👋📱 Bye-Bye, YouTube! Plus, a Dam Good Rescue

Good Morning, South Metro. Don’t forget to get those ballots in! Tomorrow is Election Day, and our communities are at their best when we all take personal responsibility for participating in democracy!

Coming up in today’s South Metro Weekly:

And as we get closer to the season of shopping and giving, we want to share a little Christmas cash with readers like you.

Let’s get started.

-Scott Michaels

Less YouTube, more Chromebooks! Big changes are coming for middle school students in the Tigard-Tualatin School District as educators take a fresh look at how technology is used in classrooms.

On October 26, the school board approved a plan to block student access to YouTube on school computers during regular school hours, except for school-approved content. Elementary students already have similar restrictions.

And that's not the only digital shake-up!

The district is also preparing to replace iPads with Chromebooks for students in grades 6–8 across its three middle schools. The school board approved the purchase of 3,000 Chromebooks, with some teachers testing the devices this school year before a broader rollout next year.

Unlike iPads, the Chromebooks will generally stay in classroom carts, with students using them for specific assignments rather than carrying them throughout the day.

The changes follow community listening sessions about screen time and recommendations from a group of teachers and administrators.

What's next? The district is also reviewing its policies on artificial intelligence, including concerns about student privacy and how AI is used in education.

For now, the message is clear: Technology still has a place in the classroom, but with a few more guardrails.

🍲 Moms, Friendship, and a Whole Lot of Soup! – Looking to connect with other local moms? North Willamette Moms is a growing community of more than 80 members, and they're hosting a Friendsgiving Soup Swap on Friday, November 13, from 7–9 p.m. in Wilsonville! Bring a batch of your favorite homemade soup, containers for swapping, and an ingredient list. You'll head home with delicious new soups and maybe a few new friendships! Interested? Join the group and learn more here!

Most backyards get about 90 good days a year. Yours could get 365.

Think about the moments you keep postponing "until summer": the birthday dinner outside, the Sunday morning coffee, the late-night talks with friends. A Hansø pergola stops the waiting. 

Adjustable louvers let you chase the sun or shut out the rain. The structure is built from T6 aerospace-grade aluminum and engineered for up to 167 mph winds and up to 65 PSF snow load, so it's still standing strong when the weather isn't.

Early Bird Offers LAST CHANCE: save up to 40% on pergolas, plus a $1,000 installation voucher*, a Free Hansø ProCheck Care™ 10-Year Plan worth $950, and some FREE accessories to keep fall and winter evenings cozy.

Most pergolas are just for summer. Yours is for every season.

Save big now. Install in spring.

😎 A Dam Good Rescue in Forest Grove! – We're heading a little outside our South Metro coverage area for this one, but it's too good not to share! A beaver found itself in a bit of a predicament after getting trapped in a well hole near Forest Grove. Thankfully, local first responders teamed up to rescue the furry critter and bring it to safety. It took some teamwork, but Oregon's official state animal got its happy ending! Hats off to the rescuers for giving a dam! (See what we did there? Lol. We tickle ourselves.) ❤️

🏈 Tualatin Girls Are Scoring Big on the Gridiron! – Girls flag football is taking off in Oregon, and Tualatin High School is leading the charge! The Timberwolves captured the state title in May, then went on to win the Best of the Pacific Northwest tournament in June! Now, Oregon has officially approved girls flag football as a high school sport beginning in spring 2027. Nearly 60 teams competed across the state last spring, up from 32 in 2024. And with flag football headed to the 2028 Olympics, these girls are getting in on the action at just the right time. Hat tip to our friends at Oregon Public Broadcasting for covering this story recently.

