North Portland Sunday Parkways

Get your bikes ready!!

June 22, 2014 ~ 11am-4pm (9.5 miles)

Cruise along the scenic Willamette Boulevard, and then glide towards Peninsula, Arbor Lodge, Kenton, Columbia Annex and McCoy Parks to enjoy an array of activities, food, music, vendors and fun.

Join in at any point along the route and enjoy the day!

Sunday Parkways

The North Portland Sunday Parkways is soon! June 26th!!

Information and a map can be found here: http://www.portlandsundayparkways.org/

Follow Up To Rep. Koteks's Townhall

Dear Friends and Neighbors, We had a great turnout at our town hall meeting last Saturday. Thank you to all of you who spent a sunny morning with Representative Lew Frederick, Senator Chip Shields, and me discussing what's happening down here at the Capitol. We had about 100 folks join us in the Moriarty Auditorium at PCC Cascade (thank you PCC for hosting us). I hope the town hall was as informative and valuable for you as it was for us. In following up from that event, I wanted to share some information about how you can help to shape the future of Oregon through advocacy and involvement. There are lots of opportunities to get involved - whether it's attending a town hall, emailing my colleagues, or volunteering to serve on a board or commission. It's important for many voices to be heard, and it's easy to be involved at whatever level suits you and your schedule.

Update on the Human Services Budget One of the primary responsibilities of the state legislature is to pass a balanced budget for the next two years. As a Co-Chair of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Services, a great deal of my time and effort has been focused on this part of the state's budget. Unfortunately, this is one of the areas where the cuts are likely to be the deepest - and the one where the needs are the greatest. Since the start of session, I have been meeting with people and organizations who would be negatively affected by proposed cuts. Here's a sampling: Over the past week, I've met with service providers for seniors and people with disabilities who face some of the deepest cuts, parents who need Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to give their kids a safe home, and state hospital workers for whom the budget determines not only the services available to the individuals they care for, but also their own safe work setting. The fact is, every one of these programs deserves state funds at a level that is simply impossible at this time. Our job is to figure out how we can govern as effectively as possible in a very tight fiscal environment. Alex Berke in my office prepared an overview of some of the proposed cuts in the human services area. This summary will give you some idea of the challenges we face. Speaking Up, Staying Informed If you've heard about a bill moving forward that catches your interest, one way to get involved is to testify in front of a committee at a public hearing on the bill. You can find the committee agendas online to find out when a hearing is scheduled. If you want to support a bill, it's often helpful to contact the bill's chief sponsor to let them know you'd like to be involved, and they may have suggestions about how you could be the most effective. If you know an organization or legislator is opposing a bill, contact them for advice as well. Also, the committee administrator (whose number is listed at the top of each agenda) is a great resource for details about the hearing. The Citizen's Guide to the Oregon Legislative Process is chock full of helpful information. Not everyone likes to speak in public - and not everyone can drive down to Salem for a public hearing. To express your opinion about a bill, you can email, call, or write a letter to the members of the committee to which it was assigned. The Legislature's website has committee membership information to help you find out who to contact. The most persuasive information involves a personal story and some good facts or data. One-line emails from non-constituents are not very effective at getting attention for your issue, so put some time into your letter to make it personalized for maximum effectiveness. Simply want to read a bill being considered or find out where it is in the legislative process? The Legislature's website makes it easy to track down the information you want. Budget Advocacy We have some very difficult budget decisions ahead of us before we adjourn in June. If there is a program or service that's important to you, please speak up and let us know what you think. At the town hall, for example, I spoke with a mother who is concerned about potential cuts to Head Start. Another person spoke about the need to protect programs that help individuals leaving prison to succeed, particularly parents. The Joint Ways and Means Committee is the final budget committee. Here are their names: Sen. Richard Devlin, Co-Chair Rep. Peter Buckley, Co-Chair Rep. Dennis Richardson, Co-Chair Sen. Betsy Johnson, Vice-Chair Rep. Bill Garrard, Co-Vice Chair Rep. Nancy Nathanson, Co-Vice Chair Sen. Alan Bates, Co-Chair, Human Services Sen. Chris Edwards, Co-Chair, Natural Resources Sen. Fred Girod Sen. Rod Monroe, Co-Chair, Education Sen. David Nelson Sen. Chuck Thomsen Sen. Joanne Verger, Co-Chair, Trans. & Eco. Dev. Sen. Doug Whitsett Sen. Jackie Winters, Co-Chair, Public Safety Rep. E. Terry Beyer, Co-Chair, Trans. & Eco. Dev. Rep. Jean Cowan, Co-Chair, Natural Resources Rep. Tim Freeman, Co-Chair, Human Services Rep. Betty Komp, Co-Chair, Education Rep. Tina Kotek, Co-Chair, Human Services Rep. Mike McLane Rep. Mary Nolan, Co-Chair, Public Safety Rep. Greg Smith, Co-Chair, Public Safety Rep. Kim Thatcher Rep. Gene Whisnant Serving on Boards and Commissions Oregon has a lot of opportunities for citizens to be appointed to special boards and commissions. In fact, there are more than 220 boards and commissions that address a huge array of issues. Most appointments require a commitment of 10 to 15 hours each month, with 2 or 4 year terms. Governor Kitzhaber is constantly filling appointments to these positions. If you are interested, you can find all the information you need at the Executive Appointments website. You can also contact Kendall Clawson, the Governor's Executive Appointments Director, with any questions: 503-378-8471 or kendall.clawson@state.or.us. Senate Bill 766 I've heard from many people about Senate Bill 766, and we had questions about it at the town hall. In brief, the bill creates new designations for industrial projects and places with certain requirements. The bill passed out of the Senate Committee on Business, Transportation, and Economic Development on April 19, and is now in Ways and Means. The committee adopted the 14th set of amendments drafted for the bill, and you can find the amended version here. I'm studying this issue carefully, and I welcome your thoughts about the bill.

