Meet In CommonNews

Local news in and around Hood River, OR

Molalla Pioneer / Herald Pioneer · Hood River, OR

Gen Z is in the House: Following election, Oregon’s Legislature gets younger

In January Gen Zers and millennials will make up a quarter of Oregon’s 60 House representatives. Like many members of Generation Z, Representative-elect Hank Sanders, a Democrat living in Hood River, recently turned 26 and aged out of his family’s health insurance plan. “That’s my weekend plan,” he said in a phone interview. “Nobody punch me. Nobody hurt me for the next couple weeks while I figure out my healthcare.” The former journalist and legislative aide to his mother, state Sen. Lisa Reynolds, a Portland area Democrat, was elected to represent Oregon’s 52nd House District a week after his 26th birthday. He’s one of a couple 20 year olds who ran for the first time for state political office in the November election, and who will, after being sworn in at the beginning of January, be among the youngest lawmakers in Oregon’s Legislature, where the average age is closer to 55.

The Outlook · Sandy, OR

Nearby: Sandy, OR

Troutdale celebrates paved Jordan Road Path along Sandy River

A new paved, accessible path has opened in Troutdale, offering new ways to enjoy nature. In early November, officials held a ribbon-cutting for a paved path along Jordan Road, connecting the Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area with the Sandy River Delta. The path runs parallel to the road near Exit 18 on Interstate 84, replacing a previous gravel path. The Jordan Road Multi-Use Path project was made possible by a Congressionally Designated Spending Award given in 2023, as well as funds secured by Sen. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, as well as former Rep. Earl Blumenauer. “The new path represents an important active transportation connection to the existing 40-mile loop, the Sandy River Confluence, Troutdale and all the way through the Columbia River Gorge through the state trail,” said Rian Windsheimer, ODOT Region 1 manager.

Sandy Post · Sandy, OR

Nearby: Sandy, OR

Sandy Carpet Cleaners handles stains without the sogginess

A new business in Sandy offers carpet cleaning and a full range of other services, with an important guarantee — no need for a day of whirring fans and jumping around to avoid soggy carpets. Sandy Carpet Cleaners, a premium carpet cleaning company, launched in late October. The business serves eight communities across the region — Sandy, Boring, Gresham, Troutdale, Damascus, Happy Valley, Estacada, and Oregon City. The business offers fast-dry and steam carpet cleaning; stairs; move-out cleaning with a dated, itemized invoice; pet stain and odor treatment; upholstery, mattress, and in-home rug cleaning; and tile and grout cleaning. Sandy Carpet Cleaners uses non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning solutions that are safe for kids and pets. Cleanings can happen after hours and on weekends when appointments are available. Andrew Daily started the business, grew up in Gresham, and graduated from Barlow High.

The Portland Mercury · Troutdale, OR

Nearby: Troutdale, OR

Food News: Old Pal Announces Its Closure, a Hawaiian Pop-Up Takes Over Departure’s Patio, and a European-Style Inn and Tavern Comes to Troutdale

It’s that time of year again when the sun goes down before most people can even leave work. More than ever, it’s time to huddle into a favorite restaurant or watering hole, and we’ve got a few new places to visit. Sadly, it’s also sunset for a beloved Sunnyside bistro, as Old Pal will be closing for good at the end of the year. Below, find our roundup of recent restaurant openings, upcoming spots, and closures. Say Hello To: Pau Hana at Departure Downtown’s rooftop pan-Asian restaurant Departure is making room on its eastern balcony for a winter-long pop-up, Pau Hana. Executive chef U’ilaniku’ulei “U’i” Vele taps into her childhood in Wai‘anae, O‘ahu, with a menu sure to drive away the dreary winter chills. Through the end of January, the pop-up will offer kalua pork rice plates with gochujang barbecue sauce, poke bowls and vegan tofu bowls, teriyaki beef nachos, chicken yakitori, and Spam musubi, along with other sides and dishes.

Arizona Business Daily · Gresham, OR

Nearby: Gresham, OR

Business and Leaders Luncheon 2026 - Travis Gullberg- Chief of Police of Gresham, Oregon

The Chamber's mission is to advocate, educate, and collaborate with local organizations to support the region's vitality and prosperity. Our Business and Leaders Luncheons are one way we fulfill that mission, and we invite you to join us for a monthly opportunity to network, learn, and grow over a delicious, locally prepared lunch. This month's guest: Travis Gullberg- Chief of Police of Gresham, Oregon Date and Time Tuesday Dec 15, 2026 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM PST Location Persimmon Country Club 500 SE Butler Rd Gresham, OR 97080 Fees/Admission Members, attendance with lunch: $24 Non-Members, attendance with lunch: $32 Members, attendance and a beverage only: $5 Non-members, attendance and a beverage only: $8 Original source can be found here.

The Outlook · Gresham, OR

Nearby: Gresham, OR

70-year-old man arrested for fatal fentanyl overdose at Gresham MAX station

A 70-year-old man is in custody and facing charges following a fatal fentanyl overdose at a MAX station in Gresham. Victor M. Salas-Carmargo was arrested Monday, Nov. 9, following an investigation by TriMet Transit Police and the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. He faces second-degree manslaughter and unlawful delivery of fentanyl. The death occurred at 2:11 p.m. on Nov. 9. Gresham Police officers and emergency personnel responded to the Ruby Junction MAX Station, near Northeast 197th Avenue and East Burnside Street, in Gresham, after receiving reports of an unresponsive man collapsed on the ground. Despite lifesaving efforts, the 30-year-old Gresham man was pronounced dead at the scene. According to investigators, security footage from the station platform cameras showed Salas-Camargo preparing suspected fentanyl, smoking it, and then sharing it with the victim. He is seen helping light it as the victim inhaled the substance. Moments later the victim slumped to the ground.