Seniors need to stay cool during hot weather

As Multnomah County experiences its first real heat wave this summer with temperatures expected to hover in the low 90’s over the next few days, the Aging and Disability Services Division would like to remind older adults and people with heat sensitive disabilities to take the following precautions in the hot weather:

Keep air circulating with fans; take cool sponge baths.
Go to an air-conditioned building if possible. Older adults can visit their local senior center, library, or mall.
Wear loose-fitting, light-weight clothing. If going out, wear a hat.
Drink lots of water and don’t wait to get “thirsty”.
Avoid alcohol.
Limit physical activity and direct exposure to the sun.
Check with your health care provider about how the warm weather may affect your prescription drugs.
Contact your health care provider if you experience prolonged heat-related symptoms, or if those symptoms significantly affect the ability to care for yourself.

Read more and discuss: Seniors need to stay cool during hot weather

» July 2, 2009 - 0 comments - Human Services, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Micro Mercantes' new kitchen opens; tamales coming your way!

The new kitchen for the Micro Mercantes Program at Hacienda that Jeff advocated for last year had it's grand opening yesterday. We'll all get those famous tamales, but now more of them in an efficient workspace all their own.

Where do I get these tamales deliciosos, you ask? Well, we are here to tell you:

OHSU Farmers Market
MAY 19 - OCT 6
Tuesdays 11:30-3:30
Next to OHSU Auditorium
We sell Organic tamales!

Parkrose Farmers Market
MAY 2- OCT 24
Sundays 8am- 2pm
12003 NE Shaver Street

Read more and discuss: Micro Mercantes' new kitchen opens; tamales coming your way!

» June 24, 2009 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Human Services, Karol's Blog, Outer NE, Top Stories

"Hammer Thru Humpday" for the NOPO Tool Library

From the North Portland Tool Library:

Come on over to the White Eagle to support the good community work of the North Portland Tool Library. McMenamins White Eagle has again agreed to donate 50% of the nights proceeds to the good work of NPTL.

You Eat, You Drink, North Portland Tool Library wins!
McMenamins White Eagle 836 North Russell Street, Portland
Wednesday, June 24
Starts at 5pm, music at 6:30pm
minors welcome until 8:00pm

Read more about this event at the Tool Library's website.

Discuss: "Hammer Thru Humpday" for the NOPO Tool Library

» June 22, 2009 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Top Stories

Pictures: Solar panels unveiled at the Yeon Building

Jeff unveiled the first part of the County's solar project today at the John Yeon Building. Check out the pics:

Thanks to all our partners: SunEdison, Energy Trust of Oregon, County Facilities, County Sustainability and Rich Swift.

Discuss: Pictures: Solar panels unveiled at the Yeon Building

» June 17, 2009 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

Video: Coffee with Cogen - The County's budget update

Discuss: Video: Coffee with Cogen - The County's budget update

» May 29, 2009 - 0 comments - Budget, Community Involvement, Inner NE, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Creating a "County CROPS" program to feed hungry people

On Thursday, May 28, the Multnomah County Board of County Commissioners will consider a resolution that Jeff is introducing that creates “County CROPS – Community Reaps Our Produce and Shares,” an agricultural project intended to help hungry families.

This resolution will allow for creation of an emergency farm on up to two acres of surplus county property in Troutdale. If the resolution passes, the garden will provide fresh produce to hundreds families through the Oregon Food Bank network. Currently, 36,000 people access emergency food boxes per month in Multnomah County.

Hands on Greater Portland, a volunteer-matching organization, will partner with Multnomah County to provide volunteers for special planting, gardening and harvest days for this potential project. Constant maintenance will be provided by the county’s Community Service Program, a program that offers opportunities to citizens who’ve committed non-violent, low-level crimes to pay their debt to society through community service hours.

Read more and discuss: Creating a "County CROPS" program to feed hungry people

» May 27, 2009 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

Piedmont Neighborhood Meeting This Thursday, May 28

This coming Thursday is the next Piedmont Neighborhood Meetup! The event starts at 6pm and will be held in Peninsula Park in the picnic area right next to the new spray water feature. There will be food and fun for all. To kick things off there will be a brief presentation and a Q & A session with our neighborhood's police officers as well a few other announcements. The main goals of this event are "enjoy some free food" and "meet your neighbors." Of course, PNA Board folks will be there to answer your questions about the neighborhood.

Check out PNA's website!

Discuss: Piedmont Neighborhood Meeting This Thursday, May 28

» May 27, 2009 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, North Portland, Top Stories

Libraries closed for Memorial Day

All our libraries and the Title Wave Bookstore are closed Monday, May 25th for Memorial Day.

Discuss: Libraries closed for Memorial Day

» May 21, 2009 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Libraries, Top Stories

Election Day: Cast your ballot at 17 libraries or seven other drop sites

The May 19, 2009 Special Election is here. Ballots are due by 8:00 p.m. today, Tue. May 19. Postmarks do not count.

The Multnomah County Elections division will begin releasing unofficial results at 8:00 p.m. at its office and on its website at www.mcelections.org. Unofficial election results will be updated on the website throughout Election Night as additional ballots are counted. Each report on the website will list a report number and the approximate time of the next report.

Voters are encouraged to use official ballot drop sites throughout Multnomah County. Multnomah County has seven 24-hour ballot drop sites and ballot drop-off boxes in all 17 Multnomah County Libraries. Ballot drop boxes are official and secure places for voters to deposit ballots for receipt at the Multnomah County Elections Division. Boxes will be emptied regularly and promptly at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

Voters may deposit ballots at the Multnomah County Elections Office, at 1040 SE Morrison St. An Official Drop box is located on SE 11th and on SE Belmont St. and a walk-up drop slot is available on SE Morrison St. Voters also have the option to take advantage of secure ballot drop-off locations throughout the county to minimize the need for travel and to reduce potential related traffic congestion.

The ballot drop sites are listed online or as follows:

Official 24-hour Ballot Drop sites after the jump.

Read more and discuss: Election Day: Cast your ballot at 17 libraries or seven other drop sites

» May 19, 2009 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Hullabaloo on Chair's Social Media position

Much consternation has been caused by Chair Wheeler's choice to improve his communication by adding a staffer to handle social media. As many of you know, modern media is much more than just Facebook and Twitter, but that's not what makes news. Read this memo from the Chair:

In the last few days, media outlets around the world have devoted considerable attention to a recent Multnomah County job posting. While the free advertising is likely to generate a record number of applications, that was not our intention.

I am committed to providing more and better information about what we do and how we do it because I believe that work is integral to improving the accountability of government. I am concerned that the private sector and other governments are doing a better job than we are at utilizing modern media. Therefore, I have directed Chair’s Office and Public Affairs staff to increase the use of new technologies to better communicate and interact with the public we serve.

Read more and discuss: Hullabaloo on Chair's Social Media position

» May 12, 2009 - 0 comments - Top Stories

St Johns Parade tomorrow, May 9th

The parade we wait for all year long is happening tomorrow. The St Johns Parade happens every May and it's one of our favorites. Check out our friend Lelo in Nopo's blog as she highlights the most interesting parts.

Come check out Jeff at the parade tomorrow morning!

Discuss: St Johns Parade tomorrow, May 9th

» May 8, 2009 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Top Stories

Cogen to introduce increase to the Motor Vehicle Tax

The Multnomah County Board of County Commissioners will hear a proposed ordinance change – introduced by Commissioner Jeff Cogen – to increase the current Motor Vehicle Rental Tax (MVRT) from 12.5 percent to 17 percent. The proposed increase is estimated to raise an additional $4.7 million for the County’s General Fund. The hearing is scheduled for Thursday at 9:00 a.m.

Read more and discuss: Cogen to introduce increase to the Motor Vehicle Tax

» May 6, 2009 - 3 comments - Budget, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

First probable swine flu case reported in Oregon

From the State Dept. of Health Services:

Oregon’s first probable case of swine flu was identified late Wednesday following testing by the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory.

The Oregon Public Health Department will hold a news briefing at the Portland State Office Building at 11:30 this morning. Details below.
“The probable case was in a Multnomah County adult female who consulted her physician after experiencing flu-like symptoms,” according to Dr. Mel Kohn, head of the Oregon Public Health Department. The woman, who was not hospitalized and is recovering normally, had contact with someone who had recently traveled to Mexico and been exposed to the swine flu there, he said.
The specimen from this case was sent to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for further characterization, with final results of testing expected in several days.

“It is very likely that this test will be confirmed by the final step of laboratory testing,” Kohn said. “So we are not waiting – we are treating this as a case of swine flu.”

This case is identified as probable, rather than confirmed, because the final step of testing has not yet been performed. However, she did test positive with non-typeable Influenza A. Results from the tests done so far by the CDC indicate that more than 95 percent of cases with this test result will ultimately test positive for the swine flu once the final step of testing is finished.

Portland metro area health departments are investigating the situation to identify who may have been exposed to this case, and to slow further transmission.

“Our first priorities are to provide information to people to help them protect themselves and to slow the spread of this new strain of flu virus,” said Dr. Gary Oxman, health officer for Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties.

Read more and discuss: First probable swine flu case reported in Oregon

» April 30, 2009 - 0 comments - Human Services, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Get a Clue: Jeff at Brewhaha PDX

I'm going to generously borrow from the Bus Project's Henry Kraemer on this post:

Hey all you junior sleuths,

BrewHaHa: Get a Clue About Urban Renewal is tonight. It's dark, stormy and the perfect time to uncover the secrets that live in the heart of our urban planning process.

SEE County Commissioner Jeff Cogen champion Multnomah County
HEAR State Representative Nick Kahl's concerns for underrepresented communities
FEEL the raw passion of Keith Witcosky, Portland Development Commission Government Affairs Director.
TASTE the sweet, delicious beerz.

Where: Backspace at 115 NW 5th Ave in Portland
When: 7pm-8:30pm
Who: All intelligent, attractive people in Portland who want some free fun.
Whimper: What you'll do if you miss the BrewHaHa!

Team Cogen will be Tweeting (@CogenD2) from the event, so come back and see us.

Discuss: Get a Clue: Jeff at Brewhaha PDX

» April 28, 2009 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Swine flu information

On Sunday President Obama declared a public health emergency because of the human cases of a new strain of swine influenza infection that has been identified in Mexico, the United States and several other countries with an apparent ability to spread from person to person like seasonal influenza. We know that this may be causing concern for you, your family and the people we serve in the community and we want to proactively give you information about what we know.

At this time investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the infection and whether additional people have been infected. We can anticipate that these investigations will identify more cases in both the United States and abroad. This is what public health does on a daily basis, carefully monitoring health situations and increasing surveillance efforts to understand what is going on.

At this time, there are no known cases in Oregon, hospitals have not reported an increase in serious respiratory illness, and seasonal influenza cases are declining. That being said, routine prevention efforts are extremely important in decreasing the likelihood of the spread of diseases, including swine influenza, these efforts include:

Read more and discuss: Swine flu information

» April 27, 2009 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Our new library director is...

It thrills us to no end that Vailey Oehlke is the new director of the Multnomah County libraries. She is quite the person and helped us throughout the process of siting the new North Portland library. Read more about her after the jump.

Read more and discuss: Our new library director is...

» April 20, 2009 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Libraries, Top Stories

CANCELLED: Morrison Bridge closed this weekend - April 10-13 - for lane striping

The Morrison Bridge will be open this weekend, April 10-13. Apparently, the rain will hamper the work on this project so it's postponed.

The Morrison Bridge will be closed this weekend, from 10:00 pm on Friday, April 10 until as late as 6:00 am on Monday, April 13, so that traffic lanes can be re-striped for a construction project. The bridge will reopen as soon as work is completed. A contractor is building a new path for bicyclists and pedestrians across the south side of the Morrison Bridge. The work is weather dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of heavy rain.

The bridge closure will impact motor vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians. River traffic will not be impacted. The onramp from the bridge to I-5 and I-84 and the offramp from I-5 south to downtown will be closed. The I-5 south offramp to SE Belmont St./Hwy. 99E will remain open. Motorists can access I-5 north at NE Broadway and N Williams Ave. and enter I-84 eastbound at NE Grand Ave. and NE Everett St.

Alternate river crossings include the Hawthorne, Burnside and Steel bridges. During the closure, TriMet’s 14-Hawthorne route will cross the Hawthorne Bridge westbound and the Burnside Bridge eastbound. The 15-Belmont line will use the Burnside Bridge in both directions.

Read more and discuss: CANCELLED: Morrison Bridge closed this weekend - April 10-13 - for lane striping

» April 10, 2009 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Relaxation class for family caregivers

This relaxation class is for people who are caring for a parent, spouse or child. The class will focus on easy breathing and muscle relaxation that can be done at home. “80% of long term care is provided by family members” according to Program Coordinator, Loriann McNeill, “because of this, we wanted to offer this class to support them in this important work. Taking care of others takes an extra level of energy. We hope this class will give people a chance to learn a few simple techniques that can help them find a little inner calm in their busy lives."

The class will be held at:

Overlook House, 3839 N. Melrose Drive, Thursday, April 2, 2009 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Discuss: Relaxation class for family caregivers

» April 1, 2009 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Jeff is a Public Health Hero!

Jeff is a public health hero this year and we are very excited. He'll get his award Thursday, April 9, 2009, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Read why:

John Kitzhaber Public Health Leadership Award: Commissioner Jeff Cogen led Multnomah County's efforts to adopt a chain restaurant nutrition labeling policy. This policy is a key strategy within a comprehensive approach to address growing rates of overweight and obesity in our community. Over half of adults in Multnomah County are overweight or obese, putting them at risk for a variety of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Commissioner Cogen was steadfast in his commitment to make nutrition information available to the dining out public, and because of his leadership, Multnomah County will become the third jurisdiction in the country to implement menu labeling.

Read about the rest of the award winners after the jump!

Read more and discuss: Jeff is a Public Health Hero!

» March 31, 2009 - 0 comments - Human Services, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Hearing tonight about Cesar Chavez street renaming 3/23

Supporters in Portland are advocating that a street be named after the late farm worker advocate, Cesar Chavez. The street options are: NE Broadway, NE Grand or the whole of 39th ave. The first public hearing is tonight from 6 to 9pm at the Metro Regional Center, 600 NE Grand Ave. If you are interested in either side of the issue, attend this meeting.

Discuss: Hearing tonight about Cesar Chavez street renaming 3/23

» March 23, 2009 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Construction of Morrison Bridge bike / ped path begins

Construction of a new path for bicyclists and pedestrians across the Morrison Bridge will begin next week (March 23, 2009).

The new shared, 15-foot wide path will be added on the south side of the bridge, between SW Alder St. and SW Naito Parkway on the westside and SE Water Ave. on the eastside. According to the City of Portland, bicyclists accounted for 16,700 daily trips across the four most bike-friendly Willamette River bridges (the Broadway, Burnside, Hawthorne, and Steel) in 2008. The Morrison Bridge has the lowest use of the five downtown bridges open to bicyclists.

