Starting off the day is the University of Oregon Ducks who will play host to New Mexico at 12:30pm PST in Autzen Stadium. The Ducks start the season ranked 11th in both major polls and are the media’s favorite team to win the Pac-10. They return a large number of starters this season but that does not include the quarterback position where Darren Thomas will get his first start. Also notable is LaMichael James who will sit out this game on suspension for his run in with the law last spring.

The New Mexico Lobos come to Eugene trying to forget their 1-11 record last season. Their only win in 2009 was a 2 point victory over Colorado State. The Lobos do however play in a recently tough conference where they face TCU, Brigham Young and Utah every season.

The Oregon v New Mexico game will be aired on Comcast SportsNet which is also available on Frontier FiOS.

Later on Saturday, the Oregon State Beavers kick off their highly anticipated game against TCU. The game is being played in Cowboy Stadium just outside of Dallas but despite the 80,000+ capacity, fewer than 40,000 fans are expected. TCU is ranked 6th in the AP poll and 7th in the Coaches poll while OSU is 24 and 22, respectively. Like the Ducks, the Beavers will be starting a new QB this season, although for natural reasons in the case of OSU.

The OSU v TCU came will be aired to a national TV audience on ESPN starting at 4:45pm PST.

Finally, the Portland State Vikings cap off this exciting day of local football when they visit Arizona State.  ASU is one of two Pac-10 opponents the Vikings will face this season; they visit the Ducks on September 18th. Neither PSU or ASU are ranked so far this season. The Vikings only won 2 games last season while the Sun Devils didn’t do much better with just 4 wins.

PSU v ASU will only be televised on Fox Sports Arizona via DirectTV and Dish Network. The game kicks off at 7pm PST.

On a side-note, local Div III favorite Linfield does not start their season until next Saturday, September 11th.

On Monday afternoon, August 30th, the home of Mr. Huynh and his family on SE Catina Place in Happy Valley was targeted by unknown suspects who spray painted demeaning and harsh racial slurs on the exterior of his new residence. The Huynh family had just begun the move-in process into their new home 3-days earlier.

In addition, most dramatically and disturbingly, a note was discovered at the scene that reads “Leave”, written boldly in black ink, with the continued message that read “Last warning. We will burn your house down if we have to.”

Shockingly, investigators discovered evidence at the scene in the form of a book of matches and a clear plastic water bottle filled with gasoline.

The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, with the combined efforts of the Happy Valley Police Department, are vigorously investigating this act of racial intimidation. In addition, the Portland Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation has been consulted by local investigators and has expressed a keen interest into this ongoing Clackamas County investigation. This reported incident appears to encompass civil right violations, which may be considered for a federal investigation or prosecution.

Anyone with information concerning this crime is encouraged to contact the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office’s confidential tip line at 503-723-4949.

The Acura TL luxury-sports sedan is slotted between the smaller TSX and larger RL, and is in its fourth generation. This latest iteration lets TL buyers opt for all-wheel drive with the company’s Super Handling (SH) system. Super Handling acts similar to a limited slip differential, and in this case, the SH is at both the front and rear differentials. The Tech package adds a host of features including navigation, a rearview camera, the AcuraLink communications system, sport seats, a hard disk drive, and other tech-related items.

EXTERIOR STYLING: An attractive package, sans the grille
I’ve been a critic of Acura’s styling as of late. I am not a fan of the big chrome shield grilles adorning their cars’ front ends. Despite the front grille, I think the TL is an attractive package, especially in black with the gray 18” wheels/tires. It’s a minimal look that appears luxurious and sophisticated. Think “grand touring sedan.” It is arguably the best looking vehicle in Acura’s line up right now—I am just not a fan of all the plastic chrome bits. I wonder what the grille would look like if it were paint matched? I do like the looks of the back end, and the flat dual exhaust ports look just right.

INTERIOR: Luxury, comfort, and sportiness
The interior of the TL is indeed luxurious, sporting, and attractive. The seats are supportive, comfortable, and well bolstered. Typical outstanding Honda/Acura ergonomics come into play: The gearshift is where it should be without interference from an arm rest. Nothing seems out of reach. The fat steering wheel is wrapped with leather and feels great in the hand. In the back, there’s plenty of legroom and there’s a fold-down armrest. Whether you’re up front or relegated to the back seats, the TL’s interior is comfortable. The trunk is decent sized; I thought it might be a bit bigger, but I could get my golf clubs in without issue.

