North Portland

Piedmont Neighborhood Association General Meeting

The Piedmont Neighborhood Association's General Meeting will be held this Thursday (2008-06-26) at 7pm in Holy Redeemer's "Clare Hall."

Click on the neighborhood blog here.

Discuss: Piedmont Neighborhood Association General Meeting

» June 25, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts

Meet the North Portland librarians

Librarians aren't what they used to be, especially when talking about our staff at the current North Portland libraries. In this video, you'll meet Patricia Welch from the North Portland branch and Nancy Arvesen from the St. Johns branch. There will be no "shushing" here!

We love both these wonderful women and they make fun to work in this district. Special thanks to Nancy who came to all of our public meetings on the siting of the new branch for North Portland and has been supportive of our office throughout.
PS: We are still ironing out our editing skills! Please be patient with us as we learn.

Discuss: Meet the North Portland librarians

» June 12, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland

Pictures from the library meeting

Last night's library meeting discussing the possible locations for a new Kenton branch was lively! We had close to 80 neighbors tell us how they felt about the locations and folks got some answers they needed from the developers. We took some photos that you can check out here.

If you have any comments on the two sites, click here to leave your opinions.

Thanks for joining us!

Discuss: Pictures from the library meeting

» May 30, 2008 - 1 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland, Top Stories

Video: Final two options for a new library in North Portland

Tomorrow is the meeting where Jeff will hear your preferences between our last two sites for a new library in North Portland. If you can't make it, we still want to hear your opinions. Watch the short video about the locations. Google maps will allow you to see actual images of the locations, just click "street view:"
8226 N Denver 2133 N Argyle

Tomorrow's meeting starts at 7pm at the Masonic Temple, 8130 N Denver Ave. Please let us know which site you prefer!

Read more and discuss: Video: Final two options for a new library in North Portland

» May 28, 2008 - 24 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Jeff's Blog, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland

Farmers Market survey online

The Farmers Market committee is proud to announce the online version of our farmers market survey is now available here. We also have it in Español!

We are collecting paper surveys at the following locations: Trixie's Beauty Bar, Red Bike Cafe, Baxter Auto Parts, Proper Eats, Anna Bannanas, Pattie's Home Plate and The Man Shop. We will be done with this phase by May 20.

Please, share this with people you know who live in North Portland and want to see another farmers market on the peninsula. This information helps us determine if we can have a market and how it would best serve our community.

Discuss: Farmers Market survey online

» May 13, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland

The new library siting - Jeff asks the community one more time

Jeff, the libraries and facilities have narrowed the search for a library site in North Portland from three locations to two - the Tri-Met site and the N. Denver site. Both choices are equally wonderful and have positives that would make each a great library. Because these sites are so great, we'd like the community to weigh in one more time to help Jeff make that final choice.

We'll have a public meeting Thursday, May 29th, 7 to 9pm at the Masonic Lodge, 8130 N Denver Ave. Please join us!

If you can't make it, we'll post a video on this site on May 29th that talks about the two choices. You can make your voice heard in the "comments" section.

UPDATE:
N. Denver location

Tri-Met Site - 2133 N Argyle

Discuss: The new library siting - Jeff asks the community one more time

» May 12, 2008 - 7 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland

St. Johns Market meeting April 30th at 6:30pm

Just a reminder of the St. Johns Farmers Market meeting this week...It will be on Wednesday, April 30 at 6:30pm, at Our Daily Bread. At this meeting, we will look to discuss the following (among other items):

Survey & the St. Johns Parade - We'll take a look/listen at/to the hard work our Marketing Committee has put into the Survey and
finalize for print. Also, we'll need all of our volunteer power to get out the word about the survey, gather input, and get more folks involved!

Read more and discuss: St. Johns Market meeting April 30th at 6:30pm

» April 30, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Top Stories

St. Johns Market meeting April 30th at 6:30pm

The next St. Johns Farmers Market meeting is April 30th at 6:30pm. It will be at Out Daily Bread (excellent pancakes) on 8680 N Ivanhoe St. Join us!

Discuss: St. Johns Market meeting April 30th at 6:30pm

» April 24, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sustainability

Cuban dancing for everyone!

This sounds like so much fun, I might have to go: This Sunday, April 27 there is a Cuban Music Concert From 6pm to 8pm. Join us for dancing, listening, drinks and pizza with ISA AND CUBA ACHE CUBAN BAND. Come to MISSISSIPPI PIZZA PUB, 3552 N MISSISSIPPI AVE, PORTLAND.

Discuss: Cuban dancing for everyone!

» April 23, 2008 - 0 comments - Events, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts

New restaurant coming to St. Johns?

I was driving to Goodwill on N. Lombard yesterday and I noticed a new sign. It was a little bit past Pastry Cat in St. Johns. It seems to be a new Tex-Mex BBQ place. Tex-Mex and BBQ combined could be interesting. Can't wait to try it. Did anyone else see that?

Discuss: New restaurant coming to St. Johns?

» April 23, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, North Portland, Top Stories

North Portland candidates forum

North Portland Candidates Forum
Sunday, April 20th, 2008
5000 N. Willamette Blvd.
Buckley Auditorium
2:00 - 5:00 PM

Your Candidates Your Questions!

