Overlook news...
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
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posted at 10:44 AM
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Dec 24,2008
Happy Holidays!
by shooter
Thank you for reading Neighborhood Notes! We appreciate your support, feedback and, most of all, conversation. Your participation has been a real gift. We'll be taking some time off for the holidays, though we may post a story from time-to-time. Happy Holidays and we'll see you in the New Year!!
Shooter & Pearlgirl
posted at 06:32 PM
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Dec 16,2008
City Crews Working to Clear Main Streets of Ice » Neighborhood Streets Still Very Icy
by pearlgirl
The City of Portland Maintenance Operations crews continue to remain on full callout to clear main streets of ice and prepare for the next storm system expected mid-week. Most transit routes, emergency response routes, and major arterials are in good condition tonight. The public is advised, however, that conditions are variable. Expect patches of ice, packed snow, black ice, and clear pavement. Strong winds may result in downed tree limbs and power lines. Do not drive around barricades and over power lines. Although the City is equipped to deal with the effects of winter weather on our primary and secondary routes, there are limits to the areas we can de-ice, sand, and plow in severe winter storm events. The City of Portland has almost 4, 000 miles of streets. Every major snow and ice event involves plowing 1,300 miles of street and anti-icing 300 miles of street. The Bureau of Transportation does not have the equipment - nor does it have the personnel - to provide anti-icing, de-ici
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posted at 06:48 AM
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Dec 15,2008
Transportation Crews Work to Keep the Region Moving
by pearlgirl
Mayor-Elect Sam Adams was joined today by ODOT Region 1 Operations Manager Karla Keller, TriMet General Manager Fred Hansen, and local transportation officials to report on the state of the city and the region due to Sunday's severe winter storm. It clearly requires all transportation authorities and other service bureaus working together to manage a severe winter weather event like we had yesterday and will be dealing with all week. According to officials, state and local crews will continue to work around the clock to do their best to clear highways, streets, bridges, and overpasses. Current conditions are cold, icy, and challenging for everyone trying to get around Portland and the region. Although most Portland streets and all highways are open today, conditions are treacherous and difficult to read as you're driving down the road. Variable conditions exist on City streets - patches of ice, black ice, packed snow and ice, patches of dry pavement, lighter snow in some areas, and mo
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posted at 12:16 PM
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Dec 11,2008
Multnomah electronic recycling project underway
by TeachStreet
This holiday season, as you head out to the market to buy ingredients to prepare a holiday meal or bake cookies for you know who, think about recycling your old electronic goodies in preparation for the new ones you may receive as gifts. The materials that make up your electronic gadgets are often times toxic, therefore Multnomah County is offering its residents an alternative option for discarding their toxic trash.You can recycle your old cell phones, PDAs, MP3 players, chargers and Bluetooth headsets into one of the free recycling bins at 11 locations across the county . You can find the drop boxes at libraries and other county buildings.
Photo: Olivia Bucks | The Oregonian
The program was started by Commissioner Jeff Cogen last month in anticipation of the coming holiday season. The Environment Protection Agency predicts that we recycle only 20% of old cell phones, and that we hold onto 130 million unused phones.
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posted at 10:44 AM
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Dec 11,2008
Neighborhood Toolbox » Handling Controversy
by pearlgirl
How do you handle it when controversy erupts at a neighborhood association meeting? Like it ever does— right . Judith Mowry ( ONI ) has put together a nifty guide of tips and tools called When Controversy Comes to Your Neighborhood . It offers comprehensive information on the following subjects: practical advice for neighborhood association leaders and meeting conveners tips for planning public meetings facilitator tips for defusing challenging participants dealing with prejudice This should be required reading for all neighborhood association leaders. Wish I knew about it when I was a board member. Bygones! Next time, I'll be better equipped to deal when controversy comes a'knockin. Download the brochure. What aspects of neighborhood controversy do you find particularly difficult to deal with?
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posted at 10:42 AM
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Dec 8,2008
Safety Tips for Holiday Lights
by pearlgirl
Decorating your home with indoor and outdoor lights brings a festive glow to the holidays. However, when used improperly, these decorations can result in fire or serious injury. Following a few simple guidelines from the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission will ensure that the holidays remain joyous and safe for your family and neighbors: Before using lights outdoors, check the label to be sure they are certified for outdoor use. Unplug lights before replacing burned-out bulbs. Check for frayed or bare wires and throw away damaged sets. Keep plugs and connections away from sources of water, like puddles and snow. Know your circuits' limits and don't overload the system. Stay away from power lines leading from utility poles. Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house, walls, or other firm supports to prevent wind damage. Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house. For more informati
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posted at 09:22 AM
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Nov 11,2008
City Prepares for Wind and Rain
by pearlgirl
The City of Portland's Transportation Maintenance Operations is preparing for rain and wind storms forecasted by the National Weather Service to occur over the next 48 hours. Crews will be working the Veteran's Day holiday today to keep catch basins, culverts, and trash racks clear of debris in response to recent rains and in preparation for more. The City is prepared to deal with downed trees, limbs, and leaves and standing water issues that strong winds and heavy rain could bring.The City advises residents that they can help reduce street flooding by periodically clearing catch basins (grated storm drains) near their property. The following simple actions can help keep streets open and catch basins clear: Use a rake or pitch fork to clear leaves and debris from catch basins so that water can drain easily. Do not rake leaves into the street. Pile them on the curb in the planting strip (grassy area between the sidewalk and the street). The City's leaf removal servi
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posted at 11:40 AM
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Nov 7,2008
Prostitution Increases on North Interstate
by shooter
According to The Portland Sentinel , prostitution is on the rise along North Interstate Avenue, Peninsula Park, and along Northeast MLK, based on police and resident reports.The rise in prostitution could be a result of the increased pressure the Portland Police Department is putting on 82nd Avenue. As we posted in May, residents saw a sharp increase in prostitution when the No Prostitution Zone expired. PPD increased its presence along 82nd Avenue and neighbors created a foot patrol to put pressure on prostitutes. As a result, prostitution along 82nd Avenue is down.
Often though, prostitution activity moves to areas where there is less pressure. Residents along 82nd thought some prostitution had moved out to 122nd Avenue, but it also moved to the North Interstate area.
North Interstate residents should report any suspicious activity to the police. Following the lead of residents along 82nd Avenue, North P
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posted at 02:34 PM
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Nov 4,2008
Cohousing on the Rise in Portland
by shooter
What factors, other than affordability, determine what kind of neighborhood you'll move to next, as renter or homeowner? Quality of schools, a community garden, public transit options, distance from your workplace, walking distance to stores and coffee shops, air quality and other environmental considerations?A small, but growing number of Americans, also seek more connection to neighbors through living in cohousing communities-a type of housing where residents participate in the design and operation of their community. More than 100 such communities can be found all across the U.S., with about a half dozen in the Portland area and others in Eugene, Corvallis, Bend and Ashland.
Two cohousing communities are now under construction in North and Northeast Portland. Daybreak Cohousing which broke ground in August on North Killingsworth Street near Greeley Avenue in the Overlook neighborhood, will be Portland's most centrally located cohousing community
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posted at 08:16 AM
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