Like the TSX we reviewed a few months ago, the TL has a lot of buttons on the dashboard and steering wheel. And also like the TSX, operation of just about everything from the radio to the Bluetooth isn’t intuitive. After some time, you do get used to how things work. But from a straight-up design and comfort standpoint, the interior is very nice.

TECHNOLOGY: Tons of tech. Too hard to use
Buttons, buttons everywhere! Like its smaller cousin, the TSX, the TL with the Tech package suffers from too many buttons. They’re all over the dashboard and steering wheel. It takes time to figure out what does what, and even then it doesn’t always work easily or as planned. Again, I can’t stand the Bluetooth system, aka the Hands Free Link system, which links your phone to the car. It didn’t work well with my old Samsung phone, and it doesn’t work well with my newer Nokia, either. With all the buttons, it’s hard to find exactly what you’re looking for, especially while driving. It’s kind of distracting, actually.

On a positive note, the stereo is fantastic, and the navigation, once you figure it out, is accurate and easy to follow. There’s tons of tech with this car, you just have to figure it all out.

ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN: An exercise in power and refinement
Enthusiasts can make use of all 305 horsepower thanks to the available six-speed manual transmission, and it’s an excellent one, too. Shifter action is extremely smooth with well-defined gates; it’s classic Honda. Clutch uptake is somewhat vague, however, and it can be difficult to find the friction point. The clutch almost feels too light sometimes.

The 3.7-liter V-6 engine is also very smooth and sounds great under acceleration. This is a velvety performance drivetrain that is sure to please. Fuel economy for the manual transmission TL AWD-SH is rated at 17 city, 25 highway. I was able to get 19+ in mostly city driving.

DRIVING: Power, control, comfort
With 305 HP, a six-speed manual, and all-wheel drive with super handling, the TL SH-AWD is great all-around all-weather performance package. The gusty 3.7-liter V-6 revs quickly, and the gear ratios are spot on. Add to this the Super Handling and all-wheel drive, and the TL is a handler, too. However, at 3,962 lbs, the TL isn’t a featherweight, and that does come into play in the corners. You can tell you’re driving a heavy car, though it never becomes lumbering. In my week with the vehicle, I was never longing for more power or better handling. Again, a very nice combination of power, control, and comfort. Plus, that V-6 sounds pretty darn good at wide-open throttle!

This is a luxury-performance vehicle, and it rides very nicely on the highways as well as around town. At speed, the car cruises effortlessly and very comfortably. This is a car I could drive for hours and not have any complaints about the ride or a sore back. The ride is not floaty; it’s well dampened, but not too stiff. I’d say it’s spot on.

OVERALL: A solid value, a solid performer, a solid choice
At $43,245 including the $860 destination charge, the TL is in the ballpark for the segment. You get a great powertrain, an outstanding AWD/handling system, and all the tech gadgets you could want for under $45K. If you want the automatic, you’ll pay another $1,000. Don’t need AWD? You can get into a front-drive TL with the tech package from $38,835. At that price, I’m not sure why anyone would opt for the smaller TSX V-6 Tech, which is basically the same price. I think the TL SH-AWD is a solid value for a luxury car, though.

The Acura TL SH-AWD Tech is a player in the AWD performance/luxury sedan market. A great engine/drivetrain, noteworthy get-up-and-go and handling, tons of creature comforts, and a good overall value make this car a standout. I love the fact it’s available with a manual transmission, too; it makes the car very entertaining to drive. If you’re in the market for an AWD sports-luxury sedan, definitely take a look at this vehicle, especially if you’re looking to shift gears yourself.

For more automotive reviews, news and general info, follow Andy on Twitter and via his blog.

The Urban League’s groundbreaking report on the status of African Americans in Oregon cited profound disparities in unemployment rates, housing, access to adequate healthcare, and quality education compared to white Oregonians, as well as over-representation of the African American population in the child welfare, juvenile justice and adult prison systems.

Responses and solutions by government and business to a deepening crisis have been inadequate, says Urban League President and CEO Marcus C. Mundy. The Urban League is calling on city, county governments, the State of Oregon, and business councils to collect regularly racial and other demographic data, and set specific disparity-reduction targets.

The State of Black Oregon – One Year in Review is the first in a series of monthly briefings that will be published by the Urban League to track the progress on issues highlighted in the report.