Candidates for the following races will be present and speaking:

US Senate (Jeff Merkley and Steve Novick confirmed)
Portland Mayor (Sho Dozono and Sam Adams confirmed)
City Council Positions (most candidates for both positions One and Two)

Moderated by Mike Burton, Gary Hansen, and Dwight Jaynes.

Discuss: North Portland candidates forum

» April 17, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland

Farmers Market meeting in St. Johns - April 9th

There is a Farmers Market meeting tonight at Our Daily Bread, 8680 N Ivanhoe St, Portland starting at 6pm. See you there!

Discuss: Farmers Market meeting in St. Johns - April 9th

» April 9, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts

Boise Neighborhood update and announcements

Candidates Forum, Gentrification Documentary, Boise NA Community Meeting, Spring Clean-Ups, Portland Plan Hearings, Parenting for Prevention

Boise Neighborhood Announcements:

1. Thurs, April 10: People of Color/Immigrant and Refugee CANDIDATES FORUM

2. Thurs, April 10: Documentary on Gentrification

3. Mon, April 14: Boise Neighborhood Community Meeting

4. Sat, April 19: TWO Clean-Up Events: SOLV I-5 Clean-up and Spiffin' Up MLK

5. Tues, April 22: Hearings on The Portland Plan

6. Sat, April 26: Boise Neighborhood Spring Clean-up

7. Wed, June 25: Parenting for Prevention

Corresponding information below after the jump.

Read more and discuss: Boise Neighborhood update and announcements

» April 9, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland

Bridges to Unity Summit aims to decrease violence and racism in schools - April 10th

From Public Affairs:
Two hundred fifty middle school students will tackle the issues of racism and violence in schools at the third annual Bridges to Unity Summit. The summit will be held April 10, 2008 at George Middle School. The conference is titled “Building Bridges Across Cultures” and aims to help students learn how to successfully interact with other cultures, decrease conflict and gain leadership skills.

Joanne Fuller, Director of Multnomah County Department of Human Services stated, "I am pleased to support the third annual Bridges to Unity Summit. As we have seen in past youth summits, this event helps build stronger cross-cultural communication and leadership skills that help kids achieve success in their school and communities.”

Read more and discuss: Bridges to Unity Summit aims to decrease violence and racism in schools - April 10th

» April 8, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Human Services, Karol's Blog, North Portland

New North Portland library update in The Sentinel

Here is a small blurb on the new North Portland library, that we'll unofficially refer to as the "Kenton Library."

We are getting closer and closer to a decision...we're excited!

Discuss: New North Portland library update in The Sentinel

» April 4, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries, News, North Portland

Portsmouth parents: Our schools need better breakfasts

Last week I was invited to a Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) presentation at Portsmouth K-8 school. The HEAL program is run by Multnomah County and by all accounts is successful in this North Portland school. The main point of the presentation was that the school's teachers, principal and the County are teaching the tools these children need to be healthy and successful. The problem is, there is not enough access to healthy foods in the community and sometimes at school.

Read more and discuss: Portsmouth parents: Our schools need better breakfasts

» March 28, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland

St. Johns Walgreens update

From the St. Johns neighborhood association:

CITY PLANNERS AGREE: SJ LOMBARD PLAN MUST BE HONORED

We recently met with senior planners at the Bureau of Development Services (BDS), who will decide on any application submitted by the Walgreens developer. Staff from Commissioner Randy Leonard's office were also there. We shared your comments and concerns, and we were assured that our reading of city code is correct: the site deserves a more urban design that reflects the historic nature of our downtown business corridor. Furthermore, a drive-through will not be allowed under any circumstances.

Your thoughtful comments at our March 10 meeting strengthened our position, and we're confident that BDS will keep both our comments and the St. Johns Lombard Plan in mind.

Walgreens News Coverage in Portland Sentinel
Download the St. Johns Lombard Plan
See the next steps after the jump...

Read more and discuss: St. Johns Walgreens update

» March 26, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland

Piedmont Neighborhood Association General Meeting 3/27 at 7pm

Piedmont's general meeting is coming this Thursday at 7pm at Holy Reedemer, Clare Hall. Visit the Piedmont Blog for all the details!

Discuss: Piedmont Neighborhood Association General Meeting 3/27 at 7pm

» March 26, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts

What do you think of the Columbia River Crossing?

Today in the Oregonian, there is an update of the Columbia River Crossing project. The project is an effort to decide what kind of bridge will replace the current bridge. We've all tried to head on I-5 going North and know the hijinks that ensue during the hours between 4:30 pm and 7 pm.
A quote from the article:

"A 39-member task force of elected officials and community groups asked state highway planners to forecast the air pollution the new 12-lane bridge would generate.
Pollution from more highway traffic shouldn't be allowed to harm asthma sufferers and others, said Jill Fuglister, co-director of the Coalition for a Livable Future, a Portland-based sustainability group.
"Low-income communities are already starting with disparate health outcomes," she said at a task force meeting in January. "The effects have more impact on those communities because they're starting with more health impact.""

Our own Commissioner has a seat on the Columbia River Crossing Task Force. So tell us, what do you think about a new bridge?

Discuss: What do you think of the Columbia River Crossing?

