Portsmouth news...
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
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posted at 12:46 PM
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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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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
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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!
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posted at 08:34 AM
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Jan 6,2009
Notes of Interest » January 5
by pearlgirl
It's always great to give and receive props. Yesterday, the news was full of 'em: props of presidential proportion were bestowed on Portland's Get A Life Marching Band —they'll march in the inaugural parade; Mayor Adams gave props to Portlanders in his first mayoral address; Willamette Week showed a little love to Old Spaghetti Factory ; Hollywood Theater was given a special designation by Sundance Film Festival; and City Council got a little LUBA-love in support of their decision to make David Douglas a satellite urban renewal district. photo: Christmas w/a K
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posted at 07:52 AM
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Jan 5,2009
Portland Neighborhood Wallpaper for Your Computer
by pearlgirl
In 2008, we captured some really great photos of Portland's neighborhoods and have selected our 15 favorites to share with you. We invite you to download the images from our Flickr photo gallery and use them as your computer wallpaper. Enjoy! About the photographs All of these photos were taken using a technique called high dynamic range (HDR). Each photograph is a composite of over and under-exposed images, combined into a single photograph on the computer. This technique provides extraordinary detail in the shadows and highlights, far beyond what a single image can capture. In addition, some images were also shot using a digital camera adapted to shoot in infrared—a spectrum of light not visible to the human eye. These photographs were finished with hand coloring in Photoshop. Sunlan Lighting, Boise Ladd's Addition, Hosford-Abernethy Skidmore Fountain, Old Town Chinatown
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posted at 01:01 PM
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Jan 5,2009
Choose Local and Save
by pearlgirl
In 2009, spending judiciously has become a priority for most of us. Fortunately, a friend of ours has devised a wonderful way to support local businesses and save money at the same time. It's called the Choose Local Card Progam . Very Portland. Although Mapclicks Owner David Bentley created the Choose Local Card Program back in summer 2007 , the program is getting loads of favorable attention these days from the likes of UrbanMamas , Around the Sun , OurPDX , KGW and other local media. Choosing local and saving money has always been a good idea, but in these tough times it has become a necessity. This year, neighborhood notes is partnering with Mapclicks to further familiarize you with the Choose Local Card Program. Every couple of weeks, we'll introduce you to a local business that participates in the Choose Local Card Program. You'll meet the owners, take a peek inside their shop, find out what type of goods and services they offer and, of course, learn about their cur
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posted at 11:19 AM
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Jan 5,2009
Notes of Interest » January 2–4
by pearlgirl
Good morning, 2009! Okay. I totally get that it's like, um, January 4—but, we've been been away from the office since Christmas Eve. It feels shiny and new to us! And, here's another thing that's new: optimism. This weekend's news was full of it: new city officials are being sworn in; a local dance company gets a new space; the bid deadline for the new park in South Waterfront was extended; and a local retailer gets a mention in Lucky Magazine. All reasons to celebrate. We like this new optimism. We'll definitely keep you posted. photo: We have the world's first pedicab peddling mayor. Cool, huh?
posted at 10:00 AM
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Jan 2,2009
Portland Water Bureau unveils toilet rebate program
by jenniferd
Beginning January 1, 2009, Portland Water Bureau customers are invited to take advantage of a new toilet rebate program sponsored by the Portland Water Bureau for a limited time. Customers can apply for a $100 rebate for replacing a traditional toilet (1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) or more) with a newer, more water-efficient model that has been labeled WaterSense, by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To earn the EPA's WaterSense label , toilets must use no more than 1.28 gpf and meet rigorous performance criteria. The bureau is conducting the program until funds are depleted or until June 30, 2009. To receive the rebate: Applicant must fill out a WaterSense Toilet Rebate Form and return to the Portland Water Bureau no later than June 30, 2009. Applicant must receive water from the Portland Water Bureau and have an active Portland Water Bureau account that is in good standing. Applicant must own the property where the new toilet is being installed or obtain the signatur
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posted at 09:50 AM
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