Monday, December 28, 2009
New Oregon Laws for 2010
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
SCAM Warning re Civil War Tickets
BE ALERT FOR FAKE CIVIL WAR TICKETS
With the enthusiasm for the upcoming Civil War football game between the University of Oregon and Oregon State University comes an increased risk of fake ticket sales. Con artists and scammers routinely try to capitalize off of highly anticipated events to pad their own wallets. Selling counterfeit tickets is illegal. Below are some tips offered by the Oregon Department of Justice and Attorney General John Kroger to help consumers avoid purchasing fake tickets.
- It’s best to purchase tickets from a reputable ticket distributor. These companies will guarantee the validity of the ticket and on-time delivery.
- When possible, use a credit card for any online purchase. If the tickets you purchased are never delivered, not in the advertised section, or counterfeit, consumers can dispute the charge.
- If using Craigslist or Ebay, meet the seller face-to-face at a public place. Ask questions about the seats and seller. Get reliable contact information from the sellers in case the tickets are counterfeit.
- Never wire money to individuals you do not know.
- Confirm that the location of your seat corresponds with a section, row and seat in the stadium.
- Get a good sense of what the general ticket prices are, and be highly suspicious of any offers out of that general range. Scammers often use the lure of cheaper tickets to take consumer’s money. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Unless you are using a reputable ticket distributor, be highly skeptical of purchasing tickets sight unseen.
- Purchase tickets before going to the game. Scammers use color printers to create very real looking tickets. Often, these scammers try to sell their fake tickets at the game for quick cash, to fans desperate to get into the game.
Attorney General John Kroger and the Oregon Department of Justice are committed to protecting Oregon ’s marketplace and keeping scammers on the sidelines. If you or someone you know has fallen victim to a fake ticket scam, please call the Consumer Hotline at 1-877-877-9392.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
BNA: Minutes from November 9
9 Nov 2009
BNA general meeting with 22 attendees
Leslie opened the meeting at 7:00 PM at the school. She introduced North precinct officer Jack Gillentine, phone 503-823-0743, email: wgillentine@portlandpolice.org. Officer Jack reported that Bridgeton is a really safe neighborhood that does not require much attention. In order to decrease the likeliness of car prowls, he recommended that nothing be left visible in our cars and that we install a club on the steering wheel. Please inform officer Jack of abandoned autos and be sure to report all car prowls.
Next speaker was PDC Senior Project Manager, Kevin Cronin, phone 503-823-3305, email cronin@pdc.us
. Kevin, with some details provided by Walter Valenta, explained that the Bridgeton Trail was still in concept planning. Next steps are developing funding strategies to pay for the $7.2M project. Potential funding partners include grants from PDC, use of SDC charges from Bureau of Parks, federal earmarks, and Drainage District #2. Narrowing the scope to lower costs, acquiring easements, and determining CRC involvement were discussed. The design refinement phase is due to begin during Spring of 2010. If the hurdles are cleared, construction could begin in 2012. Before monies are approved for the next streetcar project, funding for Bridgeton trail and streetscape plan are expected to be approved.
Third on the agenda was a report on CRC from Carley Francis and Lead Roadway Engineer Casey Liles. They provided handouts that explained access improvements. Much of the discussion involved Marine Drive, MLK, and Vancouver Way inter-ties. Look for recommendations after the Dec 4th meeting of CRC advisory panel. BNA attendees voted to support concept “A”.
Next up was Dan Riedl of Dan’s Moorage, phone 503-341-8371. When the giant cottonwood tree was removed from the corner of Gantenbein and Bridgeton, parking for Dan’s moorage was drastically affected. Dan presented an architect’s design of the parking area. The re-designed “entrance to Bridgeton” would include removal of the guard-rail, relocation of mail boxes, carving out 8 parking spaces, construction of a gazebo, cover for the garbage cans, and a South Channel overlook. BNA attendees were supportive of the design.
The final presenter was Barry Manning from City of Portland Planning and Sustainability. He spoke about the Portland Plan, now under development, and implementation late in 2010. The first of six workshops begin Nov 17th at Beaumont Middle School. If you want your voice heard on the future of Portland, then please attend a workshop.
Leslie closed the meeting after asking all Bridgton property owners to complete Pen 2 proxy forms and get them to Leslie, Walter, or Kim at Channel’s Edge. BNA still has trees to be planted, sidewalks to be built, garbage cans to be covered, paths to be created, and all of this needs our participation.