» March 25, 2008 - 1 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland

April 9th - St Johns Farmers Market meeting at Our Daily Bread

Join the growing movement for a farmers market in St Johns! Volunteers are still welcome and wanted. Join us at 6pm, April 9th, at Our Daily Bread at 8680 N Ivanhoe St. See you soon!

Discuss: April 9th - St Johns Farmers Market meeting at Our Daily Bread

» March 24, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts

Global Sistergoods and OPB invite you to a night of FREE cinema - March 26th

Film: King Corn
Where: St. Johns Twin Cinema, 8704 N. Lombard St.
Time: 8:00 pm

Two recent college grads discover where America's food comes from when they plan a single acre of corn and follow it from the seed to the dinner plate. With the help of government subsidies, genetically modified seeds and powerful herbicides, America's most-subsidized crop becomes the staple of its cheapest—and most troubling—foods.

Panel discussion to follow featuring filmmaker Curt Ellis; Lisa Sedlar, President of New Seasons Market; Mike Moran of the Oregon Food Bank; and Shari Raider of Sauvie Island Organics.

Come early and eat at Proper Eats (8638 N Lombard St Portland)! All movie goers who attend before the film and mention the screening will receive 10% off dinner.

Discuss: Global Sistergoods and OPB invite you to a night of FREE cinema - March 26th

» March 24, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Top Stories

North Portland Library Update

Here is the library update as of March 17, 2008:

The three potential library developers in North Portland have had a chance to see our County architects’ ideas for a new North Portland library. Their proposals for the space are due to the County tomorrow, March 18th, at 1pm. These proposals are called “lease term solicitations,” which are basically tell us the charge to lease the space for the library. To get an update on the sites and who the developers are, click here to see the PDF.

After we receive the proposals, our Facilities and Library team will study them. This is estimated to take about 3 to 4 weeks. Then, that team along with Commissioner Cogen will meet to discuss the choices. Then, those choices will be brought to the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners for final vote. I’ve estimated another month in addition to the 3 to 4 week review process before a final developer is selected.

Comments and questions will be accepted here at our website or emailed to Karol Collymore. Thanks!

Discuss: North Portland Library Update

» March 17, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland

Someone wants Paul Bunyan?

Listen up, Kenton: some wants to buy Paul Bunyan! Folks are rallying to save the neighborhood icon. Check out this article from the Oregonian.

Buy your "Save Paul" bumper stickers here.

Discuss: Someone wants Paul Bunyan?

» March 13, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland

Healthy Eating, Active Living - Farmers Markets

Here at the County, we have a very cool program called the HEAL program, HEAL stands for Healthy Eating, Active Living. This program is currently active in North Portland at Portsmouth School. The HEAL program goes into schools and teach healthier lifestyles for kids and their parents.

There will be a report next week examining HEAL's progress in Portsmouth and St. Johns and we already know its been successful. The one hitch; lack of access to fresh foods. This is why our office is working with neighbors in St. Johns to start a farmers market that will be accessible to greater North Portland.

Our second meeting was last night and we had even more folks than the first one! We know its going to take a full year at least to get it off the ground so please, lend your human capital to North Portland.

Next meeting will be in April, so stay tuned!

Discuss: Healthy Eating, Active Living - Farmers Markets

» March 13, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Top Stories

Update on St. Johns Walgreens

Last night I attended the St. Johns neighborhood meeting. The topic? A proposed new Walgreens for the "entrance" to downtown St. Johns. If one is driving west on Lombard, it the triangular corner of Lombard, N. Richmond and N. Jersey. The drive-thru would facing N. Jersey a residential street and the dumpsters would face that street as well. The front of Walgreens would face downtown St. Johns. As one would drive up from East Lombard, they would see the back of the store.

As you can probably imagine, the crowd of 100 or so neighbors were not enthused at the idea. The position of the neighborhood association is not against the new Walgreens development, but the size that is proposed and they lack of consideration for the St. Johns/Lombard plan in terms of pedestrians, small business and smart growth.

As far as the association has been told, the site will resemble the Walgreens that is located at SE 39th and Belmont. That site is open 24 hours a day, has a drive-thru window (that is next to someone's residence and faces other homes) and had a big parking lot that is not sensitive to pedestrian traffic. The other push back is that there are 4 other pharmacies within a 3 mile radius, two in St. Johns.

Unfortunately, the developer did not join the meeting, as was expected. As we get more details, we'll post them on our site. In the meantime, if you want to make a statement about a suburban Walgreens in St. Johns or have a question, comment away. We'll collect and pass them along to the neighborhood association.

Discuss: Update on St. Johns Walgreens

» March 11, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland

Kenton neighborhood meeting with potential library developers

Join your Kenton neighbors tonight at their neighborhood meeting. Kenton has invited the three potential developers of the new North Portland library to discuss the project starting at 6:30pm. As of this morning, two of the three have accepted the invitation.

The presentation starts before the meeting at 6:30 pm
The meeting starts at 7:00 pm
Kenton Firehouse, 8105 N. Brandon St.

Discuss: Kenton neighborhood meeting with potential library developers

» March 11, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland

Retreat will support grandparents raising grandchildren

From Public Affairs:

Grandparents raising grandchildren face economic hardship and stress, according to AARP and The National Caregiving Alliance. In Oregon, AARP reports more than 37,500, or four percent of all children in the state live in grandparent-headed households. An additional 14,000 children (1.7%) live in households headed by other relatives. Nationally, 4.5 million children live in grandparent-headed households (6.3% of all children under age 18.)

