Rappers, dancers, African drummers, jazz, soul and Gospel music are just a few of the reasons to visit this year's PROPER Festival, from noon to 4 pm, Aug. 27, at North Portland's Kenton Park.  In its 20^th year, the festival  brings people together, to share delicious food, fun, entertainment and  live, face-to-face social networking, across social and cultural lines. 

East Portland, or 'The Numbers,'  is home to one-quarter of the city's residents. But this fast-growing area is also poorer and has fewer resources than other parts of the city. So what's being done to level the playing field for this multicultural area? Find out Aug. 25 at the Second Annual Equity Ride.

Three Democrats and a Republican are the first to say they will run to represent Oregon's House District One in Washington DC. Incumbent, Rep. David Wu resigned Wednesday Aug. 3, after allegations of making unwanted advances to the daughter of one of his donors. It was the final straw after a string of disclosures alleging misuse of pain medications and detailing bizarre texts to his staffers, that led to multiple staff resignations. The primary election will be held Nov. 8, with the general election set for Jan. 31.
 

Now that Mayor Sam Adams says won't be running for a second term, candidates are lining up to succeed him. The Skanner News asked Charlie Hales, Eileen Brady and Max Brumm which challenges they would prioritize if elected mayor.

A weeks-long dust up over the process of deciding the future of traffic on North Williams Avenue has brought a widened citizens' advisory committee and a public forum on the issue.

Portland State University graduate Issa will perform with Akon, Aug. 13, at the Palais de Congres in Montreal  in front of a crowd of 20,000 people.  He's one of five performers chosen through Akon's Hitlab.com. Then on Aug. 14, he'll perform in Toronto at the Wham Bam 2011 festival, which also features Ke$ha.   

Carolyn Leonard has spent over $2400 on a book giveaway for families in the Portland area but she sees it as a necessary expense. "Compared to what can happen to our kids, it's worth it," she says.

Friends and family of Yashanee Vaughn gathered Saturday July 30 at City Bible Church on Rocky Butte. Hundreds  came to celebrate the teens short life and to lay her remains to rest, packing the church with supporters. Her mother, Shaquita Louis had requested that instead of black, mourners should wear bright colors. The family wore bright red  along with black and white to honor her love of color.  

Oregon Book Award-nominated poet Crystal Ann Williams started July 1 as the new diversity chief at Reed College.

A celebration of life is planned Saturday, July 30 for Yashanee Vaughn. Just 14 years old when her life was stolen away, those who knew her say the pretty Helensview High School student had a big smile and a heart to match.  Family, friends and supporters of the family, will gather to remember Yashanee at 1p.m. at City Bible Church, Rocky Butte Campus, 9200 N.E. Fremont St. A reception will follow.