As always, I welcome your feedback on the work I'm doing in Salem. Please be in touch! Best wishes, P.S. Thanks to those of you who pointed out the use of "NoPo" in the header of my March 25th newsletter. Like many of you, I'm not a big fan of the term. It slipped by me while proofreading, and I'm sorry to those of you who find it problematic. But, it raises a good question: What's the best way to refer to District 44? I usually say my district is "N/NE Portland," but I'm not sure that term does it justice. I'd love to hear any suggestions, especially considering all the amazing creative resources in district!

From Earl Blumenauer

This is from our Federal Rep.....

Dear Neighbor,

This morning I attended two events directly tied to job creation in our community.

Thanks to $50 million in rail upgrades to the Rivergate industrial district in North Portland, goods can now be moved more quickly and safely. A more efficient rail system that eliminates delays and bottlenecks is creating expanded opportunities for exports, greater resources for manufacturing, and, of course, new jobs for the region. These upgrades were helped in part by funding from the last Transportation Reauthorization Bill. Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF Railway were also both on hand to be recognized for their critical investments to these projects. When the private sector and government work together, the result is more jobs and economic vitality for Oregon.

Next, I toured the MEMC manufacturing facility. This company, which manufactures parts for solar technology, moved to Portland in 2007 and has created approximately 120 new jobs at various skill levels thanks in part to the renewable energy manufacturing tax credits in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The success of this business is not only a victory for local jobs and manufacturing, but integral in a clean energy future.

After two weeks in Washington D.C. listening to the Republican leadership speak at length about the need to create jobs and strengthen the economy, we've yet to have a single vote toward achieving these goals. It is refreshing to return home to see projects actually moving forward thanks to the work that has been done in Congress. I look forward to spending the rest of this week meeting with small business and community leaders about where our efforts have been successful and what improvements can be made on the federal level.

Sincerely,





Earl Blumenauer
Member of Congress

N. Portland Solar Workshops

Imagine Energy is the contractor who has been selected for North Portland.

Introductory workshops have begun and will continue through mid-February. Technical workshops will occur from end of February through mid-March.

The website is in the process of being updated presently, check it at www.solarizenorth-nw.org

If you are truly interested in signing up for solar, it is recommended that you sign up early to avoid a scheduling backlog.

The deadline for sign ups is March 31.

Workshops are:

Free Introductory Solar Workshops
Date	Time	Location
Tues. 1/18	6:30-8PM	Kenton Firehouse, 8105 N Brandon Ave.
Mon. 1/24	6:30-8PM	Kaiser Permanente Town Hall, 3704 N Interstate Ave.
Sat. 2/5	10AM-12:30PM	Columbia Cottage, 4339 N Lombard Ave.
Thurs. 2/17	6:30-8PM	Kenton Firehouse, 8105 N Brandon Ave.

