DA Nathan Vasquez candidly talks with Lents neighbors

INCLUDES INTRODUCTION AND MEETING VIDEOS | Discover why many who attended the July Lents Neighborhood Livability Association meeting said they found the Multnomah County District Attorney’s comments “refreshingly frank” …

At the July, 2025 Lents Neighborhood Livability Association meeting, guests – here including Gary Sargent, of Sargent’s Motorsports – found the Thai menu of spring rolls, pot stickers, and pad Thai to be quite toothsome.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

The Lents Neighborhood Livability Association (LNLA) continued its practice of attracting elected officials to meet with neighbors, at their July 10 meeting.

This month, the guest was Multnomah County District Attorney (MCDA) Nathan Vasquez, who made his way to their meeting place, up Mt. Scott, to meet with the LNLA.

Neighbors and guests chat after dinner, before the meeting begins.

In this brief video, Multnomah County D. A. Nathan Vasquez tells why he’s visiting the LNLA meeting:

After enjoying a light supper, 27 neighbors and guests listened to District Attorney Vasquez, as he first introduced an office associate, Deputy District Attorney Kelly Burris, and then began his presentation.

MCDA Nathan Vasquez begins his presentation.

Attendees learned about the responsibilities of the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office – prosecuting criminal cases within the county, ensuring accountability for those who violate the law, and providing support to victims of crime.

D. A. Vasquez defines the work of the Strategic Prosecution Unit.

Next, Vasquez described the MCDA office structure, and how its duties are spread across four internal divisions. He and Deputy DA Burris focused on one of these sections – called the Strategic Prosecution Unit, the staff which focuses on “high-volume” crimes, like auto theft and bias crimes.

Perhaps you, too, will be fascinated by Vasquez’s candor – as he describes the work of his office, and takes questions from the audience, summarizing his presentation – in this video produced by the LNLA:

Upcoming August 14th Lents Neighborhood Livability Association meeting topic: Reedway Safe Rest Village

The LNLA meets, live and in-person, again on Thursday, August 14 – from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. A light dinner will be served beforehand, from 6:30 to 7 p.m.

Come – for a light supper and interesting speakers at the August LNLA meeting.

This month, their guest speakers will be from Urban Alchemy, the “service providers” for Lents’ Reedway Safe Rest Village. Also, Jon Isaacs – Executive Vice President with the Portland Metro Chamber of Commerce – speaks on the topic, “Restoring public safety and livability for all of Portland”.

It’ll be at the Community Connection Center, on the grounds of New Hope Church, at 10603 SE Henderson Street. [Enter through the church’s front doors, turn right, go down the first hallway. Signs will point the way.] For more information, email lnla2018@gmail.com.

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