The bridge’s six traffic lanes will be narrowed and the southernmost eastbound lane will be closed during construction. A weekend bridge closure will be required in the next month, weather permitting, to reconfigure traffic lanes. No date has been set for the bridge closure. At other times the bridge will remain open during construction. The south sidewalk will be closed during the project but the north sidewalk will remain open.

Read more and discuss: Construction of Morrison Bridge bike / ped path begins

» March 20, 2009 - 4 comments - Karol's Blog, Top Stories

County healthy eating active living in the Oregonian

Our health department's Healthy Eating Active Living program (HEAL) does wonderful work for the kids and families in St. Johns and Portsmouth neighborhood schools. Our office is currently working with HEAL, Parks and other neighborhood activists to create a community garden in the abandoned Clarendon Elementary.

Read The Oregonian story here.

Discuss: County healthy eating active living in the Oregonian

» March 19, 2009 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Human Services, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Top Stories

Jefferson High School presents the first annual Carbon Footprint Fair!

Attend the Jefferson HS Carbon Footprint Fair - Wed., March 18th from 12-6pm - and learn what you can do to reduce yours and live more sustainably. Jefferson students will help you to calculate yours and make more sustainable choices. Come see a hybrid vehicle, how to take advantage of local foods, ways to reduce your dependence on non-renewable energy and much more. Gifts to help you reduce, reuse and recycle as supplies last. This event is free and open to the public.

Discuss: Jefferson High School presents the first annual Carbon Footprint Fair!

» March 17, 2009 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sustainability, Top Stories

Library’s used bookstore closed for construction March 16-20

The Title Wave Used Bookstore will be closed from Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20 during the first phase of construction of an access ramp to the store. The store will reopen for its 21st Anniversary Sale, Saturday, March 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Proceeds from the volunteer-operated Title Wave Used Bookstore benefit Multnomah County Library. The Title Wave is located at 216 N.E. Knott St., Portland. Regular store hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 503.988.5021.

Discuss: Library’s used bookstore closed for construction March 16-20

» March 13, 2009 - 0 comments - Inner NE, Karol's Blog, Libraries, Top Stories

MLS deal will hurt Multnomah County

This is what Jeff said in The Mercury yesterday:
"Every dollar that goes into urban renewal includes 26 cents that would otherwise be going to Multnomah county's general fund in taxes," says Multnomah County Commissioner Jeff Cogen. "Multnomah County really protects public safety and helps poor people. We're looking at a $45m budget hole right now, and to take money away from those needs at this time really calls into question what our priorities are as a community."

"The average person in this community hears urban renewal and their eyes glaze over," Cogen continues. "And because nobody understands it, there's this opportunity to abuse the system."

I think that sums it up.

Discuss: MLS deal will hurt Multnomah County

» March 10, 2009 - 4 comments - Budget, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Fighting for the #33 bus line

We've heard concerns from several of our neighbors about the termination of the #33 bus line and I've sent a letter to Fred Hansen and the TriMet Board of Directors urging them to reexamine the proposed closure of the line. We disagree with the notion that other Northeast Portland TriMet routes adequately serve public needs in these neighborhoods.

Thousands of riders use the #33 bus line for trips that don’t begin, end or pass through downtown Portland. Many of these trips are on the east-west portion of the route on NE Freemont St. NE Broadway and NE Killingsworth are the next nearest east-west routes, both of which are about a one mile walk from NE Freemont. Of further concern to me are the hundreds of students attending one of the eight schools on or near the #33 route.

Contact Trimet

Read more and discuss: Fighting for the #33 bus line

» March 6, 2009 - 0 comments - Budget, Children and Families, Community Involvement, Jeff's Blog, Top Stories

Chair Wheeler's memo regarding upcoming layoffs

This morning, all County employees received a e-memo from Chair Ted Wheeler announcing budget shortfalls and upcoming layoffs for some employees. Read the full memo after the jump.

Read more and discuss: Chair Wheeler's memo regarding upcoming layoffs

» March 3, 2009 - 0 comments - Budget, Karol's Blog, News, Top Stories

No merit or cost of living increase for County management

Today, Chair Wheeler sent a memo to all County management staff letting them know that he has not included a merit increase or cost of living increase in next year's executive budget.

See the memo after the jump.

Read more and discuss: No merit or cost of living increase for County management

» February 27, 2009 - 0 comments - Budget, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Multnomah Co budget picture isn't pretty

From The Oregonian:

Wednesday, February 18, 2009
NIKOLE HANNAH-JONES
The Oregonian Staff

The lousy budget news keeps coming for Multnomah County.

The budget could fall $45 million short of what the county needs to cover expenses over the next two years, county officials learned Tuesday. The newest forecast is $10 million more than the October budget projection's most pessimistic estimate and on top of an expected $18 million in state cuts, which also could rise when the state comes out with its new budget projections Friday.

The county's forecast change is driven mainly by plummeting business income taxes, the county's second-largest source of revenue. The budget office assumed that revenue would drop 16 percent, but it's now predicting a decline of 31 percent as the recession deepens.

Read more and discuss: Multnomah Co budget picture isn't pretty

» February 19, 2009 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Multnomah County Auditor Griffin-Valade announces departure

Multnomah County Auditor LaVonne Griffin-Valade today announced her intention to resign effective Monday, March 2, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. to run for Portland City Auditor in the May 19 special election. Multnomah County charter requires a resignation once filing for another office. The Multnomah County Charter requires an elected official who is running for another elected position mid-term to resign. Actual filing as a candidate triggers resignation.

In her announcement to the Board of County Commissioners, Griffin-Valade said, “It has been an honor to serve as Multnomah County Auditor, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of the Auditor’s Office for more than a decade.” In thanking her staff, she said, “They have taught me a great deal and made me a better steward of the public’s trust, and I am proud of what we accomplished together.”

Read more and discuss: Multnomah County Auditor Griffin-Valade announces departure

» February 17, 2009 - 0 comments - Top Stories

New bill could be boost for green roofs

BY SAM BENNETT, Daily Journal of Commerce

In an ideal world, Steven Peck would like to see green roofs dominate every city. Realistically, he would settle for at least a few here and there.

“It’s likely that in most cities, probably 5 to 10 percent of all existing buildings have enough structural capacity and slope to support green roof technologies,” said Peck, founder and president of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities. “Green roofs aren’t always the solution, but over the long term they can deliver a lot of very tangible public benefits, in terms of air pollution and managing storm water effectively.”

Read more and discuss: New bill could be boost for green roofs

» February 13, 2009 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

Join Jeff for a bagel on 2/11 at Noah's on Hawthorne

What are you doing today, Feb 11th, between 10am and 11am? Come join Jeff as he gives the community the first look at what menu labeling will look like in Multnomah County. Jeff will be at Noah's Bagels on SE Hawthorne to talk with the media and visitors about the upcoming policy and the roll out over the next few months. Come join us for a bagel!

Discuss: Join Jeff for a bagel on 2/11 at Noah's on Hawthorne

» February 10, 2009 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

A new website for all that's fun in Portland

Friend of district two, Byron Beck, has a new website about what's going on in Portland. It's a little bit culture, a little bit gossip, and a lot of fun. Check it out here.

Discuss: A new website for all that's fun in Portland

» February 10, 2009 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Top Stories

Menu Labeling: What’s next for Multnomah County?

Lillian Shirley is the director of the Multnomah County Health Department

Recently in The Oregonian’s online blog “The Stump,” new columnist Elizabeth Hovde called for the revocation of Multnomah County’s recent passage of menu labeling. She said: “If I want someone telling me how many calories I am about to consume, I'll join Jenny Craig or hire a personal trainer.” While that may be an option that is available for Ms. Hovde, it is not affordable for thousands of Oregonians that are suffering from heart disease, diabetes, or other health concerns that stem from obesity. Menu labeling does not solve obesity, but it is a vital piece of the puzzle as we try to tackle this issue county-wide.

Read more and discuss: Menu Labeling: What’s next for Multnomah County?

» February 3, 2009 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Human Services, Sustainability, Top Stories

Video: The dangers of idling you vehicle

One of Jeff's constituents sent us this video on the issue of idling from New York City. Multnomah County has a similar anti-idling policy for all of our fleet of vehicles. Check it out:

Discuss: Video: The dangers of idling you vehicle

» January 30, 2009 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

What if everybody read the same book?

What if everybody read the same book? We'd talk to each other about issues that matter and we'd celebrate the power of books in creating a stronger community. That's the spirit behind Multnomah County's Everybody Reads program.

This year's book is Stubborn Twig: Three Generations in the LIfe of a Japanese American Family by Lauren Kessler. Visit any branch and get a copy. Check out subsequent events and have fun with your neighbors talking about this wonderful book.

Discuss: What if everybody read the same book?

» January 16, 2009 - 1 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Libraries, Top Stories

Make MLK Jr. Day a day of service

The original purpose of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday was for Americans to celebrate a day of service - a day on, not a day off. There are volunteers needed all over Multnomah County, especially now. Please visit Hands on Greater Portland to see opportunities that are available this coming three-day weekend.

Wonder what kinds of projects Hands on Greater Portland offers? Check out this video:

Discuss: Make MLK Jr. Day a day of service

» January 14, 2009 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Wonder what's in your cleaning products?

Multnomah County's Green Team sent us this valuable link that helps folks figure out what's in their cleaning products. It's sponsored by Seventh Generation, makers of "green" cleaning supplies. Check it out.

Discuss: Wonder what's in your cleaning products?

» January 12, 2009 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

Donate food, clothes for those in need

Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler recently joined with leaders the Oregon Food Bank, Human Solutions and Northwest Pilot Project to challenge the community to donate food, winter clothing and other essentials to support people in need.

Oregon Food Bank’s “Most wanted foods” are:

•canned meats, such as tuna, chicken and salmon
•canned or boxed meals, such as soup, chili, stew, macaroni and cheese
•peanut butter
•canned or dried beans or peas
•pasta or rice
•cereal
•canned fruits
•fruit juice in cans, plastic bottles or boxes

See the rest of the needs after the jump!

Read more and discuss: Donate food, clothes for those in need

» January 8, 2009 - 3 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Homeless, Human Services, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Three new commissioners are swearing in today

Today at noon, three new members of the Multnomah County Board of County Commissioners will be sworn in to their new offices by County Attorney Agnes Sowle. The ceremony will take place in the first floor Board Room of the Multnomah Building at 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd.

Commissioner-Elect Deborah Kafoury will represent District 1.
Commissioner-Elect Judy Shiprack will represent District 3.
Commissioner-Elect Diane McKeel will represent District 4.

A map of each district in Multnomah County is located here.

Each of the new Commissioners has been elected to a four-year term of service. The oath will affirm their support for the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Oregon and the home rule charter of Multnomah County.

The ceremony is open to all.

Discuss: Three new commissioners are swearing in today

» January 5, 2009 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Happy New Year!

Discuss: Happy New Year!

» December 31, 2008 - 4 comments - Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Shelter from the storm: Pets at Animal Services await owners

As residents recover from the region’s massive recent winter storm, Multnomah County Animal Services (MCAS) is seeking to reunite lost pets with their owners. Those who lost a pet during the storm are asked to please visit Multnomah County Animal Services in Troutdale to reclaim lost pets. People who have room in their heart and home are encouraged to come adopt animals that weathered the storm at the shelter.

During the event, officers went out on 71 calls, including 18 animal rescues, 19 welfare checks (dogs left outside without shelter and/or abandoned), eight loose aggressive calls of dogs attacking people (including four bite cases), 16 dead animal calls, and protective custody calls, including a fatal car accident with two dogs in the car.

Read more and discuss: Shelter from the storm: Pets at Animal Services await owners

» December 30, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Video: Sneak peek at our holiday video

Discuss: Video: Sneak peek at our holiday video

» December 17, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

'Fill-up' for Oregon-bound electric: under $1

Jeff is helping Oregon get ready for electric cars. Read about it in The Oregonian here.

Come back and let us know what you think.

Discuss: 'Fill-up' for Oregon-bound electric: under $1

» December 12, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

Human Solutions' warming center for the homeless

NEW PROGRAM:
HOMELESS FAMILIES WARMING CENTER
OPEN DECEMBER THROUGH APRIL

LOCATION: 1435 NE 81st Avenue, Portland, or 97213

The Homeless Families Warming Center offers homeless families a warm place to stay from 7pm to 7am – so families and their children don’t have to sleep out in the cold. No singles are allowed.

If you know of any families that may be sleeping in cars, in unheated homes, or outside, please let them know that the Warming Center is open nightly at 7pm. If you have questions about the Warming Center, please call Becky Mullins at 503-256-2280.

Discuss: Human Solutions' warming center for the homeless

» December 8, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Ted Wheeler gets a flu shot...and lets us watch

Discuss: Ted Wheeler gets a flu shot...and lets us watch

» December 2, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Human Services, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

World AIDS Day

For more information, visit the World AIDS Campaign.

Discuss: World AIDS Day

» December 1, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Our favorite foods: Thanksgiving edition

Oh Thanksgiving, the most delicious of all holidays. We get all of the family and friendship we need, but none of the guilt of buying the right gift for your wayward cousin or uncle. We also get to focus on our favorite foods that we only eat once or twice a year. Does anyone eat candied yams in July? I definitely do not roast a turkey in August. Here are some of our team's faves:

Jeff: "Tofurkey." Our fearless, non-meat eating leader likes this interesting Thanksgiving treat. Don't know how to make it for your vegetarian friend? Read her at Vegweb.com.

Warren: "Cranberry sauce." Simple sentence, depth of flavor. Check out this Epicurious recipe.

Marissa: "Cornbread stuffing and mashed potatoes." She's keeping it classy with the delicious cornbread stuffing and potatoes. Check out both recipes at Epicurious.

Karol: Well, my favorite is apple pie, dotted with cranberries. I would make this all year long if I could. The recipe from Cooks Illustrated is here.

Discuss: Our favorite foods: Thanksgiving edition

» November 26, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Multnomah County Library closed for Thanksgiving

All Multnomah County libraries, Library Administration and The Title Wave Used Bookstore will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 27, for Thanksgiving. In addition, on Wednesday, Nov. 26, all libraries will close at 6 p.m. and The Title Wave Used Bookstore will close at 1 p.m.
Library locations and normal hours of operation are available at www.multcolib.org/hours.

Discuss: Multnomah County Library closed for Thanksgiving

» November 25, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Libraries, Top Stories

Wheeler Names McLellan Chief Operating Officer

From the Chair's Office:
Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler announced today the appointment of Jana McLellan as Chief Operating Officer. McLellan has served as Deputy Chief Operating Officer since February of this year.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Jana for the last ten months and I am confident that she is ready, willing and able to provide the aggressive leadership that Multnomah County needs as we face a daunting budget shortfall and the challenges of the current economic downturn,” said Chair Wheeler.

Read more and discuss: Wheeler Names McLellan Chief Operating Officer

» November 24, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Multnomah County's Sara Ryan Wins Oregon Book Award!

Sara Ryan, author and Multnomah County Library Teen Services Specialist, has won an Oregon Book Award for the second time - proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that Multnomah County employees ROCK!