Free Q&A Discussions
Tax Credits, Incentives, and Financing
Mon. 2/28	6:30-8PM	Kaiser Permanente Town Hall, 3704 N Interstate Ave.
Net Metering (Spinning the meter backwards)
Sat. 3/12	10AM-12:30PM	Kenton Firehouse, 8105 N Brandon Ave.
Technical Nuts and Bolts of Going Solar
Wed. 3/16	6:30-8PM	Kenton Firehouse, 8105 N Brandon Ave.

Free Weatherization Workshop from the Community Energy Project
Tues. 2/22	6:30-8PM	St. Johns Community Center, 8427 N. Central

Meet the new Police Chief

North Portland
PUBLIC SAFETY ACTION COMMITTEE (PSAC)


Presents:
Portland Police Bureau Chief Mike Reese
Followed by our normal Agenda-

Please come and welcome our new Chief of Police, Mike Reese, and participate in an open discussion about public safety and policing in North Portland Neighborhoods.

For more information please contact:
Mark Wells, Crime Prevention Coordinator
Mark.wells@portlandoregon.gov
503-823-4098

Be Aware

Neighborhood Services says to keep an eye out for a woman in N. Portland who is a door-to-door scam artist.

She has been knocking on doors in the Kenton area asking for emergency $$ and uses different stories at different doors.

She says she is the daughter of your neighbor or is your neighbor from around the corner, etc.

Don't fall for her story if she comes to your door.

[It reminds me of the well dressed man downtown who was asking for cab fare to East County and got the $ from several people. It made the news after some had him more than once!]

If you want to see a photo of her, please email me and I'll send it.

Air Quality

From Tina Kotek - our state rep [HD44] On Monday, June 7th, Senator Chip Shields, Rep. Lew Frederick, and I will be leading a conversation to discuss air pollution issues in our community. The forum will be held in conjunction with the regular North Portland neighborhood association chairs meeting. The details are: Date: Monday, June 7, 2010 Time: 7:00 - 8:00 PM Where: 8105 N Brandon, Historic Kenton Firehouse A representative from the state's Department of Environmental Quality will briefly present information on how businesses and industries are permitted to operate, how residents can file complaints, and discuss what kind of oversight and follow-up the agency does with businesses that violate their permits. A representative from the state's Department of Justice will outline how their agency investigates and prosecutes criminal polluters. There will be time allowed to learn about practical steps that residents can take to make sure environmental concerns are being reported and dealt with. I hope to see you there.

Tomorrow May 1 - Pancakes in the Park

Bringing local, healthy food to North and Northeast Portland. First Annual Pancakes in the Park this Saturday May 1st 9am to noon Help Usher in Our 6th Season with a Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser in Overlook Park! ____________________________________________________ Breakfast Featuring Local, Delicious Ingredients Includes: A Stack of Organic Blueberry Pancakes Hot off the Griddle Your choice of: Bob's Red Mill Buttermilk Pancakes or Pamela's gluten-free Pancakes Pure Maple Syrup & Rogue Creamery Butter Beeler's Nitrite Free Bacon Trailhead Coffee with Organic Half and Half Columbia Gorge Organic Orange Juice $6 per person, $20 for a family of 4 ____________________________________________________ Live Music all morning featuring: 9 am Mr. Ben 10 am Tater and Craig--Old Time Bluegrass 11 am John Twist All proceeds go to support the Interstate Farmer's Market, doing the right thing never tasted so good! Generously Sponsored By: Bob's Red Mill, Stahlbush Island Farms, Rogue Creamery, Trailhead Coffee, Beeler's, Columbia Gorge Organics! Overlook Park - 3550 N. Interstate Avenue 2010 Season begins Wednesday May 19th We're gearing up for an amazing season. You'll see many of your favorite vendors from seasons past as well as some exciting new folks...ice cream anyone? Come out for opening day of the Interstate Farmer's Market May 19th, from 3-7pm. More information on vendors coming soon! Happy Spring. We're looking for volunteers for our 2010 season. If you are interested in volunteering for a 2-3 hour shift at the market email us. We'll have a sign up sheet at the Pancake Breakfast as well. Volunteering is a great way to learn more about the market, meet fun folks and be an active part of your N. Portland Community. Thank you.

