Front Page News

Oregon goes smoke free in three days!

Oregon is finally going smoke free in bars and restaurants. I personally can't wait to go home with clothes that don't smell like smoke and hair that smells like shampoo. The other piece of good news is that workplaces will also be smoke free. Here is the message from our Health Department director, Lillian Shirley:

What are the changes to the law? Smoking will not be allowed in any place that is open to the public or has one or more employees. This means that the following worksites not currently covered by the law will now be required to be smoke-free:

· All bars, taverns, and bar areas of restaurants
· Bowling centers
· Bingo halls
· All employee break rooms
· At least 75% of hotel/motel sleeping rooms
· Work vehicles that are not operated exclusively by one

Smoking will not be allowed outdoors within 10 feet of any entrance, exit, window, air intake vent or accessibility ramp.

Read more and discuss: Oregon goes smoke free in three days!

» December 29, 2008 - 3 comments - Front Page News, Human Services, Karol's Blog, Public Safety

Library update: your books, your holds from Arctic Blast!

This is the latest from the good people who work at our libraries:

Library customers are encouraged to renew books online at http://www.multcolib.org/catalog/card/renew.html Late fines will not be charged for the days the libraries has been closed due to bad weather.

Once libraries reopen, staff will try to retain holds on the shelves for the first day or two past their expiration so that they can be picked up. However, space is limited; if customers miss any holds, library staff can assist in replacing them.

Discuss: Library update: your books, your holds from Arctic Blast!

» December 26, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News

What to do about those library books?

If you are like me, you have library books to return and holds to pick up. I'm worried about my three books that I've WAITING patiently for and I returned a book (returned in the snow) but still have a fine.

I don't have an answer yet, but I'm asking all the right people and will post an update as soon as I know what's what.

Discuss: What to do about those library books?

» December 23, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News

Happy Holidays from Jeff!

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Discuss: Happy Holidays from Jeff!

» December 18, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News

Introducing Our District 2 Intern: Yahya Haqiqi

Hey All blog readers!!

I am the new intern at Commissioner Jeff Cogen’s office. A little about me:

My name is Yahya Haqiqi, I am from Afghanistan. I am currently a student at Portland State University and am studying Computer Engineering and plan on getting a Masters in Business. I am interested in wide array of subjects, from politics to poetry to philosophy to science and mathematics. I am always looking forward to learning something new and love challenges.

This is my fifth week interning for Commissioner Jeff Cogen’s office. It’s been a really fun experience. Everybody is really nice, and are always laughing and smiling. So far I have been reading about many different cases that the commissioner has to deal with and I am amazed at the variety of it. Soon, I will be getting a special project to work on. I am looking forward to the project and what I will learn from it. That’s all for now.

Until next time,

Yahya

Discuss: Introducing Our District 2 Intern: Yahya Haqiqi

» December 16, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Guest blogs

Cell phone recycling in The Oregonian

This holiday season as you tear the wrapping from the hottest new cell phones and MP3 players, don't just toss the played-out gadgets in the junk drawer.

Multnomah County has an option that can help keep the electronics' toxic elements out of the landfill, clear some clutter from your home and earn the cash-strapped county a little change.

You can dump your old cell phones, PDAs, MP3 players, chargers and Bluetooth headsets into one of the free recycling bins at 11 locations across the county. Drop boxes are at libraries and other county buildings.

Commissioner Jeff Cogen launched the program in October, but is pushing hard to get the word out to county residents as the gift-giving season approaches.

Read the rest here.

Discuss: Cell phone recycling in The Oregonian

» December 11, 2008 - 2 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Sustainability

Updated: Human Solutions warming center for the homeless

Homeless Families Warming Center
Open Dec. 8th 2008 through Apr. 2009
7pm-7am every night

The Homeless Families Warming Center is a program of Human Solutions and Multnomah County, and offers homeless families a warm place to stay from 7pm to 7am every night – so families and their children don’t have to sleep out in the cold. Families can arrive at the Warming Center at 7pm, and stay until 7am the next morning.

Where is the Homeless Families Warming Center?

1435 NE 81st – very close to the 82nd Avenue MAX stop, white one story building at NE 81st and Halsey

Read more and discuss: Updated: Human Solutions warming center for the homeless

» December 10, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News

Latino Summit to engage families in teen pregnancy prevention

Local public health officials are concerned and taking action to address a significant disparity in Latino teen birth rates. While both white non-Hispanics and Hispanic teen birth rates have declined in Multnomah County between 1991 and 2005, the rate of decline is greater for white non-Hispanic teens (down 66%) compared to Hispanic teens (down 29%). This disparity in declining Hispanic teen birth rates reflects national trends.

