... with a little help from my friends.

Another busy weekend, made fun by all who stepped up in support.

This is us at the Division-Clinton Street Fair and Parade:

Sadie and Jennifer

Pat Wagner, looking lovely despite the long drive from Linnton to SE 50th/Division where the parade started

Always nice to get a hug from the Mayor-elect

Photographs by Erin Swetland

After the Division-Clinton event, I went to the East Columbia Neighborhood Association picnic at the Children's Arboretum. This was my third or fourth time participating, and it was as fun as ever. A great example of a small group of valiant volunteers bringing together hundreds of neighbors to socialize and enjoy a beautiful park. My supporters Maryhelen, Chris, Ellen, Dick and Gyrid made sure I felt welcome and met their neighbors. Delightful.

A busy mother of two small children carved out nearly three hours of her weekend to help me later on Saturday afternoon, introducing me to her neighbors in the Mount Tabor neighborhood. At one of the doors we knocked on, the response was, "Oh yes, we are friends with Rochelle Lessner, we support you already!". At another, "You came to my father's funeral, of course I'll take a yard sign". I love experiencing how connected Portlanders are to each other. And I want to expand and improve that connectedness. On Sunday afternoon, I canvassed in the Wilkes neighborhood, near Gresham in outer NE. Folks there continue to feel disenfranchised and not heard. It was good to be door-knocking with Larry, son of Alice Blatt who has done so much for the community in Wilkes. As when I canvassed in Boise and Eliot, near NE Fremont and MLK, some Portlanders have heard promises from politicians and been disappointed many times before. Walking with a well-known longtime neighborhood resident helps foster trust once again, but I am very aware that I must follow through once elected in order to connect disadvantaged neighborhoods to the full benefits of Portland.

On Sunday, in addition to the Wilkes canvass, I attended the Hillsdale Blueberry Pancake breakfast (yum!) and the Columbia Slough Regatta near NE Marine Drive/166th. Campaigning at its most fun - good friends, good food, and a delightful paddle on the Slough with my Official Guide, Susan Barthell of the Bureau of Environmental Services. Gliding on top of the water, watching the baby small green heron, and saying "Hello, I'm running for Portland City Council" to fellow travelers floating in the other direction.... an experience I will always remember. Thank you to all the volunteers and friends who supported events this weekend.

Photograph by Arlene Kimura