Portland City Commissioner Rene Gonzalez

11/03/2024

Bob was a compassionate and tireless advocate who spent decades protecting Portland's natural environment. His passion for our city inspired so many, and he was always ready to advocate for a cleaner and better Portland.

My heart goes out to Bob's family, friends, and everyone that worked with him. Bob, your legacy will live on in Portland - thank you for everything.

The beloved environmental advocate known for his work with the Audubon Society of Portland and Willamette Riverkeeper has passed unexpectedly.

11/01/2024

This week, the City Council recognized October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We heard powerful stories from survivors and advocates. We were reminded that anyone can be affected, regardless of age, race, or background. Nationally, over 300,000 Americans will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and the Pacific Northwest has a higher-than-average diagnosis rate. Early detection saves lives. Unfortunately, most of us know a friend or family member who has fought or lost this battle, let’s continue to raise awareness and support those impacted by this disease.

11/01/2024

Happy Halloween 2024!

10/31/2024

https://katu.com/news/local/portland-opens-10th-alternative-shelter-site-raising-total-sleeping-units-to-nearly-860

The opening of the North Portland TASS Site brings the City’s stock of sleeping units to almost 900, marking significant progress in our commitment to providing a pathway from life on the streets to hope and independence. This site, along with our Safe Rest Villages and the Clinton Triangle TASS Site, offer more than just shelter; they provide essential services, community, and hope.

By prioritizing pod-style shelters with wraparound support services, the City is addressing not only immediate shelter needs but also empowering individuals to rebuild their lives. I'm committed to further supporting these pod-style shelters because they've proven their effectiveness and are making a difference every day.

The city of Portland celebrated the opening of the 10th city-operated shelter site on Monday, which brings the number of city-managed sleeping units for people

10/29/2024

https://www.oregonlive.com/crime/2024/10/this-is-an-emergency-oregons-us-attorney-responds-when-sheriff-warns-portland-jails-nearing-capacity.html

This news is deeply troubling, yet sadly unsurprising. It reflects the most serious consequences of years of underinvestment into our public safety systems. We have now reached a critical point where there are insufficient police officers and jail space to adequately protect our citizens. As a result, many Portlanders who fall victim to crime are denied the justice and peace of mind they deserve, knowing that their perpetrators remain at large and can harm others.

Multnomah County’s jails are nearing capacity, which could lead to forced releases of prisoners just a week before potential presidential election unrest, the sheriff warned.

10/28/2024

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/ballot-boxes-set-fire-portland-vancouver-rcna177611

I am deeply troubled by overnight reports of ballot drop boxes being ignited in Portland and Vancouver. There is no place in our democracy for political violence or interference with the votes of our citizens or our voting systems. I want to thank those who responded quickly.

Fortunately, fire suppressant inside the affected ballot box in Portland protected virtually all the ballots. Any affected voters will be contacted by Multnomah County Elections Division. I am hopeful for the swift apprehension of those responsible, and I fully support our local and federal law enforcement in their efforts to uphold the integrity of our democratic process.

Police said an "incendiary device" was found inside a ballot box in Oregon's largest city, while local officials said potentially "hundreds" of ballots were damaged in Vancouver.

10/25/2024

This isn’t just about disease prevention; it feels more like nihilism.

I recently participated in a ride-along to observe the mobile deflection process. I was struck by how deeply enablement has become entrenched in our community. At the City, we are beginning to address this issue, but Portlanders urgently need other governments and NGOs to examine the negative consequences of their actions. Additionally, we must assess what tools we have to prevent further harm to our community.

Portlanders want to support those struggling with addiction, a crucial first step is to stop doing things that prolong suffering and make the situation worse.

Their goal is to limit harm by preventing infections and the spread of disease, but neighbors and parents say the location is causing more harm.

10/25/2024

"I was truly honored to celebrate Portland Fire’s incredible Community Health Assess and Treat (CHAT) program as it received the Portland Business Journal's Innovation in Philanthropy Award. CHAT teams are on the frontlines, addressing medical needs on our streets with compassion and care, helping prevent emergency room visits by providing quality treatment before situations escalate. Their work with the Overdose Response Team and their proactive approach to treating substance use disorder is transforming lives, especially as we continue facing the challenges of the drug crisis in our city. I’m incredibly proud to have played a role in securing funding for this vital work, and they deserve every bit of this recognition" Portland Fire & Rescue Portland Business Journal CareOregon

10/24/2024

Thank you Oregon State Police, these efforts likely saved many lives. To stem the tide of the fentanyl crisis in Portland, we need dramatic medical interventions and proactive law enforcement like this inside and outside the city.

Police seize over 10 pounds of fentanyl and he**in en route to Portland

Police arrested 22-year-old D**o Rodrigues and 20-year-old Mateo Marin Peraza for posession and delivery of fentanyl and he**in.

10/23/2024

"Today, we honored Congressman Blumenauer for his lifelong public service to Portland. The profound impact he’s made on our city in recent decades cannot be overstated or overappreciated. I’m eager to see what the future holds for him; Portland will still need his partnership as we shape our future by leveraging the lessons of the past. Together, we aim to uplift the spirit of our city at this historic inflection point, and I look forward to collaborating with him to build a blueprint for the coming decades."

10/18/2024