Read more and discuss: Retreat will support grandparents raising grandchildren

» March 5, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Human Services, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts

Suburban Walgreens in St Johns?

From St. Johns neighborhood association:

A Suburban Walgreens in St. Johns? Our Neighborhood Deserves Better!
Come to the final public meeting with the developer on March 10 at 7pm at the St. Johns Community Center. (Come at 6:45pm, we're going to pack the place!)

Summit Development Corporation wants to build a low-end suburban Walgreens surrounded by a parking lot at the former Rose City Chevrolet site - the gateway to Downtown St. Johns. It's a bad idea.

This is a square peg in a round hole. The developer wants exceptions to Portland's development rules so he can build a suburban-style store in our historic neighborhood business district. Traffic's bad enough already. The main entrances would be on residential streets and the store is designed mainly for cars - it would be dangerous for pedestrians, bus riders, and bicyclists.

St. Johns planned for better. When our community wrote the St. Johns/Lombard Plan, we said we want good development that would
strengthen our neighborhood. Not this!

Discuss: Suburban Walgreens in St Johns?

» March 5, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland

Market meeting rescheduled to March 12th

As you may remember, we have had a meeting scheduled for Tuesday March 4. Unfortunately, we will be postponing that meeting until Wednesday, March 12, 6:30pm-8:00pm. The location is TBD, but we will give notice to this soon. This date will achieve a few things:

We will be able to assign a few tasks that have yet to be completed to committee-members before this next meeting

Allows for Cathedral Park NA members to attend.

We can promote our meeting at next week's St. Johns NA meeting (3/10), where we're looking to have MANY people turn out to hear the Walgreens' developer present their updated proposal.

We will be in touch over the next 1-2 days to offer specific tasks for folks to volunteer for. If anyone has anything they'd like to jump on, please check in with us to ensure we're not duplicating any efforts (or soliciting the same donor, for example). Thanks!

Discuss: Market meeting rescheduled to March 12th

» March 4, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Top Stories

A potential Walgreens in St Johns - meeting on March 10th

There is still some serious talk about a new Walgreens drug store coming to the heart of downtown St. Johns. You can hear the developer's site plans and voice your opinion at the upcoming St. Johns neighborhood meeting on March 10th. Meeting begins at 7pm at the Community Center on 8427 N. Central. As you can imagine, many residents are resistant to the idea. However, there are some voices as well that welcome a new development.

Some issues of concern: There are already two drug stores (Fred Meyer and Safeway), traffic jams at the intersection and late night lighting.

There are also positives: Accessibility for older residents, increased business and attention for St. Johns and a drug store that doesn't sell alcohol.

Talk to us about how you feel here on our blog. Also check out the St. Johns Sentinel paper for further discussion.

Discuss: A potential Walgreens in St Johns - meeting on March 10th

» March 4, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Top Stories

Cool stuff in District two: Trebol Restaurant

Last night I was reading my latest issue of Bon Appetit and what do I see but North Portland restaurant, Trebol. The magazine noted it's fresh take on traditional Mexican classics and a few new inventions sure to bring you back. Check out Trebol's website and menus - they look delicious. Trebol is located at 4835 N Albina, in our own District two!

Discuss: Cool stuff in District two: Trebol Restaurant

» February 29, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland

Farmers Market meeting in St. Johns - March 4th

Our next farmers market meeting is Tuesday, March 4th at the Ladybug Organic Coffee Company. Ladybug is at 8438 N Lombard.

We'll be discussing committees and what roles volunteers will start to develop. We can't wait to see you there!

Discuss: Farmers Market meeting in St. Johns - March 4th

» February 27, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Top Stories

Info from Piedmont Neighborhood Association

The Piedmont Neighborhood Association General Meeting is this Wednesday [2/27] at 7:30pm.

The OLCC has given the neighborhood a deadline of March 1st to submit comments on the proposed lifting of the Civic Food Mart's liquor license restrictions! Below is the text of a post I just made on our neighborhood blog (http://blog.piedmontneighborhood.com). Now is a time for action folks!

Read more and discuss: Info from Piedmont Neighborhood Association

» February 25, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts

Info from Boise Neighborhood Association

A few notes on Boise Neighborhood Communications...

1. Email Update Sign-up: The Boise Neighborhood Association sends out routine communications through a free online service, cooleremail. If you do not already receive our email updates and community announcements, please sign up for email announcements at www.boisevoice.org. (Do it now! It takes 2 minutes. This just may be the only announcement sent!)

Read more and discuss: Info from Boise Neighborhood Association

» February 25, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts

Family Support at the Center for Family Success

A support group for families who have a loved one in prison are now available in North Portland at the Center for Family Success. This is located at 8010 N Charleston. Call the center at 503-286-0600 to learn the day and time. Friends are also invited to attend.

Read more and discuss: Family Support at the Center for Family Success

» February 20, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland

Announcements from the Boise-Eliot neighborhood

Oregonian Story, Friends of Trees Planting, Affordable Housing Roundtable, Senior Soup Day, Community Meeting, Street Fair, Graffiti Clean-up, Fundraiser, Board Position Open

Read more and discuss: Announcements from the Boise-Eliot neighborhood

» February 15, 2008 - 1 comments - Community Involvement, Inner NE, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts

Piedmont Neighborhood Association General Meeting

From the Piedmont 'hood: The agenda for the next PNA General meeting (2008-02-27 @ 7:30pm) has been posted to our neighborhood's blog...