Kenton Library Opening - March 8th

Dear Community Member and Kenton Library Partner -

Hello! My name is David Miles and I'll be the Branch Administrator at your new Kenton Library. I'm pleased to let you know that the library will open to the public on Monday March 8th, 10:00 a.m. On Saturday March 13th there will be an all day celebration and dedication ceremony at 2:00 p.m.

I know that you have waited a long time for this library, and I and the rest of the Kenton Library staff are proud and excited to be a part of this wonderful addition to your community.

We look forward to seeing you at the library and in the community!

David Miles
Kenton Library Administrator
8226 N. Denver Avenue
Portland Or. 97217
503-988-6470
davidm@multcolib.org
www.multcolib.org

January 27th: Important Meeting for ALL N. PDX

North Portland

Public Safety Action Committee

PSAC

Public Safety and Community Policing in the new North Precinct

January 27th, 2010

Life Fellowship Church

3935 N. Lombard St.

7:00 – 8:30 pm

Please come and take part in a community forum to hear and learn about our public safety agencies and programs in North Portland, the status of the newly configured North Police Precinct, budget challenges, and volunteer opportunities for residents to ensure the continued safety and livability of North Portland.

Opening:

Mark Wells City of Portland Crime Prevention 5 mins

Christine Duffy Arbor Lodge Neighborhood Chair 10 mins

Guest Speaker Presentations:

Portland Police Bureau- 20 mins

Chief Rosie Sizer

North Precinct Commander Jim Ferraris

City of Portland- 10 mins

Police Commissioner Dan Saltzman

Multnomah County

District Attorney Michael Schrunk 10 mins

Community Questions for Speakers: 50 mins

Moderated by Christine Duffy

Final Q&A 5 mins

Closing:

Mark Wells

Next Meeting:

February 24^th, 2010

7-9pm

Kenton Historic Firehouse

2209 N. Schofield

Please note there is not food available at this meeting - only water.

- Thank you for your supporting Community Policing in North Portland -

Community Safety Open House and Town Hall

Please join Sen. Chip Shields, City Commissioner Dan Saltzman, County Commissioner Jeff Cogen and Rep. Lew Frederick

For a Community Safety Open House and Town Hall

Learn where to turn for help. Learn how to help others.

Thursday, November 19, 6-8 pm

Jefferson High School Cafeteria

5210 N. Kerby

Oregon's property crime rate is the lowest it's been since 1966. The violent crime rate is plummeting too. Portland was just rated the third safest city in America. But all this good news doesn't matter if crime is happening on your block or in your neighborhood.

For over 14 years, Sen. Chip Shields has been working to make our community safer. He founded Better People, a N/NE Portland nonprofit employment and counseling program for former offenders that reduces recidivism -- the rate at which offenders return to crime. He and his spouse Shelda Holmes were foster parents. He has co-chaired the Public Safety Subcommittee of Way & Means in the Oregon legislature since 2007 where he successfully defended Multnomah County gang enforcement and services funding and expanded help to domestic violence survivors. He has served on the Mayor's Gang Taskforce.

At any given moment, dozens of community organizations and government agencies are working to address and prevent crime in our neighborhoods. From organizations working to make foster homes true homes of healing, to after school programs keeping kids out of trouble to gang outreach workers making a difference on the street - it's important to know what resources are available to help you and to help prevent crime on your block.

For one evening, you're invited to learn how to prevent crime in your neighborhood:

The Community Safety Open House

We are bringing community safety partners together in one room to share what they are contributing to community safety and to answer your questions on where to turn for help. Light refreshments will be provided.

