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Opinion

Street Roots delivers in-depth commentary on social and economic justice issues important to the entire community.

Why are the district attorneys opposing public safety reform?

By David Rogers, Contributing Columnist

Gov. John Kitzhaber convened a diverse set of public safety system stakeholders to examine ways Oregon could improve public safety while also reducing prison spending. The governor’s Commission on Public Safety examined an immense amount of data and research to understand what was and wasn’t working within Oregon’s approach to crime as well as what national best practices are. They released their recommendations in December of 2012 and received a wide range of support, but District Attorneys are staunch and vocal opponents.

Directors Desk: Team Street Roots is working on many fronts

By Israel Bayer, Staff Writer

Street Roots has been very busy on the homeless advocacy and policy front as of late.

Street Roots, along with many of our partners are helping lead the, “We are the Safety Net” campaign. The campaign has worked very hard to secure local funding for homeless and housing services. 

The campaign worked with people experiencing poverty to tell a broader narrative through social media about obtaining housing and accessing services. At the same time, the coalition worked very hard with local officials to help secure funding.

County chair: Community can’t afford cuts to crisis center

By Jeff Cogen, Contributing Columnist

Recently, I hosted a screening in the Multnomah County boardroom of “Alien Boy” — the powerful film about the life and death of James Chasse Jr.

Watching that incredibly poignant film was a tragic – and all-too-topical – reminder of the potentially deadly conflict that can arise when police encounter people diagnosed with mental illness.

Death on the streets is cruel, premature and preventable

Street Roots editorial

Last year, 56 people died while experiencing homelessness in Multnomah County. In 2011, the figure was 47. In addition to these numbers, we know that even more people on the streets died in local hospitals that were not counted by the medical examiner.

Why should we care?

On its face, what does the number 56 even mean? In an age when we are overwhelmed with the number of people dying for any number of poverty-related issues, it’s hard to give context to what the numbers mean.

What we know:

Feeling OK, even when you’re sure you’re doing it wrong

By Melissa Favara, Contributing Columnist

ACT network works to change police, ICE collusion policy

By Andrea Valderrama, Contributing Columnist

Soup Can Sam: April 26-May 9, 2013

Taurus (April 20–May 20) The stars see great prospects in your future, but then they have a lousy sense of timing. This could just be a throwback to your conception when you really made something of yourself. Look on the bright side going forward.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Yeah, there’s a pill for that. But you don’t want to take it.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) The best day of your life is still ahead of you, provided you pay your electric bill on time. A lot is riding on your wiring these days, Sparky!

Community water fluoridation — the social justice issue of our time

By John Duke, Contributing Columnist

Twice a month the Medical Teams International mobile dental van comes to Outside In to treat homeless youths and other patients within our homeless youth services.

Why many medical professionals are opposing water fluoridation

By Dr. Jay Levy, D.D.S., Contributing Columnist

An important letter from a Street Roots board member

Michael Anderson, a Street Roots’ board member and longtime housing advocate recently wrote a piece about how Street Roots makes Portland a better place for all. He pinned the following commentary for the organization:

I love Street Roots.  For the news that matters most to me, there is no better media outlet in Oregon. Whether I am reading a vendor profile, a music review, an in-depth news article, or the hilarious April Fools edition, Street Roots keeps me informed and entertained.

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