Oregon
Oregon immigrant farmers grow hard-to-find pantry staples
On a hot, dry August day, Mohammad Haji and Ricardo Diaz examined their plots at a community farm in Boring, its fields full of tomatoes, amaranth, corn, peppers, onions, squash, beans and sunflowers.
Haji is raising chickens and cultivating different varieties of eggplant and garlic along with other summer plants. In the adjacent lot, Diaz is nursing greens, cabbage and celery, all winter-season crops, and his summer plants.
They are among the handful of refugee and immigrant growers who in the last year have turned their love of farming into a business and a full-time job. They have access to this farm through a farm accelerator program run by Outgrowing Hunger, a Gresham nonprofit that provides land, agriculture training and business assistance to locals who want to grow and sell fresh foods.
Haji and Diaz grew up farming, feeding their families with foods grown in fields outside their homes and earning an income selling what they harvested from the land. Today, they count on their plots to do much the same.
Mohammad Ayuf Haji tends to plants growing on his small farm operation in Boring on Aug. 22, 2023.Kristine de Leon/The Oregonian
Dozens of other families count on them, too — particularly other immigrant and refugee families. Both Diaz and Haji grow crops that were staples where they were born but are hard to find in the U.S.
Haji rents a 2-acre plot where he grows produce and raises chickens that are halal — raised and slaughtered in accordance with Islamic law. He’s built a coop on the north end of his plot to house 3,000 chickens and chicks.
Haji has also built a greenhouse, filled with bulbs of garlic he recently harvested, and surrounding that were rows of peppers, amaranth, long beans and roselle — one of the most widely available vegetables in his home country.
Diaz also rents 2 acres from Outgrowing Hunger’s farm in Boring. He said he’s out on the farm every day from 6 a.m. until late afternoon. He has a smaller chicken farm with just over a dozen chickens and grows foods he grew up eating with in Mexico, like papalo, quintonil, romerito, quelite cenizo, epazote and chaya. He also grows produce common in the U.S., like cabbage, lettuce and cucumbers.
Ricardo Diaz looks for squash ready to harvest at his small farm in Boring on Aug. 22, 2023.Kristine de Leon/The Oregonian
Diaz said he made about $35,000 last year growing and selling chilies, green beans, corn, tomatillos and other vegetables. He said most of that income came from a grant that allowed local food pantries to buy directly from his farm. He also grows food for about 10 families that regularly buy their produce from him.
Both Diaz and Haji sell their produce and animal products at the Rockwood People’s Market and other local farmers markets.
Haji and his family uprooted their lives a decade ago to flee Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, and escape to the United States. His long journey took him through Malaysia before he eventually arrived in the Portland area in 2016, where he has held jobs in the hospitality and manufacturing industries.
Mohammad Ayuf Haji inspects eggplants that are ready for harvest on his small farm operation in Boring on Aug. 22, 2023. Kristine de LeonKristine de Leon/The Oregonian
But the opportunity to start a small farm appealed to him, in part to grow the foods his family and others couldn’t find here.
“In Burma, there’s a lot of farming,” Haji said. “I like doing it because I can make my own schedule and it’s part of my culture.”
Diaz and his family, meanwhile, immigrated from Oaxaca in central Mexico over two decades ago. Like Haji, he’s worked various jobs in different fields, from manufacturing to construction to welding.
Farming, he said, has helped him feel closer to his homeland.
And his harvest has helped others feel the same connection.
Charlotte Davis, hunger relief operations coordinator at the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization in Portland, said the organization bought produce from Diaz last year to distribute to school food pantries.
“He had such a great variety, like different types of peppers, fruit, beans and other greens. He’s such a great resource for anybody who’s looking to get some fresh stuff,” Davis said. “It was wonderful when we got food from him because it’s really difficult to get things that are really culturally specific.”
About 10 miles away, in Gresham near the border with Portland, a 3-acre garden plot is run by refugees of African descent, hailing from Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, among others. The site is one of 10 smaller community gardens run, like the Boring farm, by Outgrowing Hunger.
Lucia Ndayihereje checks on a section of lacinto kale growing at an Outgrowing Hunger garden project for African refugee growers in Gresham on Aug. 21, 2023.Kristine de Leon/The Oregonian
There, Lucia Ndayihereje and Lukulambo Sekuture were busy checking on the rows of maize, peppers, amaranth greens and varieties of African eggplant, tomatoes and other greens. The land they’re growing on is owned by Portland Parks & Recreation and on loan to Outgrowing Hunger for the garden.
