Oregon
updated
2:59 p.m.
At least with the Portlandophiles at the Times . It and many other coffee joints in the big city are reviewed here ....
Jack Bog's Blog - 2:16 p.m. - 4 clicks 
Who has Tiger Woods retained to help him burnish up his image after the revelations about his multiple-infidelity lifestyle? This guy: It's like he's not even trying to convince anyone of his good intentions. Fleischer hasn't even opened his mouth on behalf of his new client and I already disbelieve them both. Minute's up. ...
Persuasion, Perseverance, and Patience - 2:00 p.m.
In anticipation of Chelsea Handler’s one-night/two-shows only stint next Friday, March 19 at the Keller Auditorium, we’re tiding ourselves over with clips of the crazy awesome comedienne. Yesterday, it was her literal bust up of fellow late night host Jimmy Fallon. Today, a backstage meeting with Chelsea Lately roundtable guest Jo Koy. “SKissors!” ...
Just Out Blog - 1:28 p.m. - 2 clicks
by: Jon Isaacs I am thrilled to see so much passionate interest in OLCV's endorsements this year. We have received hundreds of comments, replies and inquiries about our endorsements process and decisions. It all illustrates just how meaningful having the OLCV seal of approval ...
OLCV Blog - 1:03 p.m. - 11 clicks
A Q&A session held last night by the New York Times‘ gay and lesbian affinity employee group featured Proposition 8 trial super attorneys David Boies, and Ted Olson. 365Gay.com editor-in-chief Jennifer Vanasco attended the session, and filed a synopsis of the events, reporting that Olson and Boies were “amazing” as they were asked tough questions [...]...
Just Out Blog - 1:03 p.m.
There’s nothing “mini” about putt-putt golf to enthusiasts. Just ask the diabolical minds behind Smash Putt, a zealous “apocalyptic mechanized industrial rehabilitation of miniature golf from the Department of Culture collective” (whew, there’s a mouthful). What could possibly be better than ball destruction, centripetal actuators (!?), accelerator pads, ball bo...
Just Out Blog - 1:03 p.m.
Starting Friday, Oregon Fish and Wildlife begins work on what’s expected to be a six-month review of the state’s Wolf Management Plan. There aren’t very many environmental issues in the state that are as controversial as this one. In some ways, the plan is succeeding. There are increasing credible reports of gray wolves in Central Oregon. ODFW [...]...
Natural Oregon - 1:03 p.m.
Long ago when I spent most of my junior year in college abroad in India, I actually had to visit the US Customs house to 'register' my camera so that I could prove I took it out of the country when I returned to the country. (I was naive and thought it was important to do so - but it wasn't) It was my first real experience there and I was amazed that such a cool building existed that ha...
Oregon Economics Blog - 1:03 p.m.
They're shrinking the Portland Airport "urban renewal" district to make way for the massive new district that's going to suck up Northwest Portland, Goose Hollow and more land down toward Portland State. You know the drill -- divert the property taxes to Homer, Edlen, Hoffman, Walsh, the Usual Suspects, and build those big, ugly, empty apartment towers! Apparently the new district will put t...
Jack Bog's Blog - 12:43 p.m. - 3 clicks
Fireman Randy and his new BFF , Auditor LaVonne, are huffing and puffing about how Portland needs to shake up the way police brutality cases are handled. The Randster is pointing to the James Chasse homicide at police hands as an example of a system in need of fixing. If this was coming from just about anyone else, I'd applaud it. But this is just Mr. Warmth getting even for being denied con...
Jack Bog's Blog - 12:43 p.m. - 4 clicks
The Oregon League of Conservation Voters says it’s endorsing Jeff Cogen as the new chairman of Multnomah County, and Karol Collymore for a seat on the county commission. In a statement released this morning, OLCV praises Cogan for his efforts on sustainability, the environment, climate change, the local food economy and open spaces. “Jeff understands how [...]...
Natural Oregon - 11:44 a.m. - 5 clicks
Constance McMillen, an 18-year-old senior at Itawamba High School, had recently went head-on with a school policy that would prohibit her from bringing her girlfriend to the prom on April 2nd. McMillen and the Mississippi chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union had urged the school board to reverse the policy and allow McMillen to [...]...
Just Out Blog - 11:24 a.m. - 3 clicks
If this soggy, chilly Thursday morning is getting you down, perhaps planning for a dreamy, music-filled weekend will cheer you up. On Saturday, March 13, the Portland Gay Symphonic Band will deliver “Dream Dancing,” an evening of music including standards like Philip Sparke’s “Dance Movements,” Berlioz’s “Dream on a Witches Sabbath,” and Leonard Bern...
Just Out Blog - 11:24 a.m. - 2 clicks
Democratic New York Congressman Eric Massa, who has resigned his seat in the House amidst a swirl of allegations that he has continuously groped male staffers, is taking the defense and insisting that “he’s the target of a plot to pass President Obama’s health care plan at any cost,” according to EdgeBoston. Massa has unleashed even [...]...
Just Out Blog - 11:24 a.m. - 2 clicks
Maxine Bernstein of the Oregonian writes a front page article about the Police oversight reform ordinance that will be discussed at City Council next Thursday at 2:00 pm. The Crime Report summarizes the police oversight issue here. The Portland Mercury's......
Commissioner Randy Leonard - 11:10 a.m. - 2 clicks
Here's a wild one from the City of Portland. It's got a bid process going for a parking management contract. In late January, it reported that bidding was closed, and that five companies had submitted proposals. Yesterday, the city announced that it is now changing the criteria by which the contract is going to be awarded! I've got one word: Wow....
Jack Bog's Blog - 10:10 a.m. - 15 clicks
Our blog post of yesterday about the new water pumping station in Willamette Park appears to have led to this internet posting by David Shaff, the head of the Portland water bureau. The new entry also contains a map, purporting to show approximately where in the park the new building will go: Here's some more detail of that area, courtesy of Google: Since the new station is suppos...
Jack Bog's Blog - 9:24 a.m.
This graphic is making the rounds of the blogosphere from a report by Steven J. Davis and Ken Caldeira. The point most are making is how much of the carbon footprint we consume comes from imports. To me, it means something different. The graphic shows clearly the difference in the energy efficiency of production between the US and China. The two are pretty similar in terms of the value ...