Read more and discuss: Latino Summit to engage families in teen pregnancy prevention

» December 9, 2008 - 1 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Human Services, Karol's Blog

St Johns Market gets a grant!

The new St. Johns Farmer's Market was awarded full funding for our request of the North Portland Neighborhood Services Small Grant, in the amount of $2500. This was announced at a celebration potluck on December 1 at the North Portland Neighborhood Services offices in the Kenton Firehouse. In attendance were Commissioner-elect Amanda Fritz and Metro Councilor Rex Burkholder. Go North Portland!

Thanks to the hardworking volunteers of the St. Johns Farmer's Market!

Visit St. Johns Farmers Market at: http://stjohnsfarmersmarket.ning.com

***Tonight, December 8th, join the regular St Johns neighborhood meeting at 7pm at the Community Center. 8427 N. Central Street.

Discuss: St Johns Market gets a grant!

» December 8, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News

How will new team steer the county?

From The Oregonian:

A new majority will take seats on the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners in January. Three new commissioners — Deborah Kafoury, Judy Shiprack and Diane McKeel — will join the board's "veterans": Jeff Cogen and Ted Wheeler, relative newcomers themselves with two years of service apiece.

Read the rest here and come back to let us know what you think.

Discuss: How will new team steer the county?

» December 8, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog, News

Members sought for county bicycle and pedestrian committee

Multnomah County is seeking members to serve on its Bicycle and Pedestrian Citizen Advisory Committee who live or work in East Multnomah County. The committee advises the county on bicycle and pedestrian issues related to the county’s road system, which includes:
· Major collector and arterial roads in the cities of Fairview, Gresham, Troutdale, and Wood Village

· Roads in unincorporated areas of Multnomah County including the west hills, Sauvie Island, and areas east and west of the Sandy River

· Five Willamette River bridges in the City of Portland (Broadway, Burnside, Hawthorne, Morrison, and Sellwood)

Read more and discuss: Members sought for county bicycle and pedestrian committee

» December 8, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News

Lillian Shirley honored as Public Health Hero by Research!America

Lillian M. Shirley, director of Multnomah County Health Department, was named a Public Health Hero by Research!America, a national health education and advocacy alliance. She was one of eleven public health professionals honored and profiled by the organization.

Read more and discuss: Lillian Shirley honored as Public Health Hero by Research!America

» December 1, 2008 - 2 comments - Front Page News, Human Services, Karol's Blog

Solar Power Progress!

Last week Commissioner Cogen toured the County's John B. Yeon Building in Gresham to view the solar installation there. It's a huge array of roof-mounted solar panels (the above photo doesn't do the scale of this project justice! pictured are Commissioner Cogen and Jeremy Barnett, SunEdison Program Manager). The Yeon building project should be completely operational by the end of next week. Kudos to all County staff people involved in the project, and to SunEdison's outstanding team.

Discuss: Solar Power Progress!

» November 29, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, News, Sustainability, Warren's Blog

Get 55 percent off used books, CDs, DVDs at Nov. 28 library sale

Find huge bargains and hidden treasures at the library’s used bookstore!

Come into The Title Wave Used Bookstore during its annual Customer Appreciation Sale and save 55 percent on all used items — books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs and more. The sale happens on Friday, Nov. 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Read more and discuss: Get 55 percent off used books, CDs, DVDs at Nov. 28 library sale

» November 25, 2008 - 1 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries

Electric Fleets Heading to Oregon

At the same time the US Congress considers giving the big three automakers an SUV hangover cure, Nissan has chosen Oregon as one of a handful of sites to roll-out and mass-market zero-emission electric vehicles. From the Oregonian:

"Details -- such as numbers of cars and their costs -- were still being negotiated even as Kulongoski drove a prototype Nissan electric vehicle in Japan this week. The program is another green feather in the governor's cap as he prepares to visit a company Friday developing electric cars in China.

'Our goal is mass-marketing vehicles across the U.S. and globally' in 2012, said Nissan's Perry. 'We all believe that we'll be mass-marketing in Oregon much faster than that.' "

The roll-out is expected to begin with government and commercial fleets. What do you think Multnomah County, are you ready to go electric?

Update: Here's a little inspiration to get you jazzed about Electric.

Discuss: Electric Fleets Heading to Oregon

» November 20, 2008 - 2 comments - Front Page News, Marissa's Blog, Sustainability

State Budget Forecast: Revenue Down Almost 1 Billion

Oregon State lawmakers have just learned that they will have almost 1 billion fewer dollars to spend on schools, human services and public safety. From the Oregonian:

"State economists reported that revenue for the current two-year budget is down by $140 million, prompting Gov. Ted Kulongoski to order state agency heads immediately to slash the remainder of their budgets across the board by 5 percent.

