Urban/Rural reserves public meetings

Public meetings seek community input on long-range land use planning
Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington counties join Metro and residents to help select Urban, Rural Reserves

Residents of Multnomah County and the entire Portland metropolitan area are invited to join a conversation about how our region will take shape at open houses scheduled in July.

Multnomah County, Clackamas County, Washington County and Metro are leading a regional effort to designate urban and rural reserves to accommodate future growth and protect valuable farmland, forest land and natural areas that define the character of this region.

Urban and rural reserves will provide greater predictability for landowners, farmers and communities about where the urban growth boundary may expand over the next 40 to 50 years, while protecting important farmland and natural areas from urbanization for that same period of time.

A Regional Reserves Steering Committee has been established, made up of city officials, representatives from agricultural, business, environmental and conservation communities, and social and economic equity organizations, and a commissioner from each county and a Metro councilor. On June 9 the committee approved an initial broad study area—approximately five miles outside the Metro urban growth boundary—as a starting place for considering areas to be designated as reserves.

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» July 1, 2008 - 0 comments

A cat that looks like Yoda

It's a bit quiet this week here in District 2. Last week we had several victories and as we recover from the elation, we look forward to the next challenge. Until then, I present to you Yoda the Cat.

Here is Yoda's story: Yoda is a black male Exotic Shorthair Mix. He is approximately 3 years old and weighs about 10.6 lbs. He has been neutered. Found SE Salquist and Williams. Yoda is such a great cat, a staff favorite here. He has lived with other cats and dogs, and is quite the curious and friendly boy! If you want to adopt this space age kitty, visit here.

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» July 1, 2008 - 0 comments

$4+ gas = Observable Behavior Changes

by Marissa Madrigal

I've been completely fascinated lately by the change sweeping our city as gas prices have shot into ridiculously un-affordable territory. I for one, no longer drive to work. It sure seems like traffic in general is lighter, even when seasonally adjusted. I've also noticed our perception of "personal space" is shrinking, as anyone who has crammed onto a crowded bus or max in the last few months can attest.

But because things have morphed so quickly, new problems are popping up. Take this story about the no vacancy sign out for bikes on the Max. Sure, it's never been a sure thing that your bike would fit on the Max, especially during rush hour - but kicking bikes (and their riders) off? It's kind of weird. Everything seems a little bit off. Not in a bad way necessarily, just off. Like we're living in Bizarro Portland in a galaxy far, far away.

What do all of you see happening out there? Are you, your friends and family making personal adjustments to cope? Send us your observations and thoughts about the changes you're seeing in Portland on this fine Friday afternoon.

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» June 27, 2008 - 1 comments

Summer strawberry love on a Friday

It's strawberry time in Oregon and we can't wait to dig in to some strawberry shakes. Well, I can't. But even better than that, our favorite North Portland writer, Lelo in Nopo, has some great strawberry items on her blog. She's got strawberry cupcakes, frosting, drinks and great photos. Check her out there and in Just Out magazine.

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» June 27, 2008 - 0 comments

Cat lovers wanted by Multnomah County

Multnomah County Animal Services announces its special Summer Cat Adoption Campaign. Cat lovers are invited to meet all of the wonderful cats and kittens available, and the shelter hopes that reduced fees will encourage more adoptions.

Summer time is kitten season. Every summer, Multnomah County Animal Services in Troutdale is overwhelmed with stray, lost, abandoned, and orphaned cats and kittens. June through September are the peak months when the public delivers over 600 cats each month. Last year, Multnomah County Animal Services received over 5,500 cats. The dramatic increase in the number of cats is due to unwanted, unplanned litters of kittens. While kittens are always popular with adopters, there are many wonderful adult cats at the shelter hoping for a new home.

Special Summer Adoption Campaign adoption fees: First kitten -$100, second kitten -$50. All adult cats -$50.

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» June 26, 2008 - 0 comments