Oregon Economics Blog - 9:24 a.m.
Phone rings. Dade : Hello. DCCC rep : Dade? Dade : This is he. DCCC rep : Hi, Dade. My name is [ name withheld ] and I'm calling on behalf of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. May I continue? Dade : Sure. DCCC rep : Well, Dade, as you know, this is an election year and we've got a fight on our hands. The Republ...
Sound and Fury, Signifying Nothing - 9:02 a.m. - 4 clicks
Yesterday we raised our cyber-eyebrow at the City of Portland's search for a "fiscal agent" who would receive a 7% commission just for handing out grants of city money to "community organizer" groups. The whole concept seemed utterly insane, and we suspected that this contract, which is not new, is designed to flow some tax money to some well placed person's nephew or cousin. Anyway, noti...
Jack Bog's Blog - 8:53 a.m. - 6 clicks
In January, after considering a litany of incidents involving use of force by police officers that were consistently going unaddressed by the Police Bureau leadership, Commissioner Leonard announced that his New Year's Resolution was to strengthen the City's police oversight......
Commissioner Randy Leonard - 6:30 a.m.
The City of Portland's department of buildings (a.k.a. the Bureau of Development Services) doesn't as much to do these days as it used to. The recession has killed off construction, and so the permit and inspection work, and its concomitant fees, are a shadow of what they were in their heyday. As a consequence, the bureaucrats have had to lay people off, which is what happens in hard times. But...
Jack Bog's Blog - 6:01 a.m. - 12 clicks
One star accused , the other reportedly about to cop a plea . Domestic violence, burglary -- go Ducks!...
Jack Bog's Blog - 5:41 a.m. - 3 clicks
For Wild Bill Sizemore, the hits just keep. On. Coming. From being indicted for tax evasion, to jail, to being the only person to vote for himself at Dorchester!, and now … this. Bill Sizemore says he's too broke to afford legal help. Well, I guess we're all socialists now. During 2006-2008, Says The O's Brent Walth, Wild Bill buckarooed his way through 700 large. Now, claims he, he's down to a pa...
Preemptive Karma - 5:40 a.m. - 8 clicks
The idea of a tree of dominoes being flattened is a little hackeneyed, perhaps, but it applies to the amazing sequence of declarations, filings, withdrawls and such precipitated by Ben Westlund's puckish decision to shuffle off this mortal coil with, seemingly, mere hours before the filing deadline for the offices his ascension to the ranks of Oregon history vacated. Truly it was an amazing and da...
Preemptive Karma - 5:40 a.m. - 4 clicks
I used this headline once before when writing about Mark Rey, former Bush Administration Undersecretary of Agriculture and boss of the Forest Service. Prior to Rey's Reign of Terror, California Republican Congressmen Richard Pombo held the honor of being the biggest enemy of public lands. Voters booted him in 2006, but he's back, running for Congress again this year. Now, we have a new Public La...
New West Bend - 4:08 a.m.
The Oregon Sierra Club says it won’t support Senator Wyden’s logging bill for Eastern Oregon. The group had been withholding judgement ever since the deal was announced almost two months ago. But now, the group’s Conservation Director Ivan Maluski tells me that without some changes, the Sierra Club will oppose the measure. His critique of the logging [...]...
Natural Oregon - 1:25 a.m. - 9 clicks
Calling it “one of the largest threats to the Mt. Hood National Forest”, the environmental group Bark holds a meeting Thursday night on the Palomar Pipeline. Palomar is a 220-mile natural gas pipeline that crosses Northwest Oregon from the Columbia River near Astoria, to Maupin. That route includes 47-miles through the Mt. Hood National Forest, and [...]...
Natural Oregon - 1:25 a.m. - 2 clicks
It takes guts to just wipe out your blog after years and years, and start over. I almost had that happen to me involuntarily at one point a few years ago, but fortunately some good friends saved my site from disappearance. Anyway, the always entertaining Bob Borden has decided to give his blog a completely new beginning . We wish him luck with wherever things lead this time around....
Jack Bog's Blog - Wed 11:44 p.m.
There's an outfit called Sunshine Review that checks out whether state and local government websites are as forthcoming as they could be with public information. The group just gave out "Sunny Awards" to 39 state and local governments for having excellent transparency via their websites. Alas, there wasn't a single Oregon jurisdiction among those recognized....
Jack Bog's Blog - Wed 11:44 p.m.
One of the four local credit unions that we've been following in our quarterly review of their operating results is merging . First Tech is set to merge with Addison Avenue Federal Credit Union of Palo Alto, and the combined entity will be called First Tech Federal Credit Union. The two parties to the merger are of roughly equal size. Of the local outfits that we've been watching, lately First...
Jack Bog's Blog - Wed 6:08 p.m. - 6 clicks
Long time adversaries in Oregon’s timber wars told the Senate today they’re ready to make peace, at least in Eastern Oregon. The setting was a hearing on the Eastern Oregon Logging bill sponsored by Senator Wyden. Based on a historic compromise between timber and conservation groups, the bill hopes to revive the region’s logging industry while [...]...
Natural Oregon - Wed 6:08 p.m. - 6 clicks
Another 11th hour option is comin’ your way for this evening, along with a couple other chances in the days to come. Savory Pink Productions and Darklady Entertainment are bringing Buck Angel to town for three days of “education, sexiness, and queer debauchery.” The adult superstar, also an educator and trans icon, has a weekly show that [...]...
Just Out Blog - Wed 4:41 p.m. - 6 clicks
The Sex & the City star doesn’t hold back (but does so with such elegance and poise!) in this new spot for Fight Back PAC, a group attempting to remove senators in New York State from office who in December voted against marriage equality. Fierce, and forceful. ...
Just Out Blog - Wed 4:05 p.m. - 4 clicks
… And, if you're not in one of those churches that preach the Gospel of Free Markets and The Poor and Unfortunate Are On Their Own, you aren't one of them: Indeed, Beck, under the guise of a concerned Christian, unconvincingly compared calls for social justice with extremists from both ends of the political spectrum and demanded people leave their churches over the topic. "Communists are on the le...