Here's the announcement from Library Director Molly Raphael:

"Please join me in congratulating and celebrating MCL Teen Services Specialist Sara Ryan's win last night of an Oregon Book Award - the Leslie Bradshaw Award for Young Adult Literature. The book is The Rules for Hearts, and this is Sara's second win of an Oregon Book Award. We celebrate the great personal achievement that this is for Sara and are grateful to know that MCL can hold the commitment of such a dedicated and creative employee. We all wonder here how Sara can do so much for teens through our library and still find time to be an award-winning author!"

Feel free to leave a kind shout-out to Sara in the comments!

Discuss: Multnomah County's Sara Ryan Wins Oregon Book Award!

» November 12, 2008 - 0 comments - Libraries, Marissa's Blog, Top Stories

Hollywood Library has cell phone recycling!

Ask and you shall receive! The Hollywood Library branch - one of the busiest - now has a cell phone recycling box. It's located in the lobby, opposite of the book return. Bring by your phones, chargers, headsets, MP3 players and IPODs to be recycled. The other library branches that have boxes are Gresham, Central, Hillsdale and Midland.

Discuss: Hollywood Library has cell phone recycling!

» November 10, 2008 - 2 comments - Karol's Blog, Libraries, Sustainability, Top Stories

Jeff Cogen named interim chair of the Human Rights Commission

From Just Out Magazine:

The Human Rights Commission is actually a returning entity. Portland formed a similar commission in 1948, but it was cut from the budget in 2003.

Multnomah County Commissioner Jeff Cogen, the interim chairman of the group, opened the meeting with an acknowledgment of the significance of launching the commission on the day following the election of a person of color to the U.S. presidency

Discuss: Jeff Cogen named interim chair of the Human Rights Commission

» November 7, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Multnomah County Commission results too close to call

We don't yet know who Jeff's cohorts will be on the County Commission. In District 3 it's Judy Shiprack vs. Mike Delman and in District 4 it's Carla Piluso vs. Diane McKeel. It is just too close to call and our Elections Office is diligently working to get not the fast result, but the right one. Hold tight, folks.

Discuss: Multnomah County Commission results too close to call

» November 5, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

SolarWorld Grand Opening

Earlier this month, Commissioner Cogen attended the grand opening celebration of the new SolarWorld AG factory in Hillsboro. The plant is now up and running, producing thousands of photovoltaic solar cells everyday.

Read more and discuss: SolarWorld Grand Opening

» October 30, 2008 - 0 comments - Events, Sustainability, Top Stories, Warren's Blog

Who Killed the Electric Car? Let's ask Jeff.

The Sustainability Film Series continues with a showing of "Who Killed the Electric Car" at The Bagdad Theater. Jeff will be hosting this event on Sunday, October 26th at 5:00pm. You'll learn about the resistance to this alternative form of transportation and you can chat up Jeff and his opinions on these cars. Watch the clip below:

Here's the movie's official website.

Discuss: Who Killed the Electric Car? Let's ask Jeff.

» October 21, 2008 - 3 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

Voter Registration Deadline TODAY!

If you haven't yet registered to vote for the November General election, today is your last chance! New voter registrations must be dropped off at the County Elections Office or Postmarked by today, October 14th!

For your convenience:

Voter Registrations Forms can be downloaded here:

Oregon Secretary of State

Completed and Signed Voter Registration Forms can be dropped off here:

Multnomah County Elections
1040 SE Morrison St
Portland OR 97214
503-988-3720

You can get your form Postmarked TODAY as late as 8:30 pm at the Airport Post office.

7640 NE AIRPORT WAY
PORTLAND, OR 97238-9998
(503) 335-7918

Not sure if you're registered? Visit:

Voter Registration Look-up

VOTE!

Discuss: Voter Registration Deadline TODAY!

» October 14, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Time for trees from Friends of Trees

Tree plantings will start around town very soon. Visit their website and see when there are tree plantings in your neighborhood.

I got a lovely tree - a Japanese Persimmon - this January. What happens is if you want a tree, you get to volunteer. You can volunteer in several ways, not just digging holes. It's a wonderful way to get a tree and help many of your neighbors get trees at the same time.

Discuss: Time for trees from Friends of Trees

» October 6, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Five minutes with Jeff

Jeff spent five minutes with the publisher of Portland Family Magazine, Janna Mock-Lopez. You can learn a lot about a person in five minutes. Check it out!

Discuss: Five minutes with Jeff

» October 3, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Abandoned and neglected dog now the picture of health

When Dolly the Dachshund arrived at Multnomah County Animal Services (MCAS), she exhibited signs of severe animal mistreatment and neglect. But despite her obvious medical problems, MCAS staff and their veterinary hospital team were immediately captivated by Dolly’s spirit.

“She was in pretty bad shape when she arrived at the shelter, with a severe case of mange,” said Dr. Meghan Romney, head of Shelter Medicine at Multnomah County Animal Services. “Everyone who cared for her was touched by Dolly’s sweet disposition and spirit.”

Before pic of Dolly here and after pics of Dolly here.

An animal care donation fund is being re-named “Dolly’s Fund” to help finance medical care for animal patients like Dolly. “We see dozens of neglected and mistreated pets like Dolly every year, some in very serious condition. Concerned pet lovers can contribute to Dolly’s Fund to increase our ability to treat more homeless pets in our shelter hospital,” says Mike Oswald, director of Multnomah County Animal Services.

Read more and discuss: Abandoned and neglected dog now the picture of health

» October 2, 2008 - 1 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Letter from Chair Wheeler to county employees

As we watch the economic upheaval at the national level I know that you are concerned, as I am, about the impact on Multnomah County. While our national economic situation is more precarious than any time in recent memory, Multnomah County has faced a fundamental
imbalance of declining revenues and rising costs, such as inflation, for many years now.

Since I took office, fiscal stability has remained a high priority. Unfortunately, this has meant a number of staff and service reductions. As the national economic picture worsens, I expect that
even more cuts will become inevitable in the next budget cycle. These decisions are not easy, but we are committed to the belief that facing up to our challenges and taking clear, thoughtful
action will help us weather the economic storm. As we await further developments on the national scene, I wanted to share with you some analysis.

Read more and discuss: Letter from Chair Wheeler to county employees

» September 30, 2008 - 0 comments - Budget, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

new green roof opens at the Central Library

The Central Library downtown is unveiling it's newest collection: environmentally friendly plants on the new 5th floor green roof. From Maria Rojo de Steffey's office:

On Thursday, September 25, Multnomah County Commissioner Maria Rojo de Steffey will host a celebration marking the completion of a new eco-roof at the historic Central Library building. The event will take place in view of the eco-roof on the fifth floor of Central Library, 801 SW 10th Avenue, at 2:00 p.m.

“This project reflects Multnomah County’s commitment to healthy communities and a healthy environment,” said Commissioner Maria Rojo de Steffey who led the project. “Thanks to our partners, this will essentially be a cost-neutral project for the county, which is especially important in our current fiscal climate.”

Read more about the project after the jump.

Read more and discuss: new green roof opens at the Central Library

» September 25, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Libraries, Top Stories

Looking for a ballot measure guide? Ballotpedia is here.

Ballots will be mailed to Multnomah County residents in less than four weeks and many residents don't know what measures will be on the ballot. There are measures ranging from determining teachers' pay to teaching English only in public schools.

As I was Googling around to find a plain-spoken explanation of the measures, I came across Ballotpedia.org, a website dedicated to explaining ballot measures. It's helped me understand a couple of measures so far and I look forward to learning about the rest. Check it out.

Discuss: Looking for a ballot measure guide? Ballotpedia is here.

» September 23, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Jeff in the news - tax cases

Multnomah commissioners' votes are hard to predict in tax cases
-- Arthur Sulzberger; arthursulzberger@news.oregonian.com

When it comes to taxes, Multnomah County Chairman Ted Wheeler says consistency ensures fairness.

Which made Thursday's split vote rejecting a Portland man's request for an income tax break uncomfortable for all involved.

County commissioners got themselves in a tangle trying to explain their latest decision -- the opposite outcome of a similar case they considered less than two months ago when they approved a tax break for a wealthy Portland attorney over the objections of their staff.

A voter-approved emergency income tax ran from 2003 to 2005 to help cash-strapped local schools. The county collected $371 million but is still trying to collect about $10 million from people who haven't paid. Among those are Raymond Rask and Ric Ball.

In July, with just three members in attendance, the board voted to cut Rask's income tax bills in half -- based on his argument that the Portland lawyer's primary residence was in Manzanita.

Commissioners Lisa Naito and Jeff Cogen disregarded the advice of the tax administrator, the assistant county attorney overseeing tax collections and the county's chief financial officer who pointed out that Rask received mail at his Portland home, listed it as his residence on his driver's license and continued to vote in Multnomah County, which is a felony for nonresidents.

Read more and discuss: Jeff in the news - tax cases

» September 9, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, News, Top Stories

Make This A Carefree Weekend By Supporting Safe And Sober Driving

Police will be out in full force August 15 to Labor Day cracking down on drunk drivers. The message is simple: No matter what you drive—a passenger car, pickup, sport utility vehicle or motorcycle—if you are caught driving impaired, you will be arrested. No exceptions. No excuses. Law enforcement will be out in force conducting sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and using undercover officers to get more drunk drivers off the road—and save lives that might otherwise be lost.

Read more and discuss: Make This A Carefree Weekend By Supporting Safe And Sober Driving

» August 29, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Martin Luther King Jr., "I have a dream" 45 years later

Discuss: Martin Luther King Jr., "I have a dream" 45 years later

» August 28, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

New CDC report rates local health risks

From the Health Deptartment:
Multnomah County fares better than the nation in many categories, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2007 SMART (Selected Metropolitan/Micropolitan Area Risk Trends) report. The SMART report offers 2007 data on adult health risk behaviors and preventive health practices related to chronic disease and injury.

The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a state-based system of health surveys conducted by CDC, collects data from all 50 states and U.S. territories on health-related behaviors. According to the CDC, more than 350,000 adults are interviewed each year, making the BRFSS the largest telephone health survey in the world.

Read more and discuss: New CDC report rates local health risks

» August 25, 2008 - 0 comments - Human Services, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Advice about homeowning or foreclosure

Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors has a new website to offer a comprehensive homeownership resource to home buyers and homeowners facing possible foreclosure.

The site includes tips for home buyers, information about real estate agents, loan programs and Housing and Urban Development Approved Counseling Agencies. Check it out!

Discuss: Advice about homeowning or foreclosure

» August 18, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Shelter responds to statewide increase in rabid bats with special low-cost rabies shot clinic

In response to state health officials’ warnings based on finding five rabid bats this year, Multnomah County Animal Services will hold a special low-cost rabies shot clinic. Microchips will also be available at reduced fees.

According to Dr. Emilio DeBess, public health veterinarian in the Oregon Department of Human Services Public Health Division, “Vaccinating pets against rabies protects them and provides a buffer zone between humans and rabid wild animals. Nationally, twice as many cats as dogs are reported to have rabies each year, underscoring the need for better vaccination coverage among cats.”

Animal Services will offer pet licenses, $10 Rabies shots and $20 microchips to protect pets and help lost or run-away pets get back home. Multnomah County Animal Services’ veterinarian will administer vaccinations and microchips.

The event will be held:
Sunday, August 17, 2008
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Multnomah County Animal Services
1700 W. Historic Columbia River Highway
Troutdale, Oregon

Read more and discuss: Shelter responds to statewide increase in rabid bats with special low-cost rabies shot clinic

» August 12, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Low-Car Diet Update - Week 3

A few things I've learned on the car-less trail:

1) I love walking at least five miles a day. I'm so much nicer.
2) Commuting to work without a car is easy, and I plan to keep commuting by bus/train. I might even give up my PARKING SPOT.
3) (This could be the car-withdrawal talking) I still love my car.

Read more and discuss: Low-Car Diet Update - Week 3

» August 8, 2008 - 1 comments - Marissa's Blog, Outer NE, Sustainability, Top Stories

Bridge pedal event this Sunday, August 10th - read for closures

From ODOT:
The 13th annual Providence Bridge Pedal on Sunday morning, August 10, will involve nine Willamette River bridges in Portland. The event includes three different cycle routes and one for walkers. As usual, the event will require some changes in how motorists get around the city, especially when crossing the Willamette River. Several bridges – including the Burnside, Morrison, and St. Johns – will remain open to vehicular traffic in both directions, despite the presence of cyclists and walkers.

Read more and discuss: Bridge pedal event this Sunday, August 10th - read for closures

» August 8, 2008 - 3 comments - Top Stories

Oregon in top six states with highest rates of skin cancer

According to a new report issued by Multnomah County Health Department, “Skin Cancer,” Oregon has one of the highest incidence rates in the U.S. of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, along with Washington, Idaho, Utah, New Hampshire and Vermont.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are the two most common types of skin cancer, and they are highly curable. Melanoma, the third most common skin cancer, is more serious because it can be fatal, although if detected early it can also be highly curable. In 2004 Oregon had a rate of 26.1 cases of melanoma per 100,000 age-adjusted population compared to a national rate of 17.1 cases per 100,000 age-adjusted population. Multnomah County’s rate was 25.1 per 100,000.

Read more and discuss: Oregon in top six states with highest rates of skin cancer

» August 4, 2008 - 1 comments - Children and Families, Human Services, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Menu labeling in the Sunday Oregonian

Jeff's menu labeling policy is still in the news. Yesterday, it was front page of of The Oregonian:

Who would guess that a calorie-conscious McDonald's patron would be better off ordering four regular hamburgers (1,000 calories) than one large chocolate shake (1,160 calories)?

Or that picking up a blueberry muffin and large latte from Starbucks costs the same in calorie-burning treadmill hours as a five-piece order of extra crispy drumsticks at Kentucky Fried Chicken (both about 800 calories)?

The guessing game could end soon for restaurant-goers with a proposed new rule requiring about 90 chains throughout Portland and Multnomah County to post calorie counts on their menus and ordering boards -- right beside their pastrami subs, large onion rings and chocolate-glazed doughnuts with sprinkles.

Discuss: Menu labeling in the Sunday Oregonian

» July 28, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Wi-Fi available at all libraries!

Best news of the day: All of our 16 library branches have Wi-Fi!

Discuss: Wi-Fi available at all libraries!

» July 24, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Libraries, Top Stories

What menu labeling looks like

We are continuing to talk about menu labeling around here this week. Jeff will introduce this policy to the Board on July 31st. We've gotten plenty of support from folks and some who are not in favor of this policy. We also have had people say they just don't want to know. Well we've gotten a glimpse of what these calorie-labeled menus look like and they aren't too bad. These are from New York City, where they just implemented menu labeling.
Here's one:

To see the rest of the menus, visit our Flickr page!

Discuss: What menu labeling looks like

» July 22, 2008 - 1 comments - Top Stories

Do you really know what you are eating?

According to Multnomah County's health officer, Gary Oxman, people routinely underestimate what calories are in our foods. So, my co-workers and I decided to figure out what calories were in our favorite foods. With all the chatter around Jeff's proposed menu labeling policy, we thought we'd put our money where our mouths were...so to speak. I'll give you the scandalous details after the jump. Do you know what you are really eating? Take the fast food quiz.