Monday, November 16, 2009
From Mayor Sam Adams
|
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Community Safety Open House and Town Hall
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
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
From our Rep Tina Kotek
Dear Friends,
As the proud daughter of a Korean War veteran, I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to veterans and their families for their service to our country. My colleagues and I in the Oregon Legislature worked very hard in the 2009 legislative session to prioritize the needs of Oregon’s veterans. Click here (PDF) to learn more about the bills we passed earlier this year to help veterans.
Grab a Cup of Coffee and Chat
Now that the cold, rainy weather is upon us, this is a perfect time to grab something warm to drink and talk politics with your local representatives. Our new state senator, Senator Chip Shields, and I will be holding three "constituent coffees" this month. We will be in St. Johns, Kenton, and Overlook. We hope you can join us for informal conversations about issues that matter to you.
When: Saturday, November 21, 2009
Where:
· 9:00 -10:30 AM @ Pattie’s Home Plate in St. Johns, 8501 N. Lombard
· 10:45 AM - Noon @ Po’ Shines in Kenton, 8139 N. Denver
· 12:15 -1:00 PM @ Krakow Coffeehouse in Overlook, 3990 N. Interstate
Learning about Working Forests
The "interim" is the phrase legislators use to describe that time between official sessions when we are back in district, working our other day jobs, and taking time to learn more about issues that affect our district and the entire state. Last month, I had the opportunity, along with several other legislators, to spend a day learning about the state’s private working forests. The tour was organized by Senator Chris Edwards from Eugene and the Oregon Forest Resources Institute (OFRI). OFRI was created by the Oregon Legislature in 1991 and is dedicated to public understanding of forest stewardship to meet the social, environmental and economic needs of both present and future generations. In addition to visiting a working forest in Polk County, we toured a state-of-the-art sawmill in Willamina.
It was an educational day and very helpful for me to learn about an iconic Oregon industry that is a critical part of our state’s economy. In 2007, Oregon’s forest sector produced about 11 percent of the total goods and services produced in Oregon. While private forestland is about 35% of all forestland in Oregon, these lands produce 83% of the current timber harvest.
Tours like these help me broaden my knowledge of various policy issues and build relationships with rural legislators. If there are issues you are passionate about, I encourage you to use the interim to communicate your interests to me and my staff.
Preparing for the February Session
Legislators are planning to be back in the Capitol for a one-month special session in February 2010. In addition to budget balancing work, we will likely consider a variety of bills relevant to the economic recession. I am working with Senator Diane Rosenbaum from SE Portland to spearhead legislation to curb a practice that is becoming disturbingly common place: employers using consumer credit reports as a pre-employment screening tool. The (often faulty) information from credit reports can be used to deny employment to otherwise qualified applicants. This practice is especially frustrating in our current economy because it forces people into an unbelievable Catch-22: if you’re having financial problems because you’re not working, you can’t get a job because you’re having financial problems!
So, where do you come in? We know that this is happening here in Portland, but we need to identify people who have been negatively affected by potential employers checking their credit. Please contact my office with any personal experience you have. Thank you in advance for your help in supporting this legislation.
AFL-CIO Legislator of the Year
I was honored to be named Legislator of the Year by the Oregon AFL-CIO at their convention in Bend last month. I am proud of the work I did this past session to expand health care access, protect workers’ rights, create jobs, and preserve child care assistance for working families. This recognition means a lot to me, and I pledge to continue to be a champion for Oregon’s workers.
Best Wishes,
Monday, November 09, 2009
Upcoming Events
Bridgeton Neighborhood Meeting
7 PM @ Columbia Pioneer School
716 N. Marine Dr., Portland, OR
AGENDA:
Officer Gillentine, our new NRT officer, will be present to answer questions.
He may have some recommendations for our recent car robberies.
There is good news about the Bridgeton Promenade.
PDC will be here to discuss what is happening.
What is the current plan for Marine Drive interchange and Hayden Island Access?
CRC will bring in information concerning some proposals for downsizing.
Dan Riedle will bring his proposed design changes for his parking area at the intersection of Bridgeton and Ganteinbein.
Issues:
What can we do to collect the proxies for the annual Pen 2 December Meeting?
Review the Fall Clean Up and make recommendations
Also November 9
Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall
Reception hosted by the German American Society.
6 to 8 p.m.
