office and want to share your stump speech, have at it! And my offer still stands to give a $5 donation to any candidate for local office who shows up.
See you in a few hours! It might rain, so pack a coat.
Comment of the Week: The public health angle should matter more