Join them for the meeting!

Discuss: Piedmont Neighborhood Association General Meeting

» February 14, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts

Farmers market meeting update

Last night the first official meeting of the St. Johns farmers market came together at Marie's. We had over 20 folks who were all excited at the possibility of a market. There were several topics covered including structure, market mission, location and funding. I'll add notes after the jump. One important question that came of out this first meeting was: What location would be best if the market was in St. Johns? Options were: St. Johns plaza in front of Dads, the Signal Station Pizza lot, the vacant car lots, Cathedral Park, and George Park by the community center. Which would you use?

Read more and discuss: Farmers market meeting update

» February 13, 2008 - 1 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Top Stories

Farmers Market meeting in St. Johns - Tonight

Join us at Marie's at 6:30pm for an informational meeting on a potential St. Johns farmers market. Marie's is located at 8727 N Lombard St.

Discuss: Farmers Market meeting in St. Johns - Tonight

» February 12, 2008 - 1 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts

North Portland loves Friends of Trees

Last weekend, Friends of Trees and their volunteers planted trees through the neighborhoods of St. Johns, Arbor Lodge, University Park, Kenton, Portsmouth and Cathedral Park. Even though it was snowing and very slushy, the volunteers were vibrant and excited to add more trees to the neighborhood.

Friend of Trees is an organization that Jeff proudly supports, evidenced by our web masthead. The pictured volunteers are planting a Japanese Persimmon in a St. Johns yard.

Discuss: North Portland loves Friends of Trees

» February 7, 2008 - 1 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland

Farmers Market meeting in St. Johns, Feb 12

Don't forget to be included! There will be a St Johns farmers market meeting Tuesday, Feb 12 at Marie's on Lombard. It will start at 6:30pm.

Discuss: Farmers Market meeting in St. Johns, Feb 12

» February 6, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts

Save the date: Farmers Market meeting Feb 12

A meeting to continue discussing the possibility of a St. Johns Farmers Market will be held Tuesday, Feb. 12th starting a 630pm. We'll keep it efficient. The meeting will be at Marie's at 8727 N Lombard St, across the street from Anna Bannanas.

We'll see you there!

Discuss: Save the date: Farmers Market meeting Feb 12

» February 4, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts

Town Hall on Healthcare Feb 6 with Rep. Chip Sheilds

Rep. Chip Shields will host the second of three Town Halls - Feb. 6th from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the Urban League Multicultural Senior Center - 5325 NE MLK Blvd. (enter around back on Garfield). This town hall is focused on health care. Special guests will include Geri Washington, Health Policy Director for Oregon Action; Dr. Bruce Goldberg, Director of the Department of Human Services; and Shelda Holmes, Family Nurse Practitioner and owner of Hands on Medicine primary care clinic in North Portland.

Read more and discuss: Town Hall on Healthcare Feb 6 with Rep. Chip Sheilds

» February 1, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Inner NE, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts

African American Read In

From the Library:
Come hear local celebrities and community leaders read from works by their favorite African American writers. There will be fiction and nonfiction for children and adults. Join everyone on Sunday February 3rd from 2pm to 4pm at the North Portland Library, 512 N Killingsworth St.

Discuss: African American Read In

» February 1, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Events, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland, Top Stories

Piedmont Neighborhood Association General Meeting

Piedmont Neighborhood Association General Meeting
2008-01-30 @ 7:30PM
Holy Redeemer School
Small Hall
127 N. Portland Blvd

Meeting are held downstairs the "Small Hall." The entrance to the Small Hall is through the parking lot off N. Vancouver Ave.

Read more and discuss: Piedmont Neighborhood Association General Meeting

» January 30, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts

Potential St. Johns farmers market makes news

We just started talking about a new farmers market for North Portland and we are getting some buzz! Check out this blurb in the Portland Tribune.

Discuss: Potential St. Johns farmers market makes news

» January 29, 2008 - 9 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland

Farmers Market questions, answers

After our post on a potential farmers market in St. Johns, we received great enthusiasm and positive comments. A couple questions were consistent through the thread: What is our timeline and how would it affect the Kaiser market on Interstate?

First, our timeline is tentative. While we'd love for this to happen by summer 2008, we know that may not be realistic. The next steps are: forming a solid core of volunteers, writing a comprehensive plan to present to donors/sponsors, hiring a market manager, and then getting to the bones of the project that lead to a successful market.

Second, I don't think that our market would negatively affect the Interstate market on Wednesdays. Our hope is that we would support one another in this wonderful project and serve both sides of North Portland.

Thank you for all the wonderful comments and keep checking back for updates on this and many other projects from Commissioner Cogen.

Discuss: Farmers Market questions, answers

» January 25, 2008 - 1 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Top Stories

Would you use a St. Johns Farmers Market?

Last night an enthusiastic group of neighbors kicked off the first of many meetings to bring a farmers market to neighbors on the Peninsula. Part of making this happen is ensuring we'd have community support for this endeavor. So this is will be one of an occasional post to gauge interest - knowing we won't hit everyone - in a farmers market. If you are regular reader, forward this on to friends in the neighborhood.