Read more and discuss: Do you really know what you are eating?

» July 18, 2008 - 4 comments - Top Stories

New website promotes clean rivers and streams

From the Regional Coalition for Clean Rivers and Streams:

Do you clean up after your dog? Watch the chemicals in your garden? Take your car to an automated car wash that recycles wash water? All of these ideas and more will help keep rivers healthy. The Regional Coalition for Clean Rivers and Streams will launch a new website the week of July 7, 2008 that presents lots of information in a fun, interactive way about how we all can keep rivers healthy. CleanRiversandStreams.org provides detailed information about how to keep our daily activities from polluting local rivers and streams.

Read more and discuss: New website promotes clean rivers and streams

» July 10, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

Top 15 green politicians

Around here we like to think Jeff is the number one green politician so when I found this list, I was hoping he was on it. Alas, he wasn't. But Grist online magazine put this list together of leaders worldwide that are making strides in improving the environment. Check it out!

Discuss: Top 15 green politicians

» July 9, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

New library for Troutdale, too

From the Gresham Outlook:

Multnomah County Commissioner Lonnie Roberts is officially recommending the downtown Troutdale Discovery Block for the long-proposed branch library facility.

Roberts called the property at Second Avenue and Historic Columbia River Highway a “keystone development in the center of historic downtown Troutdale” in a news release issued Thursday afternoon, July 3. He and fellow commissioners will discuss and likely vote to recommend the site at the Thursday, July 17, Commission board meeting, said Roberts’ assistant Tom Mack.

“As a result of extensive negotiations, District 4, the Library, and Facilities and Property Management agree that the Discovery Block is ideal as the site for the new branch,” Roberts said in the release. “An accessible downtown location, a solid civic presence, adaptive logistics and design, and a competitive financial structure all contribute to this recommendation.”

Read more and discuss: New library for Troutdale, too

» July 7, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Important: Bridge closures for July 4th holiday

Several Multnomah County roads and one bridge will be closed for firework displays and community events on the Fourth of July.

The Hawthorne Bridge will be closed to road and sidewalk traffic from approximately 9:30 pm until after a fireworks display is completed to ensure the public’s safety. Fireworks will be launched from two barges near the bridge.

Read more and discuss: Important: Bridge closures for July 4th holiday

» July 2, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Solar success in the news

Yesterday was a great day for sustainability in Multnomah County. We'll have the biggest solar installation in the Pacific Northwest and be an example of public and private collaboration helping to reduce our carbon footprint. Here's a link to the Willamette Week's story and the Oregonian's story.

Discuss: Solar success in the news

» June 27, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

Solar power coming to Multnomah County in 2009

Today is the day that the Multnomah County Commissioners move forward with solar power on some of our rooftops. A board vote will happen later on this morning, sealing the deal.

Jeff has worked for months to get this project done and we are pretty excited that it's happening. Please visit our sustainability page to read about the work that's been done up until now. Also, check out Willamette Week and the Business Journal for stories about this great work.

Discuss: Solar power coming to Multnomah County in 2009

» June 26, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

Jeff's seals the deal on solar power

We talked about solar power on Multnomah County buildings oh so many months ago - ok, like a year ago. Well, we are another step closer to seeing those panels on the roofs of county buildings. Check out this blurb in this week's Willamette Week.

Discuss: Jeff's seals the deal on solar power

» June 19, 2008 - 0 comments - Sustainability, Top Stories

Transition plan announced for Cascadia

From Public Affairs:
Multnomah County, Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare and state officials released a transition plan that will transfer some mental health programs to other service providers. The move was a result of more than two months of in-depth financial analysis and evaluation of the service capacity of Cascadia and community mental health providers.

“The county and state are committed to making this work, ” said Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler. “This is a positive first step. Further changes are likely in the future.”

Read more and discuss: Transition plan announced for Cascadia

» June 17, 2008 - 1 comments - Human Services, Jeff's Blog, Top Stories

Steel Bridge closing today until Aug. 25th

The County is not responsible for the Steel Bridge; that distinction goes to the Railroad. We do keep Multnomah County bridge closures up so we'll help out with this one as well. From The Oregonian:

The Steel Bridge in downtown Portland will close to cars and trucks today through Aug. 25 while workers connect the MAX light-rail line to new tracks.

The seven bus routes that cross the bridge have been detoured to the Broadway and Burnside bridges since June 1. The bus detour will continue until Aug. 31.

On Aug. 2, the bridge will close to MAX trains, reopening Aug. 25. Shuttle buses will use the Burnside Bridge to take MAX passengers across the Willamette River to the Rose Quarter station on the east side and to the Old Town/Chinatown station on the west side.

The work is part of the $576 million Interstate 205/Portland Mall project.

The closures involve only the upper deck of the bridge, used by MAX and motor vehicles. The lower deck, used by Amtrak trains, pedestrians and cyclists, will remain open. TriMet says walking across the bridge to reconnect with MAX trains on the other side may be as fast as taking one of the bus shuttles.

Discuss: Steel Bridge closing today until Aug. 25th

» June 10, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Attention young writers from 12 to 18

Young writers are invited to share their creativity and win prizes
Multnomah County Library hosts Summer Teen Writing Contest

PORTLAND, OR — Beginning June 13, all Multnomah County teens aged 12 -18 are invited to participate in a writing contest made possible by The Library Foundation, with gift cards from Powell’s Books as prizes.

Judges include the members of Hollywood Library Teen Council, a volunteer group that advises the library on teen issues, and celebrated local young adult novelist Blake Nelson, author of Girl, The New Rules of High School and Paranoid Park.

$75 gift cards will be awarded to the following winners in four categories: best prose entry, grades 6 – 8; best poetry entry, grades 6 – 8; best prose entry, grades 9 – 12 and best poetry entry, grades 9 – 12. Runners up in each of these categories will receive a $25 gift card.

Read more and discuss: Attention young writers from 12 to 18

» June 5, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Libraries, Top Stories

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

Public Meeting Regarding Cascadia and Multnomah County Mental Health System

From Human Services:
This week, Cascadia has offered the state and Multnomah County options for downsizing their organization. We are looking at a variety of alternatives. Cuts may occur in program areas or geographic areas. Services will continue, but service providers and locations may change.

All parties are committed to ensuring continuity of care, with minimal disruption for consumers.

Community feedback on the draft plan is valued. Consumers and members of the public are invited to weigh in at a meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 29, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Benson High School Cafeteria (546 NE 12th Ave.)

Read more and discuss: Public Meeting Regarding Cascadia and Multnomah County Mental Health System

» May 27, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Human Services, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Money saving option - Carpooling, Tri-met

As we've talked about here before, gas is expensive. While the gas company actually has money growing on trees, the rest of us have to make our way. I know many people who have never tried Tri-met. It is reliable, you can read as you get from work to home and walking to and fro is great weight maintenance. Check out their website. It gives schedules, estimated wait times, estimated walk times and the best way to get from point a to point b.

The other cool thing I came across is Carpool Match NW. According to their website, "CarpoolMatchNW.org is an easy convenient way to find someone to share a ride in Oregon and SW Washington. Personal information, such as home and work addresses, is secure, confidential and cannot be seen by rideshare matches. Simply log on, and you will receive guidance through a matching process."

Give it a chance. You'll save some cash and get some surprising freedom!

Discuss: Money saving option - Carpooling, Tri-met

» May 23, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Top Stories

The day after...post - Election Day crash

We are all pretty tired here around District 2. We all went to several election night parties and supported our friends in wins and in losses. To see all results from Multnomah County, click here.

We are most proud of our former team member, Nick Kahl, who won his primary for house seat 49. This seat used to belong to Karen Minnis and Nick will have a formidable foe in the general election.
Nick with Kristen West, from Lonnie Roberts' office

While we recover with several cups of coffee, let us know about your election experiences. Even better, our favorite North Portland blogger - Lelo in Nopo - blogged directly from KGW last night. She's got great photos up on her site. Check it out!

Discuss: The day after...post - Election Day crash

» May 21, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Turn in that ballot!

Haven't gotten you ballot in yet? You still have time! Our elections office does not close until 8pm. Here are a list of locations where you can turn in that ballot in Multnomah County.

If you have any trouble, please let us know.

Discuss: Turn in that ballot!

» May 20, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Timely election results for Election Day

Multnomah County to release unofficial election results on website & at office at 8 pm on Election Day

Multnomah County Elections advises interested parties that the first report of unofficial results will be available when the polls close at 8:00 pm, Tuesday, May 20. Election results will be available on the Multnomah County Elections Division website. Printed copies will also be available at 8:00 pm in the Media Room at the Elections Office at 1040 SE Morrison Street in Portland.

Read more and discuss: Timely election results for Election Day

» May 19, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Video: Jeff's take on Urban Renewal Areas

Discuss: Video: Jeff's take on Urban Renewal Areas

» May 15, 2008 - 17 comments - Human Services, Karol's Blog, Top Stories, Videos

Interstate farmers market - 2008 season starts May 14

From Interstate Farmers Market:
Welcome to the 2008 Interstate Farmers Market Season!

We're excited to announce the start of the 2008 season this coming Wednesday, May 14 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm. New Market Manager, Bob New, will be ringing the opening bell to start of this season which runs through Sept 24. Many of your favorite farmers and vendors will be returning this season and we have also added a few others too!

Kicking off the season will be local band, The Underscore Orkestra, playing a mix of Klezmer, Balkan, Gypsy Jazz and Swing Music to set the mood for a fun and yummy summer!

Volunteers are needed to help run the market! Please contact me soon if you are able to volunteer.

Volunteer opportunities include set-up, information table, greeter, parking, break-down and more...

Read more and discuss: Interstate farmers market - 2008 season starts May 14

» May 9, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Cinco de Mayo: la historia

It's Cinco de Mayo and no, its not just an excuse to drink tequila on a Monday night. Here's some history:

Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for "5th of May") is a regional holiday in Mexico, primarily celebrated in the state of Puebla. It is not an obligatory federal holiday. The holiday commemorates an initial victory of Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín over French forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The date is observed in the United States and other locations around the world as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride.

A common misconception in the United States is that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico's Independence Day; Mexico's Independence Day is actually September 16 (dieciséis de septiembre in Spanish), which is the most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico.

A couple places to celebrate on a Monday - here are two:
Taqueria Nueve, 28 NE 28th
Encanto 5225 N Lombard

Any ideas from you?

Discuss: Cinco de Mayo: la historia

» May 5, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

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

Free scoop day at Ben & Jerry's

We love free scoop day! Ok, we love ice cream in general, but especially when its Ben & Jerry's. Click here for locations in your area.

Discuss: Free scoop day at Ben & Jerry's

» April 29, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Community Schools leaders gather to see SUN Schools

From Sun Schools:
More than a thousand advocates for community schools from across America and abroad will converge in Portland, April 30 through May 2, for the tenth anniversary National Forum of the Coalition for Community Schools. Portland was chosen for this event in recognition of the work of its Schools Uniting Neighborhoods -- SUN Community Schools Initiative.

SUN community schools, a partnership among Multnomah County, the City of Portland, six local school districts, and nonprofit organizations, exemplify the national Coalition’s vision of community schools. SUN programs coordinate and provide educational, enrichment, recreational, social and health services at neighborhood schools, creating full-service community centers that help youth and families succeed. There are currently 54 SUN community schools in Multnomah County, Oregon, serving all ages, from preschool to high school seniors. SUN community schools have a positive impact on student attendance, behavior, and academic outcomes.

Read more and discuss: Community Schools leaders gather to see SUN Schools

» April 25, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

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

What can you to help Earth?

It's Earth Day! many know it is a day to remind yourself what you can do to help clean up our planet. It could be changing your five most used light bulbs to CFL's, planting a tree, remembering to turn off your computer everyday or walking to the bus instead of driving.

Sustainability also doesn't have to cost anything. Recycling paper, plastic, glass and metal from your household is great. You can also turn your heat down a couple of degrees, wash your clothes with cold only, and hang out those clothes instead of using a dryer. Let us know what you are doing today to celebrate the Earth?

Discuss: What can you to help Earth?

» April 22, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

New recycling options

The City of Portland is going to start delivering the tall, blue recycling bins to your home. Yes, that means no more little yellow buckets for your paper, plastic and metal. Glass will still have to be separate. This new bucket will have more space and easier to move up and down the driveway or sidewalk. Our individual garbage haulers start delivery in May.

Discuss: New recycling options

» April 21, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

Chair Wheeler releases his budget today

Today Chair Wheeler released his budget. The work begins now to reach some consensus on how best fund the important work of helping our most vulnerable populations. Please read this letter the Chair sent to Multnomah County employees:

Dear Multnomah County Employees,

This morning I am addressing the Board of County Commissioners and releasing my Executive Budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2008.

In Oregon we are already experiencing impacts of the downturn in the national economy. In Multnomah County government those impacts compound the problems created when we failed to cut the budget to match the decline in revenue from the expiration of the Itax.

My responsibility is to propose a budget that will improve the stability of Multnomah County government, allowing us to continue to provide services to the most vulnerable members of our community. Multnomah County taxpayers have a reasonable expectation that their government will conduct its financial affairs with the same prudence that a responsible household would exercise. Part of my job is demonstrating to the public that we understand that expectation.

Rest of the letter after the jump.

Read more and discuss: Chair Wheeler releases his budget today

» April 17, 2008 - 0 comments - Budget, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Great article on ways PDX can be greener

I got a great email response this morning from a constituent. I asked him if he wanted a hard copy of an electronic letter I sent him this morning. His response: "Electronic copies are GOOD. Plus paper is so 2007." Best email response of all time. Paper reduction is a good step on a personal level. Willamette Week has a great angle on what people do in other places to have greener cities. Check it out.

Discuss: Great article on ways PDX can be greener

» April 16, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

Happy Tax Day!

Today is April 15th, time to pay the piper. You can file your returns online by midnight or have it stamped at your nearest post office by the same time and you'll be in the clear.

If you need an extension, you can still apply. File for that extension by midnight - online again - and you'll get a six-month time frame to get your return together.

Good luck and many happy returns!

Discuss: Happy Tax Day!

» April 15, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Multnomah County Sustainability launches film series with “The End of Suburbia”

From the Sustainability office:
In honor of Earth Day on April 20, 2008, the Multnomah County Sustainability Film Series will present “The End of Suburbia: Oil Depletion and the Collapse of The American Dream” at 5:00 p.m. at the McMenamins Bagdad Theater, at 3702 SE Hawthorne in Portland. The film is free and open to the public.

The film explores the outward migration of populations from cities to suburbs in the last 50 years in light of the diminishing supply of fossil fuels that enabled suburbs to grow. According to the film’s producers, “The End of Suburbia explores the American Way of Life and its prospects as the planet approaches a critical era, as global demand for fossil fuels begins to outstrip supply.”

Read more and discuss: Multnomah County Sustainability launches film series with “The End of Suburbia”

» April 14, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

Native Professionals Night - with NAYA

From NAYA:
YOU are invited to join us at Portland City Hall on Thurs., April 24th for an evening of networking, delicious snacks and refreshments. You will have the opportunity to meet and hear from Portland Mayoral candidates,Sam Adams and Sho Dozono.