🎄 It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like a White Christmas! – Ready or not, the holiday season is heading to Lake Oswego! Lakewood Theatre Company is bringing the beloved musical “Irving Berlin's White Christmas” to the stage November 6–December 20. Based on the classic 1954 film starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, the show features 17 Irving Berlin songs, plenty of romance, and a little holiday magic. Follow two former soldiers and a pair of talented sisters as their paths cross at a Vermont lodge. Tickets are $56 and available at lakewood-center.org. Who's ready for a little Christmas cheer?

🚗 Sherwood's Car Wash Gets a Colorful Makeover! – Dirty car? Sherwood's Chevron at Highway 99W and SW Sherwood Boulevard is back in the car-washing business after a major renovation! The upgraded automatic wash features new brushes, colorful soap, and rainbow lighting that makes getting your car cleaned a little more entertaining. The neighboring self-service wash bays are still available, too. Best of all, the car wash is open 24 hours a day, making it easy to give your ride some TLC whenever the Pacific Northwest weather cooperates.

🌊 Help the Riverkeepers Get Their House in Order! – For more than 30 years, Tualatin Riverkeepers has been protecting our beloved river through habitat restoration, conservation, and helping people get out on the water. Now, they're asking the community to return the favor! This Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., volunteers are invited to help organize their office and garage at 11675 SW Hazelbrook Road in Tualatin. It might not be as exciting as paddling down the river, but keeping things shipshape helps this hardworking nonprofit continue its mission. A little organizing can make a big splash! Sign up to help here!

🛍️ Your $20 Goes Further When You Shop Local! – Here's something worth thinking about before your next shopping trip! According to research highlighted by our friends at the West Linn Tidings, about 53% of money spent at locally owned businesses stays in the community, compared to less than 14% at national chains. That means a $20 purchase keeps roughly $10.60 circulating locally, versus just $2.72 at a chain! Those dollars help support local jobs, schools, nonprofits, and other neighborhood businesses. So the next time you're shopping, remember: A little local spending can make a big difference!

🎓 Wilsonville Resident Takes Top Job at PCC! – Congratulations to Karen Paez of Wilsonville, who has been named vice president of academic affairs at Portland Community College! Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Paez began her career as a psychologist before moving into teaching and college administration. She previously served as PCC's vice president for Academic and Career Pathways. In her new role, she'll help guide the college's academic programs and ensure they meet the changing needs of students and the community. Way to represent Wilsonville, Karen!

Clear mammogram? Olivia Munn says there’s one more test worth knowing about. Hear her story on Allure Perspectives hosted by Allure editor-in-chief Jessica Cruel. The full season is out now.

Binge wherever you get podcasts.

Ever dreamed of living in downtown Lake Oswego, surrounded by great restaurants, charming shops, and gorgeous views?

Well, grab your checkbook. And maybe a second one.

Meet The Skyview, a collection of four luxury residences in Lake Oswego's First Addition neighborhood.

And there's just one left!

Our featured home at 701 1st Street was part of the 2025 Street of Dreams, and it's now listed for $1,499,900.

That's $150,000 off the original price. Who doesn't love a bargain?

The Scandinavian-inspired home offers 3,129 square feet, three bedrooms, and three bathrooms, along with a gourmet kitchen, hardwood floors, and luxurious finishes.

But here's the real showstopper.

A 1,000-square-foot private rooftop deck with panoramic views of Mount Hood, the Cascade Mountains, and the Willamette River.

That's bigger than some people's apartments!

You'll also enjoy two secure underground parking spaces, plus downtown restaurants and shops just steps away.

There's even a $395 monthly HOA fee.

Because apparently, $1.5 million doesn't cover everything.

But with views like these, who needs a vacation?

Check it out here.

🎈 = family-friendly event
💲 = ticket or purchase required
🎵 = includes live music
😋 = there will be food

🎈🎵😋 Day of the Dead Celebration
Wilsonville High School | Tonight | 6–9 PM | Free
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with an evening of music, culture, and community! Enjoy live mariachi, performances by Los Invencibles and Woodburn Danza Azteca, a Catrina costume contest, face painting, sugar skulls, and an art show. Plus, local favorites like Voodoo Doughnuts and taco vendors will be serving up tasty treats. Bring the family for a colorful celebration honoring loved ones and keeping cherished traditions alive!