Our first set of questions:

1. Would you use a St. Johns Farmers Market? This market could service the surrounding neighborhoods including: Arbor Lodge, Kenton, Portsmouth, University Park, Cathedral Park, Columbia Villa area and Linnton.

2. What kind of content would you like to see in a market?

Discuss: Would you use a St. Johns Farmers Market?

» January 23, 2008 - 138 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland

Farmers Market meeting in St. Johns

Today at Marie's Bar there will be a discussion around a potential farmers market for the neighborhood. The meeting starts at 6:30pm. Hope to see you there!

Discuss: Farmers Market meeting in St. Johns

» January 22, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Top Stories

Great find of the day: Po'Shines Cafe de la Soul

There is a lot of action in the North Portland neighborhood of Kenton. Included is a great little shop called Po'Shines Cafe de la Soul. I didn't know much about this place other than it being on my list of places to check out. This article in the Oregonian has given me some inspiration.

The cafe stands in the heart of the transforming Kenton neighborhood at North Denver Avenue and Kilpatrick Street and serves contemporary soul food that rivals menus at trendy Portland lunch spots. Yet its story is far different. The cafe is a nonprofit run by volunteers. And it's showing that a neighborhood revival can be driven by more than affluent white newcomers.

Check it out!

Discuss: Great find of the day: Po'Shines Cafe de la Soul

» January 17, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland

St Johns' 2nd Annual New Year Gathering - Jan. 19th

Check out this cool event happening this Saturday, Jan. 19th from 5 to 7pm in St Johns. The folks in North Portland always know how to have a good time so stop by and visit your neighbors! Download file

Discuss: St Johns' 2nd Annual New Year Gathering - Jan. 19th

» January 16, 2008 - 0 comments - Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland

Renaming Jefferson High School?

Reading the Willamette Week today, I noticed in the Murmurs column a mention of a small group of people who want to change the name of the Jefferson High. In the column:

“When we talk about Jeffersonian democracy, what we’re really talking about is apartheid. If there were a father of racism in the United States of America, it would be Thomas Jefferson.”

This is something I don't know that anyone if our office has given much thought, but does inspire some conversation. Should a school whose population is mostly people of color be named after a president who arguably is history's most talked about slave owner? All our high schools are named after presidents and will Portland Public Schools break with that tradition? Could renaming this school start an era of success? Let us know what you think.

Discuss: Renaming Jefferson High School?

» January 16, 2008 - 3 comments - Karol's Blog, North Portland, Top Stories

North Portland Scrabble

Last night was Scrabble night at Gotham Tavern in North Portland. I met two cool St. Johns neighbors and about 15 other smart Portlanders who like to play this great board game. This weekly tournament benefits Oregon Literacy - 10% of the night's profits at the Tavern goes to the organization. I finally cracked a 300 game with these folks and I felt a smug satisfaction. Believe me, if you can beat your mom, it doesn't mean you are good. These people are serious; but great fun. Lee, the reigning champion, is a St. Johns neighbor and always generous with his winnings (a $20 gift certificate from the Tavern). Come out and support Oregon Literacy and flex those brain muscles!
Selena, Duncan and Selina

Discuss: North Portland Scrabble

» January 9, 2008 - 1 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland

Mayor Potter moving office to Jefferson High School for week of January 14-18

Mayor Potter will spend the the week of the 14th at Jefferson High School in North Portland. The message posted on the Mayor's site:

Mayor Tom Potter is moving City Hall to Jefferson High School for a week to give students, parents and educators a first hand lesson in how government really works - and to showcase the opportunities, successes and challenges facing every school in Portland's six public school districts.

The visit begins at first bell at 7:45 a.m. on Monday, January 14th, and concludes with the annual State of the City address on January 18th in the school auditorium. The regular Wednesday City Council meeting will also be held at Jefferson that week in the auditorium.

Read the rest at his website. Other people are getting involved, including the Piedmont neighborhood association:

Read more and discuss: Mayor Potter moving office to Jefferson High School for week of January 14-18

» January 8, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland

Multnomah County to offer cell phone recycling

This morning the Board unanimously passed a resolution, brought forth by Commissioner Cogen, to offer cell phone recycling in various county buildings. The buildings chosen are sprinkled all over the county in locations as diverse as the McCoy Building downtown to the Gresham Library. A full list of locations after the jump.

Of the 130 million mobile phones retired annually in the United States every year, less than 1% are recycled, and it is estimated that consumers have stored 500 million obsolete cellular phones that await disposal. Cellular phones in landfills can leach toxic substances into the water and air. Disposal of cellular phones into solid waste in Oregon is a public concern both from a health and resource depletion perspective. Among the toxic metals and other materials present in cellular phones, as reported by the EPA, are:

Lead – can damage the central and peripheral nervous systems, blood systems, and kidneys

Chromium VI – can damage DNA and has been linked to asthmatic bronchitis

Brominated Flame Retardants – act as endocrine disrupters and increase the risk of cancer of the digestive and lymph systems.

This program is also revenue neutral for the County. According to Jeff, "The County’s function is to protect the health and safety of our residents. This is a no-cost way for us to do that by keeping toxics out of our waste stream while supporting local businesses, promoting sustainability and helping provide funding for our libraries and environmental programs."