Preemptive Karma - Wed 3:41 p.m. - 3 clicks
Chicago-based musical duo Amy & Freddy are set to perform this weekend in concerts benefiting Camp Starlight. The encore performances aim to beat the $25,000 mark achieved in 2009. Amy (Armstrong) and Freddy (Allen), accompanied by guest drummer Steve Moretti, will perform three shows: 6 and 9 p.m. Friday, March 12 at Wilf’s (800 NW Sixth [...]...
Just Out Blog - Wed 3:23 p.m. - 3 clicks
Regarding the Republican penchant for whining about perceived slights and grievances, Steve at No More Mister Nice Blog may have a point : I'm not sure what Republicans' motivation is -- personally, I think they really are whining crybabies who can't endure not getting their way even once in a while (they were like this even when they held power, weren't they?). But I think the real reason ...
Persuasion, Perseverance, and Patience - Wed 2:07 p.m.
Portland Fire and Rescue responded to 1,269 calls last week, including 1,011 medical calls and 53 fire calls. The total number of calls for last week was 10 fewer than the week before, but the number of fire calls was......
Commissioner Randy Leonard - Wed 1:45 p.m. - 3 clicks
Most of you probably received your 2010 U.S. Census forms in the mail yesterday. And hopefully ALL of you read the FAQ tip sheet blog we posted yesterday, as this will be the first time in history the Census allows same-sex couples to self-identify as either married or unmarried partners. On March 18, a kickoff event [...]...
Just Out Blog - Wed 1:01 p.m. - 2 clicks
Without making a judgement on the benefits of the wars in Iraq and Afganistan, here is an interesting take on the opportunity cost of the wars. I chose Portland as a reference point, you can go and choose your own . ...
Oregon Economics Blog - Wed 1:01 p.m. - 9 clicks
Word on the street is that Margaret Carter, like Steve Novick, is dropping out of the Multnomah County chair race....
Jack Bog's Blog - Wed 12:26 p.m. - 53 clicks
The claim? That a “tea party” candidate in Nevada is a ‘ringer’ for Harry Reid, to split Republican opposition. But here’s the festering stinker in the tale by CNN [emphasis added]: March 10, 2010 A Tea Party Fake ?Posted: March 10th, 2010 12:25 PM ET From CNN National Political Correspondent Jessica Yellin … A spokesman for Tea Party Express, a [...] ...
His Vorpal Sword - Wed 12:05 p.m. - 10 clicks
Another late-breaking event this Wednesday: Cascade AIDS Project and the Multnomah County Health Department will commemorate National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day between 4-6 p.m. today at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Prevention and education specialists will hand out free HIV information, coupons for HIV and STD testing, and safer sex supplies. Per a press release, “women account fo...
Just Out Blog - Wed 12:05 p.m. - 4 clicks
Here’s a reason to leave the office early today — or just take a late lunch/mid-afternoon break. Midwest diva-rapper-crafter extraordinaire Leslie Hall and her team, the Lys, will be making a special in-store appearance at Fat Fancy’s SW Portland location this afternoon, from 3-4 p.m. “Mama Gem herself will be on hand to sign autographs and take [...]...
Just Out Blog - Wed 12:05 p.m. - 3 clicks
Oh how we loves us some Chelsea Handler. The ballsy blond lady, whom Just Out columnist Daniel Borgen raves about in the current issue of Just Out, appeared on the Late Show with Jimmy Fallon last night, when the funny pair competed in a martini-making/running contest. Comedy — and a bit of carnage — ensued. Handler won, [...]...
Just Out Blog - Wed 12:05 p.m. - 2 clicks
Two decades after the suspension of paid sex-change operations in Cuba forced many transsexual citizens to live in bodies they did not feel comfortable in, the operations have begun anew under President Raul Castro’s daughter Mariela, Cuba’s top gay-rights activist, and the country’s universal health care system, reports The Associated Press. With a history of being [...]...
Just Out Blog - Wed 12:05 p.m.
Twenty seven people who formerly subscribed to The Washington Post abruptly canceled their subscriptions after the front-page publication of two gay men – Jeremy Ames and Taka Ariga – kissing while waiting in line outside D.C. Superior Court on the first day same-sex couples could apply for marriage licenses. The Post is defending its decision to [...]...
Just Out Blog - Wed 12:05 p.m.
See streaming video of hearing at this link. 1:29pm: Kerr admits the conservation community is split over the bill. Many groups still believe in preserving forests from development because that activity has been harmful in the past. More are recognizing that restoring forests are now what’s needed. 1:05pm Not a fan of the bill, Larry Blasing of [...]...
Natural Oregon - Wed 12:05 p.m. - 7 clicks
Following last week's Mayoral Proclamation declaring March 10, 2010 "Tibet Awareness Day" in Portland, Commissioner Leonard gathered with a large group of Tibetans to raise the Tibetan Flag over City Hall. Here are a few pictures from the event: The......
Commissioner Randy Leonard - Wed 11:23 a.m. - 6 clicks
Three neighbors from Northeast Portland went before the Portland City Council this morning, saying the city can – and should – do more to keep wireless towers out of residential areas. The three are among many neighbors trying to stop Clearwire from installing a wireless internet antenna on top of power pole at NE 37th and [...]...
Natural Oregon - Wed 11:22 a.m. - 7 clicks
For a while there, there was hope for the old federal Custom House on Broadway near the Main Post Office in Portland. The next owner for the building was going to be the International School. But now we learn that the school, seeing what it would take to bring the old structure up to snuff, has decided to take a pass . And so it appears that the Custom House can be yours for a very reasonable ...
Jack Bog's Blog - Wed 11:01 a.m. - 18 clicks
Here's an interesting one. The Portland water bureau has given up on rehabbing the Fulton Water Pumping Station (above) on SW Nevada Street near Macadam Avenue, and is instead going to build a new pumping station (with a projected footprint of 6,000 square feet) inside Willamette Park: The original plan was to rehabilitate the existing pump station facility. Subsequently, replacing Fu...
Jack Bog's Blog - Wed 10:10 a.m. - 3 clicks
I am an interested party in the Portland high school redesign effort . I will have children that I expect will attend Portland high schools. In the case of my kids, they will most likely attend Cleveland, one of the high schools that seems to do reasonably well in various metrics. The schools the district is worried about are schools like Jefferson, Franklin and Marshall th...