Before arriving in the U.S. from Burundi about a decade ago, Ndayihereje grew up farming and eating mostly food grown in fields outside her home.
“It was a way of life,” she said through a translator. “I am who I am today because of the African food I eat.”
Ndayihereje said she and other gardeners grow crops that are expensive or difficult to find in American grocery stores.
Sekuture was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo but lived for 19 years as a refugee in Rwanda before migrating to Portland in 2010. He said he’d been farming since he was young, including for a time growing food for other families in the Rwanda refugee camp.
Sekuture said he would jump at the chance to work on the farm all day.
“I was born farming, and I wish I was farming full-time today,” he said through an interpreter. “Farming has kept me strong because of the foods that I am able to grow and eat.”
He hopes one day to rent land at the farm in Boring and start his own business. But the lack of capital and transportation to Boring is a barrier.
At the African community garden, roughly 10 refugees and their families plant food for their own dinner tables and for sale. Grants from the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District and the Portland Clean Energy Fund have covered fees for plots of land, fertilizer, seeds and water, making gardening more accessible to families.
Anne-Marie Urukundo, the African communities coordinator for Outgrowing Hunger, works closely with the growers at the African garden. She said the seeds for many African crops can be hard to come by, but the nonprofit tries to help growers find what they’re looking for.
“Coming out here reminds me of home,” said Urukundo, who was born in Rwanda. “I can find the type of corn and beans and vegetables that I miss.”
Lukulambo Sekuture (left) and Anne-Marie Urukundo examine green onions that were grown at an Outgrowing Hunger garden project for African refugee growers in Gresham on Aug. 21, 2023.Kristine de Leon/The Oregonian
Urukundo said many of the growers there want to make farming their full-time job. Outgrowing Hunger has set up a “community table” at the Rockwood farmers market on Sundays where growers can sell the foods they grow without having to pay a vendor fee. While the profits aren’t huge, the entrepreneurial program offers refugees — including those who speak little or no English — a chance to learn how to operate in the local economy.
Adam Kohl, Outgrowing Hunger’s executive director, said the farm accelerator program grew out of the group’s community gardens project.
“It was really the refugees who came to us, and over time and through building relationships, they told us what their needs were,” said Kohl. “They wanted to find the foods that they liked to eat.”
The farm accelerator program supports 40 individual farmers from seven different countries across three farm sites.
Lukulambo Sekuture (left) and Anne-Marie Urukundo check the vegetables growing at an Outgrowing Hunger garden project for African refugee growers in Gresham on Aug. 21, 2023. Kristine de LeonKristine de Leon/The Oregonian
Participating growers go through the steps of registering a business, setting up a land lease agreement and purchasing contracts with buyers. The Rockwood Community Development Corporation provides some of the business aid.
The program has also connected growers with nonprofit buyers like the Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization, Rohingya Community Vegetable Distribution and the Sunrise Food Pantry.
Even so, attracting buyers has been challenging, Urukundo said.
“We need more customers who can buy their foods,” she said. “We don’t get enough customers, and there’s so much food here.”
She said many of the African growers have learned to cultivate vegetables and fruit that were new to them in America, like cabbage, celery, green onions, broccoli and cauliflower, so that they could attract non-African customers.
“We have many people who want to be farming full-time, and they come here every day and work hard,” Urukundo said, “even after they work other jobs.”
–Kristine de Leon; kdeleon@oregonian.com
Carved by glaciers, volcanoes, and dramatic landscapes, the Pacific Northwest of the US, formed by Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, is pure paradise. Its mountains are blanketed by lush rainforests, and the Pacific Ocean is lined by the cozy countryside. Paradisiacal peaks like Mount Rainier and Mount Hood pierce the clouds, while glacial lakes such as Crater Lake and Lake Pend Oreille bring an eternal glow to the valleys. Beyond the jaw-dropping scenery, charming towns offer downtowns with dynamic communities. Ready for an exploration of these gems? Check out these towns where the downtown areas steal the show!
Ashland, Oregon
As the birthplace of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland has cemented its status as a regal arts town throughout the decades. This performing arts venue attracts theater fans and art enthusiasts all year long, sparking a vibrant downtown where lots of restaurants and shops pop up to cater to discerning palates.