🎈 Nerd-Con 2026 Library Takeover
West Linn Public Library | Thursday | 5–7 PM | Free
Calling all comic book lovers, gamers, and proud nerds! The West Linn Public Library is hosting its sixth annual Nerd-Con, featuring free comic books, trading cards, LEGO challenges, Mario Kart competitions, prizes, and a brand-new Little Free Artist Alley. Come dressed as your favorite character or just show up as yourself. Either way, it's your chance to let your inner geek shine. May the Force be with you!

🎈😋 First Thursday Night Market
Downtown Canby | Thursday | 5–8 PM | Free
Downtown Canby is coming alive for another First Thursday Night Market! Spend the evening browsing local vendors, discovering unique finds, and supporting the small businesses that make Canby special. It's a great excuse to explore downtown, do a little early holiday shopping, and enjoy a night out with friends or family. Who knows? You might even get a head start on that Christmas shopping list!

😋 Trivia Night at Cooper Mountain Ale Works
Cooper Mountain Ale Works, Sherwood | Thursday | 6–9 PM | Free
Think you're the smartest person at the table? Here's your chance to prove it! Cooper Mountain Ale Works in Sherwood is hosting a fun night of trivia with Stumptown Trivia. Gather your friends, grab some delicious food and a cold drink, and put those random facts you've been collecting to good use. It's free to play, and the competition is all in good fun. Finally, a reason to be proud of all that useless knowledge!

🎈 Light Up the Night Community Bike Ride
SMART Welcome Center, Wilsonville | Friday | 5–7 PM | Free
Get ready to light up Wilsonville! SMART is hosting a fun, family-friendly evening bike ride celebrating safety, visibility, and a little creativity. Arrive at 5 p.m. to decorate your bike with colorful lights and reflective materials before the five-mile group ride begins at 6 p.m. The pace will be relaxed, welcoming riders of all ages and abilities. Helmets and working front and rear bike lights are required. Let's make Wilsonville glow!

💲🎵 Irving Berlin's White Christmas – Opening Night
Lakewood Center for the Arts, Lake Oswego | Friday | 7:30 PM | $56 Adults
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Lake Oswego! Lakewood Theatre Company kicks off its holiday production of Irving Berlin's White Christmas, bringing the beloved 1954 movie musical to life on stage. Follow two former soldiers and a pair of talented sisters through a heartwarming story filled with romance, laughter, and classic Irving Berlin songs. The production runs through December 20, but why wait to get into the holiday spirit?

Meet Cash, a sweet little guy with a big heart and a whole lot of love to give! ❤️

This adorable 5-year-old, 15-pound pup has quite the story. Cash was rescued just in time from an overcrowded California shelter, where he was facing euthanasia. Thankfully, the wonderful folks at K9 Rescue Brigade stepped in and gave him a second chance at life!

Now living with a local foster family, Cash is ready for his next chapter. He's sweet, friendly, affectionate, and looking for someone who will give him all the love he deserves.

He's also neutered, microchipped, fully vaccinated, and veterinarian-checked.

After everything this little guy has been through, he deserves a happy ending. Could you be the one to give it to him? 🐾

Contact Heather at 503-853-6002 (call or text) to meet Cash!

THANKS!

A final thought…

Tomorrow is Election Day. And while we may disagree about candidates, policies, and the direction of our country, I hope we can remember something important: We have far more in common than we sometimes realize.

We all want safe neighborhoods, good schools, opportunities for our children, and communities where people look out for one another.

That's part of why we created South Metro Weekly. To remind ourselves, twice a week, of the good happening right here in our own backyard.

Elections come and go. Neighbors are here to stay.

So vote, be kind, and remember that we're all in this together.

See you Thursday morning!