Oregon Economics Blog - Wed 10:09 a.m. - 5 clicks
Live blog of the subcommittee hearing on the Oregon Eastside Forest Restoration, Old-growth Protection and Jobs Act with Old-Growth Campaign Coordinator, Chandra LeGue....
Oregon WildBlog - Wed 8:43 a.m. - 3 clicks
It might not be spring yet, but it sure feels like it here in Colorado, where our piles of November snow have finally started to melt and some crocuses are peeking out of the ground. With the change in season comes a bunch of regional book awards and event announcements: • Stories on Stage, a Denver theater company that presents literature through performances by professional actors, will ...
New West Bend - Wed 7:40 a.m. - 3 clicks
Cell Towers Three people from RespectPDX get a chance to tell the Portland City Council how they really feel about a WiMax tower moving into their neighborhood. Colin O’Neill, Eric Winston, and Caitlin Johnson each get a few minutes to address the council during the public speaking time at the beginning of the Wednesday’s meeting. The [...]...
Natural Oregon - Tue 11:03 p.m. - 5 clicks
I doubt that our senior senator here in Oregon, Ron Wyden, is losing sleep over Jim Huffman's announcement that he's seeking the Republican nomination to challenge Wyden next November. At least, I assume Huffman is running as a Republican. You......
Hines Sight - Tue 9:44 p.m. - 14 clicks
It’s looking as though my class this Thursday will be my last. No, not for the term, but for life. Which raises the prospect of giving the proverbial “last lecture” in my “Writing for the Media” class. I’m inclined to not let my students know that on Thursday I will have run a far longer course than the one they have been enrolled in. Still, looking back over the years I’ ve taught, I wonder ...
The Red Electric - Tue 9:43 p.m. - 4 clicks
From Michael Munk: The Northwest History Network presents "We're going to defend ourselves": The Portland Chapter of the Black Panther Party & Local Media Response A presentation by Jules Boykoff & Martha Gies (Publication planned in the Oregon Historical Quarterly) with special guests Kent Ford & Percy Hampton, original members of the Portland chapter, Black Panther Party Thursday, March 18 a...
Willamette Reds - Tue 8:02 p.m. - 2 clicks
The Communist Party USA offers the best political hope for working people in this country. At a time of great change in the United States, the CPUSA has the experience and history to lead important struggles. With these opportunities come significant questions for our party. The decisions, tactics and conclusions offered by party leadership over the last couple of years demand examination. We beli...
Willamette Reds - Tue 7:45 p.m. - 3 clicks
From Michael Munk: If you missed OCHC's first ever and long over due exhibit of Dorothea Lange's 1939 Oregon photographs in Portland, it has been extended to March 28 at Bay City on the Oregon coast. It's at the People's Museum of Art in Artspace, 9120 Fifth Street, where regular hours are Sun-Wed, 11-7 and Sat, 11-4 or by appointment 503.377-ART2. Bay City is just north of Tillamook. The day b...
Willamette Reds - Tue 7:45 p.m. - 7 clicks
Tualatin Riverkeepers are inviting everyone to a "Restoration Tree Planting with Tualatin Riverkeepers" event on Saturday, March 20 at 9:00am. Event: Restoration Tree Planting with Tualatin Riverkeepers Start Time: Saturday, March 20 at 9:00am End Time: Saturday, March 20 at 12:00pm Where: Metro Natural Area on Munger Lane Thank you! ...
Willamette Reds - Tue 7:45 p.m. - 3 clicks
Socialism has its material roots in the inability of capitalism to solve humanity’s problems. Working people gravitate toward a radical critique of society out of necessity, out of a sense that the existing arrangements of society (people don’t necessarily call it capitalism) fail to fulfill their material and spiritual needs. It is no coincidence that around the time of the economic meltdown last...
Willamette Reds - Tue 7:45 p.m.
Candidate filing in Oregon is done for this cycle, barring unusual circumstances, and not counting appearances from the minor parties. Now we can take a quick first run at what’s emerging among some of the 306 candidates . . . U.S. SENATE Ten candidates for the U.S. Senate this time, including one overwhelming favorite – incumbent [...]...
Ridenbaugh Press (Oregon) - Tue 7:21 p.m. - 17 clicks
Ted Wheeler And with the speed of superglue – hastened by the 5 p.m. candidate filing deadline – a whole section of Oregon politics for the months ahead is snapping into place. The reason, as noted here earlier, is the combination of a candidate filing deadline today, plus the death on Sunday of state Treasurer Ben Westlund. [...]...
Ridenbaugh Press (Oregon) - Tue 4:23 p.m. - 27 clicks
While no one is using the “D” word yet, officials at the state, federal and local levels are bracing for what could be the worst drought ever in the Klamath Basin. Governor Kulongoski was in the region this morning for a meeting with area officials about what needs to be done now to prepare. Senators Wyden and [...]...
Natural Oregon - Tue 3:49 p.m. - 10 clicks
Information on the 2010 United States Census, and tips about safety regarding visitors at your doorstep, here on the Office of Neighborhood Involvement's Crime Prevention Spotlight page for March. ...
City Commissioner Amanda Fritz - Tue 3:21 p.m. - 10 clicks
Regardless of what you think of the job that Ron Wyden is doing as Oregon's US Senator, it seems clear that, at this point, he's the best alternative to anything Republican. In the wake of a Rasumussen poll that says that Republican challenger Jim Huffman has only a six percentage point lead of Oregon's senior senator, the Wyden camp has released a poll from Democratic pollster Lisa Grove that app...
Preemptive Karma - Tue 3:20 p.m. - 11 clicks
Thast what he said. Oh, there's always conditions with these people: I’ll just tell you this, if this passes and it’s five years from now and all that stuff gets implemented — I am leaving the country. I’ll go to Costa Rica. First thing I'm thinking, I've got to draft a note of eventual apology to Costa Rica. Look around you and see what happens when Limbaugh hangs around for a while. Second thing...
Preemptive Karma - Tue 3:20 p.m. - 9 clicks
Daryl, Edward, Dade Yes, we got into trouble. Not to use it as an excuse, but we came from broken homes. All three of us lived with our siblings and our recently-divorced mothers. Our mothers had their hands full taking care of their kids and keeping them clothed and fed, and (God knows) dealing with those various crises that descend on women who find themselve...