After a show, walk a few steps to Main Street or Lithia Way to dig into a symphony of local offerings. For quick bites, you can’t go wrong with Taqueria Picaro; locals especially love their mahi mahi tacos. If you fancy a drink with your group, the go-to in town are Skout Taphouse & Provisions and O’Ryans Irish Pub.
Commemorate your trip and snag a cool memento from the town’s quirky shops. Paddington Station has all things cute for sale, such as handy kitchen items and holiday novelties. When you feel like pampering yourself, indulge in some wellness shopping at Elder Apothecary, known for its line of herbs, teas, and tinctures.
Also located downtown is the crown jewel of Ashland: Lithia Park. This panoramic central park is an ideal place to wind down and just appreciate this town’s undeniable beauty. There is a Japanese garden, a fountain, a pickleball court, a picnic area, and miles and miles of riverside trails for visitors to explore.
Florence, Oregon
Dreaming of a paradisiacal coastal escape with a flourishing community? Florence might just be the haven you are looking for. It’s cradled right where the Siuslaw River meets the Pacific Ocean. The town is home to the otherworldly Sea Lion Caves, which is the largest of its kind nationwide and fosters a thriving population of Steller sea lions.
On Maple Street, the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum is a worthy stop for curious minds. You’ll get to know the origins of Florence and the Siuslaw region at large. The museum also hosts a gift shop if you’d like a souvenir to take home, or you could swing by Ärtêfacts on Bay Street for unique coast-inspired tchotchkes.
Dive even deeper into the downtown area and have a taste of the vibrant locale. For a quick pick-me-up in the day, River Roasters serves an array of classic espresso drinks and specialty coffee. As a coastal town, Florence is abundant with top-notch seafood; head over to Mo’s Seafood & Chowder or Novelli’s Crab and Seafood for the best chowders on the Oregon Coast.
Astoria, Oregon
Close to the Washington border and nestled along the Columbia River, Astoria is another picturesque Oregon town near the Pacific. It’s famously known for the Astoria Column atop Coxcomb Hill; locals and visitors often flock to this site and climb over 160 steps to get uninterrupted city views from the observation deck. If you’re one to enjoy long walks, make sure to include the Riverwalk Trail in your list of things to do in town. You could start up east on Lagoon Road and traverse the 6.4-mile trail all the way to Pier 3 of the Port of Astoria. Along the way, you’ll encounter all that the electric downtown has to offer.
You can make a fun day out of visiting the Oregon Film Museum on Duane Street, and 80s film fans may even recognize the building from the riveting opening scene in The Goonies. The museum extensively showcases all the movies and TV shows that were filmed in Oregon.
Up to 200 local artisans and farmers offer their products to the public at the Astoria Sunday Market on 12th Street; if you love supporting local, this marketplace shouldn’t be missed. Live entertainment and an array of food kiosks make the market extra inviting.
As with most coastal towns, Astoria is brimming with high-quality seafood. If you want some fresh catch (or maybe wish to cook your own!), South Bay Wild Fish House, a restaurant and seafood market in one, might be right up your alley!
Winthrop, Washington
Tucked in the mountains of Methow Valley in Okanogan County, Winthrop is a wonderland that will make you feel like you’ve jumped back in time. The spirit of the Wild West is very much alive in this mountain town; pair that with an ever-blossoming community and you’ve got yourself a fine getaway.
If you’re planning a fun day of skiing, Methow Trails is said to have the best cross-country skiing slopes in the area. For hikers seeking their next adventure, this mountain town is actually a gateway to the lush landscapes of North Cascades National Park. Meanwhile, folks who prefer a more casual hike might enjoy a stroll through Pearrygin Lake State Park.
In downtown Winthrop, the classic American Old West design is prominent. Walking through Riverside Avenue will feel like stepping into a spaghetti Western movie set. For a caffeine fix, Rocking Horse Bakery serves top-tier espresso drinks and luscious coffee cake. If you fancy mingling with fellow travelers or even locals, join the happy hour at Three Fingered Jack’s Saloon.
La Conner, Washington
La Conner, a charming little town on the Swinomish Channel in Skagit Bay, is a peaceful retreat in the Pacific Northwest. It is ideally nestled between Seattle and Vancouver, attracting urbanites looking for a nice break. The town bursts with friendly folks and a laid-back marina lifestyle.
While the town is a great place to be any time of the year, the best time to visit La Conner is around March, for the La Conner Daffodil Festival, or in April when the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is at full speed. The community hosts a few events in support of the festival and the streets are lined with good food and other offerings.
