Welcoming Diversity
At their November 15 meeting, the members of the City Council all signed this statement:
“Given recent events both locally and nationally, your Lake Oswego City Council would like to reiterate our commitment to being a safe, caring and respectful community where hate in any form is not tolerated.
Our city charter specifically states that 'It is the policy of the City of Lake Oswego to eliminate discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, marital status, familial status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation or gender identity. Such discrimination poses a threat to the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of Lake Oswego and menaces the institutions and foundation of our community.'
As your representatives, we promise to uphold these charter provisions and to strive to ensure that everyone living, working or visiting Lake Oswego feels safe, secure and respected."
An especially appropriate commitment as we approach the celebration of Martin Luther King Day.
Weather
During the December snow storms, our facilities stayed open while some cities around us closed theirs. We're fortunate that we're a large enough organization that in every department, we have at least a few staff members who live nearby, or have vehicles that do well in snow. So even if it is with a small staff, we're able to keep facilities open. This sends the message to our residents that "we're here for you," and I know they notice and appreciate it. Thanks to all of you who make this possible.
It's also a way of showing solidarity with our colleagues who don't have much choice in the matter. Especially in the December 14-15 storm, our police, fire, dispatch, public works and parks maintenance staffs were doing heroic work taking care of our residents and customers. While it's true people may not have an emergency need to check out a book, play a pickle ball game, or pay a water bill...aren't these all essential services, too?
That said, I completely support the decisions individuals make for safety's sake to stay home, or come in or leave early. And I thank all of you who gave your colleagues a ride, or even provided a spare bedroom, to help keep them safe during difficult driving conditions.
New to LO
Steve Chon has joined LOPD after serving for twelve years as a police officer for the City of Chicago. Steve's wife Sheryll is a nurse, and they have a daughter (13) and son (10); they live in West Linn. Steve was born in Korea but spent most of his early years in Bolivia (and he is fluent in Spanish). When he was ten, his family moved to southern California. He worked in the private sector in Chicago before joining the police department. Outside of work, family activities keep him busy, and when time permits, Steve enjoys golf.
Anthony Tallman has joined Parks Maintenance, assigned to help keep the Adult Community Center running. He's no stranger to the organization, though, having worked in our Recreation program. He's also worked for Tualatin Hills Parks & Rec, and the cities of Sherwood and Tualatin. Anthony grew up mostly in Wilsonville, but graduated from LO High. He has a 14-year-old golden lab and lives in LO. Anthony enjoys playing baseball and basketball.
Drew Boggs is a new LO Police Officer after serving for several years with the Newberg police department, where he had assignments ranging from school resource officer to motorcycle officer. He grew up in the Portland area and graduated from Sunset High. He and his wife Tara have two daughters (13 and 15) and live in Beaverton. Drew enjoys motorcycling and outdoor activities like camping and hiking.
Steve Gorr is also a new LOPD Officer, transferring from the Salem police department. Steve grew up in Michigan and attended Western Michigan University, eventually working for the campus police department. His wife Kim is in the mortgage industry, and they live in Tigard. In his off time, Steve enjoys hunting, fishing, archery, and hiking.
Paul Valesano is our newest Community Service Officer. Paul was born in Salem and moved to Sherwood. He graduated from OSU this past June, having majored in business management. He's been interested in police work for a while, having served in an explorer unit for Washington County. Paul lives in Beaverton.
Andrea Tardio is a new LO Firefighter/Paramedic. She was born in Cornelius and graduated from Banks High School. She's had extensive experience with the Keizer fire district, and has even worked as an automotive tech (which may come in useful in working with those complex fire engines). Her fiancee is a Hillsboro firefighter. Andrea lives in Dayton and has horses and two dogs; she enjoys hunting and fishing.
Ben Fox is also one of our new Firefighter/Paramedics. He was born in Newberg, grew up in Dundee, and graduated from Newberg High. He still lives in Newberg, with his wife Emily, who is working toward an art history degree at PSU. Ben has had a variety of firefighting and paramedic experience, with Dundee, Polk County, McMinnville, and AMR. Ben plays guitar, and enjoys backpacking, basketball, volleyball, and surfing.
Cody Grimm, Firefighter/Paramedic, was born and raised in LO, and graduated from Lakeridge--same as his parents, who own the Grimm's 76 gas station on South Shore. Cody studied physics and math at U of O, and has been a white water rafting guide. His firefighting and paramedic experience has included Bend, Crook County, West Valley (Grand Ronde), and McMinnville. In spite of his LO roots, Cody lives in Salem with his wife Nicole. Cody enjoys snow skiing, rafting and kayaking, backpacking and mountain biking.
Welcome all of you to the City of Lake Oswego!
Writing Tip of the Month from Dr. Grammarian
Don’t use apostrophes for plural words. For example, write ABCs, not ABC’s. And SDCs, 1960s, vacationing with the Joneses.
