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.

If a TriMet fare inspector caught you riding the Max train without a ticket any time during the last five years, your punishment likely was a warning. But from now on, even if you're a first-time offender, you risk a fine of at least $175.

Billie Dean Dixon (Woods), known for her love of Christmas and having the largest tree possible fit into her living room, lost her battle with cancer on Monday, July 19.  Viewing is Wednesday, July 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ross Hollywood Funeral Chapel. Funeral services are Thursday, July 28, at 11 a.m. at the Life Change Christian Center, 3536 N Williams Ave.

Two thousand turned out for the East Portland Exposition July 23-24, held at Southeast Powell. Billed as the largest multicultural event in Portland.

Portlander Teressa Raiford and friends' group Facebook page, "40 Days of Common Unity," is a fountain of information about Portland-area community organizing and local political issues.