There was a fire this week at Academy Theater. The theater is closed until further notice, at least through Sunday, June 3rd, according to their website.

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East Portland and not close in Portland share many of the same issues. One of the major goals of Village Portland is to share ideas and advocacy across neighborhood boundaries.

At May’s Lents Neighborhood Association meeting, a housing forum was held (beginning @ 21:00 in the video linked in the meeting summary). Attending were representatives from: Green Lents; ROSE Community Development, The City of Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability; a representative from Mayor Ted Wheeler‘s office (who referenced the 2017 State of Housing Report); Living Cully (part of the Anti-Displacement PDX coalition); Palindrome (developer of Oliver Station @ 37:15 an update is given); Lents Strong housing team; and Tenants Priced Out working group.

Many initiatives were proposed to help, but most of them rely on property taxes. And, in my opinion, the forum’s question of the night was: since East Portland and low income home owners bear the heaviest burden of tax increases… is property tax reform coming?

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FRIDAY

In Lents, the Portland Pickles take on the Port Angeles Lefties (tickets). It’s the season opener and there are games Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Tickets were still available for opening day on Thursday afternoon.

Walker Stadium, 4727 SE 92nd Ave * 7:05 pm * $5 – $13 

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Weekends mean live music at both Vino Veritas (7835 SE Stark St * Sunday Jazz, 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm) and Montavilla Station (417 SE 80th Ave * Friday and Saturday night, 9ish pm).

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SATURDAY

Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day:

“This festival is an opportunity for families to kick off the summer riding season — and celebrate Northwest Trail Alliance’s 30th anniversary — at our urban mountain biking festival, which includes Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day! Enjoy the newly-revamped riding at Gateway Green, food and drinks, coaching for adults and youth, new bike demos, plus loaner bikes and fun races for kids. There’s plenty of single-track, skills courses (one just for kids!), a pump track, and an advanced jump line to keep everyone entertained all day long. Plus, for kids, we’ll have free Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day t-shirts and a helmet give-away while supplies last!”

This event is hosted by Northwest Trail Alliance.

Gateway Green (directions) * 10 am – 3 pm * free

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Once Upon a Time Family Theatre presents “Rapunzel”:

“Friends! Princes, Princesses, and even Evil Witches find their happy endings in this story of growing hair and growing up.” (Tickets)

“Once Upon a Time Family Theatre is a magical mix of theatrical simplicity and grand storytelling for kids and their families. There’s always a slight twist to the traditional story that keeps these productions fresh.”   

Portland Metro Arts, 9003 SE Stark St * 11:30 am – 1 pm * $1 for children, $2 for adults

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SUNDAY

East County Community Orchestra Spring Concert:

“The East County Community Orchestra (known as “ECCO” to orchestra members) has been in existence since 1978. It was established by founder and first conductor Harold Webber as a venue for high school graduates and other interested parties to have a place to play. It operates as a non-profit organization, with a full board of directors in addition to the Music Director / Conductor. Concerts are offered free of charge to the community.”

David Douglas High School, 1400 SE 130th Ave * 3 pm 

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The Montavilla Farmers Market is on every Sunday! For a list of the vendors and more information, go here.

Montavilla Farmers Market, 7700 block of SE Stark St * 10 am – 2 pm 

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Enjoy your weekend!