When: November 19th, 2009 from 6 to 8

Where: Jefferson High School Cafeteria, 5210 N Kerby Avenue

Hosted by: State Sen. Chip Shields
City Commissioner Dan Saltzman, Commissioner of the Portland Police Bureau
County Commissioner Jeff Cogen, District 2 - N/NE Portland
and State Representative Lew Frederick - N/NE Portland


Participating organizations:
Emmanuel Community Services (ECS)
Brothers and Sisters Keepers Inc. (BSK)
Center for Family and Adolescent Research
Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO)
LifeWorks NW
Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA)
Northwest Family Services
Oregon Youth Authority
Portland Police Activities League (PAL)
Portland Police Bureau - GREAT Program
Portland Police Bureau - North Precinct Neighborhood Response Team
Portland Police Bureau School Resource Office Program
Multnomah County Department of Community Justice -- Adult and Juvenile Divisions
Resolutions Northwest

FYI Chip shields is our new state Senator and Lew Frederick is the new state Rep for HD43

North Portland Sunday Parkways is THIS Sunday!

North Portland Sunday Parkways Is Great For Families

Kids' Bike Rides, Jumping Rope, Hula Hooping, and Ice Cream

North Portland Sunday Parkways, sponsored by the City of Portland and Kaiser Permanente, offers families an opportunity to get out in their neighborhood streets for some safe and free summer activities. You are invited to walk, bike, skateboard, run, and roll on 7.5 miles of traffic-free streets in North Portland on June 21. There will be music, activities (such as hula hooping, yoga, kids' circus), and food.

The 7.5-mile North Sunday Parkways two-way route will have two loops. A 3.2-mile loop through Kenton and Arbor Lodge neighborhoods; and a 4.5-mile loop connecting Arbor Lodge and Piedmont neighborhoods via the Bryant Pedestrian Bridge and North Ainsworth. The scenic Willamette Bluff will once again be enjoyed. There is no start or finish line - join the fun where ever you want!

North Portland Sunday Parkways:

June 21 in North Portland - 9 AM to 4 PM

Featured parks/activity areas: Arbor Lodge, Peninsula and Kenton Parks, plus Willamette Bluff - Click here for a list of activities, food and entertainment. Below is just a small sampling:

* Hoopshine - Hula hooping for the kids and the kid in all of us.

* Safer Routes to School bicycle skills rodeos - Safer Routes to School, Providence Bridge Pedal and the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, are hosting a short bike skills training course and ride for children. Kids without a bicycle can borrow one for the skills rodeo and ride.

* The Jumping Jackie O's - Jumping rope all day long.

* And, of course, The Ice Cream Pedaler - what summer event is complete without ice cream? Served along the route by bike.

RIDER READY WORKSHOPS AT SUNDAY PARKWAYS

Free bike skills training courses and rides for children are being offered at all Sunday Parkways events this year.

Safer Routes to School, in partnerships with Providence Bridge Pedal and the Bicycle Transportation Alliance are hosting these free workshops to help families with children get ready to ride safe all summer long. Professional bike safety educators will teach bike skills and lead group rides. Bike maintenance, helmet give-aways and helmet fittings will be available on site. Kids of all ages (as long as they can ride a bicycle already) are welcome.

Do you need a bike for the event? Bikes will be available for children who need to borrow one for the skills course and ride. For information on organizing groups contact Carolina Iraheta Gonzalez at Carolina.Iraheta@trans.ci.portland.or.us or 503-823-1189.

BE A SUNDAY PARKWAYS "SUPERHERO"

Volunteers are the life-blood of Portland Sunday Parkways. They do everything from mailings, distributing door hangers and lawn signs, stuffing packets, sweeping the routes, and much more. But we reserve our "Superheroes" title for those Sunday Parkways volunteers who help us monitor the over 110 intersections along the route.

Superheroes (in addition to having a cool title, don't you think?) get a supply of chalk to decorate their own spot along the course, are lavished with snacks and water donated by some of our sponsor businesses, and make sure that those residents who live along the route can safely navigate to and from the route if they need to get out of their driveways.

To leap tall bikes; to change the direction of traffic; to be a superhero! click on the link and register as a volunteer. The world (and our volunteer coordinators) will thank you.

WE NEED YOU!
You can help make this event a success by volunteering, leading a fun activity or donating. We have plenty of fun-filled volunteer opportunities. Be the first on your block to sign up and volunteer for this great event. We have several shifts so you can work for part of the time and still participate in the event.

Volunteer Info

Check out the volunteer job descriptions and register today!

Volunteers are needed to monitor intersections, assist in parks, and more. For specific questions contact Janis McDonald: Janis.Mcdonald@PDXtrans.org, 503-823-5358.