The news for the upcoming two years is much worse. Revenues are projected to be down by $718 million, compared with the forecast from three months ago. "

Multnomah County's budget analysts are already hard at work determining how this state revenue shortfall will impact the County. To give you some perspective, about 75% of the County's Department of Human Services Budget (Mental Health Services, Aging and Disability Services to name a few) comes from state and federal resources. State funds also flow to our jails and parole and probation services.

As always, we'll keep you up-to-date as information develops. The next big news is expected in December when Governor Kulongoski releases his 2009-2011 budget.

Drop us a line with your ideas for increasing revenue or cutting services.

Discuss: State Budget Forecast: Revenue Down Almost 1 Billion

» November 19, 2008 - 0 comments - Budget, Children and Families, Front Page News, Human Services, Libraries, Marissa's Blog, Public Safety

County residents are getting heavier

There is bad news and good news on the obesity front for Multnomah County, according to the fall 2008 Community Health Assessment Quarterly report (report available at http://www.mchealth.org/hra/haq/fall_2008_obesity.pdf). The bad news is that since 1993, there has been a rise in the total proportion of obese and overweight adults in Multnomah County. In 2006, 53% of residents over the age of 18 were either overweight or obese, up from 45% in 1993. Adult males are outweighing females, 61% to 44%.

Read more and discuss: County residents are getting heavier

» November 18, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Front Page News, Karol's Blog

Solar Energy -- Green Bag Lunch

Tuesday, Multnomah County's Green Bag Lunch Series featured Mark Waller of Bridgeworks Capital. He gave a vibrant and informative presentation on the latest devlopments in solar energy. 20 county employees heard about solar technologies like thin film, concentrated solar, energy storage technology, and photovoltaics, and how those technologies will help bring about the clean energy future we need.

Read more and discuss: Solar Energy -- Green Bag Lunch

» November 18, 2008 - 0 comments - Events, Front Page News, Sustainability, Warren's Blog

Video: Jeff paints at Jason Lee School in Northeast

See the pictures at Jeff's Flickr page or at Jeff's Facebook page.

Discuss: Video: Jeff paints at Jason Lee School in Northeast

» November 18, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Outer NE

Weekend volunteering at Jason Lee Elementary

Jeff spend his Saturday painting Jason Lee Elementary with 40 other volunteers from Hands on Greater Portland. In three short hours, all these folks got two hallways and an office painted. It was a wonderful team effort that included City Commissioner Nick Fish and his staff, the Lincoln HS Service Team, and the volunteer group from PERS. It was a great time had by all and we can't wait until the next project. Check out the pictures on Flickr and Facebook.

Discuss: Weekend volunteering at Jason Lee Elementary

» November 17, 2008 - 2 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Outer NE

Kenton Thanksgiving fun!

Proper's Annual Thanksgiving Feast

Place: Po'Shine's Cafe: 8139 N Denver at Kilpatrick Street

Time: Noon - 4PM Dinner is served

8:30 AM - Annual Turkey Bowl football at Kenton Park

PROPER's 8th Annual Thanksgiving Feast, always vegetarian-option and family friendly. Featuring national storyteller/performing artists Anne-Louise Sterry, and more.
For more information, click here: properusa.org

Discuss: Kenton Thanksgiving fun!

» November 14, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland

Temporary restaurant licenses required for holiday events

Churches and organizations sponsoring holiday events that serve food to the public must obtain a “benevolent” temporary restaurant license from Multnomah County Health Department. Each year, county health inspectors advise and consult with hundreds of churches, schools, and other nonprofit organizations, known as benevolent organizations. Oregon state law requires temporary restaurant licenses for holiday events which help to ensure safe food practices and reduce the likelihood of food-borne illness.

To obtain a “Benevolent Temporary License” an application must be completed and submitted to Multnomah County Health Department 15 days prior to the event. Application questions include:

· what foods are to be served

· what type of kitchen equipment will be used

· date and location of the event.

· contact information for operator.

Read more and discuss: Temporary restaurant licenses required for holiday events

» November 12, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog

Jeff in the news - urban agriculture

Jeff's County Digs program is still going strong in East Portland. Check out this story in the Portland Tribune.