With so much art and culture to discover, curious cats can head downtown to the Museum of Northwest Art for a glimpse into the prowess of artists throughout the region. This creative spirit is also on full display at the Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum, which not only celebrates traditional techniques but also offers educational programs to inspire future generations.
Visitors could explore more of downtown’s gems by renting bikes from PNW Exploration on Second Street. You could rummage for your next quirky collectible at Nasty Jack’s Antiques, find a good read at Seaport Books, and gobble on exquisite meals at Nell Thorn.
Leavenworth, Washington
Perched high up in the Cascade Mountains is the wondrous Bavarian-inspired town of Leavenworth. The town center is punctuated with Alpine-style structures that house one-of-a-kind merchandise shops and eateries. For holidayers who like to have a taste of authentic German fare, München Haus serves classic bratwurst and handcrafted brews. Meanwhile, Mozart’s Restaurant is popular for its seamless fusion of European and Pacific Northwest delicacies.
The downtown block, particularly Front Street Park, also hosts a plethora of events and festivals throughout the year, most notably the Christkindlmarkt, Icefest, and Christmas Lighting Festival during the holiday season. Of course, what’s a Bavarian town without a resounding celebration of Oktoberfest?
Outdoor fiends can go up Leavenworth Ski Hill for snow tubing and cross-country skiing in the winter; come summertime, the mountains reveal stunning landscapes and wildflower views ideal for quiet strolls. The town is also home to Leavenworth Reindeer Farm; this attraction is suitable for vacationers with kids as you’ll have close encounters with these marvelous animals.
Wallace, Idaho
Located in the mining district of the Idaho Panhandle, Wallace is known to be the Silver Capital of the World, having produced over a billion ounces of silver since its founding in 1884. Since you’re right in Silver Valley, discovering the town’s roots is a must at Wallace District Mining Museum on Bank Street downtown. For a close-up experience, sign up for the Sierra Silver Mine Tour, where you’ll discover a fascinating underground mine and witness the town’s mining methods first-hand.
Looking to take home something unique? Antique emporiums like North Idaho Trading Company and Johnson’s Gems, Jewelry, & Collectibles have rare and curious finds for all tastes. Browse through their overflowing with one-of-a-kind items and unearth Idaho gold and silver pieces that make the perfect memorabilia for your trip.
Beyond a colorful past and precious metals, Wallace is home to an ever-blossoming entertainment scene. Catch a performance at Sixth Street Melodrama and Theater, the town’s entertainment behemoth for over 40 years. On the same street, you can try local joints like Silver Corner Bar, famous for its pineapple cider, and Blackboard Cafe for some hearty Italian fare in a relaxed atmosphere.
Sandpoint, Idaho
Situated along the banks of Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint is one of North Idaho’s premier skiing destinations. It’s home to the legendary Schweitzer Mountain Resort, a stunning mountain with terrain parks and ski slopes of varying difficulties.
For a change of pace after hitting the slopes, head to the dynamic locale of Sandpoint City Beach Park, adjacent to the downtown shops and restaurants. This lakefront park is ideal for afternoon picnics, features a nice, small beach, and even offers boat tours of the lake.
Fancy eating out after your antics with nature? Some local favorites are Joel’s, a homey family-owned Mexican joint in front of the downtown parking lot on Church Street, and Eichardt’s Pub Grill & Coffee, a lively hangout spot serving comfort bar grub amidst live music.
When you feel like shopping for some goodies, this lakeside town boasts bustling mercantiles that showcase local artisans and craftspeople. Come down to Cedar Street Bridge Public Market and check out an array of trendy food hubs, eclectic shops, candy stores, and so much more. At Farmin Park, the heart of downtown Sandpoint, the Farmers’ Market typically opens on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Here, you’ll find an arsenal of fresh goods and produce all waiting to be discovered.
Downtown in the Pacific Northwest
Beyond awe-inspiring natural attractions, the Pacific Northwest bursts at the seams with characterful towns with downtown spots that hum with joy. From Ashland’s celebrated theater scene to Florence’s quirky shops and fresh seafood bounty, Oregon’s towns offer something for every soul. Washington gems like Leavenworth, modeled after beautiful Bavaria, and the time capsule that is Winthrop, with its Wild West appeal, provide otherworldly experiences. Meanwhile, Idaho’s Wallace, a land of fine silver and gold, and Sandpoint, a playground for skiing enthusiasts, complete this selection of coastal escapes. Bring your loved ones for a once-in-a-lifetime exploration of this beautiful region!