Read more and discuss: Multnomah County to offer cell phone recycling

» December 6, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Inner NE, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Outer NE, Sustainability

St Johns' holiday decorating!

From St. Johns neighborhood association:
Hello Neighbors and fellow St. Johnsians...

One Saturday next; December 1st, a group of folks are getting together to do a little work. Christmas season is upon us, as is winter. Two tasks need a little attention and I am coming to you as I know if you can, you will.

Read more and discuss: St Johns' holiday decorating!

» November 29, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland

Cool North Portland business: L'Essence Du Monde

I was hanging out in the neighborhood at the Orleans Candle Shop and was gossiping with the ladies and I met yet another young, hip business owner. Jennifer is creative owner of L'Essence Du Monde, a burgeoning jewelry business. She was smart and progressive and I can't wait to see more of her jewelry. Check out her site for shopping local for the holidays.

Discuss: Cool North Portland business: L'Essence Du Monde

» November 19, 2007 - 1 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland

FUN-tastic Friday in St. Johns

Funtastic Friday in St. Johns is tonight at LeGong Gelato shop on Lombard. It's next door to Anna Bannanas Coffee and the St. Johns Theater. Come on down at 6:30 and meet the coolest neighbors in town!

Discuss: FUN-tastic Friday in St. Johns

» November 16, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts

Kenton Firehouse is Wonderful!

Jeff's office gives a big thank you to the Historic Kenton Firehouse committee for donating space for our library siting meeting this week. Its a great building and the staff and volunteers are top notch. We look forward to using it again. Keep in mind that is available for meeting space and private events! Thanks Kenton Firehouse!

Discuss: Kenton Firehouse is Wonderful!

» November 16, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Libraries, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts

New library update: one location out of the running

Our library siting search for locations has just gone from 4 locations to 3. The Hope Meadows location in the Portsmouth neighborhood has taken their hat out of the ring. We are down to three spaces, all in Kenton. We'll keep you updated as we move to the negotiation stage. Paul Bunyan branch anyone? I kid, really. I'm just kidding!

Discuss: New library update: one location out of the running

» November 16, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland

What's in a street name?

What streets get what names? Will Cesar Chavez get a street name in the City of Portland? The debate rages on and a new street option - 4th Ave downtown - seems like might be the next option to be renamed. Even though our office isn't involved in the decision, we got several opinions from our North and Northeast Portland constituents, for and against renaming, on our site and in our inboxes.

So, what do you think now? Is this a reasonable settlement for this ongoing discussion?

Discuss: What's in a street name?

» November 15, 2007 - 2 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Top Stories

Final North Portland library siting meeting tomorrow!

The last meeting for the public to offer input on a new library for North Portland is November 13 at the Kenton Firehouse. Please join Jeff and Molly next week or share your opinion here on our blog. View library sites here: Download file

Discuss: Final North Portland library siting meeting tomorrow!

» November 12, 2007 - 3 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland

Reminder: Final North Portland library siting meeting November 13th

The last meeting for the public to offer input on a new library for North Portland is November 13 at the Kenton Firehouse. Please join Jeff and Molly next week or share your opinion here on our blog. There will be a Spanish translator available for our friends who would appreciate that service. View library sites here: Download file

Discuss: Reminder: Final North Portland library siting meeting November 13th

» November 5, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland, Top Stories

Events coming up in North Portland

Fun and interesting things are always happening in North Portland. Check some out:
African American Home Buying Fair at Emanuel Hospital Medical Office, 501 N Graham, 10am to 2:30pm

Spooktacluar! at St. Johns Community Center, 8427 N Central, 5:30 to 8:30pm for ages 3 to 11

Harvest Hoopla at University Park Community Center, 9009 N Foss at 6pm

Discuss: Events coming up in North Portland

» October 24, 2007 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts

Library siting meeting coming up!

November 13th is the date for the next meeting to discuss the siting for a new North Portland library. The mailing that will go out has a typo on the part in Spanish. Que Lastima! The printing says, "Martes, 18 de noviembre." It should read, "Martes, 13 de noviembre."

Look for this postcard in the mail and as usual, you may comment on the new library here on our website. Thank you y gracias!

Discuss: Library siting meeting coming up!

» October 24, 2007 - 1 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland

North Portland has a "restaurant row?"

Our office extols the virtues of North Portland all the time. I live there and love it and I was secretly happy that Portlanders hadn't "hipstered" Portsmouth and St. Johns. Alas, its happening, but in a very wonderful way - with food. Our great neighborhoods continue to be exposed and The Oregonian has invited visitors to us yet again. "Nibble your way along North Lombard" is the title of the article. I've visited almost all the places on the list, but I'll give a shout out to my favorite - Encanto Restaurant.

Mike Martinez has opened a heavenly place for transplants from New Mexico. Now, don't be confused. Mexican food and New Mexican foods are very different in many tasty ways so go with an open mind. I also forgot to warn my friend who recently tried it that it's a little spicy. Ok, some dishes are HOT HOT HOT, and not everyone can handle that much chile. I recommend the carne adovada stuffed sopaipilla (HOT), green chile stew(MILD) and and the chicken quesadilla(not hot at all). There are plenty of vegetarian options, but I haven't tried any of those because I don't want to waste space...I kid.