Discuss: Jeff in the news - urban agriculture

» November 10, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog, News, Sustainability

Comment period begins for Sellwood Bridge study

Multnomah County is accepting public comments on a study of five build alternatives and a no build option for the Sellwood Bridge. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) compares impacts of the alternatives in areas such as cost, residential and business relocations, bridge closure periods, traffic flow, and flexibility for future travel needs. The public can comment on the study and share their preferred alternative via an online survey from November 7 through December 22. Public input will factor into the selection of a locally preferred alternative in early 2009. Citizens have a number of ways to learn about and comment on the alternatives study:

· Where to find the Draft EIS: The 450-page document and a 38-page executive summary are available: Online at www.sellwoodbridge.org

o At Multnomah County and Clackamas County branch libraries (reference desk)

· How to provide comments: Comments received during the official comment period (November 7 to December 22) will be responded to in the Final EIS.

o Online: At www.sellwoodbridge.org

o In Writing: Written comments should be mailed to Sellwood Bridge Project, 2020 SE 4th Ave., Portland, OR 97201. Comment forms are also available at community briefings and the public hearing (described below).

o Open house/public hearing: An open house will be held on Wednesday, December 10 from 6 pm to 8:30 pm at OMSI, 1945 SE Water Ave., with a formal public hearing from 7 pm to 8:30 pm. Written and oral comments will be taken at the open house and hearing.

· Take the online survey: An online survey is available at www.sellwoodbridge.org through December 22. The short survey is an informal poll to gauge community preferences on the alternatives. Survey comments are not included in the Final EIS.

· Attend a community briefing: Four identical one-hour briefings will share highlights of the draft EIS findings. If you cannot attend a briefing, watch a video of the presentation at www.sellwoodbridge.org.

Briefings are:

o November 10 at 6 pm and 7:15 pm at the Multnomah Building Boardroom, 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd.

o November 13 at 6 pm and 7:15 pm at Oaks Park Dance Pavilion, 7100 SE Oaks Park Way

The purpose of the current project is to identify a long-term solution to repair or replace the 82-year-old Sellwood Bridge.

Discuss: Comment period begins for Sellwood Bridge study

» November 7, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog

St Johns Farmers Market meeting Nov. 6th

The St. Johns Farmers Market Committee would like to invite the community to our next meeting on Nov. 6, where we will hold a visioning session to determine our mission, goals and strategies for bringing a farmers market to St. Johns in 2009. We welcome anyone who is interested and look forward to hearing diverse perspectives so we can ensure this market serves the entire St. Johns community, as well as North Portland and beyond.

Our meeting will be held Thursday, November 6th, from 7 pm-8:30 pm at the St. Johns Community Center, Room 4. Light beverages and snacks will be served.

To receive updates, notifications and general information on our efforts, please email stjohnsfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

Hope to see you there!

Discuss: St Johns Farmers Market meeting Nov. 6th

» November 3, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog

Josiah Hill Clinic Receives EPA Care Grant

A Multnomah County partner, the Josiah Hill III Clinic, is the recipient of a $210,950 Environmental Protection Agency CARE grant. Jeff was at the celebration in Peninsula Park last Friday to congratulate the Josiah Hill team.

From the announcment:

The primary purpose of the grant is to reduce health risks due to exposure to environmental pollutants, specifically chemicals found in and around homes, by utilizing a community-based collaborative approach. The projects Josiah Hill Clinic will conduct include:

- Community organizing and training along with healthy environment check-ups in partnership with Multnomah County Environment Health;

- Developing a local benefit analysis of green housing/maintenance and working with property owners and managers of multi-family housing to encourage the use of green, or less toxic products in partnership with Enterprise Community Partner; and

- Developing a local business inventory to identify access sources for green products and services that residents and property owners may utilize as they take actions to reduce chemicals and toxins.

Josiah Hill III Clinic’s project partners and supporters include: Enterprise Community Partners, Multnomah County Environmental Health, Portland State University, North/Northeast Business Association, Metro, and North/Northeast Portland neighborhood residents.

Congrats to the Josiah Hill team!

Read more about it in the Skanner.

Discuss: Josiah Hill Clinic Receives EPA Care Grant

» October 31, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Front Page News, Human Services, Inner NE, Sustainability

County seeks comment on menu labeling rules

Multnomah County Health Department is coordinating a rule-making process on the implementation and enforcement of the Chain Restaurant Nutrition Labeling Policy Order, passed in July 2008. The policy requires chain restaurants located in Multnomah County with at least 15 outlets nationwide to post nutrition information for customers.

According to health officials, approximately 500 restaurants in Multnomah County will be affected by the rule, and initial estimates indicate that there are less than a dozen chains in the county not already impacted by menu labeling requirements adopted in other jurisdictions. Technical assistance is available from the health department to help restaurants comply with the nutrition labeling requirements.

The county is seeking comment on draft rules to determine how the menu labeling policy will be executed and enforced. The draft rules are available on the Health Department website at www.mchealth.org or by calling 503-988-3674, ext. 26401.

