North Portland News

Crews clear ammonia leak at North Portland company

2007-10-26T19:33:00.001-07:00

There’s no regret over great egret

2007-10-01T18:51:00.000-07:00

Keep on truckin' but not on St. Johns streets

2007-10-01T18:50:00.003-07:00

Arbor Lodge rejects new avenue name

2007-10-01T18:50:00.001-07:00

North shows its own independent, provocative face

2007-10-01T18:49:00.001-07:00

Call it Makeover Elementary

2007-10-01T18:47:00.001-07:00

North Portland district enjoys business surge

2007-09-20T20:28:00.003-07:00

Click here for story.

North Portland district enjoys business surge

2007-09-20T20:28:00.001-07:00

North Portland district enjoys business surge

2007-09-20T20:27:00.001-07:00

http://portland.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2002/03/18/story2.html

2007 Portland Pirate Festival

2007-09-19T18:05:00.001-07:00

Saturday, Sept. 22, 10-10 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 23, 10-6 p.m.

Under the St. Johns Bridge in Cathedral Park

Adults: $12 Children: $6

Support the Make-A-Wish Foundation during Portland's newest family festival. Enjoy tall ships, buccaneer music, cannon fire, sword fighting, fine grub and grog from great restaurants.

For more information, visit www.portlandpiratefestival.org.

New NoPo Library

2007-09-19T17:59:00.001-07:00

Multnomah County Library is in the process of siting a new library in the North Portland area, approximately midway between the North Portland and St. Johns libraries.

Hear reports on potential sites and express your opinion to Commissioner Jeff Cogen and Director of Libraries Molly Raphael at the following public meetings:

Thursday, Sept. 20, 6-8 p.m.
University Park Community Center, 9009 N. Foss Rd.

Thursday, Oct. 11, 6-8 p.m.
North Portland Library, 512 N. Killingsworth St.

You can also comment at www.commissionercogen.com.

Carousel's move will mark end of an era

2007-09-19T16:28:00.000-07:00

North Portland Tool Library Needs Volunteers

2007-09-18T17:09:00.002-07:00

Native American school opens door to new lives

2007-09-18T17:09:00.001-07:00

Keep on truckin' but not on St. Johns streets

2007-09-18T17:05:00.002-07:00

Police investigate fatal shooting in North Portland

2007-09-18T17:05:00.001-07:00

North Portland Family Of 3 Dead In Murder/Suicide

2007-09-18T17:02:00.000-07:00

NoPo Blogs

2007-08-27T19:14:00.000-07:00

Little Red Bike Cafe to open soon on North Lombard

North Portland Police Precinct Blog

North Portland Greenway Blog

Submit news tips to northportlandnews@gmail.com

Got NoPo News?

2007-08-21T00:37:00.000-07:00

Do you have a business or event in North Portland and want to get the word out?

What about a favorite restaurant or boutique you just gotta share?

North Portland News is the place to post. Submit your news and reviews - share it with your fellow NoPos!

Or, if you have a news tip, story idea or suggestion please email me at northportlandnews@gmail.com.

Sara
Editor

NoPo News is Back!

2007-08-15T17:51:00.000-07:00

Hi again!

I started this blog back in late 2004 after graduating from journalism school. I wanted to know about the area and found myself endlessly searching the web for "news just for NoPo." I figured I wasn't the only one so I started posting news stories, press releases and links specifically about North Portland.

I subsequently found a job and moved to the coast. But, after a couple of years getting my feet wet in the newspaper biz (and the ocean), I'm back in NoPo working as a freelance writer and graphic designer.

One of the first things I did when I got back was check the site. I had transferred administrator rights to Lorri, who had graciously offered to continue posting news and notes about the area, which has grown tremendously in the last two years. Now with other things on her plate, Lorri has once again graciously offered to give the site back.

So, stay tuned. But, while Lorri and I are working out the glitches of transferring administrator rights, I'd love to hear your comments. What I want to know is what do you want to know? What kind of news and information would you like to see posted on North Portland News?

If you got a news tip, story idea or suggestion please email me at northportlandnews@gmail.com.

Thanks!