So, check out this great part of Jeff's district - YUM!

Discuss: North Portland has a "restaurant row?"

» October 18, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland

Jeff in the news

Jeff is in The Portland Mercury online offering support to Basic Rights Oregon with domestic partnerships.

The St. Johns Sentinel talks about Jeff's effort for a new library, plus, the pesky project name - "NoPo" vs. "North Portland." It's on page two.

Discuss: Jeff in the news

» October 18, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, News, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts

New library meeting TONIGHT!

Tonight's the second of three public library meetings to discuss a new library for North Portland. The other two - North Portland and St. Johns - will not be closing, we adding a new one. View the options for siting Download file">here. Let us know what you think!

Discuss: New library meeting TONIGHT!

» October 11, 2007 - 1 comments - Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland, Top Stories

Library meeting coming this Thursday in North Portland

This Thursday, October 11th will be another meeting to discuss possible sites for a new library for North Portland. The meeting is at 512 N Killingsworth at the Killingsworth library branch, upstairs. There will be four locations under discussion; three in Kenton and one in Portsmouth.

We want to be clear: we are not closing any of the other two branches currently in North Portland. We will keep the official North Portland library on Killingsworth and the St. Johns library. If you cannot make the meeting, please feel free to comment on our blog. Comments that have been emailed to Jeff or me have been kept and will be considered, thank you for those.

There will be a THIRD meeting on November 13th at the Historic Kenton Firehouse.
The locations to be discussed are here:Download file

Discuss: Library meeting coming this Thursday in North Portland

» October 9, 2007 - 4 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland, Top Stories

Interstate re-naming meetings coming up!

There are two upcoming opportunities to share your opinion on the potential renaming of Interstate Ave. to Cesar Chavez Boulevard.
The first is Wednesday, Oct. 3rd from 6:30pm to 8pm at Ockley Green School, in the gym. The second is Tuesday, Oct. 9th, same place and same time.

Read more and discuss: Interstate re-naming meetings coming up!

» October 3, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Inner NE, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts

Upcoming meetings for the new library in North Portland

For immediate release

Contact:Karol Collymore, Commissioner Jeff Cogen’s Office (503.988.6786)
June Mikkelsen, Library Renovation Manager (503.988.3644)

Public meetings scheduled for discussion of new North Portland library in October and November

Portland, OR — Multnomah County Commissioner Jeff Cogen and Director of Libraries Molly Raphael will host two upcoming public meetings to discuss potential sites for a new library in North Portland.
The meetings are scheduled as follows:

• Thursday, October 11, from 6 – 8 p.m. at the North Portland Library, located at 512 N. Killingsworth St. This meeting will be moderated by Mike Verbout.

•Tuesday, November 13, from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Historic Kenton Firehouse, located at 8105 N. Brandon St. Spanish language interpretation will be available at this meeting.

Read more and discuss: Upcoming meetings for the new library in North Portland

» October 2, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland, Top Stories

A New Walgreens in St Johns?

We've gotten a few comments questioning the placement of a Walgreens in St. Johns. Some people think it's fine, others don't want it at all. St. Johns Neighborhood Association is having a meeting focused only on upcoming neighborhood development projects Monday, October 8th at the St. Johns Community Center. The meeting starts at 7pm.

What do you think? Feel free to share here and we'll share this with the president of St. Johns Neighborhood Assocation, Thomas Ebert. Locations that will be the topic of discussion are after the jump.

Read more and discuss: A New Walgreens in St Johns?

» October 1, 2007 - 4 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland

New business in Portsmouth

While I typically try to avoid work on the weekends, I went to a cool event in Portsmouth on Saturday. The Little Red Bike Cafe was holding their grand opening in conjunction with their neighbors, Trixie's Beauty Bar's first anniversary.

The Little Red Bike is a very cute place with delicious looking sandwiches and great coffee that is made locally and delivered by bicycle. All the proceeds from their fun event went to Safe Routes to School program. Check them both out while supporting North Portland businesses.

Discuss: New business in Portsmouth

» October 1, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland

North Portland Business Association breakfast

Jaime Potts, designer and owner of Atomic Daylight in St. Johns

Jeff and I attended the North Portland Business Association Breakfast this morning at Dad's Restaurant in St. Johns. Some of the regulars were there like Nancy the St. Johns library director, Mike Verbout, and Rick Merck of Merck Realty. There were some new faces of an ever-changing North Portland like Tracy Menasco Nelson, owner of Trixie's Beauty Bar and Jaime Potts, pictured above. Jeff shared with the group his beginnings as the owner of Portland Pretzel Company and reaffirmed his commitment to keeping small business in mind while developing effective government. The group also heard about our ongoing solar project and more about the new library coming to North Portland. Some of the things announced at the breakfast after the jump.

Read more and discuss: North Portland Business Association breakfast

» September 27, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland

New Walgreens drug store in St. Johns?

Yesterday, our office got wind that the old Rose City Chevrolet/Sterling Auto Center on North Lombard in St Johns may soon be converted into a Walgreens drug store. I've been looking around to confirm this rumor. Our question is, have you heard this rumor? If it's true, how do you feel about Walgreens coming to St Johns? How do you feel about the new influx of businesses: Legong Gelato