Sound and Fury, Signifying Nothing - Tue 2:49 p.m. - 2 clicks
In just a few months, a lone Rocky Mountain Goat has become one of the most popular celebrities in Central Oregon. Often spotted along Hwy 20 east of Bend, the male goat was first seen last December. As far as anyone knows, he’s the only one of his kind in the area. That’s enough for him to [...]...
Natural Oregon - Tue 2:07 p.m. - 7 clicks
Janie Har and Steve Duin of the Oregonian cover the Chinese Consulate General's visit to Portland to protest the City's proclamation in recognition of Tibet Awareness Day. Kalsang Rinchen from the media outlet Phayul, reports on the issue. Furthermore, the......
Commissioner Randy Leonard - Tue 1:42 p.m. - 9 clicks
Do you have unwanted or unused prescription medications around your home? Turn Them In! Saturday, March 13, 2010 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Fred Meyer, 7404 N Interstate Ave Look for the Police Bureau’s Mobile Precinct in the parking lot The purpose of the one day event ...
City Commissioner Amanda Fritz - Tue 11:50 a.m. - 4 clicks
My husband, Steve Fritz, has developed a new passion -- perhaps coincidental with my increased absence from home since I started this job. He enjoys taking photographs of large vessels such as ships and barges, expecially when they are traveling under (or in this case through) bridges. Steve took this one last year when The World vis...
City Commissioner Amanda Fritz - Tue 11:50 a.m. - 6 clicks
A New Campaign Web Site Will Be Live Soon! Join The Facebook Fan Club! This morning I filed as a candidate for Multnomah County Commissioner, Position 2. County government is where many of the issues closest to my heart are......
Chuck Currie - Tue 11:25 a.m. - 18 clicks
Paul Krugman's latest is very good and echos what I consider the fundamental point about the banking crisis: the incentives to bankers was clear - get risky or die. Okay, maybe it wasn't that extreme, but when banks are rewarding clients with high returns from practices that are questionable, and the demand for these assets are sky high, only the brave bankers settled for lower performance...
Oregon Economics Blog - Tue 10:02 a.m. - 5 clicks
It's official: Governor Kulongoski has appointed Ted Wheeler as state treasurer, in place of Ben Westlund, who died this weekend. Mr. Wheeler is the chair of the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners. The political jockeying for position now has two......
Isaac Laquedem - Tue 9:06 a.m. - 11 clicks
For some reason, the template for my blog now insists on showing the banner image at the wrong size. I'm still trying to figure out why. Meanwhile, all I can say is, "Oh, no . . . not again." ( Update: Fixed. Long story. Not interesting. Never mind.) ...
Persuasion, Perseverance, and Patience - Tue 12:00 a.m. - 5 clicks
Here are the regular schedules for the DL chapters in the area. (Click on their link to join their email list. To find the DL chapter near you--there are over 300 hundred of them--go here .) Vancouver : Next meeting: Tuesday, March 9th. Meetings: Second and fourth Tuesdays, 7pm, at the Back Alley Bar and Grill, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. (West of Andresen, in a strip mall 1/2 b...
Loaded Orygun - Mon 11:29 p.m. - 7 clicks
Portland, Oregon-- I think it was Ben Westlund's enormous humanity and the openness with which he shared his feelings, his sincerity, that made him larger than life, so widely respected and so effective as a legislator and as a public servant. I remember watching his House speech when he shared his cancer diagnosis with us all. It was one of the singular, most remarkable events that took place...
Blogolitical Sean - Mon 11:07 p.m. - 14 clicks
Here are the regular schedules for the DL chapters in the area. (Click on their link to join their email list. To find the DL chapter near you--there are over 300 hundred of them--go here .) Vancouver : Next meeting: Tuesday, March 9th. Meetings: Second and fourth Tuesdays, 7pm, at the Back Alley Bar and Grill, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. (West of Andresen, in a strip mall 1/2 block west o...
Persuasion, Perseverance, and Patience - Mon 11:06 p.m.
A bill backed by the Democratic leadership, with both bipartisan support and opposition, was passed a few weeks ago which overturned a law passed in the 1920s that banned teachers in public schools from wearing anything of religious significance. Only two other states have such laws, with the one in Oregon having been pushed by the KKK as a means of forcing Catholic nuns out of public schoo...
DailyKos (Oregon) - Mon 9:41 p.m. - 15 clicks
The Portland Public Schools board of education voted 4-3 tonight to approve another year of STARBASE, the Department of Defense's elementary school recruiting program. Principled "no" votes were cast by co-chair Ruth Adkins, Martin Gonzalez and Dilafruz Williams. David Wynde, Bobbie Regan, Pam Knowles and co-chair Trudy Sargent carried the resolution....
PPS Equity - Mon 8:48 p.m. - 4 clicks
The abortion issue in the health care debate is divisive, unnecessary and wrong. It is time to drop it and move on to getting health care for more Americans. Including abortion as a health care entitlement in this country at this time is simply a mistake. It was always an over reaching, an example of the hubris of the left, a bit of Bush-like "we won, get over it." They thought they had the vote...
Eye On Oregon - Mon 8:26 p.m. - 7 clicks
I just called Wyden's number here in Portland to encourage him to join Merkley in signing the Bennet letter and the guy who answered the phone assured me that although Wyden hasn't signed, he will support the public option if it comes to a vote in reconciliation. I thanked him for that but suggested that his signature of support would be more reassuring to us here at home and may help persuade...
DailyKos (Oregon) - Mon 6:25 p.m. - 10 clicks
A sense of whiplash today, so soon after the sad and shocking news of Oregon Treasurer Ben Westlund’s death yesterday: An immediate, hard, fast for a job no one had expected to be on the ballot this year: Oregon state treasurer. There are two races right now, in fact: One for appointment to the position, which [...]...
Ridenbaugh Press (Oregon) - Mon 5:07 p.m. - 30 clicks
Last week, at the request of Commissioner Leonard, Mayor Adams proclaimed March 10, 2010 "Tibet Awareness Day" in commemoration of nearly 1.2 million Tibetans who have lost their lives in their struggle for religious and political freedom in Tibet. The......