Sara
NoPo News Editor

News for 9/11

2005-09-11T09:17:00.000-07:00

The St. Johns neighborhood is throwing a party for the rededication of our famous St. Johns Bridge. The St. Johns Bridge celebration will be held on Saturday and Sunday, September 17th and 18th. The fun begins Saturday at 11am in Cathedral Park, and continues with the St. Johns Street Fair downtown, and the bridge rededication on Sunday. Before joining in the festivities, take a step back in time and read about the original 1931 bridge opening and dedication from the St. John’s Review, (“Now that it has come to completion and will be dedicated on the morrow…”). For more information on the grand reopening celebration, check out the St. John’s Sentinel.

North Portlanders who enjoy swimming will be pleased to hear that Portland Parks & Recreation has committed to continuing the life of Pier Pool in St. Johns. There has been some heated debate over the permanent closing of Pier Pool, and the appearance that Portland is not doing a fair job in equally distributing recreational funds and facilities throughout the city.

If you live in the Linnton neighborhood, you won’t want to miss the important Linnton rezoning meeting, on Tuesday, September 13th at 7pm. For more information, please check out the Linnton Neighborhood Association website.

Today is 9/11. How can we forget the tragic terrorist events that happened on 9/11 four years ago? I took a community survey this week and it posed the question, “Are you prepared in the event of a disaster?” Honestly, I would have to answer, “probably not”. Whether it is a terrorist disaster, or a natural one, we all need to think about how we would react to a disaster. Is your family and community prepared? If you think you could use some additional information on disaster preparedness, check out this link.

There is a taste of autumn in the air this weekend, with Portland’s cooler temperatures and rain. This time of year gets me thinking ahead about Halloween and a trip to Sauvie Island for pumpkins and other good eats. If you catch this post early enough today, it’s not too late to check out the Sauvie Island Harvest Fair! From the Sauvie Island website: “The Sauvie Island Harvest Fair is Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 10 and 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Howell Territorial Park. (Follow the signs after you cross the Sauvie Island Bridge.) Among many wonderful happenings will be the tasty homemade pies baked by the ladies of the Sauvie Island Grange.”

Another event going on today is the Global Portland Festival, which “offers our diverse communities a time together to honor the common humanity that brings us together.” Check it out, from noon to 6pm at Holladay Park across from Lloyd center.

Speaking of humanity, we’ve seen many wonderful examples with the outpouring of help for Katrina victims. By now you’ve probably heard that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has decided not to relocate any of the hurricane evacuees to our city. However, the need for help is still great. Of course, financial donations are still one of the best ways you can help. According to this article in The Washington Post on MSNBC, The Red Cross is using some funds to pick up hotel bills for many people. By some accounts, there are a million homeless people in need of housing assistance. Many are considering opening their homes to refugees and hosting a family. This is a wonderful way to help families in dire need, but before considering this option, you should be aware of some of the risks involved. The organizations that are helping to match families with hosts indicate that there is no way to do background checks on everyone, and that you are assuming some risk by bringing unknown people into your home. If you are considering adopting a refugee family and want to learn more, here are a couple of links:
http://www.katrinahousingnw.org/
http://www.katrinahousing.org/
http://www.hurricanehousing.org/

Welcome Back to North Portland News

2005-09-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

Hello, NoPo! Thanks to Sara, this site has just been transferred to another North Portlander (Lorri), in the interest of keeping the blog alive and well for North Portlanders looking for news relative to our neighborhoods. Check back for NoPo news and info, with fresh posts being added soon!

So the big news on Interstate Ave. is the opening of the New Seasons grocery store. My friend (in the Piedmont neighborhood) eagerly went shopping on their opening day and said that the new store is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood. The place was packed! New Seasons offers a great selection of local and organic foods for a healthy lifestyle. Many North Portlanders may take advantage of their convenient location to walk, bike, or take Max to this new shop. If you want to check it out, they are located at 6400 N. Interstate Ave. (New Seasons Map) near the N Portland Blvd. MAX station.

