They don't call it the Left Coast for nothing.

 I love Portlanders' sense of social justice. From peace marches and Bush protests to rallies that promote transportation reform to the 15 different social justice action groups of First Unitarian, this is a fine place to be radical.

Of course, not all Oregonians lean left. There are poles between urban and rural, the silicon rainforest and the desert ranch types, the corporate and the end-corporate-personhood folk. And Oregon's a tad on the vanilla side, though that's changing.

Above, Ellen and two other past recipients of WTS's "Woman of the Year" award visit with young women at Self Enhancement Inc. at a special event to introduce them to careers in transportation.