Commissioner Randy Leonard - Mon 3:45 p.m. - 4 clicks
Marion County Democrats is hosting the "DemoForum---Tom Chamberlain of the Oregon AFL-CIO " on Thursday, March 11 at 12:00pm. He will be discussing the issue of jobs and "getting Oregon and America back to work." The event will start at noon and will end at 1:00 PM. It will be held at Kwan's in Salem. Call 503-363-8392 to RSVP. Thank you! ...
Willamette Reds - Mon 3:45 p.m. - 5 clicks
Ben Westlund -- our State Treasurer -- passed away early Sunday morning after a long battle with cancer. Ben was a personal friend and an outstanding public servant. He served Oregon for twelve years in the state legislature, before his election as State Treasurer in 2008. Many will remember that he served as a Republican, an Independent and a Democrat at different times during his career. ...
John Kitzhaber for Governor - Mon 3:31 p.m. - 18 clicks
For security and safety reasons, the answers to this week's Oregon News Limericks have been tucked under the accelerator pedal of an unmarked Toyota sedan until 7:15 Monday morning, at which time they (or at least their charred remains) will removed and read by quizmaster TJ of Loaded Orygun, and answered by Carl, Christine, and Paul, on the KPOJ 620AM's Carl + Christine show. The answe...
Loaded Orygun - Mon 3:30 p.m. - 3 clicks
I write 'em and TJ reads them. It's like I'm Cyrano to TJ's Christian. Which means Christine would be Roxanne--and I'm not sure exactly where that leaves Carl or Paul. We'll have to sort all that out later. Anyway, play along as TJ matches wits with Thom Hartmann (sitting in for Carl Wolfson), Christine Alexander, and producer Paul Pimentel on the "Carl + Christine Show" ...
Loaded Orygun - Mon 3:30 p.m. - 4 clicks
Multnomah County Health Department Director Lillian Shirley and Tri-county Health Officer Dr. Gary Oxman will lead a review of the county’s H1N1 influenza work for the Multnomah County Board of County Commissioners on Thursday, March 11 from 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. in the Boardroom. Public health recognized the emergence of the H1N1 influenza virus in April 2009 and H1N1 was declared a pandemic...
Commissioner Jeff Cogen - Mon 3:06 p.m. - 6 clicks
Having watched the Academy Awards for many years, this gray-haired observer of countless Oscar presentations feels qualified to say, after watching the 2010 show... Bring back the vibe of the good old days: wilder, crazier, less structured, more unpredictable. Somehow......
Hines Sight - Mon 3:06 p.m.
Quite a while ago now, a 'friend-of-the-blog' in the restaurant industry e-mailed to ask about what I thought of the relatively high minimum wage in Oregon and the additional aspect of Oregon's minimum wage that it cannot be reduced for those that earn tips. California and Washington also have high minimum wages and do not allow for a 'tip credit,' of this sort so we are not alone, but these...
Oregon Economics Blog - Mon 3:06 p.m. - 4 clicks
Special this week: Christine's back! And she's brought with her the ominous threat of the "Thirty-point Inspection," plus her love of spiny frogs. (More Oregon news limericks, plus the answers, here .) ...
Persuasion, Perseverance, and Patience - Mon 3:06 p.m. - 3 clicks
If you want a real good read at this year's Dorchester! Conference (where the Cthulhu-summoning apparently once again came up empty-handed) then read BlueO and Ridenbaugh and Mapes, all of whom have the time and resources to do this with insight and wit. I do not. Therefore, a pocketful of snark: The Nice Republican unexpectedly beat The Empty Suit in straw polling. I guess charisma isn't everythi...
Preemptive Karma - Mon 3:06 p.m. - 2 clicks
Pardon the un-reserved and non-poised mien, but hearing this was like getting hit upside the head with a plank. Didn't see this one coming. Stunned. One of the few McCall-esque Republicans Oregon had left. Maybe, perhaps, the last one. Check BlueO on this.......
Preemptive Karma - Mon 3:06 p.m. - 4 clicks
Ben Westlund Ben Westlund, 60, the Oregon state treasurer who died today of cancer, had a cancer outbreak years ago. Part of his response to it was to bear down on developing a serious statewide Oregon medical care program. He was a state senator, and with another senator, Alan Bates, they toured statewide, developed it over [...]...
Ridenbaugh Press (Oregon) - Mon 3:06 p.m. - 6 clicks
Brother Calee and I had a phone conversation a while back in which he pronounced his suspicion that Corporate America makes regular use of religion and its various traditions as yet another means of skimming wealth off the labors of the common people. Specifically, he was referring to the Easter holiday, making note of all the commercial endeavors geared to take advant...
Sound and Fury, Signifying Nothing - Mon 3:06 p.m. - 2 clicks
( Update: The answers are now posted in the comments section below.) For security and safety reasons, the answers to this week's Oregon News Limericks have been tucked under the accelerator pedal of an unmarked Toyota sedan until 7:15 Monday morning, at which time they (or at least their charred remains) will removed and read by quizmaster TJ of Loaded Orygun, and answered by Carl, Christine, a...
Persuasion, Perseverance, and Patience - Sun 3:44 p.m. - 7 clicks
A beautiful early Spring Saturday afternoon: sunny, blue sky, light breeze, almost warm. Of course what people want on a day like that is to spend 90 minutes listening to policy wonks talk about the state of Oregon’s finances. What better way to enjoy the day? As it turned out, a few dozen of us chose to do exactly that yesterday afternoon. We do what we can to keep Portland weird. It was ...
T.A. Barnhart - Sun 1:23 p.m. - 15 clicks
Cooler heads must prevail in Hurley arbitration ruling As Commissioner Leonard wrote in his article responding to Oregonian editorials on the arbitration ruling that awarded Mr. Hurley retroactive wages, the anger over the principal of paying Mr. Hurley is understandable,......
Commissioner Randy Leonard - Sun 10:28 a.m. - 6 clicks
Almost exactly one month ago I covered the on-campus spat between PSU professor John Hall and student (and IDF sniper veteran) Zachary Bucharest. Yesterday the Oregonian finally got around to covering it too. It's a worthwhile read on its own merits. But while I remain somewhat perplexed by how Prof. Hall chose to deal with the issue, a couple bits of new (to me) info in this Oregonian piece seem ...