Of course most of the national news is centered around the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. So many people across the country want to do what they can to help, so let's reach out and demonstrate our true Portland spirit. I was out at the Tin Shed (Alberta St.) and they held a benefit last night, with all proceeds going to Katrina relief. These grass-roots charity efforts are wonderful and every little bit helps. If you know of any other Katrina charity events in North Portland that you would like listed on this blog, please Email Me.

That's all for now, be sure to check back for more North Portland news soon. Welcome back!!

Welcome to North Portland News

2005-09-04T14:57:00.000-07:00

No longer living in the area, I am unable to continue to update this site with relevant North Portland news. I see that many people still visit the page, even though new information hasn't been posted for several months now. However, you can still find useful and interesting NoPo links below.

It was a pleasure working on this project. North Portland is an up-and-coming neighborhood that needs a voice, so if someone would like to take over this site, please email me.

Mother Charged in Baby's Death

2005-02-15T16:02:00.000-08:00

From the Oregonian

Culture Center Looks For Way to Stay Open

2005-02-15T15:57:00.000-08:00

From the PortlandTribune.com

13-Year Old Arrrested in Gang Raid

2005-02-15T15:51:00.000-08:00

From Koin.com

NoPo Fans of Fox's Show "24"

2005-01-22T18:39:00.000-08:00

Fans are welcome to a weekly "24" Party at Darcy's in North Portland. 24 is the hit, action television series on Fox featuring Kiefer Sutherland, William Devane, Shohreh Aghdashloo, and Nestor Serrano.

Join us:
Every Monday,
9:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Darcy's, 4804 N. Lombard Street

Thanks to Lisa Horne of Portsmouth for her submission.

Tsunami Relief Telethon Tonight

2005-01-08T18:21:00.000-08:00

KGW Tsunami Relief Telethon

Monday, January 10th

7-8PM

Channel 8

Other ways to help:
Mercy Corps
NW Medical Teams
American Red Cross
The Salvation Army
US Aid
World Vision
US Bank Relief Fund

Portlanders respond quickly to help tsunami victims

2005-01-08T18:20:00.000-08:00

From MSNBC and PDXGUIDE.COM

Tsunami Help Blog

2005-01-08T18:18:00.000-08:00

New NoPo Website!

2004-12-27T13:57:00.000-08:00

There's a new website devoted for North Portland business and community members, featuring community events and news, online discussions and neighborhood information:

I work for the City of Portland's Office of Neighborhood Involvement and have been involved in the deployment of a new online tool for residents and those who do business in North Portland. It is a new Website that a was designed with the intent of connecting neighbors to neighbors and giving community members another means with which to connect with City staff to resolve neighborhood issues. A key tool offered by this site is a forum called the "Back Fence." It is a place where individuals can post items of interest and have discussions about issues in their neighborhoods. There are also a number of City staff who have volunteered to participate in this forum to help offer suggestions and answer questions to their area of expertise. I encourage you to check it out. The site is still in it's infancy and we are looking for input from community members such as yourself that like to use the Web to communicate.

--John R. Dutt, City/County Information and Referral Program Supervisor in an email he sent to NoPoNews

50th Annual Christmas Ship Parade

2004-12-20T18:13:00.000-08:00

Beginning Thursday, December 9th, 50-60 boat owners decorate their boats with holiday cheer and travel down the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, each night till December 21st.

To catch the show, click here or pick up the latest issue of The St. John's Review for route details.

Or, click here to learn more about Christmas Ships Inc., the nonprofit organization that puts together the traditional event every year here in the heart of Portland.

You can now search NoPo News!

2004-12-08T15:39:00.000-08:00

I have added a google search box on the right sidebar, so you can now search this site's past posts by keyword or topic.

I have also added a few new North Portland-related webpages to the long list under "NoPo Online", thanks to all your emails.

Keep them coming!

Winter Wonderland

2004-12-06T21:59:00.000-08:00

Drive through the largest Christmas light display in town!

Portland International Raceway
1940 N Victory Blvd
Portland, OR 97217
503.823.7223

December 6th - 15th
$12 per vehicle / $15 per van

NoPo Shooting Epidemic? You weigh in.