Read more and discuss: County seeks comment on menu labeling rules

» October 28, 2008 - 2 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog

Calling local North Portland vendors

St. Johns Booksellers is organizing a little mini-mall activity in the bookstore for Saturday, 15 November, 1-5pm. They are inviting a few local, online or home-based retailers to set up tables and offer their wares during that time. There will also have a local cookbook author doing a short recipe demo during that time. Would you like to have a table?

Read more and discuss: Calling local North Portland vendors

» October 27, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News

Multnomah County Elections offers voters assistance

Multnomah County Elections today reminded registered voters to who have not yet received their ballots to contact elections officials before the November 4 General Election. Voters who have other questions can also seek assistance by calling or visiting the Elections office.

Multnomah County voters who are currently registered should have received their ballot. Voters who have not received their ballot should call Multnomah County Elections at 503-988-3720. Voters registered in other Oregon counties should call their county elections office.

The Multnomah County Elections Office will be open to the public and available to answer calls with extended election hours:

· Monday to Friday, October 27 to 31, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

· Saturday, November 1, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

· Monday, November 3, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

· Election Day, November 4, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The Multnomah County Elections office is located at 1040 SE Morrison Street, Portland. The phone number is 503-988-3720.

Voted ballots must be received at any Elections Office in the state of Oregon or Official Drop Site location by 8:00 p.m., November 4. Ballot drop boxes are located outside the Multnomah County Elections Office on SE 11th Ave. southbound and SE Belmont St. eastbound. Additional ballot drop sites are located at any Multnomah County Library and other locations throughout the area. A complete list is located http://www.mcelections.org/.

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» October 23, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog

Oct. 29 open house for Bonny Slope West plan

An open house has been scheduled for a project that will develop a land use plan for how an unincorporated area of Multnomah County that is within the region’s Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) will develop in the future. The area, known as Bonny Slope West, includes roughly 160 acres and is less than a mile west of the City of Portland boundary. The area is currently semi-rural and is between NW Thompson and NW Laidlaw Roads adjacent to the Multnomah/ Washington county boundary.

The open house will be on Wednesday, October 29 at Terra Nova High School at 10351 NW Thompson Road. The drop-in event will run from 6:30 pm to 8 pm, with a presentation at 7 pm.

Read more and discuss: Oct. 29 open house for Bonny Slope West plan

» October 22, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog

Active Culture

Two months after the low-car diet ended, I can honestly say it rocked my world. Sure, I'm driving my car now and again for long trips. But mostly, I walk. I meander, discovering new shops, restaurants and neighborhoods I didn't know existed when I was worrying about racing through a yellow stoplight and changing my radio station at the same time.

So this afternoon - this amazingly beautiful fall afternoon - I used my break to walk down to a place I'd discovered on a previous walk, Active Culture. It's a locally-owned frozen yogurt place in the Grand Central Bowling Building on 8th between SE Belmont and Morrison. AND, let me tell you that this yogurt isn't the tasteless, bland, wanna-be ice cream you remember from that brief fro-yo bubble in the 80's.

This is frozen yogurt that is unafraid to be yogurt. It's tart. It's sweet. It's non-fat and swimming with active probiotic cultures. It has to be tried to be believed. The only thing wrong with the place is that it's not in Jeff's District! This time, I got the plain tart/black cherry swirl with gummi bears (Yeah, gummi bears!). I also tried their seasonal Pumpkin Spice and WOW, it was a wee bit o' heaven.

That's all for today's District 2 local business report. If you know of another great local business someone in our office should walk to, send an email to marissa.d.madrigal @ co.multnomah.or.us

Go outside!

Discuss: Active Culture

» October 22, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Marissa's Blog

Pizzicato gets kudos for kicking off menu labeling

Pizzicato made The Oregonian's blog editorial page yesterday for kicking off menu labeling for Multnomah County:

In a gutsy move, Pizzicato has volunteered to be the test case in Multnomah County's new experiment in placing calories on menus. We supported this move enthusiastically, by the way. And although it is courageous, Pizzicato's decision is also shrewd for three reasons:

1. It's always better to be first, and get credit for jumping in, rather than being dragged in. No guts, no glory.

2. By going first, Pizzicato will help to shape the county's way of enforcing its new nutrition requirements. That's sort of like being in on the ordering of the pizza, rather than waiting to be presented with a pie accompli.

3. And Pizzicato will position itself as a hip, nutritious and, well, transparent. choice. All right, that's not the best word to describe pizza. But by embracing the requirements, Pizzicato sends the message: Hey, we've got nothing to hide. The average slice of an 18-inch cheeze pizza, by the way, has from 230 to 250 calories in it, according to Pizzicato's owner and founder, Marc Frankel.

Read the rest over there.

