On Thursday, October 22nd, Central City Concern will host an “unveiling” celebration for a newly installed permanent exterior exhibit on two sides of the Golden West Building, former center of Portland’s African-American social and business life in the first decades of the twentieth century. The celebration will be free and open to the public, from 5:00 – 6:30 pm, at Carleton Hart Architects, 322 NW 8th Avenue.

The exhibit tells a social and ethnic story of the vibrant African-American community in Portland in the early 1900s and the successes and challenges of its residents. “In that early generation of the Black community here…you could find the very powerful strains of what you might call pursuit of the American dream,” said Dr. Darrell Millner, Professor in the Black Studies Department at Portland State University and a consultant on the exhibit.

Central City Concern (CCC) owns the Golden West Building at 707 NW Everett (and Broadway) which is one of the earliest architectural landmarks of African-American history in Portland. The exhibit consists of six visual panels on the exterior of the building and a visitor activated sound component. Curator Dr. Jacqueline Peterson-Loomis of Washington State University Vancouver and the Old Town History Project worked with an advisory committee composed of community members and historians to create the display. “So much of the neighborhood’s rich history is unknown to Portland residents,” said Dr. Peterson-Loomis. “This street level installation is a first step – and a long-term goal of the Old Town History Project- in bringing the neighborhood’s multiethnic history to life in a series of public street level exhibits and soundscapes.”

Central City Concern’s mission is to provide pathways to self-sufficiency through active intervention in poverty and homelessness. CCC operates more than 1,400 units of affordable housing and provides health, recovery and employment services to more than 13,000 individuals in the Portland metro area every year. The history display was made possible in part by grants from the City of Portland Vision Into Action program, and from the Oregon Council for the Humanities (OCH), a statewide nonprofit organization and an independent affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, which funds OCH’s grant program.

Community Outreach of Our United Villages (OUV) would like your recommendation or referral. They are hosting Community Feedback Sessions on October 28th and 29th. The feedback shared at these sessions will help them determine topics for future conversations that provide benefit to the community as a whole. Their mission is to strengthen the social vitality of communities and they are interested in what that looks like for people. They value your input and greatly appreciate your participation. If you cannot attend one of the sessions, recommend someone else who would love to share their ideas. A written feedback form is also available. They would like to confirm participants by October 21.

Dates for sessions:
October 28th – 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
October 29th – 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

OUV Conference Room, 3625 N. Mississippi Ave

Multnomah County

The current recession has hit our community hard. One out of four households in Multnomah County report that over the past 12 months they have been unable to pay for essential services such as housing, heat, or food, according to a 2009 Oregonian poll. With unemployment rates of nearly 12% and 2% of homeowners in mortgage default, households in Multnomah County are feeling the impacts of the recession in big and small ways. More public school students are homeless. More families are going without healthcare, even for serious medical conditions. Poverty is not a new concept in Multnomah County, but there are now more households new to poverty that may not know how to access support services and assistance.

Your input will inform how federal dollars are spent on programs addressing the impacts of our current recession for households in Multnomah County.

Where: Floyd Light Middle School: 10800 SE Washington St.
Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Time: 6:00-8:00 pm
Trimet: Bus line 20 & Max Blue Line
Dinner will be provided. Childcare and translation are available upon request by calling (503) 823-2396 three days in advance of the hearing.

We are especially interested in your answers to these questions:
• What has been the impact of the recession on low-income households?
• What temporary strategies should the City support to counter these impacts?
• Has the recession had a greater impact on communities of color and immigrants?
• How can we expand access to economic opportunities for households in need?
• How are schools and public services affected?

Co-sponsored by: Housing and Community Development Committee along with the
Multnomah County Commission on Children, Families & Community

Notice of renewal
All liquor licenses North of Burnside within the Portland City Limits (East &West) will expire on December 31st, 2009, unless renewed by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC). The City of Portland has approximately 2,400 establishments with a liquor license; about half of which are coming up for renewal at the end of the year. As part of the renewal process, the City of Portland makes recommendations to the OLCC on renewal applications using information gathered from neighbors, community organizations, and public safety officials. Neighbors, Neighborhood and Business Associations, and Community Organizations have a very important role in this process.

The annual renewal is an opportunity for communities to address problems or concerns with licensed establishments in their neighborhoods. Concerned neighbors and community organizations wishing to oppose a license renewal North of Burnside should advise the Office of Neighborhood Involvement as soon as possible. Licensed establishments not identified by the City of Portland as problems are processed as though they received a “favorable” recommendation. Opposition received by individuals and organizations is considered by the City before a recommendation is made to the OLCC. If neighbors have concerns but do not wish to formally oppose the license renewal, this is an excellent opportunity to engage in problem solving to address concerns informally.

Information about liquor establishments with ongoing problems must be received by November 1st, 2009.

Please send information to:
Theresa Marchetti – Liquor Licensing Specialist
Office of Neighborhood Involvement
1221 SW 4th Ave Ste 110
Portland, OR 97204
theresa.marchetti@ci.portland.or.us

East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District

What the heck does EMSWCD stand for? Thats a shortish way of saying: East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District!

Register now for one (or more!) of your favorite EMSWCD workshops. Space is limited and advanced registration is required, so act soon while spaces are still available. We look forward to seeing you there!

Register online at www.emswcd.org
Workshop Information: 503-935-5383
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Naturescaping Basics: Naturescaping is the practice of designing (or redesigning) a landscape that provides wildlife habitat, reduces water use and pollution without sacrificing splendor. You will receive a workbook and take home a free native plant!

Site Planning 1: Details the steps involved in planning a landscape. You will learn how to map your property, assess your garden style and needs, and work on a group design scenario. Prerequisite: Naturescaping Basics.

Native Plant Workshop: Create beautiful landscapes that attract birds, butterflies and other pollinators into your garden by using native plants! This workshop will explore which native plants are most appropriate for your urban landscape.

Rain Gardens 101: You’ll learn how to assess your property for the best rain garden location and size, choose the right plants and how to construct and maintain your rain garden.
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Please Note: All information presented in our workshops, in our educational materials and on our website should be considered general guidance. Each property has unique features that can only be understood in-situ during a site visit and by specifically qualified individuals. East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District, its staff and contractors are not responsible for any property damage or loss, or any other damages resulting from the education and guidance we provide. Please be sure to check with your local jurisdiction to see if permits are required, or restrictions exist, for activities associated with landscape installation (eg. terracing, grading, erosion control, streamside restoration, downspout disconnection, etc.).

Workshop Schedule

Naturescaping Basics – 10/17
East Multnomah SWCD

Site Planning 1 – 10/24
Oak Lodge Sanitary District

Rain Gardens 101 – 10/25
Historic Kenton Firehouse

Rain Gardens 101 – 11/1
Berry Botanic Garden

Naturescaping Basics – 11/7
Tigard Public Works Auditorium

Rain Gardens 101 – 11/8
Leach Botanical Garden

Native Plant Workshop – 11/10
East Multnomah SWCD

Naturescaping Basics – 11/14
Leach Botanical Garden

Naturescaping Basics – 11/15
Historic Kenton Firehouse

Native Plant Workshop – 11/19
East Multnomah SWCD

Rain Gardens 101 – 11/22
East Multnomah SWCD

Site Planning 1 – 12/5
Tigard Public Works Auditorium

Site Planning 1 – 12/6
East Multnomah SWCD

Register online at www.emswcd.org
Workshop Information
503-935-5383

Widmer Gasthaus

Widmer 2009-flyer

Come join us on October 13th, 2009 at the Widmer Gasthaus any time between 4-10pm or 4pm -11pm in the Pub.

With your help we can make this a successful event by remembering to best maximize the restaurant capabilities and thus donation, our guest should try to come during the restaurant off times.

Those would be between 4pm and 6pm and then after 8pm. We know not everyone can come during those times but the important thing is to come!

Also, all parties of 5 or more are encouraged to make reservations and have everyone arrive on time before being seated, this will help your hostess and servers.

I hope to see everyone! Thank you

David Lomax

MLK Center Loaves and Fishes
5325 NE Martin Luther King Blvd

www.loavesandfishesonline.org

WHAT: Public Forum for Liquor Licensing Concerns
WHEN: Tuesday October 20th, 2009
6pm to 8pm
WHERE: Portland Police Department – North Precinct
449 N.E. Emerson

There will be a Public Forum to answer your questions in an ongoing series of outreach meetings co-partnered by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission and the City of Portland. Your voice will help state and city officials understand what is most important to the community as we move forward to find solutions.

The City of Portland recognizes the unique impacts licenses may have on the surrounding community, both positive and negative. This is an opportunity to be heard and ask questions regarding what you and your city and state officials can do to ensure your livability and public safety concerns are addressed.

Who to call to address issues at licensed premises?
• What about Noise? Smoking? Litter?

How are premises licensed? What about Saturation?
• Individual vs. Location
• What are the criteria in the statute? How has this been interpreted by case law?

What can communities do to be proactive about potential concerns?
• Who are your resources?
• Good Neighbor Agreements/Partnership Agreements
• How can current regulations be changed? Processes?

Please RSVP to the Liquor License Specialist for the City of Portland
Theresa Marchetti – 503-823-3092 or theresa.marchetti@ci.portland.or.us

“To help ensure equal access to City programs, services and activities, the City of Portland will reasonably modify policies/procedures and provide auxiliary aids/services to persons with disabilities. Call 503-823-4000, or the City’s TTY at 503-823-6868, or the Oregon Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900 no less than five (5) business days prior to the event.”

Theresa Marchetti
Liquor Licensing Specialist – ONI
1221 SW 4th Ave Ste 110
Portland OR 97204
503-823-3092
To view applications currently in process go to http://www.portlandonline.com/oni/index.cfm?&c=48007

At the next KNA meeting on October 14th, Roger Geller, Bicycle Coordinator for the City of Portland will present his proposal in coordination with Metro for a Bicycle Demonstration Project in North and Northeast Portland.

The attached proposal calls for creating an urban demonstration project in a 13 square mile area of North and Northeast Portland. Metro sent a grant application to the federal government that, if successful, will fund this project.

N/NE Demonstration Project Proposal

For more information on Metro’s Active Transportation Partnership, please see this web site: http://www.oregonmetro.gov/index.cfm/go/by.web/id=30078
To see the report “The case for an active transportation strategy”, please see this pdf: http://library.oregonmetro.gov/files/brc_final_report.pdf

From October 5, 2009 through November 8, 2009, the Portland Bureau of Transportation is inviting public input on the Public Comment Draft of the Portland Bicycle Plan for 2030. During this public comment period, Portland residents are invited to review the plan, confirm that it includes the elements that are most important to them, and submit comments on the plan. The Portland Planning Commission will hold a hearing on the plan at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, in Room 2500A, 1900 SW 4th Avenue. A hearing before City Council is tentatively scheduled for the evening of January 20, 2010.

Portland’s first Bicycle Master Plan was adopted in 1996. Since that time the bicycle network doubled to more than 300 miles, the City developed innovative programs to promote bicycling, and Portland experienced an exponential rise in the number of people bicycling. In 2008 the League of American Bicyclists recognized these efforts, granting Portland platinum-level status as a Bicycle Friendly Community.

The Portland Bicycle Plan for 2030 grew out of a project to update the 1996 plan. Guided by a distinguished Steering Committee and assisted by a broad-based Technical Advisory Committee drawn from partner bureaus and agencies, the Bureau of Transportation has developed a new plan that positions Portland to support climate action goals and address many of the 21st-century challenges we face by further growing bicycle transportation. The new plan proposes fundamental changes to city policy, implementation of new street designs, a much expanded bicycle transportation network, and an array of supporting actions and programs.

The Public Comment Draft of the Portland Bicycle Plan for 2030 is available for review at:
http://www.portlandonline.com/transportation/BicycleMasterPlan .

Art Show Flier

This Friday (Oct 2, 2009) Cafe Brioso is hosting an art show to showcase a local photographer, Ara Rosalani. There will be live music as well as beer, wine, and snacks. It is from 6-8 pm at Caffe Brioso.

Cafe Brioso
3907 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
(formerly Javarama, next to Ned Ludd)