Preemptive Karma - Sun 10:28 a.m. - 9 clicks
Via Kevin in the comments of the last missive, it's clear that Intel doesn't understand they're supposed to cry and leave Oregon either: The potential $25 billion Intel will spend upgrading its Hillsboro and Aloha facilities will be spread over the next 15 years. This is part of the agreement Intel struck during 2005 negotiations with Washington County and the City of Hillsboro under terms of Oreg...
Preemptive Karma - Sun 10:28 a.m. - 17 clicks
That's the theme this week, and it starts with the possibility of an end to Saturday mail delivery. Where can it lead? Only time can tell. Let's start with this week's Daryl Cagle toon round-up . p3 Picks of the Week: Mike Luckovich , Daryl Cagle , Pat Bagley , John Trever , John Darkow , Steve Sack , Milt Priggee , Joe Heller , Jeff Stahler , Brian Fairrington , Ed Stein , and ...
Persuasion, Perseverance, and Patience - Sun 8:04 a.m. - 3 clicks
It's been a stomach-churning but compelling ride through the 09-10 Blazers season so far, not unlike eating a dodgy day-old birthday cake, but I've maintained a sense of optimism ever since Joel Przybilla went down. Homer say what? Optimism? Even the thought of serious title contention had to go out the window, and even making the playoffs seemed a hopelessly, almost laughingly lost cause...
Loaded Orygun - Sun 2:44 a.m. - 17 clicks
Those who believe in the common shared destiny of humanity can't share a common cause for one complete rotation of the Earth upon its axis, and those who would piss on the poor, kick the enfeebled, sneer at the less fortunate, and crap on anyone not pulling in an Adjusted Gross Income above the six figure threshold engage in a disciplined, focused campaign of slander, libel, specious and fallaciou...
His Vorpal Sword - Sat 4:26 p.m. - 7 clicks
They lie with numbers. They lie with "facts." Sometimes, they just lie. Fox News is right wing propaganda. Watch this video . ...
Eye On Oregon - Sat 2:49 p.m. - 13 clicks
I think--not sure, but I think--yesterday was my friend Marilyn's birthday. If not yesterday, it's tomorrow. If I could figure out how to get back in touch with her, I could ask her for sure. Since I can't, this is dedicated to her. She's always been a Marian McPartland fan. ...
Persuasion, Perseverance, and Patience - Sat 2:49 p.m. - 3 clicks
Today’s Oregonian has an update on the Google competition for high-speed internet, an AP article “Cities step up campaigns for Google’s speed” (See here). Three points: (1) Portland is behind: Portland has been trying for years, without success, to find......
Global Strategies - Sat 12:43 p.m. - 15 clicks
Recently I’ve been distributing flyers urging Portland parents of pre-kindergarten children to sign up for one of Portland Public Schools' foreign language immersion programs. I’ve been to several kindergarten fairs. Most recently I was at a fair at Kelly Elementary......
Global Strategies - Sat 11:22 a.m. - 9 clicks
The Oregon Board of Higher Education met on Friday, 3/5/10 at Portland State University’s new Academic and Student Recreation Center. The building is still being completed. The Chancellor now has offices there. The Board now has its own Board meeting......
Global Strategies - Sat 9:49 a.m. - 15 clicks
Apparently Boeing did not pay attention to the Cascade Policy Institute, FreedomWorks and the Oregon GOP. The passage of Measure 67 means that Oregon is a bad place for business, that our taxes will destroy jobs and that companies will flee Oregon for the greener pastures of Washington, Idaho and Illinois. Boeing did not get the memo : Boeing Co. plans to pour up to $120 million into its G...
T.A. Barnhart - Sat 9:49 a.m. - 20 clicks
The news is, that Boeing's Portland plant (located out at 181st and Sandy in Gresham actually) is going to be expanding: Boeing Co. plans to pour up to $120 million into its Gresham operation, replacing a 30-year old chemical processing plant and adding 152 jobs in the next three years. The company, based in Chicago, plans to build a 60,000-square foot facility to treat metals such as titanium and...
Preemptive Karma - Sat 9:25 a.m. - 15 clicks
The people won one (or two) with the vote on Ballot Measures 66 and 67. Not all problems are solved with their passage, but since they passed with a popular mixed feeling of support for both taxing the rich and supporting social services we have a somewhat more level playing field in Oregon. DHS and DHS constractors are following up the vote with enrolling kids in the Healthy Kids program and in e...
Willamette Reds - Sat 9:25 a.m. - 13 clicks
The Oregon AFL-CIO endorsed John Kitzhaber’s campaign for Governor today. The endorsement of the labor federation is the largest labor endorsement in the race for Governor. “John Kitzhaber understands the pressures union members and all middle class Oregonians are under,” said Oregon AFL-CIO President Tom Chamberlain. “Of all the candidates he has the strongest plan to create jobs and help...
John Kitzhaber for Governor - Fri 11:09 p.m. - 8 clicks
Teamsters Endorse John KitzhaberThe Teamsters Joint Council 37 endorsed John Kitzhaber’s campaign for Governor today. “Our members trust John and they know that he has spent his entire career in public service standing up for the rights of working families,” said Lynn Lehrbach, Political Coordinator for Teamsters Joint Council 37. “John fights on the frontlines for workers and our workers...
John Kitzhaber for Governor - Fri 11:09 p.m. - 4 clicks
A Dudley greeter at Dorchester, early on/Stapilus There was a tea party and Sarah Palin presence of sorts (the latter being a cardboard cut-out) at this weekend’s Republican Dorchester Conference. But they weren’t in the Necanicum Room, where most of the candidates, organizers and vendors could be found; they were toward the end of a hallway [...]...
Ridenbaugh Press (Oregon) - Fri 9:49 p.m. - 16 clicks
One of the favorite activities of people who live in Salem (Oregon) is asking ourselves, "What's wrong with this town?" My wife and I have a Salem address, though we're outside the city limits, so we're entitled to engage in......
Hines Sight - Fri 7:42 p.m. - 19 clicks
Founded in 2004, the 10,000-resident city of Damascus is Oregon's newest, but already its future is quite literally in jeopardy pending the results of a special election on Tuesday March 9. There are four amendments to the city charter on the ballot, each of which is designed to limit the ability of the Damascus government to provide for the people. In tandem, these measures [pdf] wou...