2004-11-30T18:12:00.000-08:00

I can't help but notice a trend in the news lately with North Portland and incidents in gun violence. So, is it simply the news sensationalizing shootings that happen to be in NoPo, or has there been an increase in shootings in our community over the last few years? What do you think? Weigh in by posting your comments below.

Here are some recent headlines:

Officer-Involved Shooting in North Portland from Portland Communique
15-year old shot in North Portland from The Oregonian
Man, 51, shot in arm while driving car from The Oregonian

Happy Thanksgiving NoPo!

2004-11-23T20:36:00.000-08:00

Here's the Holiday Resource List by Portland Impact (.pdf) which features places for the homeless or those in need to go to get a good Thanksgiving supper. It's a comprehensive list of all participating locations throughout the Portland area and features where to go and what they have to offer.

Boldly Flavored

2004-11-23T20:04:00.000-08:00

from the Willamette Week
[Features the review of two new NoPo restaurants, Bold-Sky Cafe and Studios.]

Election Recovery Coffeehouse

2004-11-17T16:01:00.000-08:00

Where: Bread & Roses Center, 819 N. Killingsworth
When: Tonight @ 7:00pm

Hung over with post-election blues? Well, grab a cup of coffee, roll up your sleeves & put a smile on your face because there’s a world that needs improvement and the government sell-outs just can’t get it right. Share your ideas on how to stop the war, defend the rights of women, people of color, sexual minorities, retirees, unions and youth from the jaws of profit-hungry mega-corporations and the elected officials who do their bidding.

For information, or to arrange childcare or transportation call 503-240-4462 or email mailto:fsp@igc.org.

From the Freedom Socialist Party and Radical Women Activities Website

Womens' Mechanic Night

2004-11-15T14:45:00.000-08:00

Women mechanics teach bike maintenance and repair,
every Wednesday, 6-8 PM at:

North Portland Bikeworks
3951 N Mississippi Ave
503.287.1098
Free (donations welcomed)

Recent NoPo News

2004-11-15T14:30:00.000-08:00

Zidell proposal upsets North Portland folks
from The Portland Tribune

Pedaling a new image
from Willamette Week

Kaiser to build radiation treatment center in N. Portland
from The Business Journal

Cooperation brings new N/NE shuttle to elderly & disabled
from Trimet

New NoPo Tool Library Info

2004-11-09T23:01:00.000-08:00

The North Portland Tool Library, opening this Saturday in the basement of the Kenton Firehouse, will join a growing number of places across the country that lend table saws and yard tools the way most libraries lend novels.
--Excerpt from The Oregonian

Historic Kenton Firehouse
8105 N. Brandon Avenue
(503) 823-4524
nopotool_library@yahoo.com

The library is now open twice a week and serving residents of Portsmouth, St. Johns, Kenton and Arbor Lodge neighborhoods. They loan garden, carpentry, plumbing and electrical power and hand tools for the maintenance and restoration projects for up to 4 days.

NoPo makes the national news

2004-11-06T15:21:00.000-08:00

Not that we like this kind of attention, but the news about the 'criminal caught in the chimney' made it all the way onto MSNBC's Countdown with Keith Olberman yesterday.

If you haven't heard the story yet, it's fairly amusing. The suspect attempted to break in to a NoPo man's home yesterday morning in a Santa-entrance fashion.

You can check out the details and news helicopter footage here.

The Latest Election Results

2004-11-03T21:08:00.000-08:00

Multnomah County:
http://www.mcelections.org/2004-11/results.shtml

State of Oregon:
http://sos-wx04.sos.state.or.us:7777/results/

Breakdown from The Oregonian:
http://www.oregonlive.com/elections/electioncoverage/

STILL TIME, IF YOU HURRY!

2004-11-02T11:24:00.000-08:00

Cast your vote by 8pm tonight! (No excuses!)

Drop Ballot Sites for Multnomah County (some are already open):
http://www.co.multnomah.or.us/dbcs/elections/2004-11/drop_sites.shtml

Fear & Loathing in NoPo

2004-10-28T18:44:00.000-07:00

A well-written and comprehensive article from Streetroots published back in April about the struggles of urbanism here in North Portland.

"Fear and Loathing"
[Part one by Israel Bayer]
[Part two by Joshua Cinelli]

Skaters Unite!