This event will be focused on Native professionals and all are welcome to participate! Our intent is to generate deeper connections and conversations among Native professionals and our extended community. A suggested contribution of $25 in cash or check at the door will benefit NAYA Family Center and support the cost of the event. Ages 21+ only. The event will begin at 5:30 pm.

If you have any questions,
please contact:
Lai-Lani Ovalles
Phone: 503-288-8177 ext 213
Email: lailanio@nayapdx.org

Discuss: Native Professionals Night - with NAYA

» April 14, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Multnomah and Clackamas Counties Join Forces to Fight Global Warming

Portland, OR- Clackamas and Multnomah Counties joined the Sierra Club today to announce an important their important, new plan to work regionally to fight global warming. Both counties passed resolutions to sign on to the Sierra Club’s Cool Counties Climate Stabilization Declaration, a county-level initiative to combat global warming and create new jobs in the green economy. Clackamas and Multnomah Counties are the first counties in the state of Oregon to become Cool Counties, and today marked the first time nationally that two adjoining counties have signed on to the declaration in tandem. The counties planned their declarations for the same day to highlight the importance of regional coordination in creating climate action plans. Twenty-nine percent of Oregonians live in the two counties and their residents join over the 36 million Americans who live in the nation’s 28 other Cool Counties.

Read more and discuss: Multnomah and Clackamas Counties Join Forces to Fight Global Warming

» April 10, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

Earth Day celebrations

From the Sustainability office:
Earth Day Festival at Overlook Park - Multnomah County Booth & Fruit Tree Giveaway

Saturday, April 19, 2008
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Located at N Fremont St & Interstate
FREE!

Join the Multnomah County Green Team at our festival booth at the 2008 Earth Day celebration. We are partnering with Friends of Trees to give away free fruit trees to festival guests. This year's celebration focuses on the solutions to living as a sustainable region as energy resources become more scarce. For more info: www.cityrepair.org/earthday

· 150 sustainable businesses and organizations
· Kid's Village organized by students in North Portland
· 3 stages of live music and entertainment

Read more and discuss: Earth Day celebrations

» April 9, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

Sustainability staff highlighted in professional journal

The International Society of Sustainability Professionals has recognized one of Multnomah County's own employees, Molly Chidsey.

Check this out:
Molly Chidsey spends her days at Multnomah County looking for ways to cut waste and increase efficiency. Consider her a 21st century version of the 1950s efficiency experts – with an ecological twist. In her role as Pollution and Waste Development Specialist, Chidsey oversees three areas – toxics reductions, sustainable purchasing and waste prevention and recycling.

In the area of toxics reduction Chidsey is working with the county to eliminate toxics of concern by 2020, by looking for safer alternatives. In a collaborative effort with the City of Portland, she, along with many staff follow a list of 40 different action items that guide them in preventing and reducing use of toxic chemicals such as mercury and diesel exhaust from county vehicles.

Read more and discuss: Sustainability staff highlighted in professional journal

» April 7, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

MLK's final speech April 3, 1968

Discuss: MLK's final speech April 3, 1968

» April 4, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

40 years after the MLK Jr. assassination

From Wikipedia.com:
On March 30, 1968, King went to Memphis, Tennessee in support of the black sanitary public works employees, represented by AFSCME Local 1733, who had been on strike since March 12 for higher wages and better treatment. (For example, African American workers, unlike white workers, were not paid when sent home because of inclement weather.)

On April 3, King returned to Memphis and addressed a rally, delivering his "I've been to the Mountaintop" address at Mason Temple (Church of God in Christ, Inc. – World Headquarters). King's flight to Memphis had been delayed by a bomb threat against his plane. In the close of the last speech of his career, in reference to the bomb threat, King said the following:

And then I got to Memphis. And some began to say the threats, or talk about the threats that were out. What would happen to me from some of our sick white brothers?

Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.

To hear the speech in it's entirety, click here.

Read more and discuss: 40 years after the MLK Jr. assassination

» April 3, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Top 100 April Fool's Day Hoaxes

This is not one of my favorite days, April 1st. I don't want to look over my shoulder all day, waiting to be "fooled."

"Haha, April Fools!" they wait to say, only to be greeting by an unenthusiastic face. But hey, there are many here who find it amusing and I will support their fooling cause, but only today. While I'm hiding from people wanting to "fool" me, check out this site of the top 100 April Fool's Day hoaxes.

Discuss: Top 100 April Fool's Day Hoaxes

» April 1, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Jeff in the news - Urban renewal areas

A story about Jeff's continued work with the Urban Renewal Advisory Group...

Discuss: Jeff in the news - Urban renewal areas

» March 27, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Top Stories

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

Cuentele A Un Amigo

El IRS podria deberle el dinero!

Descubralo teniendo sus delaraciones preparados gratuitamente por voluntarios capacitados.

Cuando venga, asegurese de traer:

Read more and discuss: Cuentele A Un Amigo

» March 20, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Human Services, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Roots and Wings

The Roots and Wings event is the kick-off to Blue Ribbon (Child Abuse Prevention) Month, April 2008. Roots and Wings gives families, neighbors and friends access to resources and fun activities. The event is an opportunity to ensure that all children have what they need to grow and thrive: a nurturing environment, safe places to play and learn, and a supportive community.

When: Saturday, March 29th from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Where: Lloyd Center Mall, Portland

What: FREE event featuring fun activities and useful information for children and families. Check out resources from more than fifty organizations. Participate in the Children's Parade, learn to hula hoop, listen to Story Times in English and Spanish, visit with local sports mascots, make projects as a family and more.

To access an event flyer and a calendar of events, visit www.ourcommission.org or call
503-988-4032. This event is presented by the Multnomah County Commission on Children, Families and Community and over thirty sponsors and partners.

Discuss: Roots and Wings

» March 18, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

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

The IRS may owe you money...

That's a people grabbing headline! This, from our Public Affairs office:

Seniors and people with disabilities – the IRS may owe you money

Americans will soon receive a check in the mail from the federal government. It's known as the "stimulus payment", "tax rebate" or "refund." For many individuals, filing an income tax return is an annual occurrence. However, in some cases, low-income workers, recipients of Social Security or certain veterans may have to file a return for the first time in many years. They have to establish that they have at least $3,000 of qualifying income to receive the refund.

Read more and discuss: The IRS may owe you money...

» March 12, 2008 - 2 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Human Services, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

County could get share of PDC funds

Today in the Portland Tribune is a story about Jeff encouraging the Portland Development Commission's advisory group to give Multnomah County some share of funds from the expanding urban renewal areas. Check it out!

Discuss: County could get share of PDC funds

» March 7, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Domestic partnership opponents appeal court loss

From the Oregonian today, a story about the opponents of domestic partnership appealing their recent court loss. This is in addition to the move earlier this week by State Senator Fred Girod (R-Stayton) and State Rep. Sal Esquivel (R-Medford) to take domestic partnership to the November ballot.

There was also a move by State Senator Gary George (R-Newberg) and Rep. Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer) to remove the recently passed Anti-Discrimination law.

On a brighter note, our office is still notarizing forms for our friends wishing to domestically partner! Office hours are 9am to 10am and again from 4pm to 5pm. Come on up and see us.

Discuss: Domestic partnership opponents appeal court loss

» March 6, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

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

Last day of Black History Month

It's the last day of our month-long celebration of Black History. On this day, we give you this last quiz:

1. Who was the first African American Mayor of a U.S. city?

2. Who was the first African American to be nominated for a Best Actor or Actress Oscar?

3. Who was the first African American U.S. Representative?

Read more and discuss: Last day of Black History Month

» February 29, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Check us out on Flickr!

Here at Team Cogen, we continue to increase our technological savvy in order to stay linked with our community. Today, we introduce you to our new Flickr website. We can't add all the pictures we want on our blog but we do a lot more than some lone snapshot can show. Keep up with our endeavors here and if you are on Flickr, invite us to be your friend!

Discuss: Check us out on Flickr!

» February 28, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

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

Black classical composers throughout history

Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745-1799) was an Afro-French composer who was also France's best fencer. During the French Revolution he was Colonel of a legion of Black volunteers, and fought heroically. His works were seldom played after 1803, when Napoleon reinstituted slavery in France's colonies. The music of Saint-Georges was played with increasing frequency in the late 20th century, and much of it has been recorded since the 1970s.

José Mauricio Nunes Garcia (1767-1830) was a Roman Catholic priest and one of several accomplished Afro-Brazilian composers during the Portuguese colonial period. Each of his parents was the child of an African slave and a White plantation owner. Most of his music was liturgical; about 240 works survive. In 1817 Padre José Mauricio Nunes Garcia wrote Brazil's first opera, Le Due Gemelle (The Two Twins), which was later destroyed by fire.

Read more and discuss: Black classical composers throughout history

» February 21, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Founder of Black History Month - Carter Godwin Woodson

Carter Godwin Woodson was born on December 19, 1875, in New Canton, Buckingham County, Virginia. Woodson was an African American historian, author, journalist and the founder of Black History Month. He is considered the first to conduct a scholarly effort to popularize the value of Black History. He recognized and acted upon the importance of a people having an awareness and knowledge of their contributions to humanity and left behind an impressive legacy. He was a member of the first black fraternity Sigma Pi Phi and a member of Omega Psi Phi as well.

Read more and discuss: Founder of Black History Month - Carter Godwin Woodson

» February 19, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Black History Month - Fun from Multnomah County

1.Who was the first African American to win a Pulitzer Prize?
2.Who was the first African American Governor?
3.Who was the first African American automobile manufacturer?

Answers after the jump!

Read more and discuss: Black History Month - Fun from Multnomah County

» February 15, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Black revolutionary you've never heard of - Mary McLeoad Bethune

One of the most widely known African American women of the twentieth century, Mary McLeod Bethune was an educator, political advisor, and civil rights leader.

After graduation from the Scotia Seminary in 1895, she taught at the Haines Institute in Augusta, Georgia, then at Kendall Institute in Sumter, South Carolina, where she met and later married Albertus Bethune. In October 1904, Bethune founded the Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute for Negro Girls in a small rented cabin, and continued to develop the school over the next two decades. When white hospitals denied service to black patients and training for black residents and nurses, Bethune founded McLeod Hospital to serve the community and to provide training for black physicians and nurses. By 1922, the school had over 300 students and a staff of 25, later becoming the Bethune-Cookman College.

As well as working for education, Bethune founded the Circle of Negro War Relief in New York City during World War I, was vice president of the Commission on Interracial Cooperation, and served as president for two terms in the National Association of Colored Women, advising the Coolidge and Hoover administrations on African American issues. In 1935, Bethune founded the National Council of Negro Women and served as president until 1949. She retired from public life on her seventy-fifth birthday in 1950, settling in her home on the campus of Bethune-Cookman College, and over the next five years received 12 honorary degrees.

Discuss: Black revolutionary you've never heard of - Mary McLeoad Bethune

» February 14, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

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

Black invention - the banjo

The banjo is a stringed instrument developed by enslaved Africans in the United States, adapted from several African instruments. The name banjo commonly is thought to be derived from the Kimbundu term mbanza. Some etymologists derive it from a dialectal pronunciation of "bandore", though recent research suggests that it may come from a Senegambian term for the bamboo stick used for the instrument's neck.

The banjo was considered a "Blacks only" instrument until the 1800's.

Read more and discuss: Black invention - the banjo

» February 12, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Farmers Market meeting in St. Johns, Feb 12 - tomorrow

Join us for the St. Johns Farmers Market meeting tomorrow, Feb. 12th at Marie's on Lombard. Also, check out the article about this potential market in the Oregonian.

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

» February 11, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

First black woman to be set free in the US - Mum Bett

Mum Bett, later known as Elizabeth Freeman, (c.1742 - 1829) was the first black woman to be set free in the United States, and great-grandmother to W.E.B. DuBois.

Mum Bett was born into slavery at the farm of Pieter Hoogeboom in Claverack, New York. When Pieter died, Mum Bett was left with Pieter's daughter and her husband, John Ashley of Sheffield, Massachusetts, and she served with them until 1780. During that time she married and had a child. Her husband was killed in combat during the Revolutionary War.

In 1780, Mum Bett prevented her mistress from striking her sister Lizzy with a heated shovel and was struck instead. She immediately left the Ashley house and refused to return. When John Ashley appealed to the law to force her to return, Mum Bett sought the counsel of Theodore Sedgwick, an abolitionist-minded lawyer, who in turn enlisted the aid of Tapping Reeve, the founder of America's first law school.

Read more and discuss: First black woman to be set free in the US - Mum Bett

» February 8, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Black History Month...all month

While occasionally we lament not having all our diverse history included everyday for all people, we pause this month to honor Black History Month and all the contributions made by Black Americans to all Americans. This month, we'll bring you names you may not recognize, but still feel the repercussions of their contributions. Today, Shirley Chisholm.

Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm (November 30, 1924 – January 1, 2005) was an American politician, educator and author. She was a Congresswoman, representing New York's 12th District for seven terms from 1968 to 1983. In 1968, she became the first African American woman elected to Congress. On January 23, 1972, she became the first major party African American candidate for President of the United States. She won 162 delegates. Other women who ran for President of the United States in 1972 include Linda Jenness and Evelyn Reed.

Read more and discuss: Black History Month...all month

» February 6, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Congrats to all new domestic partners!

We couldn't have had a more lovely day yesterday, watching over 120 couples seal their unions. Working in a building that was buzzing with the feeling of people in love is an irreplaceable experience. Thanks to everyone who allowed us to play a small part in their love stories.

Discuss: Congrats to all new domestic partners!

» February 5, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Domestic partnerships have begun!

Domestic partnerships have started in Multnomah County and we couldn't be happier.
Famous "Lelo in Nopo" with her official domestic partner

Marissa working away as a notary public

Come on down and join the fun. We'll be doing this until 4:45pm and hopefully for a long time to come.

Discuss: Domestic partnerships have begun!

» February 4, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

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

Rally tonight for domestic partnerships

Join us tonight at Terry Shrunk Plaza as we rally for equality! From Basic Rights Oregon:

STAND UP AND BE COUNTED! JAN. 30 RALLY TO DEFEND EQUALITY!

DATE: Wednesday, January 30, 2008
TIME: 5:30 pm
PLACE: Terry Shrunk Plaza, SW 3rd and Madison in downtown Portland
Contact an organizer in your area for transportation info.
Portland hotel information for the day of the rally.

The January 2nd vigils were only the first step to defending the domestic partnership law we all worked so hard to pass. There are no “do-overs” in a lawsuit. Basic Rights Oregon filed a motion to intervene in the lawsuit, and the court has granted our motion. We can now work closely with the State to defend the law from attacks by the extremist, out-of-state interests that want to turn back the clock on equality in Oregon.

The rest is up to you. We must take this opportunity to ensure that our voices are heard. Oregonians need to see thousands of us, from every corner of Oregon, who are willing to stand up and be counted. Please, pledge to attend the Jan. 30 Rally to Defend Equality in Portland, and commit to turning out your friends, family and neighbors for this critical event.

This law affects real people. Let your voice be heard. Gay or straight - it’s time to stand up and be counted.