Discuss: Pizzicato gets kudos for kicking off menu labeling

» October 21, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog

PDC Seeking Projects in Convention Center URA

The Portland Development Commission is seeking new projects in the Oregon Convention Center Urban Renewal Area. They are holding an informational session next Wednesday, October 29th, 4:30 to 5:30pm.
details are here
From the Daily Journal of Commerce:
"The PDC is currently deciding how to distribute funding within its commercial redevelopment program, which provides financial aid for property development and rehabilitation that supports the goals of urban renewal. If a project receives funding, the money typically goes toward acquisition, pre-development, construction and financing costs. Projects eligible for funding include the redevelopment of vacant buildings, preservation of historic buildings and transit-oriented development. The Convention Center urban renewal area encompasses 593 acres in Northeast Portland and is set to expire in 2013."

Read more and discuss: PDC Seeking Projects in Convention Center URA

» October 20, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Inner NE, Neighborhoods, News, Warren's Blog

LGBT History of the week

What's With All Those Symbols?
Although LGBT people have existed in every culture, much of written history omits their existence and contributions. LGBT people have often been forced to hide their behavior and identity in order to avoid ridicule, imprisonment, or even death. Until the late 20th century, it was widely believed in the Western world that non-mainstream forms of sexuality and gender identity were mental illnesses.

Read more and discuss: LGBT History of the week

» October 17, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog

Commissioners Award Grant to Hacienda's Micro Mercante Program

Today the Board of Commissioners unanimously awarded Hacienda CDC a one-time grant to expand their successful Micro Mercantes micro-enterprise project. Jeff and Maria Rojo de Steffey proposed this $36,000 grant that will leverage private donations to pay for a commercial upgrade of an existing kitchen at NE Portland's Ortiz Center.

The new commercial kitchen will provide a permanent home for the program and allow Hacienda to expand participation to new individuals. A permanent kitchen also means that fans of Micro Mercantes' fresh farmers market tamales and horchata, may soon be able to buy them in stores or by special order.

Read more and discuss: Commissioners Award Grant to Hacienda's Micro Mercante Program

» October 16, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News

Photos of the day

The Board had a lively day today. First, because of Jeff's County Digs program, OSALT , Oregon's sustainable agricultural land trust received a transfer of county land to start growing food.

Second, the county granted some funds to help Hacienda build a kitchen to help their micro merchants program.

Check out the photos of our day on Jeff's Flickr page.

Discuss: Photos of the day

» October 16, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog

It's election season...do you have your voters guide?

I opened my little mailbox the other day and my ballot pamphlet jumped out at me. It is big, but worth the read. Want to read it online? Visit our Elections Division website here. Our voters guide is online and can help you navigate the candidates and the issues.

If you have any questions you can post them here and we'll help you find your way.

Discuss: It's election season...do you have your voters guide?

» October 14, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog

Get ready for flu season

Flu season is beginning and health officials encourage the public to get vaccinated early. Vaccine is arriving at numerous locations, including grocery stores and health care providers. This year’s vaccine is in plentiful supply and is formulated to protect against three new strains of the virus.

According to the Oregon Department of Human Services Public Health Division, nearly 450 Oregonians die of influenza every year. Influenza and related pneumonia is the number one cause of death from infections in Oregon. Nationally, more than 220,000 people are hospitalized with flu complications and flu kills more than 36,000 people annually.

“It is especially important to get vaccinated if you are at greater risk of developing serious flu-related complications, such as pneumonia,” says Paul Lewis, M.D., Deputy Tri-County Health Officer. Groups at higher risk include children aged 6 months to 5 years, pregnant women, people 50 years of age and older, people with chronic medical conditions, and anyone living in a nursing home or long-term care facility.

This year, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all children from 6 months to 18 years receive flu shots. Children are twice as likely to get influenza as adults. Caregivers, family members, and those who work with higher risk groups are also encouraged to be immunized.

For more information on flu shot locations, call 1-800-SAFENET, or visit www.getaflushot.com or www.flucliniclocator.org

Read more and discuss: Get ready for flu season

» October 13, 2008 - 1 comments - Children and Families, Front Page News, Karol's Blog

October is LGBT History Month

We honor the rights and lives of our LGBT community not just this month, but every month and celebrate with our friends. October 11th is National Coming Out Day and our team will be at the Basic Rights Oregon dinner. National Coming Out Day was founded by Robert Eichberg and Jean O'Leary on October 11, 1988 in celebration of the first gay march on Washington D.C. a year earlier. The purpose of the march and of National Coming Out Day is to promote government and public awareness of gay, bisexual, lesbian and transgender rights. National Coming Out Day is a time to publicly display gay pride. Many choose this day to come out to their parents, friends, co-workers and themselves.