Among the findings in the briefing issued this week are:

• African American unemployment in Oregon has risen in greater proportions compared to white Oregonians, even as the recession has increased unemployment rates for all. Between 2008 and 2009 unemployment for white Oregonians rose from 6.2% to 11.1% compared to a rise from 11.1% to 15.2% for African Americans in the same period.
• National data indicate that black men fared the worse. In June 2010, the national unemployment rate for white men was 8.9%, compared with 17.4% for African American men.
• American Community Survey (ACS) data indicates that the gap between median income for white and black households has grown. Comparing ACS data from 2005-2007 to 2006-2008 shows that median white household income increased from $46,800 to $49,000; and black households remained the same at $30,000.
• The highest percentage of foreclosures from 2007-2009 were African American households due to sub-prime lending, closely followed by Latinos.
• Recent data shows that high school dropout rates improved for all students, while remaining essentially static for black students. In 2008, the dropout rate was 7.1% for black students, compared to 4.2% for all students. In 2009, black students dropped out at a rate of 7.0% compared to 3.7% for all students.

Like the State of Black Oregon report, the Year in Review Briefing proposes bold policy action steps. The Urban League is proposing that:

• The City of Portland, Metro, Oregon Department of Transportation and other related agencies who oversee new development, including American Reinvestment and Recovery Act projects, devote a percentage of each project’s workforce to those who are disproportionately affected by un/underemployment; and that the City of Portland set up a city-wide task force to conduct an equity assessment and propose recruitment and retention strategies.
• That the state legislature preserve and expand Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Temporary assistance to Needy Families (TANF) to slow economic spiral threatening families struggling to find work and meet their daily needs
• That Portland Public Schools approve and implement a plan that allocates resources according to need; utilize culturally competent staff , targeted and sufficient resources as first steps towards narrowing the achievement gap
• That hospitals, county health departments and the state set targeted health disparity reduction goals, using culturally competent strategies and equity tools to implement and assess improved health outcomes
• That the state legislature require preparation of racial impact statements for any proposed laws that would affect the racial composition of Oregon’s criminal offender population.

Marcus C. Mundy, Urban League President and CEO said:

“The current economy continues to fuel widening socioeconomic disparities amongst black Oregonians. Our opportunity now lies in ensuring that emerging jobs, health, education and related policy is equitable for all Oregonians. Our data shows that without setting targeted goals, disparities will persist and in many cases, worsen. We cannot measure our success without specific goals, reliable racial data and a mechanism to evaluate if strategies are working.

“Many have questioned the legality of addressing disparities within a specific minority population. We welcome the opportunity to navigate these challenges and call on government to work with the Urban League of Portland. Year after year, unemployment, incarceration, poverty, and health numbers speak to an inherent inequity in business and government; only bold changes will offer redress.”

For more information including the full report, visit the Urban League’s State of Black Oregon web site by clicking here.

As of August 31st, more than 725 residential customers and 25 business customers had signed up for renewable energy from Portland General Electric or Pacific Power. The goal, set by Portland City Council, is 1,000 customers by the end of September.

The two-month challenge, which officially began August 1st, is the largest attempted nationally and the first to involve both of the state’s major utilities.

“Portland’s residents and entrepreneurs answer the call to action when it comes to our environment and our economy,” said Portland Mayor Sam Adams. “The success of the Green Power Challenge so far shows just one more reason why we should be proud to call Portland our home.”

Carol Dillin, PGE’s vice president of customers and economic development agreed. “It’s great to see so many Portland residents and businesses signing up for renewable power and furthering their commitment to sustainable living,” Dillin said. “Portland is well on its way to meeting the challenge goal and furthering its reputation as one of the greenest cities in the world.”

“We see this effort as solidifying Portland’s position as the nation’s leader in clean energy,” said Pat Egan, Pacific Power’s vice president of customer and community affairs. “Portland has always been green, and now we are putting that reputation into black and white with this ambitious challenge.”

More than 25 Portland businesses have signed up for renewable power during the challenge including: Music Millenium, The Tao of Tea, Flying Cat Coffee, A Better Cycle, Natural Choices Health Clinic, Village Frame & Gallery, Multnomah Cleaners, Kaos Softwear, Hairport of Portland, and St. Johns Veterinary Clinic.

Pacific Power and PGE are promoting this renewable energy challenge in Portland through various grassroots efforts and events, including neighborhood canvassing and stations at the Portland Farmer’s Markets as well as major retail outlets.