2004-10-28T18:31:00.000-07:00

Skaters for Portland Skateparks plan for Pier Park and got some good news from the Cathedral Park Neighborhood Association last month:

The Cathedral Park Neighborhood Association voted unanimously last night (09.14.04) to support our Pier Park redevelopment project with a $500.00 contribution. We are deeply grateful not only for the financial generosity, but also for their expediency. We offered our pitch and they immediately hit it with their contribution. Anybody looking for a community that gets behind their kids for skateboarding and skateparks need look no further than St. John's and Cathedral Park. We are privileged to work with them.

For more information, check out the link below.

Excerpt from pdxskaters.org

Walking Together

2004-10-28T17:42:00.000-07:00

The neighborhood renovation plans were adopted in 2002 by the City of Portland's Bureau of Planning and highlights ongoing projects like the Portsmouth Neighborhood Plan, as well as the St. John's/Lombard Plan, the Interstate Corridor Urban Renewal, and the Columbia Villa Hope IV.

Walking Together [.pdf document]

Kenton Action Plan

2004-10-28T17:40:00.000-07:00

From Portland Development Commission

Historical Perspective: St. John's, the YWCS & Civil Rights

2004-10-28T17:18:00.000-07:00

"Building Buildings: Mid-Century Growth"
Research by Rose M. Murdock, Tracy Christensen, and Patricia A. Schechter
From the Women & Social Movements Website

Piedmont & University Park

2004-10-28T16:44:00.000-07:00

Guide to Portland's North Neighborhoods from Moving to Portland

North Lombard Street Closure

2004-10-28T12:57:00.000-07:00

From Keep Portland Moving

Honda To Renew Port Lease

2004-10-28T12:56:00.000-07:00

From The Business Journal

Reluctant YES on Measure 26-64

2004-10-25T16:35:00.000-07:00

It's the last thing to fill out on my ballot. I've been agonizing over this measure more so than any other, including the state measures. Why? It seems straightforward enough I suppose. Measure 26-64 would repeal the voter approved county income tax, most likely leaving schools and other services in a bind over the next two years. No one wants to take money from children, least of all I, who has been advocating for better schools since I was in the 6th grade.

If I would of been a resident of Multnomah County last summer when the measure was first voted on, (I was living in Lane County while going to UO) I would have voted NO on the tax then (as I did with the same measure in Lane). But, I wasn't living here and those who were, already voted on the issue, whether I agreed with it or not. And, it's not my first inclination to change something already decided just because I don't agree.

Which is why this issue has been nagging at me for weeks now. For even though I believe in the cause, more money for our schools and services, I think the tax payers have already paid their fair share. The government has mis-managed the taxpayer's money by wasteful and frivolous spending. Furthermore, I think it is disgusting and disgraceful that it has come down to voters refusing to pay more for our own much needed services, just to make a point to our elected officials, who should be ashamed.

So, why then am I voting YES for the repeal? It's not to hurt our children, nor is it to give a proverbial middle finger to "the man". I decided to vote YES because of the unfair and poorly written text of the measure. Even if I was for a county tax increase (the only west of the Mississippi), the way the measure is written makes anyone who works outside of the county but lives in Portland required to pay and unfairly excludes some others from having to pay.

Plus, since the measure was first past last year, 1 of 3 taxpayers haven't paid. Why? No doubt because the extra chunk it takes out of their paycheck is too much of a burden on so many already hurting incomes. And, of the money collected from the tax increase, where has it gone? To the classroom? Well, not as promised. (Read more)

In the end, I think the people of Multnomah County deserve better from their elected officials. Certainly they can spend our money wiser and more efficiently, for causes that need the most attention like our schools. But, the three-year tax increase is not going to fix the shortfall and there is no sign from our officials that anything is being done to eliminate the issue for 2006.

From the editor

More Info On NoPo

2004-10-16T18:40:00.000-07:00

There are two little newspapers serving North Portland.