DailyKos (Oregon) - Fri 5:43 p.m. - 24 clicks
The Oregonian Editorial Board got it wrong in their editorial "Disability ruling mocks the will of the voters" and again in their editorial "Welcome to the wackiness of Portland city government." The arbitrator's decision in the Hurley case had absolutely......
Commissioner Randy Leonard - Fri 5:09 p.m. - 10 clicks
It's been a while since the Intrepid Traveler (a long-time friend of the Laquedems) has appeared in these pages, not because she hasn't been traveling, but because I haven't been keeping up with her. The last time she appeared here......
Isaac Laquedem - Fri 3:03 p.m. - 3 clicks
After a delay to get more information, the school board is once again poised to approve the STARBASE program, which sells the military access to fourth and fifth graders for a couple hundred thousand dollars. The rally is at 6pm Monday at district headquarters, 501 N. Dixon Street....
PPS Equity - Fri 2:06 p.m. - 6 clicks
I was involved once with a political campaign in which the candidate had a long history of newspaper columns. One of the first jobs out of the launch: Review them all. Who knew what ticking time bombs might await? In that case, as it happened, there weren’t any big ones; or at least, his campaign [...]...
Ridenbaugh Press (Oregon) - Fri 2:06 p.m. - 6 clicks
Congratulations to SE Uplift and their sustainability staff person Tim O'Neal, who took the lead with Stephanie Stewart of the Mount Tabor Neighborhood Association in organizing Solarize Portland , which has led to similar home solarization projects by NE Coalition of Neighborhoods and Central NE Neighbors (" Solarize NE " - thanks to David Sweet of the Sabin...
City Commissioner Amanda Fritz - Fri 11:25 a.m. - 5 clicks
John Foyston has an article in today's Oregonian business section about the growing trend of craft brewers putting their beer in cans. His article focuses on Fearless Brewing of Estacada, but Caldera in Ashland cans as well, as has MacTarnahan's and Mac's owner, Pyramid, will soon. From Foyston's article: "I expect this whole market just to explode," said Johnson, who owns F...
Oregon Economics Blog - Fri 11:25 a.m. - 10 clicks
Somewhere along the way the word “rubric” failed to stick in my brain. The closest thing I have in my dwindling vocabulary inventory is “Rubik.” That would be Erno Rubik, the Hungarian architect who invented that colorful cube puzzle that became a craze in 1980s. Boomers twisted and turned the cube’s moving segments for hours trying to align its six colors. The Holy Grail was one color to ...
The Red Electric - Fri 9:40 a.m. - 3 clicks
NY Times graph. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Horizontal axis shows months. Vertical axis shows the ratio of that month’s nonfarm payrolls to the nonfarm payrolls at the start of recession. Note: Because employment is a lagging indicator, the dates for these employment trends are not exactly synchronized with National Bureau of Economic Research’s official business cycle dates. The...
Oregon Economics Blog - Fri 8:49 a.m. - 4 clicks
The renovations to the John Yeon building on the Tom McCall Waterfront Park, previously the Visitors Information Center, and future home to the Rose Festival Association, are slated to be finished today! The Rose Festival Association is scheduled to move......
Commissioner Randy Leonard - Fri 6:09 a.m. - 2 clicks
Official Kickoff of Peace Visioning Art Project Slated for Coffee House Cafe in downtown Salem March 13, 2010, 5-7 p.m. with free concert to follow. The progressive movement needs a comprehensive shared vision and Salem's MyPeace Project is a step in the direction of generating that vision. The MyPeace Project asks Salem residents to imagine what peace might look like if it broke out - or what ...
Willamette Reds - Thu 11:02 p.m. - 6 clicks
RALLY FOR JUSTICE Stop Police Violence! Hear the voices of our youth Join the Struggle for Justice for Aaron Campbell. Where do we go from here? Hosted by Pastor CT Wells, AMA Coalition for Community Justice and Police Reform When: Friday, March 5, 2010 6:30 PM Where: Emmanuel Temple 1033 N Sumner (at Michigan) Thank you! ...
Willamette Reds - Thu 11:02 p.m. - 6 clicks
CAUSA Social Hour in Portland! Old Town Pizza 5201 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Portland, Oregon 97211 Thursday, March 11th at 6:00 pm Special Guest Speaker: Nancy Haque, Building Political Power Director with Western States Center will speak about Civic Engagement, the 2010 Elections and Why it is Important to Register to Vote. Come and meet other CAUSA supporters and hear an update on th...
Willamette Reds - Thu 11:02 p.m. - 5 clicks
The issues and outcomes surrounding the vote taken by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs today on the Armenian Genocide, which saw narrow approval of a resolution calling on President Obama to “characterise the systematic and deliberate annihilation of 1.5 million Armenians as genocide,” are too complex to fully analyze here. Still, a few notes and points can be made. The vote proceeded desp...
Willamette Reds - Thu 11:02 p.m. - 4 clicks
Crocus, tulip, daffodil, Adorn our patch of heaven, Awakened from Hybernia, Warm sunlight is the leaven; Perhaps this year, we'll harvest fruit From pruned blueberry shrubs; Granola garnish, pie to bake, Or simply healthful grubs; No doubt framboise will thrive again Renewing its attack, Across the yard without regard For any ordered tract; And soon we'll plant ou...
Sound and Fury, Signifying Nothing - Thu 4:28 p.m. - 2 clicks
The Portland Water Bureau announced today that it will begin authorizing water shut-offs on delinquent multi-family account owners. For many years, the Water Bureau maintained a policy that exempted multi-family accounts from shut-off due to the impact on unknowing tenants.......
Commissioner Randy Leonard - Thu 3:23 p.m. - 8 clicks
Matt Davis' Portland Mercury column talking about Executive Sessions in general and then going into a little detail on the one held on Tuesday, the 2nd. Matt Davis article about ways to improve the Portland Police Bureau....
Commissioner Randy Leonard - Mar 4 - 4 clicks
Logging in the backcountry to stop beetle outbreaks and reduce fire risk does neither....
Oregon WildBlog - Mar 4 - 3 clicks