Read more and discuss: October is LGBT History Month

» October 10, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog

Use Google search on Jeff's site

We've just added a Google search box to our website (look to your right). Not only can you search for information on District two or just about Jeff, but you can use it to search about anything in Multnomah County. Is there something you can't find? Let us know and we'll add it to our Google engine.

Let us know what you think!

Discuss: Use Google search on Jeff's site

» October 10, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News

Big Breakthrough on County Veterans Service Officer Funding

County Veterans Service Officers are at work everyday in each Oregon County, assisting veterans with claims for benefits from the Federal Veterans Administration (VA). These claims tend to be complex, and often times veterans face arbitrary delays and unjust denials. Multnomah County's team of County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs)--like other CVSOs around the state--advocate for veterans' benefit claims, taking on the VA bureaucracy for clients who cannot do so effectively themselves, fighting for every dollar their clients deserve.

Read more and discuss: Big Breakthrough on County Veterans Service Officer Funding

» October 10, 2008 - 0 comments - Budget, Front Page News, Issues, News, Warren's Blog

Multnomah County Elections announces extended office hours prior to voter registration deadline

The Multnomah County Elections Office will be open to the public on:

· Saturday, October 11: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

· Tuesday, October 14: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

· Regular office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday.

Multnomah County will be open to the public on Saturday, October 11 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday, October 14 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for Oregon residents needing to register for the November 4 Election. The Voter Registration deadline is Tuesday, October 14.
The Multnomah County Elections office is located at 1040 SE Morrison Street, Portland. Voter registration cards are available at any Oregon elections office, most banks, post offices, DMV offices, the government section of the phone book and online here.

Voter registration cards can be delivered to the Multnomah County Elections office until 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14. Registration cards sent by mail must be postmarked by October 14.

Ballots will be mailed Oct. 17. Election Day is Tuesday, November 4.

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

Cell Phone Recycling starts at Multnomah County!

Today, Multnomah County will begin recycling cell phones in the Multnomah Building and 10 other collection centers throughout the county. This follows a resolution introduced by Commissioner Jeff Cogen and passed unanimously by the Board of County Commissioners earlier this year. The county is partnering with Wireless Alliance – an electronics recycler – to collect and recycle community phones and MP3 players. There is no cost to the county or to residents who bring in their equipment.

The cell phone recycling boxes will be in the following county locations: McCoy Building, North Portland Health Clinic, Elections Building, Yeon Annex, Mid-County Health Clinic, Multnomah County East Building, Multnomah Building, Central Library, Midland Library, Hillsdale Library, and Gresham Library. Residents may bring any type of cell phone, smart phone or mp3 player to be recycled.

Read more and discuss: Cell Phone Recycling starts at Multnomah County!

» October 8, 2008 - 6 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Inner NE, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland, Outer NE

Request for Public Comment - Chain Restaurant Nutrition Labeling Policy Order 08-114

Background: A Chain Restaurant Nutrition Labeling Policy Order was passed in July 2008 by the Multnomah County Board of County Commissioners, acting as Board of Health. The policy requires chain restaurants located in Multnomah County with at least 15 outlets anywhere in the country to: 1) post calorie information for standard menu items on printed menus, menu boards, and food tags and 2) provide information about sodium, carbohydrates, trans fat, and saturated fat for standard menu items upon request by consumers at the time of ordering. By providing nutrition information to customers at the time of ordering, restaurants will play an important role in enabling the dining-out public to make informed choices about what they eat.

Thursday November 6th
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Southeast Health Center
3653 SE 34th Ave. downstairs auditorium
Portland, OR 97202

Thursday November 20th
6:00 – 8:00 PM
426 SW Stark St., 10th Floor
Portland, OR 97232

Read more and discuss: Request for Public Comment - Chain Restaurant Nutrition Labeling Policy Order 08-114

» October 8, 2008 - 1 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog

IRCO Champions Give Jeff a Signed Game Ball

Jeff Cogen and the Board of County Commissioners hosted some special guests at their last meeting. Team BBC, winners of their second straight championship in the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization's (IRCO) FIRE summer basketball league, visited Jeff's office and were honored at a ceremony during the October 2nd Board meeting.

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» October 7, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Front Page News, Human Services, Outer NE, Warren's Blog

Jeff Cogen, star of Candidates Gone Wild

This year, Jeff is the star of Candidates Gone Wild! Ok, maybe not the star of the show, but he's hosting the County Q&A section and I have it on good advice that he is hilarious. The event is coming up on October 13th at the Roseland Theater. Tickets are available at their website.

For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, Candidates Gone Wild is a political variety show featuring local candidates, local elected officials, local Portland stars and a crowd full people ready to learn about local politics with a bit of a laugh, too. Join us, Jeff will be a riot.

