The Portland citizens group Yes for a Stronger Multnomah County is working to instigate a sugar tax that would place a one-cent-per-ounce tax on all sugar-added beverages including soda, energy drinks and some juices. According to the group, the purpose of the sugar tax is to improve children’s health and create jobs.
On Thurs., Jan. 26, influential environmentalist, entrepreneur and author Paul Hawken will be at the Bagdad Theater to participate in the “Sustainability: Portland’s Opportunity to Re/Build & Lead” summit. Sustainability leaders from the Portland community will also participate in the discussion.
In a recent U.S. News & World Report ranking, PSU tied for first place with University at Buffalo, State University of New York, for colleges with the highest ESL participation rate. Portland State’s Intensive English Language Program boasts a participation range of 350–500 students per term, representing more than 35 countries.
Judy Reed, director of the IELP, said the program is expecting approximately 500 students this quarter.
Peter Kahn, a Reed College graduate and current Portland State student, spent summer 2010 working in the village of Bole Bobula in the Addis Ababa region of Ethiopia. He contributed to the design of a suspended pedestrian footbridge located on the Akaki river.
Kahn worked as an engineering intern for Bridges to Prosperity, a nonprofit organization funded by contributions from donors and corporate sponsors. Bridges to Prosperity’s mission is to “provide isolated communities with access to essential healthcare, education and economic opportunities by building footbridges over impassable rivers.”