Discuss: Rally tonight for domestic partnerships

» January 30, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

January 31 is Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day

From Public Affairs:
WHAT:
Chair Wheeler, Mayor Potter, the Internal Revenue Service and community partners will kick off tax filing season and promote the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for low-wage workers. This media event is part of a national effort to bring attention to the EITC and other tax credits available to Oregonians. Free tax preparation is available at 50 sites in Portland for taxpayers to learn if they are eligible.

WHEN & WHERE:
Thursday, January 31, 2008
12:30 p.m.
Point West Credit Union
718 N.E. 12th Ave. (Across from Benson High School)
Refreshments and parking will be available.

Read more and discuss: January 31 is Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day

» January 29, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

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

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

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Happy Martin Luther King Day! The usual services are closed today, including our libraries. But this is a day of honor and because of that, we leave you with this from, "Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution" by Dr. King:

"On some positions, cowardice asks the question, is it expedient? And then expedience comes along and asks the question, is it politic? Vanity asks the question, is it popular? Conscience asks the question, is it right?

There comes a time when one must take the position that is neither safe nor politic nor popular, but he must do it because conscience tells him it is right. I believe today that there is a need for all people of goodwill to come with a massive act of conscience and say in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "We ain't goin' study war no more." This is the challenge facing modern man.

Let me close by saying that we have difficult days ahead in the struggle for justice and peace, but I will not yield to a politic of despair. I'm going to maintain hope as we come to Washington in this campaign. The cards are stacked against us. This time we will really confront a Goliath. God grant that we will be that David of truth set out against the Goliath of injustice, the Goliath of neglect, the Goliath of refusing to deal with the problems, and go on with the determination to make America the truly great America that it is called to be."

Discuss: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

» January 21, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Comprehensive Green Building Policy passes unanimously

Multnomah County District 2 Commissioner Jeff Cogen and District 4 Commissioner Lonnie Roberts introduced a resolution today that gives Multnomah County the most comprehensive green building policy in Oregon to date. The resolution passed with unanimous board support.

With this proposal, the county strives to achieve the highest level of the U.S. Green Building Council’s recommendation of “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” (LEED) certification whenever practicable and will utilize this approach for all Multnomah County building construction and major renovation projects 10,000 square feet and greater.

“The new policy will improve County building design and construction with respect to energy use and our environment and we’ll spend less money on energy to heat, cool, light and operate our buildings and that means more efficient use of public funds,” says Cogen. “The County is also motivating development and architecture firms to keep pace with the momentum of the ever-expanding green building movement.” The meeting was attended by Clark Brockman of SERA Architects and Renee Worme AT Gerding Edlen.

Read more and discuss: Comprehensive Green Building Policy passes unanimously

» January 17, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

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

Commissioners Cogen and Roberts co-sponsor resolution for a comprehensive green building policy

News release from our office:

Multnomah County District 2 Commissioner Jeff Cogen and District 4 Commissioner Lonnie Roberts will introduce a resolution on Thursday, January 17 that gives Multnomah County the most comprehensive green building policy in Oregon to date.

With this proposal, the county strives to achieve the highest level of the U.S. Green Building Council’s recommendation of “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” (LEED) certification whenever practicable and will utilize this approach for all Multnomah County building construction and major renovation projects 10,000 square feet and greater.

“The new policy will improve County building design and construction with respect to energy use and our environment,” says Cogen. “We’ll spend less money on energy to heat, cool, light and operate our buildings and that means more efficient use of public funds.”

Read more and discuss: Commissioners Cogen and Roberts co-sponsor resolution for a comprehensive green building policy

» January 15, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

Trying out some "green" soap

This week, the 6th floor of the Multnomah building gets to try out our new, "green" soap. We'll let you know how it goes...

Meanwhile, read this interesting article on places that use green cleaning products. Green Cleaning Certification

Discuss: Trying out some "green" soap

» January 14, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

County Digs! Makes the news

Our County Digs! program made the Daily Journal of Commerce today. We'll let you know when this group breaks ground and hopefully shares their bounty with our office.

Have a good weekend!

Discuss: County Digs! Makes the news

» January 11, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

Creating a comprehensive green building policy: more Q and A

We unroll our comprehensive green building policy, I want to help the rest of us understand what the sustainability folks are talking about. We have a current green building policy at Multnomah County, but we felt it was time to update it. You many ask why and we'll answer it here:

Why replace the current Green Building policy?
The current High Performance Green Building Policy resolution was adopted in 2004. Since then, Green Building standards and practices have rapidly evolved. The design professional and construction industry have become familiar and adept at achieving the modest goals set forth at that time. An updated policy is necessary to maximize the benefits and cost savings potential for the county and minimize adverse environmental impacts such as climate change emissions.

Read more and discuss: Creating a comprehensive green building policy: more Q and A

» January 7, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

Following the Trailblazers

It's Friday afternoon and a wee bit quiet, so I'll take a little advantage and talk about one of my favorite Portland things: The Trailblazers! Warren and I talk sports occasionally and have been known to individually go to games with amazing tickets we've scored from friends. But lately, we haven't gotten any of those offers. Hum, could it be because the games are selling out like crazy? The Blazers are playing like the team I wanted to root for when I moved here 4 years ago.

I haven't been as excited to get home and watch games since the Bulls of the 90's. Check out their next game on Saturday - if they win and Denver loses, we could tie for the Northwest division leaders - Rip City!

Discuss: Following the Trailblazers

» January 4, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Iowa caucus...finally!

It's the day we've all been waiting for...to be over. The Iowa caucus is today and the country will finally see who has risen to the top of both political parties. A little fun for your morning: Punditology 2008. It's a completely unscientific poll done by about 500 political wonks in Oregon. Check it out!

Discuss: Iowa caucus...finally!

» January 3, 2008 - 0 comments - Events, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Maria Rojo de Steffy not running for City Commission

From Commissioner Rojo's office:
Commissioner Rojo de Steffey
Statement – Portland City Council

I’ve had the privilege and honor to be involved in public service for the last 20 years, 7 of which have been as an elected official. I’ve enjoyed my many years of public service and I have many things to be proud of.

I made a decision some time ago that I would not seek re-election to my position as Multnomah County Commissioner. During the intense period when the Cesar Chavez decision was being considered, I temporarily lost sight of the reasons why I wanted to leave public service. However, over the Holidays I regained my sanity.

I choose to leave elective office when my County Commission tenure is completed in December of 2008.

I have a great life. I have served my community to the best of my ability for many years. I have many accomplishments and honors from that service that I can share with my grandchildren. I don’t need more.

Therefore, I will not run for election to any office.

Thank you for the privilege.

Maria

Discuss: Maria Rojo de Steffy not running for City Commission

» January 2, 2008 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Official Multnomah County statement on domestic partnerships

"On December 28, 2007 a temporary restraining order was grated by Judge Michael Mossman in Multnomah County Federal Court in the matter of Lemons v Bradbury. This decision will delay the implementation of the Oregon Family Fairness Act and domestic partnerships for same sex couples until at least February 1. 2008. Multnomah County will closely monitor developments in this case and comply will all applicable laws and rulings."

I know intellectually that this is about signature validation. Why this wasn't brought up initially in the summer is up for debate, but it doesn't make me any happier. Injustice for one is injustice for all so a Happy New Year's toast to fighting the good fight - cheers!

Discuss: Official Multnomah County statement on domestic partnerships

» December 31, 2007 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Bad news for domestic partnership...for now

Today the Alliance Defense Fund was awarded a temporary injunction against domestic partnerships until Februray 1st. Deep sighs and some tears...

Our office is deeply disappointed and our thoughts go out to those who were anticipating being partnered Janurary 2nd, 2008 and will have to wait, yet again, for equality.

Daily, we are reminded that the quest for equality continues and it is up to us to push forward principles of acceptance, fairness and justice. I hope this issue is resolved soon and we can get to the business of equality - for all. Stay updated on this issue here or at Basic Rights Oregon, or Just Out.

Discuss: Bad news for domestic partnership...for now

» December 28, 2007 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Karol's Blog, News, Top Stories

Seasons greetings from Team Cogen!

During this holiday season, may our hands give the gifts of caring,
our hearts touch in a spirit of kindness, and our world be united in peace and love.

Artwork donated by Alex Miel

Read more and discuss: Seasons greetings from Team Cogen!

» December 21, 2007 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Reducing work weeks a sustainable option?

Multnomah County, with the City of Portland, is updating our Local Action Plan on Global Warming. It was written originally in 2001 and there are many ways we can improve with progressive, innovative ideas. Currently, we are in the trenches of that process.

Some great ideas have been discussed in these meetings but my favorite one is reducing the official 40 hour work week to 35 hours to reduce impact on our buildings, impact on emissions including traffic congestion, and personal wellbeing. This would make an average person working at the County work a 4 day week at an average of 8.75 hours a day or a 5 day week at 7 hours a day.

This would be a small but significant impact on our environment. Would this be a good model for the County try? Would it model good behavior to other businesses in Portland?

Discuss: Reducing work weeks a sustainable option?

» December 18, 2007 - 2 comments - Children and Families, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Cell Phone Recycling in Gresham Outlook

From the Gresham Outlook:
"Each year, it seems, the holiday gift season showcases inconceivable new gadgets. The speed with which the latest and greatest arrives at our fingertips is exciting. But it also presents a dilemma: what to do with the old stuff? The stuff that still works but seems passé – or flat-out obsolete."

And so begins the article on Jeff's cell phone recycling resolution. Start collecting those phones now to recycle in the New Year!

Discuss: Cell Phone Recycling in Gresham Outlook

» December 17, 2007 - 1 comments - Top Stories

La Posada event with Educate Ya

Visit the Posada Fundraiser on Saturday, December 15th at 7pm and help them celebrate the holiday festivities at our traditional Mexican Posada. Meet at 200 NE 20th Ave, Suite 10 in Portland.

There is no charge, but donations are welcome.

About the tradition:
Every year starting December 16th, and following for nine consecutive nights, children parade from one designated house to another reenacting the story of Mary and Joseph and asking for shelter for the night through traditional songs. They are finally let into one house where a party awaits them! Watch as we act out this tradition and join the party afterwards!

Discuss: La Posada event with Educate Ya

» December 13, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Inner NE, Top Stories

Pet of the Day

Time for the pet of the day! It wasn't hard when I ran across Jack Frost the Husky. What's more fitting on this cold day then a warm dog to brighten your house? Jack needs exercise twice a day and is Frosty to cats. He's also smart as a whip so I know you'll have a good time. Come check out Jack Frost and all his friends at Animal Services.

Discuss: Pet of the Day

» December 12, 2007 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Sailboat hits Hawthorne Bridge...

Yeah, we didn't know either! Here's the scoop from Public Affairs:

A drifting sailboat ran into the Hawthorne Bridge today around noon and was stuck resting against the south side of the bridge near the west end for about an hour today after the boat’s engine lost a gear. The bridge was not damaged and the Sheriff’s River Patrol came to the rescue and towed the boat away from the bridge.

I bet that made for a bad day. Glad everyone's OK!

Discuss: Sailboat hits Hawthorne Bridge...

» December 11, 2007 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Change the Sheriff or the system?

Today the Portland Tribune editorial page expressed it's support for replacing the Multnomah County sheriff, Bernie Giusto, not the entire system, as suggested by Chair Ted Wheeler. We were interested in what you think. Read the article and let us know which side of the change would you fall on?

Discuss: Change the Sheriff or the system?

» December 11, 2007 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Public Safety, Top Stories

Help storm victims in Vernonia and along the coast

The storm last weekend left many, many people stranded and in need of help. Hands on Greater Portland has organized around getting folks the help they need. If you have some time this week or next, pitch in and help your fellow Oregonians. Happy Holidays!

These Projects are not managed by Hands On Greater Portland and are not led by a Hands On Project Leader. Instead, they are managed and led by a representative of the agency being served.

Discuss: Help storm victims in Vernonia and along the coast

» December 10, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Fun stretches across districts

Matthew Lashua from Maria Rojo de Steffey's office celebrates with Cogen staff!
Last night, some board staff made an appearance at the Basic Rights Oregon holiday party at the home of Bill Dickey and David Wagner. Commissioner Cogen and Rep. Tina Kotek (D-North/NE Portland District 44) were featured speakers and really encouraged the crowd with their positive words. There was delicious food, drinks, and wonderful people who gathered together to celebrate domestic partnerships in Oregon and all the accomplishments of BRO.

We can't wait until the next one!

Discuss: Fun stretches across districts

» December 7, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Pet of the Day

Our dog today is named Kringles...is that a holiday sign or what? I'll let Animal Services tell the story: What a love bug!! Kringles will melt into your arms. She is a social butterfly and very affectionate. Kringles is about 1 1/2 years old and weighs 44#. Kringles is super smart, very eager to learn and to please, has picked up quickly on training given at the shelter, and is ready to go home!! This little lady will keep you warm on long winter nights and entertain you on summer afternoons! She is an all weather friend looking for same! Do NOT pass this one by!!

Check out Kringles and his other friends at Animal Services today!

Discuss: Pet of the Day

» December 3, 2007 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Top Stories

To storm or not to storm...and what help will be available

The office is a buzz about the potential extra-tropical cyclone that may or may not hit our fair state in a couple of days. We are chatting about stocking up on groceries, water, and movies.

But, this storm may indeed happen and Multnomah County is preparing to help those who need it. Please see what constituent aid is available, if needed after the jump.

Meanwhile, I've made my "snowed in" shopping list...what's on yours?

Read more and discuss: To storm or not to storm...and what help will be available

» November 30, 2007 - 1 comments - Top Stories

Venture capital tax change take effect following meeting

Multnomah County Board of Commissioners approved new administrative rule that addresses the tax treatment of venture capital funds.

After listening carefully to complaints from local venture capital firms during hearings on reform to the Business License Fee in April of 2007, the Revenue Bureau, City Commissioner Sam Adams’ Office and County Commissioner Jeff Cogen’s Office put together a workgroup that included representatives from the venture capital industry, tax professionals and city and county representatives. This workgroup was tasked to review the tax treatment of venture capital funds. If venture capital funds were found to be disadvantaged in Portland and Multnomah County, the group was to jointly design a solution that would overcome this disadvantage without creating unintended consequences for the Revenue Bureau or other businesses.

Read more and discuss: Venture capital tax change take effect following meeting

» November 29, 2007 - 0 comments - Budget, Top Stories, Warren's Blog

Pet of the Day

Daisy is our cat of the day. She's a kitty, so no baggage - introduce her to your kids, dogs, or other cats. I know there is no way you can look at Daisy's face and say no! She's so cute and would be the perfect holiday surprise. Check out Daisy and all the other adoptable pets at Animal Services.

Discuss: Pet of the Day

» November 27, 2007 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Pet of the Day

Animal Services says it best today. Visit their website to check out this great dog and many others: Hi there! My name is Jacobi and I am one of a kind! At first glance I look like a Labrador, but look closer and spend some time with me and you will see my Husky heritage shining through! I am a great dog with a sensitive nature and courageous heart. I like to play with other dogs but I need a dog with a similar "husky" playstyle and good social skills. I show signs of not wanting to share my food so kids in the home must be 12 years or older. I am a GREAT dog, just ask to meet me!