Reception at Portland City Hall 1221 SW 4th
FREE and Open to the Public
Honored guests include:
• German Consul General, Peter Rothen
• Honorary Consul, Günther Hoffmann
• Steven Fuller, Prof. of German & International Studies
Photo Exhibit: After the Wall – Changes in a German Landscape November
9-30 in Portland City Hall
December 2
I am teaching this adult learning class through MindGlo:
Maintaining a Good Self-Image through Life’s Changes
Many people have their core self-image tied to their job, career, or relationships - and when that goes away through job loss, retirement or breakup/divorce, it creates a potentially serious blow to self-image and self-esteem. Discuss this issue and learn insights into how to maintain a healthy image and esteem for yourself even while coping with loss. Discussion also includes: for parents how to raise a child that deals with this issue well; for spouses how to cope on the home front.
Wed, Dec 2, 6-9 pm
Fee: $49
Location: Whole Foods Market – Fremont
register here: http://mindglo.com/classes/details/169/11/personal-growth/coping-with-change
Sunday, November 01, 2009
1st anniversary of Obama's election
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Did you suffer damages from the speeding boats last week?
Multnomah County Sheriff's Office
I am just coming off if my days off and dive training days and trying to sort through the emails that I have received regarding this case. I forwarded the information off to my Lieutenant and he did some follow up on the case while I was away. We think we know the boat involved in this incident, but we have yet to make contact with the owner. I am working on this today. Thank you for getting the word out. Since you have all the email addresses of those involved, can you send out another email? I would just like to hear from those people who received damages. I need the following information from them;
Name
Date of Birth
Address
Phone #
Brief description of damage
Estimate of cost for repair/replacement
This information would be of great help to me. I will let you know when I have solid information at far as the responsible party.
Multnomah County Sheriff's Office
Willamette River Patrol Unit
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Another car break in
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Recent Crime
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Fall Cleanup
Bridgeton Neighborhood
Fall Clean up
Saturday November 7
Please use this opportunity to help clean up the neighborhood. Work parties will clean in the triangle at Gantenbein Ave and Marine Driveand along Bridgeton Road and Marine Drive.
Please no hazardous oil, gas, or paint.
There will be two drop boxes and a special location for recyclable metals and appliances.
Two shred boxes will be at Channel’s Edge for your convenience.
We hope to see everyone!!!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
BNA Minutes form September 14th
14 Sep 09
BNA meeting at school w/18 in attendance
Leslie opened the meeting at 7:00 PM and introduced Adam Zucker and Bob Eaton from MCDD and Dick Shaffer from Pen #2. They presented detailed information and responded to questions from the attendees. Briefly, after the New Orleans flood, the Corp of Engineers rated levees around the nation beginning with the Columbia River. The Columbia River levee rated favorably between the Sandy and Willamette rivers.
Improvements are planned to improve the overall rating. An upcoming bond measure to pay for levee improvements was described. It uses current levee funding to pay off the bond so no increase is under consideration.
MCDD is working closely with CRC to coordinate levee issues with the overall bridge design. The annual meeting of Pen #2 is 3 Dec 09. Proxy votes are used to elect Pen #2 board members to represent the people living in the Pen #2 boundaries and to vote on any bond measure. Proxy cards need to be signed by the property owners and given to the representatives designated on the proxies prior to the annual meeting of Pen #2.
The CRC presentation by Peter Ovington was limited to the subject of bridge tolls. Tolls are a fact, says Mr. Ovington. While many in the audience disagree with the need for or length of tolls, there are really two toll questions. How high will the toll be? Where will the toll booth be located?
The variable by time of day toll range presented by Mr. Ovington was from $1 to $10 per trip. The tool booth may be located either before or after exit 308, Hayden Island. Toll will be collected by a radio transponder that reads a signal from each car that passes. Transponder-less cars will be photographed and a bill sent to the vehicle owner.
Mr. Ovington informed attendees that portions of the community favor tolling the existing I-5 bridge ASAP. Tolling the Glen Jackson I-205 bridge ASAP is also considered highly desirable.
The ODOT CRC engineer will be back to present at the November BNA general meeting.
Fall cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, November 7th.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Willamette River Town Hall
Join Attorney General John Kroger for a Town Hall on the Banks of the Willamette River
You know that Attorney General John Kroger and DEQ Director Dick Pedersen are committed to improving environmental enforcement in Oregon.Come be part of the solution! Join us for a discussion about the current challenges facing the Willamette River and what it will take to reverse the trend.
Read more about our Tualatin River Town Hall in July.
Tougher enforcement is one important step but to make real progress... our rivers need you.
Thursday, October 1
6:30pm - 8:00pm
John Ross Plaza Studio
If you plan to attend please let us know by respond by calling Julie Rutherford at 503-378-6002.
Together we can keep Oregon beautiful.
Hope to see you there!