I didn't come to Breitenbush for the Labyrinth . Last time I was here, I didn't even bother finding it. But when I see that the field is completely empty except for me, I decide to see what all the fuss is about. I remember reading something about these kinds of "labyrinths" being some sort of physical representation of a spiritual journey to your inner self or some shit like that. So I stand at the beginning of the path and say a little prayer about helping me find me, I take a deep breath, and I take one intentional step on the little gravel path. A few paces later, I realize I'm on the wrong path. This path is NEXT to the labyrinth, not part of the labyrinth. In case anyone is watching, I decide to pretend like I meant to go this way all along and follow the gravel path down to the river bank. I stay a few moments before going back to the REAL labyrinth to try again. I look around to make sure this is in fact the beginning of the labyrinth. I pause to pr...
UPDATE: Please join the community for a press conference Monday 1/13/25 at 10am at Columbia Pool An Open Letter To Officials Serving North Portland, Oregon, I am writing to you in outrage and with profound disappointment over the permanent closure of Columbia Pool in 2023. This decision is not just a matter of budgetary convenience—it is a blatant example of racism, ableism, and socio-economic discrimination. The closure of this vital community facility disproportionately harms the most vulnerable populations in St. Johns and North Portland. It perpetuates systemic inequities and sends a clear message: marginalized communities are not a priority. Racism in Public Service Allocation St. Johns, one of Portland’s most racially diverse neighborhoods, has consistently been underserved. As of 2019, ZIP code 97203, which encompasses St. Johns, was 63% white—lower than Portland’s overall 71%. Black, Indigenous, Latino, and immigrant residents make up a significant portion of the population her...