This weekend

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The 11th Annual 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade last Saturday was excellent, and really made me further appreciate all the diversity in East Portland. If you couldn’t make it, my video, and photos from The Portland Tribune are a fun representation.

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The new Montavilla Neighborhood Association is out and I was featured in a story by board member Olivia Alsept-Ellis. It was unusual being on the other side of the questions, but I really appreciated the interview and how the story came out.

FRIDAY

“Are you or someone you know a renter? Did you know renters have legal rights to protect them from discrimination, health hazards, no cause evictions and more? Join us Friday May 4th from 6-8 pm with The Community Alliance of Tenants to learn more in depth about your rights as a renter to protect yourself and your community members.

This event is FREE. Dinner, childcare, and Arabic translation will be provided.”

The Rosewood Initiative, 16126 SE Stark St * 6 pm – 8 pm

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Friday Jazz at Vino Veritas:

“Pete Krebs is a two-time inductee into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame, and a double cancer survivor. An in-demand performer, teacher and session musician, he lives in the NE Portland Cully neighborhood with his dog Dixie, who is a dingo and wears a little hat.”

Vino Veritas, 7835 SE Stark St * 7 pm – 10 pm * ??? 

SATURDAY

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Saints Peter and Paul Church, 247 SE 82nd Ave * 1 pm – 3 pm 

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If you have junk to get rid of, this is one of the biggest fund raisers for the Brentwood-Darlington Neighborhood Association:

Suggested donation: car $20, truck / van $30, trailer $15, mattresses $5. There’s a $5 coupon in the May issue of The Bee.

No commercial loads will be accepted, and for a list of what cannot be accepted, go to the official BDNA invitation.

6801 SE 60th Ave * 9 am – 2 pm 

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Free guided tours at Leach Botanical Garden:

“First Saturday of the month: Garden Curator Courtney Vengarick. will show you what’s blooming and of seasonal interest, provide useful and engaging information, and share fun stories about the adventurous creators of the Garden, Botanist Lilla Leach and pharmacist/civic leader John Leach.”

First come first served, limit 15.

Leach Botanical Garden * 6704 SE 122nd Ave * 11:00 am – 12:00 pm 

SUNDAY

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The Montavilla Farmers Market opens today!

Their outreach materials are top-notch, so if you haven’t seen what’s new for this season, just go here. They’re also looking for more board members.

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

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“Are you battling pests in your urban garden? Meet the beetles, bugs, flies, lacewings and other invertebrates such as spiders and centipedes that work around the clock to provide free pest control. You will discover plant types and management practices that provide habitat to attract and sustain beneficial insects that help your garden thrive.”

Register here.

Lents Village Apartments (Dining Room), 10325 SE Holgate Blvd * 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm

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Enjoy the warm weather… and enjoy your weekend!

 

This year’s 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade

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The 11th Annual 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade is an excellent representation of the communities that make East Portland such a great place. And after a year off, it came back strong.

I didn’t have my good camera Saturday, but the parade was amazing so I still wanted to share what I filmed. If you want more details of the parade goers, check out these awesome photographs from The Portland Tribune.

I’m super proud of East Portland and all the activists who work so hard for their community and everyone who made the event happen!

I got a lil silly with the narration once the coffee kicked in, so I hope it’s received in the same spirit of love and support that drew me to the event.

The parade ran from 82nd Ave & Boise St to Yamhill & SE 78th Ave, beginning at 9:30 am. The announcement booth was at Eastport Plaza, the main sponsor of the parade.

There was a Community Vendor Fair from 10 am – 3 pm, with free pony rides, live music, balloon animals, caricature artists, clowns and more.

This weekend

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The 11th Annual 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade and Carnival is one of the biggest events of the year for East Portland! It’s definitely worth checking out. There’s also an Asian New Year festival and weekend-long meditation… all this weekend in East Portland.

FRIDAY

“Jess Schreibstein will speak with us about her weaving residency in Oaxaca and how her work as a painter influences her work with textiles.”