Discuss: Pet of the Day

» November 26, 2007 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Pet of the Day

Penelope is a cat, a mom and friend! I will let her Animal Services description speak for itself: Penelope is the mother of Nigel, Lucy and Gracie who were born June 15, 2007. She is also “Foster Momma” to Elizabeth, Angela and Bellvadere. She is a Super Mom! She nursed her foster babies as well as her own. Penelope is laid back, attentive and loving. Head butts are her favorite way to show her love for her humans. She is tolerant of her foster family’s dogs and is “civil” to their older cat.

Can you say no to that? Visit Penny and all her friends at Animal Services.

Discuss: Pet of the Day

» November 23, 2007 - 0 comments - Top Stories

What Team Cogen is thankful for...and like's to eat!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and we'll be relaxing tomorrow. So to hold you over, here's what Team Cogen is thankful for:

Jeff: I’m thankful for my wonderful family and friends, and I’m thankful I have a job that I love and co-workers who rock. As for Thanksgiving food: I’m excited about the Thanksgiving traditionals: mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce in a can, pumpkin pie and a nice, big juicy Tofurky

Marissa: I’m thankful for my little family, my work family, cornbread stuffing (because that’s what I’ll be eating on my first gluten-free Thanksgiving!) the inside of pumpkin pie, garlic mashed potatoes and gravy!

Warren: I am thankful for my wonderful family and friends, for freedom, for life, and for this great place called Portland. I love Thanksgiving! All the food and traditions, especially turkey, cranberry sauce, and apple pie.

Karol: I'm thankful this year for my job, which has made me happy, happy, happy. The people I work with give so much love, you'd think we were all related. My family is also so very cool! I'm also thankful for Nine West boots, knit hats, and eight lovely friends to cook for and lots of reasons to cook out of Cooks Illustrated magazine.

Discuss: What Team Cogen is thankful for...and like's to eat!

» November 22, 2007 - 0 comments - Top Stories

No Cesar Chavez Blvd...for now

Today at the City Council meeting, the commissioners voted 3-2 to reject the name change of Interstate to Cesar E. Chavez Blvd. They also had a 5-0 vote to keep the name of 4th ave.

Ultimately, the committee is happy because they finally got an up or down vote but we are still left without a marker for a man that made an impact on lives of people who live in Oregon. Our staff had various feelings on the issue. We are racially diverse and support expanding that diversity throughout Portland. We also understand that the public and a process has to be taken into consideration. That is why Jeff worked so hard to keep an open and fair process in siting a new North Portland Library.

Whatever comes next, we hope it honors the expanding diversity of our city and county and that it will be done fairly for everyone involved.

Discuss: No Cesar Chavez Blvd...for now

» November 21, 2007 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Pet of the Day

This is Skip the Jack Russell Terrier. As you can see, he's very cute and a Jack Russell through and through. No small kids and no cats, please, as he may be too much for them. Check him out and all the other cutie pies at Animal Services.

Discuss: Pet of the Day

» November 20, 2007 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Holiday feature: Pet of the day

Its holiday time and that means gift giving! Many wonderful people around town think about giving pets as gifts. Well, we'd like to encourage you to adopt an animal from Multnomah County Animal Services. So to help you in that endeavor, we are posting a Pet of the Day!

Today I'd like you to meet Chelsea. She's a black and white female Domestic Medium Hair and Mix mix. She is approximately 6 years old. She weighs about 8.8 lbs. She has been spayed. She will do well with dogs, kids and other cats. Go visit Chelsea and all her other friends at Animal Services!

Discuss: Holiday feature: Pet of the day

» November 19, 2007 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

New online features await pet lovers at animal services!

Can you stand it? This is Jasmine the Lab and she's in the running for cutest dog at animal services! Ok, there is no competition, but if there was, I might lean towards Jasmine. If you want to see the rest, please visit Animal Services' new and improved site for seeing adoptable pets, checking for your lost animals, renewing licenses and donating.

Each month MultCoPets.org receives more than 40,000 visits, making it one of Multnomah County’s busiest websites. “ These new online features make it easy and convenient for web-savvy pet lovers to access services,” stated Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler. “You can also provide direct feedback with a new web survey.”

Multnomah County Animal Services is the sole public agency serving all the pets and people of Multnomah County, including the cities of Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview and Wood Village.

I know...I can hardly stand it...so cute.

Discuss: New online features await pet lovers at animal services!

» November 16, 2007 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Top Stories

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 - 4 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Top Stories

Library meeting update

After much work by the Friends of the Lombard library back around 1999 - their library did not materialize - there was some skepticism in our audiences over the last three meetings whether the County would follow through this time around. That is understandable and we know there are some hurdles to overcome. The residents of North Portland have lacked a much needed third branch for a while. Jeff is committed to an open, transparent process and ensures that this time around, North Portland will get it's library. To that end, the final siting meeting for the new library for North Portland was last night and we had 40 people attend.

The overwhelming response was for a location in Kenton. Neighbors liked the accessibility to transit, bike lanes, walk-ability and the proximity to burgeoning business in the neighborhood. We welcomed the developers of the three Kenton sites and they shared their passion for having a branch on their respective properties.

Read more and discuss: Library meeting update

» November 14, 2007 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Adopt-A-Road Cleanup Day this Saturday, November 17th!

Multnomah County employees are some of the best in town. Our "Green Team" gives of their own time to organize Green events and opportunities for other staff members and the community.

This weekend, our inspired Green Team head out to their adopted road to do clean up and then have some lunch. Any County staff is invited to join. If you are so inclined:

WHERE TO GO: NE 185th & Marine Drive (Park in the small lot 20 yards south of Marine Drive on NE 185th)
WHAT TO BRING: Your own Boots, Raincoat, Water .
PLEASE RSVP: Number, name of attendees to: Stuart Farmer here or call x-2615.

Bring a friend with you! Please note that Participants must be at least 13 years of age and in good health.

THANKS, GREEN TEAM!

Discuss: Adopt-A-Road Cleanup Day this Saturday, November 17th!

» November 14, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

Recognizing Veterans

Today the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners passed a proclamation recognizing veterans. The proclamation was submitted by Commissioner Cogen in recognition of the 197 Multnomah County employees who are veterans or who are on active duty. The Board also wanted to acknowledge the contributions of all of our veterans, and to highlight the important duty we have, as a county and as a community, to warmly welcome them back and help them and their families reintegrate after their military service is over.

Below are links to two very alarming articles on homeless veterans and the challenges of reintegration. We still have a chance to get out in front of this problem, but there is no doubt that the challenge of avoiding a repeat of the Vietnam era is a huge one.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/08/us/08vets.html?hp

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/H/HOMELESS_VETERANS?SITE=WWL&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

This story from today's Oregonian shares some local perspective on the enormous debt we owe our veterans.

Discuss: Recognizing Veterans

» November 8, 2007 - 0 comments - Homeless, Human Services, Top Stories, Warren's Blog

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

Happy Halloween!

It's Halloween! Kids get to dress up and eat a ridiculous amount of candy and no dentist in the world can stop it. Our house likes to give out Snickers, Baby Ruths and KitKats and play Michael Jackson's Thriller at top volume. What do you like to do?

Enjoy the day and watch out for those little goblins and ghosts when you are driving or biking home from work. Sometimes the allure of candy keeps kids from looking both ways.

Discuss: Happy Halloween!

» October 31, 2007 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Bee Collapse a Bigger Threat To Crops Than Global Warming?

This Thursday, Multnomah County and City of Portland leaders will brief the public on the progress of our Local Action Plan on Global Warming. But last night, as my family settled down to watch Nature: Silence of the Bees, I began to worry that honeybee Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) might wipe out our flowering food crops before Global Warming has a chance to fry them.

Read more and discuss: Bee Collapse a Bigger Threat To Crops Than Global Warming?

» October 29, 2007 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Marissa's Blog, News, Sustainability, Top Stories

Domestic Partnership: Things to know

In District Two, we are very happy to be able to talk about offering domestic partnerships for same-sex here at Multnomah County starting in 2008. Our office wants to be as helpful as we can to ensure a smooth process for people coming to our county to file for partnership.
One important note for same sex couples coming to file: signatures on the application HAVE TO BE NOTARIZED before they are accepted. Couples can come, pick up an application, then fill out, sign and notarize, then bring them back with the $60 fee (cash or money order). In order to expedite this process, all of Jeff's staff will be certified notaries public - that is, if we can pass the three hour course in a few weeks!

Another note to mention: if you got married in 2004, your records will not count. You'll have to apply for domestic partnership.

The rest of the rules will be after the jump. Congratulations, friends!

Read more and discuss: Domestic Partnership: Things to know

» October 25, 2007 - 1 comments - Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Event will honor Community Champions

From Aging and Disability Services:

Gatekeeper Program celebrates 20 years protecting vulnerable seniors and disabled from abuse and neglect

Multnomah County Department of Human Services’ Aging and Disability Services Division will recognize “Community Champions,” the individuals and organizations who work to protect vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities from abuse and neglect.

Multnomah County’s nationally recognized Gatekeeper Program has successfully operated for the past twenty years, training more than 25,000 individuals and businesses to spot warning signs concerning at-risk seniors and adults with disabilities. Gatekeepers represent numerous occupations and industries including bank tellers, meter readers, letter carriers, and firefighters.

“Their participation has not only enhanced quality of life for many vulnerable adults, but has directly saved lives,” states Multnomah County Commissioner Maria Rojo de Steffey.

In 2006, Multnomah County Adult Protective Services conducted 3,267 investigations involving seniors and adults with disabilities. Abuse takes many different forms and can include physical harm, failure to provide basic care, unwanted sexual contact, financial exploitation, verbal or mental abuse, involuntary seclusion, abandonment by caregiver, or self-neglect that leads to harm.

Read more and discuss: Event will honor Community Champions

» October 22, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Public Safety, Top Stories

October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month

I realized today as I walked through the St. Johns Safeway that it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. All the employees were wearing great pink ribbon t-shirts and lots of products were donating proceeds to Susan G. Komen Foundation. I also noticed that one of our local brewers, Bridgeport Brewery, were donating part of their six-pack proceeds to breast cancer research.

Last summer one of my sorority sisters, Lezli, was diagnosed with breast cancer one month before her 29th birthday. She's been clear now for 8 months, but it's unbelievable to see a friend your same age with no hair and a shunt in her chest for chemotherapy. Lucky for all of her friends, her sense of humor and zest for life helped us support her through the last year. Lezli got married a few weeks ago, the shunt is thankfully out of her chest, and the hair is coming back as lovely as ever.

So ladies, please do your monthly exams, visit your doctor every year, and if you are of that age, get your mammograms. Visit the Komen website for up to date information on breast health, eating tips, and other information.

Discuss: October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month

» October 19, 2007 - 1 comments - Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Book Sale at Title Wave!

The County libraries are so cool:
Get 55 percent off during the Title Wave’s day-after-Thanksgiving sale!
Find a hidden treasure and save even more!

PORTLAND, OR — Come into The Title Wave Used Bookstore during its annual Customer Appreciation Sale on the day after Thanksgiving and save 55 percent on most purchases — used books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs and more. The sale begins at 8 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 23, and continues until 4 p.m.
During those hours, some lucky customers will find the treasures hidden throughout the store: gift certificates, gifts and coupons for even bigger discounts (limit one treasure per customer).
Proceeds from the volunteer-operated bookstore benefit Multnomah County Library.
The Title Wave is located at 216 N.E. Knott St., Portland. Regular store hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.multcolib.org/titlewave or call 503.988.5021.

Discuss: Book Sale at Title Wave!

» October 18, 2007 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Events, Inner NE, Karol's Blog, Libraries, Top Stories

TOP-OFF 4: The sixth floor view

Well folks, the (simulated) dirty bomb has gone off and Multnomah County's Emergency Operations Center is in full swing. In the run-up to T4 (what the cool kids are calling Top Officials 4), our office really didn't know what to expect or what was expected of us. So today, Jeff and I took a little lunch time trip to the Multnomah building's basement to watch our Emergency Team work their magic. I must say that to this political staffer they all seemed to know what they were doing and preliminary reports from those in the know describe a scenario that is going fairly smoothly - for now.

Read more and discuss: TOP-OFF 4: The sixth floor view

» October 16, 2007 - 1 comments - Events, Marissa's Blog, Public Safety, Top Stories

Scrabble Tourney for Oregon Literacy

I love Scrabble! To me, I just don't want to win, but more to crush the competition with the power of my extensive (so I think) vocabulary. There is nothing more satisfying than laying down those smooth wood tiles, forming a word your sparring partner has never heard, and being right. Man, I love that. I realize that the key is the quirky two and three letter words, but those just close down the board! But, I digress. What ever your Scrabble passion may be, indulge it October 20th at the Oregon Literacy Annual Scrabble Tournament! Here are the details:

What: Oregon Literacy's Semi-Annual Scrabble Tournament!

Why: To promote awareness for literacy, to raise funds for Oregon Literacy, and to have fun!

Where: The Gotham Tavern, 2240 N. Interstate Ave., Portland (503) 517-9911 Map

When: October 20th, 2007 from 1:00pm - 6:00pm

Who: You and any other Scrabble players!

Visit Oregon Literacy online to get even more details. See you there!

Discuss: Scrabble Tourney for Oregon Literacy

» October 15, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Inner NE, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Traffic Advisory: Burnside closed through next week

From Multnomah County Public Affairs

Release: October 12, 2007

Contact: Michael Pullen, Public Affairs Office, 503-988-6804

Burnside Bridge closed through next week

A closure of the Burnside Bridge to motor vehicles is expected to continue until the end of next week, due to complications with lift span repairs underway. The bridge is expected to reopen to motor vehicles during the October 20 – 21 weekend.

Read more and discuss: Traffic Advisory: Burnside closed through next week

» October 12, 2007 - 2 comments - Top Stories

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

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 10, 2007 - 0 comments - 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

Team Cogen's weekend plans

Here in District 2, we are close to a wonderful organization called Hands on Greater Portland. Jeff was president of the board and ensured through his work that it is the solid volunteer organization that it is today.

Every year they have an event called "Cares Day." Hands On picks several things that need to get done around the city - enhancing elementary schools, helping Schoolhouse Supplies, stocking Oregon Food Bank - with large groups of volunteers that pitch in to work for about 4 hours. Hands On has rounded up some great sponsors, including, Comcast, NW Natural and Adidas. Even better, the Comcast sites have donuts.

Read more and discuss: Team Cogen's weekend plans

» October 5, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Inner NE, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Announcing the "Good Government Hotline"

From the County Auditor:

The County Auditor’s Office has launched the Good Government Hotline to provide County employees and the public with a method for reporting suspected fraud, abuse of position, and misuse of County resources.

Why does the County need the Good Government Hotline?

The presence of a reporting system reinforces the message that all County officials, managers, and employees are expected to follow the highest standards of ethical and legal behavior and to act as stewards of taxpayer resources. A confidential reporting system administered by the elected, independent Auditor ensures objective review of reports.

