February 13, 2013
The
Portland Observer Black
History Month
Page
Low Polluting Hybrid Buses On Line
B y M ichael L eighton
T he P ortland O bserver
TriMet lived up to its long-time
policy of placing its newest, most
effecient buses on its busiest routes
with the introduction of four new
state-of-the-art hybrid buses.
The low emission, electric driv-
etrain buses, will run on Line 72-
Kingsworth 82nd Avenue, the sec­
ond busiest route in the TriMet
system, officials said.
“These new buses will benefit
our riders, but also all the residents
along this popular line,” said TriMet
General Manager Neil McFarlane,
at a ribbon cutting ceremony held
Jan. 30 along the route at the Cas­
cade Campus of Portland Commu­
nity College.
Latino Network Executive Direc­
tor Carmon Rubio said the hybrid
technology was an investment in
health equity because the low
emmision buses will have less im­
pact on neighborhoods already im­
pacted by high pollution levels.
“TriMet is truly benefiting the
community by putting these cleaner
buses in an area that has some of the
photo by
M ichael L eighton /T he P ortland O bserver
Latino Network Executive Director Carmon Rubio calls Tri M e t’s new Hybrid buses an investment in
health equity because their low-emissions will have less impact on neighborhoods already impacted
by high pollution levels. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marking use o f the new technology also drew
(from left) Algie Gatewood, Portland Community College Cascade Campus president; Neil
McFarlane, TriMet general manager; and Loretta Smith, Multnomah County Commissioner.
highest cases o f chronic asthma,
which disproportionately impacts
communities o f color,” Rubio said.
Portland C om m unity C ollege
Cascade Cam pus President Dr.
Algie Gatew ood, who hosted the
event, said the im provem ent to
public transportation was p rovid­
ing a path to econom y prosperity
for his students.
M ultnomah County Com m is­
sioner Loretta Smith said the buses,
which will be quieter as well as less
polluting, “serve as a demonstration
that our federal partners understand
the importance of investing in trans­
portation and our communities.”
Federal grant funds were used to
purchase the vehicles.
The Amalgamated Transit Union
issued a news release after the cer­
emony to criticize the purchase,
saying the new buses were a safety
concern because of vision obstruc­
tions from front extensions designed
to look like a train, and wider posts
on the comer of the driver’s side
window that reduce the view for left
hand turns. TriMet said the buses
passed all safety inspections.
HHHNHHHHI
Celebrate Statehood Day
continued
from page 4
bakeries, Baker and Spice.
Plus, enjoy a special history les­
son on the Oregon Sunstone, offi­
cially recognized as the state's offi­
cial gemstone. Throughout history
the Sunstone has been known for
its stunning beauty and protective
metaphysical attributes. The Oregon
Outback Mining Company will be
sharing their beautiful collection of
Oregon Sunstones.
Also on display is All Aboard!
Railroading and Portland's Black
Community, an original exhibit by
the Oregon Black Pioneers.
Visit OHS.org for a complete list
of current exhibits.
The Oregon History Museum at
the Oregon Historical Society is lo­
cated at 1200 S.W. Park Ave. Mu­
seum hours on Thursday, Feb. 14
are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Legislative Action Day
for Equity, Opportunity
African Americans from around
the state will gather at the Capitol in
Salem for a Legislative Action Day
on Tuesday, Feb. 19 to promote
concerns that include equity, safety,
justice and economic opportunity.
Our Voices United will be a mobi­
lization of high school students,
community members, organizations
and seniors in concert with the Ur­
ban League of Portland to bring the
concerns of the African American
community to lawmakers.
The day is co-sponsored by the
Oregon Commission on Black Af­
Advertise with diversity
in
fairs and Portland African Ameri­
can Leadership Forum.
The advocates aim to ensure that
decisions made in state government
promote access for African Ameri­
cans to family wage jobs, economic
opportunity, educational achieve­
ment, health and wellness, afford­
able homes, stable income, and cul­
turally proficient services.
Presentations will be made by
Frank Garcia, Gov. John Kitzhaber's
director of diversity and inclusion,
State. Rep. Lew Frederick, former
Sen. Avel Gordly and others.
Portland Observer
Portland Community College is proud to present
An Evening of Inspiration
Featuring
Charlayne Hunter-Gault
Please join us as Charlayne Hunter-Gault shares her inspiring story,
from challenging segregation laws and becoming one of the first
Black students at the University of Georgia to breaking barriers as
an award-winning journalist.
Thursday, February 28
5:30 p.m. Reception
Oregon Historical Society
1200 SW Park Avenue in Portland
7:00 p.m. Lecture
Portland Art Museum
1219 SW Park Avenue in Portland
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i * B d i r
A
Tickets
$20 each, $10 for students
Visit www.pcc.edu/black-history
or call 971-722-5840 for tickets.
. Black2oi3
History
Portland
C om m unity
C ollege