Taborspace,  5441 SE Belmont St * 6:30 pm- 8 pm, doors open at 6 pm  * sliding scale, $5 – $10

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“The Smut City Jellyroll Society is a wild and crazy bunch of fun loving musicians playing blues and early jazz from the 1920s and 1930s. With a unique sound somewhere between ragtime blues, early jazz and jugband music, the Jellyroll Society keeps it loose and lively with a driving syncopated swing that gets the dancers out on the floor. The lyrics are fun and a bit on the risqué side. The music is from a variety of sources: Bessie Smith, Memphis Minnie, The Harlem Hamfats, Memphis Jug Band, Blind Boy Fuller and others.”

The O’Neill Public House, 6000 NE Glisan St * 9:30 pm * free 

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 A Three-Day Group Practice and Devotion to Our Great Compassionate Mother Tara:
“The Dzogchen Shri Singha Foundation is pleased to announce our 2018 Dzogchen Buddha Path Drupchen. This three-day gathering will be conducted by His Eminence Dzogchen Khenpo Choga Rinpoche and will be held at the Northwest Tibetan Cultural Association in Portland, Oregon.”
NWTCA, 4401 NE 122nd Ave * 10 am – 6 pm, Fri – Sun 
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Free show at the Blue Room Bar located at Cartlandia with James Hawkins Trio & Fleeting Few.

The Blue Room Bar at Cartlandia, 8145 SE 82nd Ave * 8 pm * free

SATURDAY

On Saturday April 28th, The 11th Annual 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade & Carnival Days is back on for 2018!

The parade runs from 82nd Ave & Boise St to Yamhill & SE 78th Ave, beginning at 9:30 am. The announcement booth will be at Eastport Plaza.

There’s a Community Vendor Fair from 10 am – 3 pm, with free pony rides, live music, balloon animals, caricature artists, clowns and more.

It’s good to see the parade back on after it was cancelled last year.

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“Fourth Annual New Year in the Park Festival… event celebrating Cambodian, Lao, Thai and Burmese cultures. Experience cultural performances and music, food vendors, traditional games and more.”

Also at the park that day: Glenhaven Park: Playground Design Reveal.

Glenhaven Park, 7900 NE Siskiyou Street * noon to 4 pm 

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“After a couple years off… neighborhood cleanup is back! Start gathering your junk! North Tabor and Mt. Tabor Neighborhood Associations are working together again this year to host our joint cleanup event. In addition to being a very convenient way to get rid of your junk, this event is also our major fundraiser. Please tell your neighbors and friends! Anyone can bring stuff to the cleanup.”

(More information here, including what can be dropped off.) The cost is $10 to $30 per load.

Mt. Tabor Middle School Parking Lot, entrance at SE 57th and Oak * 9 am – 1 pm

SUNDAY

“This lively Mariachi band includes trumpets, violins, guitars, guitaron and vihuelas to create lively, spirited music. First come, first served.

Los seis integrantes de la banda de Mariachi usarán trompetas, violines, guitarras, guitarrón y vihuela que creará un ambiente musical festivo y vivaz.”

Midland Library, 805 SE 122nd Ave * 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm * free

More details emerge on the new shelter planned for Foster Road

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More details are coming to light about the new women and couples shelter planned for 6144 SE Foster Rd, including the fact that it’s planned to be a low barrier shelter. Since the beginning, neighbors involved have criticized the process around opening this shelter— and are still asking for more collaboration and clarity

The Foster Shelter Steering Committee meeting begins at about the @ 8:00 mark. Whether you’ve been following the issue or not, there’s several insightful comments on the Facebook livestream, and you can read the comments in realtime as you watch the video.

If you’re new to the issue, here’s a story from when the shelter was approved by the Multnomah County Commission in January, and a more recent piece from a meeting on the shelter in March.

I want to thank Gray Ayer for filming the meeting and allowing me to use it in this story. If you’re interested in getting involved in the planning process around the shelter, visit SouthEast Allied Communities web page.

To recap the last meeting, reviewed the program and building design.

@ 12:30 – April, from the Joint Office addressed questions from the last meeting:

In the last meeting, she said the committee wasn’t asked to vote on what population would be served, rather it was a “straw poll” or “check in”. The shelter would serve the most vulnerable homeless and those who “haven’t be able to engage in more traditional shelters”.