Read more and discuss: Announcing the "Good Government Hotline"

» October 3, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

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

Thank you, Mayor Potter for Ending Portland’s Deeply Flawed “Exclusion Zones”

Mayor Potter recently decided not to re-authorize the city’s three “Exclusion Zones” that allow police officers to prohibit a person from entering, or being present in, large parts of the City of Portland for up to 90 days if they are suspected of drug or prostitution offenses. The idea of the zones was to provide the Police with an efficient tool for confronting elusive criminal activity. To some extent the Exclusion Zones achieved that goal, but at a cost that is far too high for our community to tolerate.

Exclusion zones allowed a significant penalty to be meted out to people not only without requiring them to first be convicted of a crime - but without even requiring that they have been arrested at all. This turns the fundamental notion of “innocent until proven guilty” so far on its head that our founding fathers must be spinning in their graves.

Second, these zones impact different groups within our community quite differently and serve to inflame the tensions between the Police and members of Portland’s minority communities. African Americans, in particular, have been disproportionately impacted by the way Exclusion Zones have been applied. A Police Bureau report issued in 2006 showed that African Americans who were stopped by Police were almost twice as likely to get exclusions as whites.

Finally, even if the individual being excluded actually committed a crime that merits punishment, Exclusion Zones don’t take criminals off the street they just move them to different neighborhoods around town for a few months. This limited benefit pales in comparison to the negative consequences of Exclusion Zones

We live in an era when the most basic civil liberties upon which our country was founded have come under unprecedented assault from our Federal Government. In Portland we must not succumb to the temptation to sacrifice liberty in the name of efficient law enforcement. Exclusion Zones simply aren’t worth it and I commend Mayor Potter for ending it there.

Discuss: Thank you, Mayor Potter for Ending Portland’s Deeply Flawed “Exclusion Zones”

» September 27, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Jeff's Blog, Public Safety, Top Stories

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, Atomic Daylight boutique, and Leisure Pub?

Discuss: New Walgreens drug store in St. Johns?

» September 25, 2007 - 10 comments - Karol's Blog, North Portland, Top Stories

Library meeting update, more dates

There were about 30 people at the meeting about siting a new library for North Portland last Thursday night. It was a lively presentation, emceed by Mike Verbout. I'll provide the notes we took after the jump. We were lucky to have the property developers attend the meeting. Each developer gave enthusiastic support for their sites and talked about the positive aspects.

There will be two more meetings coming up around this siting. The next one will be Thursday, October 11th at the North Portland Library at 6pm. The final meeting will be Tuesday, November 13th at the Historic Kenton Firehouse at 6pm as well. Please join us for these meetings!

Read more and discuss: Library meeting update, more dates

» September 24, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland, Top Stories

Reminder: New library for North Portland meeting tonight

Join Jeff tonight at the University Park Community Center (9009 N Foss) to discuss a location for a new library in North Portland. Click on "download file" to see the options to be discussed.Download file

Discuss: Reminder: New library for North Portland meeting tonight

» September 20, 2007 - 0 comments - Top Stories

Possible sites for a new library in North Portland

As you've no doubt heard, a new library is coming to North Portland. To clarify, there are no plans at all to close the "Killingsworth" library - formally known as the North Portland library - or the St. Johns library. Our goal is to place a new library in the center of both existing libraries to provide more access to everyone.

If you clink on the "download file" link below, you will see what will be presented at the public library meetings. There are options for new library sites as well as explanations. TONIGHT, 9/20/07, there will be a public meeting at the University Park Community Center starting at 6pm. Jeff will be there, along with our library executive director, Molly Raphael. Please join us and feel free to share your thoughts on the sites on our website.

Download file

Discuss: Possible sites for a new library in North Portland

» September 19, 2007 - 9 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries, News, North Portland, Top Stories

Free CFL light bulbs available at the Children's Book Fair

Jeff's staff will be at the North Portland Library's annual book fair, "Children's Book Fair: Do the Right Thing and READ!" giving away CFL light bulbs to our neighbors. We'll be there from 11am to 2pm. Bring your family, check out some great books and grab a few bulbs!

Great information about CFL's from Energystar:

Read more and discuss: Free CFL light bulbs available at the Children's Book Fair

» September 18, 2007 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland, Sustainability, Top Stories

County to invite bids for our solar power initiative

Today at the Northwest Solar Expo, Multnomah County Commissioner Jeff Cogen will announce the release of a formal request for proposals (RFP) to design, finance and build energy-generating solar installations for county properties expected to generate over one million Kilowatt hours per year of clean energy. It will be formally available on September 21st.

If you remember a few months ago, the Board unanimously passed a resolution to move forward with this innovative solar project. The County will use the electricity produced on its buildings for its own operations and have the ability to return any excess back into the utility grid for credit. This is a great opportunity for the County to solidify our place as a leader in sustainable economic development and set an example for what can be done with a little ingenuity!

Read more and discuss: County to invite bids for our solar power initiative

» September 14, 2007 - 1 comments - Top Stories

North Portland Gathering of Neighbors Recap

Last night, Jeff and I went to the NOPO Gathering of Neighbors out in St. Johns, at Patties Homeplate Cafe. It was a great atmosphere and Pattie served us all half sandwiches and salad on the house. There were about 60 people there, most all with something to share with the group. There was even a little eyebrow raising with folks talking about whether to rename Interstate Ave. to Cesar Chavez Blvd. and issues around low-income housing. Most neighbors talked about their upcoming activities and invited folks to come along.

Read more and discuss: North Portland Gathering of Neighbors Recap

» September 12, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Top Stories

Date change for second library meeting

Press release from Library Public Affairs:

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

Portland, OR — Multnomah County Commissioner Jeff Cogen and Director of Libraries Molly Raphael will host two public meetings to discuss potential sites for a new library in North Portland.
The meetings are scheduled as follows:
• Thursday, Sept. 20 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the University Park Community Center, located at 9009 N. Foss Ave.
• Monday, Oct. 11 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the North Portland Library, located at 512 N. Killingsworth St.
Moderated by Mike Verbout, the meetings will include reports on potential sites and will provide an opportunity for members of the community to offer input. The new library will be sited approximately midway between the North Portland and the St. Johns libraries.
Community members who would like to provide comments online can do so at www.commissionercogen.com.

We look forward to hearing your feedback on what you'd like a new North Portland library to look like, for example: a featured Northwest author, more computers, more reference, a style, a feel? Let us know!

Discuss: Date change for second library meeting

» September 6, 2007 - 2 comments - Top Stories

Access an entire reference library on your desktop!

From the library:
Search hundreds of reference works from the library’s website

For 24/7 access from home or work to the very best informational resources available, check out the library’s newest collection of e-books: the Gale Virtual Reference Library.

Offering over 1,400 of the most acclaimed reference books in print, this online collection makes it easy to consult many of the high-quality sources that previously were available only in print at Central Library.

Among the many searchable titles are the most recent editions of:

• College Blue Book
• Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
• Encyclopedia of African-American Culture and History
• American Men and Women of Science
• Gale E-Commerce Sourcebook
• Literary Themes for Students

The Gale Virtual Reference Library provides authoritative information from digitized encyclopedias, almanacs and specialized reference sources. Visitors can search the entire collection by keyword or browse each volume using an interactive table of contents. Search results can even be translated into seven languages, including Spanish, Russian and Chinese.

To access the Gale Virtual Reference Library, visit the library’s Research website at www.multcolib.org/ref. All you need is a library card and a topic you’d like to learn more about.

Discuss: Access an entire reference library on your desktop!

» September 4, 2007 - 0 comments - Libraries, Top Stories

Bridges, bridges, bridges

Here is a round-up of some news stories revolving around our bridges:

Transportation

An article (“Headlines may shape special session” 8/29) in the online newsletter of county contract lobbyist Conkling Fiskum & McCormick predicts the Sellwood Bridge and bridge funding could be a focus of the 2008 special legislative session in Salem.

A front page article in The Oregonian (“Review of bridges finds no big flaws“, 8/30) reported on the results of inspections of Oregon bridges with designs similar to the bridge that collapsed in Minneapolis last month. The inspections ordered by the governor found no serious new problems. Inspection of the Sellwood Bridge was delayed until Sept. 9 to avoid conflicts with a local business.

An opinion column in the Salem Statesman’s Journal (“Getting a third bridge will take determination”, 8/28) describes challenges in funding a new Willamette River bridge in Salem. The author predicts the Salem bridge will compete with the Sellwood Bridge project for state and federal funds.

Discuss: Bridges, bridges, bridges

» September 4, 2007 - 0 comments - News, Public Safety, Top Stories

Enjoy the fruits of your Labor Day

As we enter the long weekend and the end of summer, we should reflect on the history of Labor Day. Then, after you are done contemplating our rich history, you should eat. And so I introduce Team Cogen's favorite things! I know, Oprah started it, but we are keeping it going.

Warren's favorite BBQ food is chicken. He also said, "anything is good and I'll eat anything barbecued, but I love chicken." When pressed by this interviewer, Warren prefers a leg, the whole leg with drumstick and thigh. Grab that leg, Warren: The Deen Brothers' BBQ Chicken recipe

Read more and discuss: Enjoy the fruits of your Labor Day

» August 31, 2007 - 1 comments - Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

Today is the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. The stories of families still living in trailers, displaced to other states and wanting to be home in Louisiana, and the rampant violence that seems endless, its hard to believe this is America. A listen to the NPR show Day to Day paints a broad picture of the ongoing struggle.

Its hard to determine where the fault lies in the painfully slow rebuilding of the Gulf Coast. But we do know that there are an endless stream of volunteers going down there daily from all over the country to do what they can to help the process. A group from Portland's Hands on Greater Portland will go to Biloxi and New Orleans at the end of hurricane season to do what they can to help.

Read more and discuss: Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

» August 29, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Top Stories

Facing homelessness head on

From the Oregonian:

Housing plan for homeless ahead of goal
Audit - In two years, Portland moves 1,039 people and 717 families into housing

Monday, August 27, 2007

ANDY DWORKIN The Oregonian Staff

Portland's made a great start on its 10-year plan to end homelessness, putting more chronically homeless people into houses than projected, according to an audit released today.

How the city will fare in the plan's final seven-plus years is less clear, the audit said, and city officials must set more solid goals if it hopes to sustain progress -- including defining what it means to "end homelessness."

"It's very positive so far. They've set specific goals and met them," said Drummond Kahn, the city's director of audit services. "As we get further along, it's going to get more challenging" because the city's goals are cloudier and because, after first helping those more amenable to housing, the remaining homeless population may be harder to serve.

Read more and discuss: Facing homelessness head on

» August 28, 2007 - 0 comments - Homeless, Human Services, News, Top Stories

More than just a river in Africa...West Nile strikes again

Another West Nile virus announcement from our Public Affairs Office. Did Cleopatra worry about this? Just kidding...

County urges public to report dead birds
Four birds have tested positive for West Nile virus

Multnomah County’s recent discovery of a fourth bird testing positive for West Nile virus is a reminder that the virus is established in the county. Health officials continue to track the virus and are urging the public to report dead birds, specifically crows, blue jays and robins.

Read more and discuss: More than just a river in Africa...West Nile strikes again

» August 27, 2007 - 0 comments - Children and Families, News, Top Stories

Jeff in the news

Jeff and Marissa were quoted in today's Oregonian story about three seats soon to be open on our County Board. There is lots of interesting chatter about who's running and what changes it might bring. Read it here.

UDATE: Jeff is also mentioned in the Gresham Outlook. The focus is the heating up of the race to replace Lonnie Roberts in District 4.

Come back and let us know your thoughts!

Discuss: Jeff in the news

» August 21, 2007 - 0 comments - News, Top Stories

What does Multnomah County need from the state?

In the coming months, Jeff is going to meet with state representatives and senators to help paint a clearer picture of what Multnomah County's needs are and how we can make sure we are getting our fair share to help our most vulnerable populations.

Are there issues in our county that the state should step up to the plate and help with? Tell us what you think and what you would say to some of our delegation.

Discuss: What does Multnomah County need from the state?

» August 20, 2007 - 4 comments - Budget, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, News, Top Stories

Online survey lets public choose Sellwood Bridge option

Check out the following from our Public Affairs Office regarding the Sellwood Bridge:

If you have an opinion about the future of the Sellwood Bridge, Multnomah County wants to hear from you. An online survey offered through September 9 at www.sellwoodbridge.org lets the public choose up to two preferred alternatives for replacing or rehabilitating the 81-year-old structure. Survey results will be considered by a community task force and committee of elected officials that will choose up to four alternatives for further study this fall.

Multnomah County and its project partners are in the final year of a planning project that will identify a long-term solution for the Sellwood Bridge. Earlier this year the public was invited to propose possible solutions. In May the range of alternatives was narrowed to the strongest ones. The current online survey will gather public input before the next project milestone, when up to four alternatives will advance for further study in the draft Environmental Impact Statement.

Read more and discuss: Online survey lets public choose Sellwood Bridge option

» August 15, 2007 - 2 comments - Community Involvement, News, Public Safety, Top Stories

Composting at the County

This morning I had the pleasure of talking to Jane at the Juvenile Justice Center. She handles all things food and service related with that building and has a warm spot for saving children and the Earth. She currently runs a composting program at the Center that collects the food waste from the kitchen and the meals; reducing the amount of trash that gets collected. Jane appreciates that saving the Earth comes at a current cost, but lowers overall costs - to the wallet and the planet - in the long run. Great job, Jane!

Read more and discuss: Composting at the County

» August 13, 2007 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Karol's Blog, Outer NE, Sustainability, Top Stories

Oh, Summertime...

Fresh, sweet tomatoes - grown in District 2...

» August 9, 2007 - Karol's Blog, Top Stories

The work continues toward a new North Portland library

Many North Portland neighbors are looking forward to a new North Portland library. Currently, the 5th "quadrant" has are two great branches - St. Johns and North Portland - and needs another branch in the middle of these two locations. The levy passed in 2006 alloted funds for this new location and we are working hard to ensure this project happens in a timely manner.

Read more and discuss: The work continues toward a new North Portland library

» August 1, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland, Top Stories

NOPO Business Association BBQ - Recap

Ian Smith, Jeff and Rob Douglass

Yesterday Jeff and I attended the North Portland Business Association BBQ. Tanya Scott - New Orleans transplant and owner of the Orleans Candle Company - made a feast of pulled pork, beef brisket, corn cake, beans and potato salad. If that wasn't enough, there was fruit, chips and plenty of drinks.

Read more and discuss: NOPO Business Association BBQ - Recap

» July 27, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sustainability, Top Stories

Holding ourselves responsible for sustainability

The era of Jeff Cogen has ushered in some exciting changes and a spirit of enthusiasm for our sustainability department. In a relatively short time, Jeff’s worked with this department to pass a Benzene Reduction Policy for our fleet vehicles and a solar energy partnership deal with Energy Trust of Oregon. In another great move, our offices are making sure Multnomah County walks the walk with sustainable principles by introducing Sustainability Liaisons.

Read more and discuss: Holding ourselves responsible for sustainability

» July 26, 2007 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories