city news...
Jan 7,2009
SAVE THE TOYS!!!
by NoPo Ness
No, that's not the battle cry to man-up against the Burger Meister MeisterBurger from Jules Bass' and Arthur Rankin Jr.'s 1970's classic, Santa Claus is Coming to Town . It is instead a call to action here in the real world, where our kids are inundated with electronic gadgetry and BPA plastics. Under the guise of "protecting us" (Note to the US Government: you're a little late on this one!) the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) is now endangering the livelihood of our local handmade toymakers. These are the few places we can get beautifully made toys by caring folks, who do things like use natural dyes, fiber and wood or hand stitched or knitted creatures. The real danger here is to the minds and imaginations of our children, especially if the only toys they can get their hands on are those made by large corporations that single-handedly keep battery manufacturers in business and require in-the-box play instead of the wonderful exploratory world of make bel
Read More...
posted at 06:04 PM
1 comments 
Jan 7,2009
68 Years and Bye Bye Pagoda: Another Landmark Restaurant Casualty
by NoPo Ness
Spotted this tidbit in the Willie Week today, evidently the Pagoda (the classic 50's decor, Chinese restaurant in the heart of the Hollywood District)is now closed after 68 years in business. Do the math folks this lil' joint was opened in 1940 and incidentally was only ever patronized by those that were around the day it was opened (ba da dum, thank you- I'll be here all week!)—word to the wise, the food was never a standout here, but the decor was and I was always hoping someone with a little business savvy and some Chinese culinary skills would take it over and make it the hottest Karaoke spot in town, one that would rival the Alibi Tiki Lounge (who corners the market on atomic age Polynesian kitsch.) Sad to say, according to WW's update today, looks like there are plans to turn this into a bank branch (like we need more of those useless institutions right now!) Anyway, a sad farewell to this, oh so deliciously kitschy, orange-tiled building and the end of an era that it re
Read More...
posted at 05:47 PM
1 comments
Jan 7,2009
Hot Off the Press » Jan/Feb 09 Pearl District Newsletter
by pearlgirl
A new year extends an invitation to evaluate our personal health, wealth and happiness. As you contemplate the state of your personal economy, we hope that you will also consider the role you play in the health of the neighborhood. In this issue, we look at ways to improve our personal and neighborhood health. Contributor Michaela Bancud discovers that volunteering is a win-win for personal and community health (p.4). Instructor Alice Peters Diffely demonstrates the finer points of ChiWalking (p.6) and sommelier Timothy Nishimoto gives us advice on how to build community one glass of wine at a time (p.8). Here's to a healthy and happy 2009! Download your copy About the Pearl District Newsletter The Pearl District Newsletter is published six times per year by Neighborhood Notes. We distribute 4,000 free print copies to neighborhood residential buildings and businesses. The newsletter is paid for through the generosity of local sponsors. Without them, this opportuni
Read More...
posted at 02:05 PM
0 comments
Jan 7,2009
Potential Hazards Due to Heavy Rain and Flooding
by pearlgirl
From the Portland Bureau of Transportation... The National Weather Service forecast calls for heavy rain and potential flooding of Johnson Creek tonight or early Thursday morning. These conditions could create a number of driving hazards in the Portland metro area. The Portland Bureau of Transportation crews have staged barricades at several locations in anticipation of heavy rain and flooding, and sandbag pile locations are re-stocked with sand and sandbags. Other City bureaus will partner to respond to conditions as necessary. The public is advised of the following potential hazards associated with heavy rains: Street flooding, clogged catch basins, and drainage problems Pools of standing water all over the city Fallen trees blocking streets Landslides and debris flows blocking streets Issues of house flooding and sewer backups Traffic signal outages Downed power lines and power outages The following sandbag locations are open and stocked with s
Read More...
posted at 01:10 PM
0 comments
Jan 7,2009
Snowpocalypse Hangover » Potholes
by pearlgirl
From the Portland Bureau of Transportation... This winter's early heavy snowfall caused treacherous driving conditions for motorists, and it is also creating another potential hazard - potholes. The combination of heavy snow and rain, freezing and expanding of moisture under pavement, and thawing has produced potholes, and Maintenance Operations crews busy with sand and gravel cleanup, flood preparation and response, and more snow removal efforts in the West Hills have had limited time and resources to make needed repairs. But pothole patch crews are rolling. "It's an ongoing battle," said Mayor Sam Adams. "On Monday we received two dozen calls to our Pothole Hotline. On Wednesday we received five dozen calls." Call the Pothole Hotline at 503-823-BUMP (2867). Listen to the recording and be prepared to provide some basic information, including the location of the pothole, nearest cross street, your name and contact information, and the time and da
Read More...
posted at 12:46 PM
2 comments
Jan 7,2009
Now Open » Cocoon Silk and Bonnet
by pearlgirl
Caryl Brown has been hard at work filling the Gregory Condominiums with new retail tenants. Her latest additions are Cocoon Silk and Bonnet , which nicely complement existing fashion retail tenants Haberdashers , Lucia and Monique's Boutique . Henny Penny's departure will give Brown another space to lease, and we have to wonder if she has another fashion retailer in mind for the space. Kudos to Brown and Debbie Thomas Real Estate on quickly filling these transitioning spaces with such great tenants. Cocoon Silk opened its second location—the first is on NW 23rd Avenue—at 416 NW 11th Avenue. The shop offers handmade silk shirts, dresses, pants and skirts sourced from its family-owned silk farm in Cambodia. Because the entire production process is under their control, Cocoon Silk can also make custom clothing. Cocoon Silk offers handmade handbags and jewelry.
Read More...
posted at 12:44 PM
0 comments
Jan 7,2009
Neighborhood Toolbox » How to Organize a Neighborhood Clean Up
by pearlgirl
If you're interested in starting a neighborhood clean up or improving your current event, we got the dirt on how to organize a successful clean up from NWNW Neighborhood Clean Up Coordinator Alison Wallisch. She created a comprehensive clean up guide on the following topics: Big Picture: Organizing a Neighborhood Clean-Up Reusable Items at Neighborhood Clean-Ups Haulers at Neighborhood Clean-Ups Recycling at Neighborhood Clean-Ups Creativity in Your Neighborhood Clean-Up How to Fund Neighborhood Clean-Ups Publicity Seeking Support and Developing Partnerships Volunteer Recruitment Timeline: Organizing a Successful Clean Up Download the Neighborhood Clean Up Guide
Read More...
posted at 10:44 AM
0 comments
Jan 7,2009
Buyers Benefit From Sliding Home Values
by Agent503
For the first time since the housing bubble burst, the year-over-year decline in value for residential property in Portland is in the double-digit range. According to the S&P Case-Shiller Index, arguably the nation’s most recognized source for home price changes, Portland homes lost more than 10% since October 2007. But not all neighborhoods have been affected to the same extent. Losses in several close-in neighborhoods have remained in the single-digit range, some have even posted mild gains. In some situations sellers have lowered prices on their homes beyond the neighborhood trend, creating interesting opportunities for buyers. Find out more here .
posted at 09:58 AM
0 comments
Jan 7,2009
Notes of Interest » January 6, 2009
by pearlgirl
Yesterday's news was chock full of things Portlanders are passionate about: bikes, art, technology and beer. I guess you'd call it a good news day, right? News for bike lovers : the bike community helped land the Boise neighborhood on the pages of Sunset Magazine , and there's a new 'vintage inspired' bike apparel designer in Buckman. For art aficionados : PORT has released their picks for First Thursday—don't let the fact that January 8 is actually second Thursday fool you. Oh, it's ON! Geek news: Local social networks were given a tip of the hat on OPB—including our friends at PDXdog.com !!! For those of you who are still trying to locate the blogosphere, there's a new user group in town that can help you with your blogging needs. For beer lovers : Rogue has produced a limited edition of Jazz Guy Ale for the Portland Jazz Festival . Jazz Guy Ale will be available February 1. Mark your calendars!
Read More...
posted at 08:34 AM
0 comments
Jan 6,2009
2008 at Isobel's Clubhouse
by nancy
Grateful. Joyful. Humble. Just a few of my feelings as I compiled a set of photos from our year at Isobel's Clubhouse . Isobel's Clubhouse is a dream come true, a collaboration between families, donors and a community that believes that children are good for the central city, and the central city is good for kids. The look on Joan's face the day Zimmerman Community Center signed the lease and got the keys says it all. For those who don't know her, Joan is a ZCC board member as well as Chair of the Pearl District Neighborhood Association . Like many other adults in our community she has long advocated for a community center, and for the resources families need to thrive in central Portland. Isobel's Clubhouse is a small (490 square feet) but significant (220 families and growing) step toward these long held goals. And it has a lot of love from the community. Gun and Tom Denhart donated the space. ZCC signed the lease
Read More...
posted at 07:36 PM
1 comments
Currently viewing records: 1 - 10