Said there wasn’t a budget for public safety, and that would be based on the good neighbor agreement.

@ 19:40 – April said it wouldn’t be humane to site shelter facilities far from neighborhoods they’ll have to integrate into eventually. If a person’s criminal history precludes them from being within a certain distance from a school, they wouldn’t be able to stay at the shelter.

@ ~25:40 – Willamette Center (a shelter similar to the one planned for Foster Rd) has a good neighbor agreement, but when pressed said that it wasn’t an actual written agreement. But it was clarified that a written agreement was offered, but not requested because things were going smoothly.

The neighbor who asked for a good neighbor agreement, bringing applause from many in attendance. He was told he’s get a good neighbor agreement.

@ 33:24 – A neighbor said that the current low barrier plan is at the different end of the spectrum from what Mayor Ted Wheeler said. His staffer said Wheeler didn’t understand the terms meant, but does now.

@ 50:32 – Officers from the Portland Police Bureau addresses public safety concerns around the 120-person shelter. The comments on the FB livestream are insightful during their presentation.

It’s good these meetings are happening, but this all exists within the context of a top-down process that didn’t include neighbors until the decision was already finalized. Early in the livestream, one neighbor criticized the steering committee model, preferring to pursue a lawsuit against the City.

This isn’t an endorsement, but Loretta Smith, a candidate for next month’s City Council election, address the issue in the video below:

This weekend

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There’s a lot going on for Spring and Arbor / Earth Day!

Also, if you missed it, there was a Portland City Council candidates forum (video & story) sponsored by Brentwood-Darlington Neighborhood Association, where East Portland and it’s distinct needs were addressed. There was also a meeting about the proposed Foster Road shelter (video and story).

FRIDAY

If you haven’t noticed, we at Village Portland are pretty stoked about small businesses. Starting your own business takes a lot of work, but it’s a chance to do it your way and serve your customers in a unique and distinct way.

I’m glad to see this ethic is translating to Oregon’s blooming / booming cannabis industry.

I randomly met one of the managers from Urban Farmacy, and it was cool to learn how the owners support equality and education in what they do.  She said for 4/20, they’ll have growers present from Moonshine Gardens, a female-run cannabis grower from Southern Oregon. They’ll also have specials on clones and flower, she said.

Every business is special and every business owner went out on their own for their own reasons. We’re excited to start telling more of these kind of stories.

Urban Farmacy, 420 SE 60th Ave * open until 9:45 pm 

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And right around the corner from the dispensary, there’s live music. Please remember the quote / italics combo is direct from their calendar: 
The Hillwilliams: “High-energy bluegrass! And they are a bunch of stoners, so it’s perfect for 4/20!”
The O’Neill Public House, 6000 NE Glisan St * 9:30 pm – 1 am

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Whitenoise Project 12: “Visionaries: Finding a Future through Sci-Fi, Alternative History”

“Join writers Nisi Shawl, Walidah Imarisha and Janice Lee for a night of poetry, prose and science fiction to explore the question of what it means to be a visionary for your community. You can start now by taking this survey!

ADA accessible and all ages! No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

The Whitenoise Project is a reading and discussion series aiming to center voices from underrepresented communities (PoC, Queer, Femme, WoC and people with disabilities), and is supported by a Jade-Midway Placemaking Grant from APANO.”

Milepost 5, 8155 NE Oregon St * 7 pm * $5-10 suggested donation

SATURDAY

Portland Arbor Day – A Celebration of Trees (event):

“The biggest tree celebration of the year! Join us for free outdoor family fun including live music, food, art, giveaways, scavenger hunt, tree climbing, walking tours, the Naito Awards, and more! “

Mt. Scott Park, 5530 SE 72nd Ave * 10 am – 3 pm 

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And from / for our friends in Brentwood-Darlington:
Lane Middle School (7200 SE 60th Ave) 3rd Annual Beautification event is 8:30 am – 1:30 pm.
Learning Gardens Lab (6745 SE 60th Ave) is having their Earth Day Festival is from 11 am – 2 pm.
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Earth Day event:

“Join Portland Parks & Recreation, Johnson Creek Watershed Council and the Friends of Errol Heights as part of SOLVE’s SOLVE IT! Earth Day event, to complete important ecological enhancement projects at this little gem of a Park. We will be picking up litter and mulching native bareroot trees and shrubs to provide habitat for insects, birds and other animals, but also beauty and better air quality for the neighborhood and Park visitors.

