September 2026

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January 2026

Informal Discussion on Current Events

There was no formal agenda for this meeting and the discussion centered on a variety of topics raised by the participants.

Topics included:

1.   The current concerns in the City of Portland, Oregon.  One significant concern is the amount of international trade the city is involved in and the impacts possible to local and state budgets.

The work being done by local equity committees was discussed and concerns about the view of Portland as "woke" and potential harms that may arise because of this perception.

2.   The participants discussed the importance of integrity and trust. How difficult it is to be viewed as a person of integrity and trustworthy. How once lost these cannot be easily re established.

3.   The group next discussed the concept of historical context. How it is important to understand what shapes a time period and leads to specific actions. The group agreed that having full information allows for this type of understanding. They acknowledged that libraries, public schools and universities are struggling to maintain the information and knowledge sources that permit the development of context.   

4.   The misunderstanding of DEI was explored. The group acknowledged that DEI is being discussed as DEI equals unqualified, as opposed to, qualified and needing an opportunity. 

5.  Next the group discussed some past practices of inequality present in Pasadena and Glendale. These included the sundown requitement which forced people of color to be out of a certain geographical area before sunset. The real estate practices of the time were discussed including redlining and the maintenance of race specific enclaves using selling practices to limit who purchased where.

6.  The harm to climate change actions was discussed. Including the loss of tax favored status for wind and solar energy sources.

7.  Community action plans were discussed briefly focusing on what active, positive actions could be taken to limit governmental actions that are unconstitutional.

8.  Lastly the group discussed the shift in economic alliances. This focused on the development of the BRICS group of nations and the diminished economic influence of the West.

The group will meet again on May 16, 2025 at 12:00 PM PST.