All too soon, Oregon fans across the country received a push notification from ESPN, the NY Times, or another news source, notifying them that beloved former Duck Khyree Jackson had passed.
Jackson became a star for the Ducks after beginning his collegiate career at a junior college and then for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Most recently, Jackson was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
At Oregon, Jackson stood out amongst his peers and was a phenomenal cornerback for the Ducks’ secondary in 2023.
Jackson was beloved on and off the field, which the Oregon football team showed in a tribute video on social media.
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) July 7, 2024
Jackson, along with two of his high school football teammates, were killed in what has been reported as a drunk-driving accident.
The Oregon community has shared its devastation on social media, remembering what a fine player and even better person Jackson was.
In his final collegiate season, Jackson earned 34 total tackles, 7 pass deflections, 3 interceptions, and 2 sacks.
Heartbreakingly, Jackson isn’t the only football player that the Ducks mourn. Just a few years ago, beloved tight end Spencer Webb died in a recreational swimming accident just a few miles from campus.
Hug your loved ones and appreciate the stars you get to witness, both on and off the field.
The McCaffery Fire started Saturday afternoon just east of the Redmond Airport.
Courtesy of Central Oregon Fire Info
A wildfire east of Redmond, Oregon, on Saturday led to evacuations in the Powell Butte area and has led to the temporary closure of the Redmond Airport.
As of 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, the McCaffery Fire was an estimated 250 acres, according to Central Oregon Fire Info, which said in a social media post that “retardant drops have slowed the spread of the fire.”
Level 3 “GO NOW” evacuations was once in place for an area that straddles the Deschutes and Crook County Lines. But At 9:15 p.m., the Crook County Sheriff’s office said on Facebook that “the evacuation level for the area has been dropped to a level 2. People may go home for the night but be ready to evacuate again.”
Level 2 is an evacuation warning, which means there’s a high probability of a need to evacuate. People should be ready to evacuate by packing necessary items and preparing their family, pets and car for potential departure from home.
According to the sheriff’s office, the evacuation zone included the West Powell Butte View Estates. An evacuation shelter has been established at Powell Butte Christian Church. 13720 OR-126, Powell Butte.
As of 8 p.m., OR Highway 126 remained open for traffic, according to ODOT’s TripCheck website.
While the fire itself is not directly impacting the Redmond Airport, the airport was once closed to passenger airline traffic due to the firefighting efforts, according to an announcement on the airport’s website. The airport said on its website that it had reopened to passenger traffic. Passengers should check with their airline for the most up-to-date flight information.
Former Michigan Basketball Star Tim Hardaway Jr. Welcomed Home By Detroit Pistons
Two San Francisco Giants Named To All Star Team
Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott enjoys vacation with his family weeks after sexual assault lawsuit is dropped
Kel’el Ware Scores 26 Points For Miami Heat in NBA Summer League
Hot and potentially wet days ahead as Beryl rain arrives in Boston, NWS says
See it: Tesla crashes into Columbus convention center at 70 mph
Colorado Rockies game no. 116 thread: Zac Gallen vs José Ureña
Fox News Politics: Georgia the whole day through
Death of missing Oregon girl found in stream ruled homicide
At least 2 dead as tornadoes hit Alabama, damage homes across Southeast
Biden notes 'world's looking to America' as he faces scrutiny before hosting NATO summit
'Democracy is not in good health,' says Pope Francis
California is trying to lead the way on reparations but not clear on the path to take : Consider This from NPR
Democrats' Senate hopes could hang on split-ticket voting comeback
Photos: 14 killed in Nepal as flooding grips South Asia
-
World1 week agoTension and stand-offs as South Africa struggles to launch coalition gov’t
-
Politics1 week agoFirst 2024 Trump-Biden presidential debate: Top clashes over issues from the border to Ukraine
-
News1 week ago4 killed, 9 injured after vehicle crashes into Long Island nail salon
-
News1 week agoSupreme Court denies Steve Bannon's plea to stay free while he appeals
-
News1 week agoVideo: How Blast Waves Can Injure the Brain
-
Politics1 week agoTrump says 'biggest problem' not Biden's age, 'decline,' but his policies in first appearance since debate
-
Movie Reviews1 week agoMovie review: A Quiet Place, quivering since Day One
-
News1 week agoIncreasing numbers of voters don’t think Biden should be running after debate with Trump — CBS News poll