Support Your Local Woman-Owned Bar

Have a pint of beer or cider on Us at Saraveza anytime from March 8th to March 15th.  Just say the magic words "Location, Location, Location". 

Be sure to check out their never-ending tap list, enjoy their Wisconsin-inspired vibe and dig into the homemade pasties and pickled devil eggs.

And if you're looking for a great spot for a good time in the form of a private party or event, check out the Bad Habit Room–it's right next door.

National Association of Realtors (NAR) Data

Each month, NAR compiles data on real estate market activity. We want to introduce you to the Pending Home Sales indicator; we find it useful in understanding activity in the housing market.

This is the NAR description of Pending Home Sales data:

"The Pending Home Sales Index (PHS), a leading indicator of housing activity, measures housing contract activity and is based on signed real estate contracts for existing single-family homes, condos, and co-ops. Because a home goes under contract a month or two before it is sold, the Pending Home Sales Index generally leads Existing-Home Sales by a month or two."

Here is the recap of their most recent report:

"Pending home sales were up slightly in December for the third consecutive month. In 2018, existing-home sales and price growth are forecast to moderate, primarily because of the new tax law’s expected impact in high-cost housing markets."

Take a look at the Pending Home Sales data here>>

Chinese New Year: 2018 is the Year of the Dog

Chinese New Year is a 15-day celebration that begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice (February 16th) and ends when the full moon arrives two weeks later (March 1st). 

Public Chinese New Year festivities include elaborate dragon and lion dances and often fireworks. Individuals spend time with family and friends and also focus on cleaning out their homes, preparing for a fresh start in the new year. 

Each new year is represented by an animal symbol in the Chinese Zodiac; the characteristics of that animal are thought to represent the tone of the upcoming year.

Learn more about the origins of Chinese Astrology and predictions for this Year of the Dog>>

Participate in Chinese New Year activities at Portland's Lan Su Chinese Gardens>>

a love letter...

I know of only one duty, and that is to love. 
- Albert Camus

Dearest Valentine,

Valentine’s Day is about more than hearts and candy, it’s a reminder to me of purpose, our real purpose. Especially in this time when it feels as if we’re losing ground, moving backward, finding it harder to believe. At just these moments you, yes you, remind me of all the love there is in our little world. Our little world, the one we’ve created, here and now, in our neighborhoods, our city, our community joined together by common beliefs and values. The search to belong, to commit, create, to find purpose. For some inexplicable reason, some stroke of luck, you give this to me and I love you for it.

So, on this Valentine’s Day, know this, I am grateful and humbled by your belief in me, your goodness, your kindness. I am buoyed by your grit. Because of you, I am able to do what I truly love, what I was meant to do. You’ve taught me my purpose is not my work, my purpose is you. You are my most treasured Valentine.

With love,

Yours Trul

Black History Month: Oregon

Black History Month is an opportunity for all of us to reexamine the history of black people in Oregon. Making an effort to understand the history of the place you call home is, in and of itself, an act of love as it honors those who came before you.

Educating yourself about the past of your community is also a way of imagining yourself into the lives of people who have lived different experiences than you. If we hope for a just society, we must begin by understanding one another and understanding how we got to where we are today as a community.

Here are a couple wonderful resources, made right here in Oregon, to help you explore Oregon's black history and understand it within the context of the history of the United States:

Learn about Civil Rights in Oregon from OPB's documentary Lift Ev'ry Voice>>

Watch educator, writer, scholar, and poet Walidah Imarisha answer the question: Why are there not more black people in Oregon?>> 

Coalition of Communities of Color

Imagine a world where socioeconomic disparity, institutional racism, and inequity of service have been eradicated. This is the vision behind the Coalition for Communities of Color. The organization focuses on:

Research Justice: Data collected through the work of the Coalition and partners like Portland State University has been instrumental in educating Oregon residents and policymakers alike about the realities faced by communities of color throughout the state. 

Leadership Development: CCC is actively growing leaders in communities of color throughout Oregon and SW Washington to guarantee their future success in advocating for themselves.

Policy Analysis and Advocacy: Focused on making voices of communities of color central in policy discussion. They are working with both community members and legislators to achieve this goal.

Check out their 2017 Racial Equity Legislative Report>> documenting work done by communities of color with our legislators to ensure that racial disparity is addressed in state laws and regulations.

Consider supporting the important work of the CCC>>