In & About (great news features) Great New publisher who has been involved in NOPO for several years!
St. Johns Review (mostly advertising and some community listings)

In response to "The new North Portland":

This project is limited to the 80+ acres of the former Columbia Villa development in the Portsmouth Neighborhood. There are several other public projects that are helping to spur development in North Portland. But don't confuse the efforts of HAP which are isolated to the HOPE VI project. When the HAP development is completed the total public & private investment will be somewhere nearer to $250 million. I'm actively involved in the New Columbia Citizen's process.

Expectations collide over New Columbia project

2004-10-16T01:11:00.000-07:00

Friday, October 15th article from The Oregonian

Trail puts St. Johns nearer to nature

2004-10-16T01:08:00.000-07:00

Friday, October 15th article from The Oregonian

Ten Toe Express Neighborhood Walk

2004-10-16T01:03:00.000-07:00

When: Saturday, October 16th from 9-11am
Where: Meet at Southeast corner of Overlook Park, corner of Interstate & Fremont
Why: Get out and meet your neighbors on this great North Portland walk

Description:
Discover N Portland’s hidden nooks that reveal spectacular views of the Willamette River and across to the Tualatin Hills. Wander the quiet streets of Overlook Neighborhood, cross the Concord St. pedestrian bridge and explore the new adidas Village and Madronna Park.

Distance: 3.5 miles, 7650 steps
Time: 1 ½ hours
Wear comfortable shoes. Bring water.

No registration required. For more information and full schedule of walks go to:
www.portlandtransportation.org and click on Current News.
Email us: TenToe@pdxtrans.orgPhone: 503-865-TOES

Accessibility:
This walk has a few barriers with missing curb ramps. Contact us for more specific information.

From Portland Online

The North Albina Project

2004-10-14T16:09:00.000-07:00

North of Skidmore, Mississippi Ave. and Albina Ave. converge at Prescott Street; at the intersection lies a concrete triangle that is owned by the Portland Development Commission and the Portland Department of Transportation. The City Repair Project is working with these city agencies and members of the Humboldt and Boise Neighborhood Associations to develop a collaborative and creative project that will be ecologically and socially beneficial to the neighborhood.

DO YOU LIVE IN NORTH PORTLAND and want to be a part of this exciting transformation? contact lisa :: 503.235.8946 :: lisa@cityrepair.org

Another fun way to meet your North Portland neighbors, visit the project site and get involved, is to go to the concrete triangle where N. Albina and Mississippi meet and bring some yummy food for a potluck at 7pm on Sundays.

Check out the details as they emerge here!

From The City Repair Project

St. John's: Halloween Festival

2004-10-11T15:40:00.000-07:00

CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN!

Where: St. John's Community Center, 8427 N. Central
When: Friday, October 29th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm

A carnival of holiday fun for preschoolers and grade schoolers with an adult! Games, crafts, tattoos, face and hair painting, refreshments, and more. Wear your costume! 6 tickets for $1; receive 6 free tickets with a donation of a can of food (limited to 18 free tickets per person).

Call 503-823-3192 for more info.

The new North Portland

2004-10-08T21:17:00.000-07:00

Driving around North Portland you may have noticed new housing popping up, or even heard rumors about expanding the local parks. It's all thanks to the $35 million New Columbia HOPE VI Project, which was awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to The Housing Authority of Portland (HAP). The HOPE VI grant sparked investor interest in making old North Portland new again.

New Columbia is a $150 million project that blends public and private investment to replace the aging, isolated Columbia Villa public housing in North Portland with a new mixed-income neighborhood that has a range of housing types. The New Columbia project spans five years, with construction starting by the end of 2003. The community investment, which leverages public and private dollars, involves replacing all of the existing streets, utilities and buildings. In their place will be a mixed -income community that is reconnected to the surrounding neighborhood and offers public housing and a range of rental and home ownership opportunities affordable at different income levels. In addition, the new community will provide services for residents and the broader community that are designed to promote self-sufficiency and link people to educational and recreational resources.

For more information about New Columbia, contact the Housing Authority of Portland at 503-802-8427 or visit the HOPE VI website at: http://www.hapdx.org/newcolumbia

From the Department of Planning & Development, Portland Parks & Recreation
http://www.portlandparks.org/Planning/newcolumbia.htm