The utilities also will have representatives at various local events to help get the word out about the challenge and how it dovetails with the region’s sustainability goals. Portland Residents and businesses can learn more about the challenge and how to sign up at PortlandOnline.com/PortlandChallenge.

from The Statesman Journal:

The 4.75 percent pay raise will cost the state as much as $16 million through the end of the biennium, according to DAS spokesman Lonn Hoklin. The expense is already built into the biennial budget approved by the Oregon Legislature last session.

Budget hawks like Rep. Dennis Richardson, R-Central Point, see the scheduled pay increase as pouring a bit more gasoline on the state’s fiscal forest fire.

“It’s part of a negotiation with the unions, and we’re stuck with it,” Richardson said. “But we have this huge hole, the revenues are falling, and the unions need to cooperate with the governor and the legislative leadership to at least freeze pay.”

The entire story is available at statesmanjournal.com by clicking here. So Portland, is this raise at this time okay with you? Does the state have any choice? If you were the governor, how would you handle this sticky situation?

Scheduled activities include “Ask the Vet” on Saturday, the popular pancake tortoise drawing demonstrations on Sunday, and a feature presentation about venomous reptiles on Monday. Visitors will also have the opportunity to touch reptilian skin in a special hands-on area where several dozen nonvenomous reptiles will be available for supervised interaction.

The show will also feature a Reptile Scavenger Hunt where visitors can win a special prize pack by discovering fun facts about reptiles posted on display throughout the exhibition room.

The Reptile and Amphibian Show will take place Sept. 4-6, 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the OMSI auditorium. Entrance to the show is included with paid museum admission.

The activities schedule is as follows:

• Ask the Vet: Sat., Sept. 4, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., presented by Dr. Mark Burgess of South West Animal Hospital
• Pancake Tortoises: Sun., Sept. 5, 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m., presented by Dr. Rosemary Lombard
• Venomous Reptiles: Mon., Sept. 6, noon-3:00 p.m., presented by House of Reptiles

The Columbian.com has the story:

Peter Lenz of Vancouver, Wash., was pronounced dead by the Marion County coroner after sustaining “traumatic injuries.” The accomplished teenage rider crashed on a warmup lap before his race and was struck by 12-year-old Xavier Zayat, who was uninjured in the accident.

Medical workers immediately placed Lenz in a neck brace, put him on a stretcher and began chest compressions while taking him to a hospital. The coroner confirmed his death about 3 hours later, the first at the speedway since IndyCar driver Tony Renna was killed in October 2003.

To read the full story from columbian.com, click here. Full cover of this event and Peter’s life, from his home-town newspaper, can be found here.

Headlining the concert is Roughly Hewn, an Irish folk band from Newberg. The entrance fee is a donation of at least one can of non-perishable food or a few dollars. All proceeds will go directly to the Sunshine Pantry.

“Our neighborhoods can do truly great things when they work together with community partners to achieve common goals,” said Mayor Denny Doyle. “We are proud of the work Beaverton residents continually do to help those in need.”

For more than 25 years, the Sunshine Pantry has gathered food, clothing, household items, toys and toiletries to distribute to families in need in the community. Currently, the Sunshine Pantry supplies these items to an average of 500 families per month.

After a strong performance in the prior week where they gained over 9%, Mentor Graphics gave back almost all of their gains, closing down -7.3%. Both utility companies were up this week with TriQuint, Danahar and StanCorp also adding value.

Below is the complete list of TP13 index companies with their week over week gain/loss:

• NIKE, Inc. (NKE): -0.4%
• Columbia Sportswear Company (COLM): -1.1%
• Precision Castparts Corp. (PCP): -2.6%
• TriQuint Semiconductor (TQNT): 0.3%
• Mentor Graphics Corporation (MENT): -7.3%
• Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. (SCHN): -5.9%
• StanCorp Financial Group, Inc. (SFG): 0.3%
• Northwest Natural Gas (NWN): 2.9%
• Portland General Electric Company (POR): 2.8%
• FLIR Systems, Inc. (FLIR): -4.4%
• The Kroger Co. (KR)*: -3.8%
• Intel Corporation (INTC)*: -2.9%
• Danaher Corporation (DHR)*: 1.1%

*The Kroger Co. is the parent company of Fred Meyer, Intel is headquartered in California but has major operations in Washington County and Danaher Corporation is the parent company of Tektronix.