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» October 7, 2008 - 1 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog

Salmon Festival Oct. 11 - 12

The annual Salmon Festival takes place the weekend of October 11- 12 at Oxbow Park east of Gresham. The festival celebrates the return of the fall Chinook salmon to the Sandy River and inspires protection of native salmon and their habitat. Multnomah County is working to help restore salmon runs and the County's Land Use and Transportation Program will have a booth display at the festival showcasing our efforts to improve passage and habitat for migratory fish.

The festival runs from 10:30 am to 5 pm each day and includes displays, activities for kids and grown-ups, food booths, and entertainment. There are tented areas in case of rain. You should also be able to see returning salmon in the Sandy River.

Admission is $8 per vehicle.

Directions: From I-84, take the Troutdale exit (17). Go past the truck stop to the light. Turn right on 257th, go 3 miles to Division Street. Turn left onto Division. Follow the signs 6.5 miles and turn left. Follow the road to the park.

For more information, click here.

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» October 6, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog

"Murmurs" about Jeff

The Willamette Week is murmuring about Jeff in this week's edition:

Pizzicato has agreed to act as a cheese-covered guinea pig for Multnomah County’s plan to put calorie counts on menus of chains with local outlets (see “Food Fight,” WW, July 16, 2008). The idea behind Pizzicato owners Tracy and Mark Frankel marking calories in some of their 19 locations? To test the effect on customer choices compared to stores that don’t display calorie counts.

Read the rest over there.

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» October 3, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog

Health care goes mobile

Multnomah County Health Department’s Mobile Medical Van expands into East County

The Multnomah County Health Department’s Mobile Medical Clinic has expanded its services into Rockwood. The mobile clinic delivers primary care services to medically needy families and individuals throughout Multnomah County who are currently without health care. The 40-foot clinic provides access to medical care, lab, and screening services at seven designated “host” social service agencies.

According to a recent study of community need in Multnomah, Washington and Yamhill Counties conducted by Providence Health Services, the Rockwood zip code had the highest Community Need Index of all zip codes in the tri-county area. Residents in Rockwood are disproportionately uninsured with 20 percent to 30 percent of the residents lacking health insurance, compared to a county-wide rate of 17 percent.

The Health Department received $25,000 each from Pacific Source Foundation and Providence Health System to establish a site in Rockwood for the first year. In addition, the program receives $123,000 from United Way to help provide mental health care and a $300,000 federal grant from Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), as well as Multnomah County general fund.

The grand opening of the Mobile Medical Clinic’s Rockwood site will be held:

Tuesday, October 7, 2008
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Human Solutions Employment /Gresham Police Department's Rockwood Community Offices
18709 SE Stark St.
503-548-0284

Read more and discuss: Health care goes mobile

» October 2, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Front Page News, Human Services, Karol's Blog

November general election preparations for Multnomah County

From the Elections Office:

Elections Office customer service improvements and efficiencies:
o Added two more work stations at the front counter for a total of six
o Added one more work station behind the front counter for front counter supervisor to handle problems; this moves problems away from the front counter work flow
o Added a temporary staff person in the customer waiting area to help keep track of ballot delivery and customer flow
o Added two more phone lines and a permanent staff supervisor for the phone banks on the upper level
o Added Automated Call Distributer (ACD) to the phone system. This will allow for the queuing of calls during peak times and provide us the ability to track call volume instantaneously
o Created a detailed escalation procedure to deal with telephone system problems with County IT/ telecommunications unit
o Developed a detailed 8 pm cut off plan for election night and will be training staff and FSOs on procedures in advance

Read more and discuss: November general election preparations for Multnomah County

» October 1, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog

Rosh Hashanah - The Jewish New Year

Rosh Hashanah (Hebrew: ראש השנה‎, literally "head of the year," Biblical: IPA: [ˈɾoʃ haʃːɔˈnɔh], Israeli: [ˈʁoʃ haʃaˈna], Yiddish: [ˈroʊʃ hɑˈʃɔnə]) is a Jewish holiday commonly referred to as the "Jewish New Year." It is observed on the first day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, as ordained in the Torah, in Leviticus 23:24. Rosh Hashanah is the first of the High Holidays or Yamim Noraim ("Days of Awe"), or Asseret Yemei Teshuva (The Ten Days of Repentance) which are days specifically set aside to focus on repentance that conclude with the holiday of Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah is the start of the civil year in the Hebrew calendar (one of four "new year" observances that define various legal "years" for different purposes). It is the new year for people, animals, and legal contracts. The Mishnah also sets this day aside as the new year for calculating calendar years and sabbatical (shmita) and jubilee (yovel) years. Rosh Hashanah commemorates the creat