Black, Latino and Asian lawmakers warned Democratic leaders that any health care overhaul that ignores health gaps between whites and minorities will face stiff opposition.
The lawmakers said they could support a new program that improves access to health care for all Americans.
"The public health option has to be there," Rep. Mike Honda, a California Democrat who chairs the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, said at a news conference. "If we don't have a public option, there's no discussion." . . . .

Stacy Spikes is the founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Urbanworld Film Festival, the premiere showcase for urban and ethnic films ... Over the years, his goal of celebrating filmmakers of color has successfully created a bridge in Hollywood between studio and independent films. . . .

In his address to the Muslim world from Cairo this morning, President Barack Obama said he wanted to find a solution for peace and prosperity among Muslims and the rest of the world. The president called for a two-state solution for Isreal and Palestine, said no nation should impose their system of government on another and a call for the Muslim world to respect individual rights, freedoms and respect for the faith of others.
"But I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things," he said . . .

The nationwide argument over health care reform heats up in Portland this week, as U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer and former presidential candidate Howard Dean host a Town Hall Meeting from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Friday, June 5 at the Portland Community College, Cascade Campus, Moriarty Auditorium ... "Americans and Oregonians are in a civil WAR class struggle over health care reform in our country and our state . . .

About 12 years ago, a group of citizens in Minneapolis, Minnesota opened a public charter school like no other in the city. Beginning with 15 students, the High School of Recording Arts centered its curriculum around a recording studio.
Enrollment is now at about 200 students, and two other schools have opened in New York and Los Angeles. The model has become an icon of success for disaffected, urban youth.
Now, community leaders, educators and musicians are working to create a similar school here in Portland . . . .

What's happening for you in your city this week? Read here a day-by-day diary of community events to fill your spare time. For a full calendar please click on "Read the complete article" below . . . .

Back in January, newly elected Oregon Attorney General John Kroger announced that he would be pushing to reinstate the Civil Rights Enforcement Unit. The announcement came at one of the most diverse meetings in the state, The Skanner's Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast.
Now, the Kroger is awaiting a decision from the Legislature on whether to approve or deny funding for the unit. And with difficult budget decisions to be made, AG spokesman Tony Green says its up in the air as to whether the unit will be formed. . . .

Last week in Washington State, King County Elections conducted "routine maintenance" and removed more than 73,000 inactive voters from the county's registration database.  Election officials cannot cancel and remove voters' registrations simply because they haven't voted.  Voters are kept on "active" status until Elections is contacted by the voter, an official piece of mail is returned or Elections is notified by another jurisdiction. . . .

• Lecture on Health, a Fresh Start
• Diversity Fest Seeks Vendors
• Digital TV Transition June 12
• Forum: Housing Options for Felons
• Miracle Theatre Group  Holds Auditions
• Become a Volunteer Emergency Responder

President Barack Obama chose federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor to become the nation's first Hispanic Supreme Court justice on Tuesday, praising her as "an inspiring woman'' with both the intellect and compassion to interpret the Constitution wisely . . .