No experience necessary! Wear long thick pants, a long-sleeved shirt and sturdy shoes. Bring a water bottle, rain gear, warm clothes and a sunhat. Instruction, tools, gloves, water, coffee / tea and snacks provided. Children welcome, and must be accompanied by an attentive adult.”

Errol Heights Natural Area, SE 52nd Ave & SE Tenino Ct * 9 am – noon

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Fitness Fair at Mt. Scott Community Center:

“Meet instructors, take sample fitness classes, and receive a voucher for 20% off an Annual Pass.”

Mt. Scott Community Center, 5530 SE 72nd Ave * 4 pm – 6 pm * free

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Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Oregon’s Next Level:

“Ready to bring your writing and illustration skills to The Next Level? Whether you’re plotting a novel or perfecting a picture book, SCBWI Oregon’s professional series will give you tools to advance your career.

This month: Comics Writing with Sara Ryan.  https://twitter.com/ryansara

Taborspace has a new calendar, you can keep up with what’s going on over there. – is a great example of how a church, Mt Tabor Presbyterian Church, has welcomed the community into their space.

There’s also a meet and greet with Portland City Council candidate Jo Ann Hardesty Sunday!

Taborspace,  * 2 pm – 4 pm * $8 – $12

SUNDAY

Earth Day Dedication and Naming of Lents Community Garden:

“… the Lents community will be gathering at the SE 96th & Woodstock cul-de-sac to dedicate and name the newest Lent’s community garden. This community garden on Oregon Department of Transportation land is possible because of the tireless efforts of Lents community leaders and activists. Please join the community in celebration and help plan the newest addition to the green spaces in the Lents neighborhood.” 
SE 96th & Woodstock cul-de-sac * noon 

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Zenger Farm camp open house:

“This fun free family event is a great chance to visit the farm and come play with us! We will have common camp activities set up so you can try them out and have a chance to meet many of the Zenger educators! Camp staff will be on hand to answer any questions and can help you apply for a scholarship and even register for camp that day! Free food will be provided.”

11741 SE Foster Rd * 1 pm – 4 pm

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Death Cafe

“Death Cafe is a growing international movement of people who come together in a relaxed and safe setting to discuss death and drink tea. Conversation about whatever is on your mind regarding death takes place in small groups. Our goal is to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives.

Made possible by The National Endowment for the Humanities Fund of The Library Foundation. Registration (here) required.”

Midland Library, * 2 pm – 4 pm 

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Have a great weekend!

Portland City Council Candidates Debate

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It was good to see candidates for two Portland City Council seats discuss the issues brought forward by East Portland neighbors. Also encouraging was how many volunteers from different neighborhoods stepped up to help put the event together.

The debate was put on by the Brentwood-Darlington Neighborhood Association, and organized by the organization’s president, Chelsea Powers. 

After introductions and thank yous, the debate began.

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@ 3:15 – The candidates for City Council Position 2, (L to R: Julia DeGraw, [a surrogate for] Nick Fish, Philip J. Wolfe, and Nicholas Sutton) made their introductions.

@ 9:50 – The candidates are asked about better representation for outer Portland, and if they would support changing the City Charter to create districts.

@ 14:55 – The candidates answered how they would include neighborhood associations and other community groups in City decisions.

@ 20:40 – The candidates were asked about livability issues, and more specifically, if they supported hiring more police officers.

@ 29:25 – The candidates were asked how they would balance the budget to support City services.

@ 36:15 – The candidates were asked about how they would pave streets in East Portland.

@ 41:50 – The candidates made their concluding statement.

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@ 49:30 – The candidates for Portland City Council Position 3 (L to R: Stuart Emmons, Andrea Valderrama, Loretta Smith, Jo Ann Hardesty, and Felicia Williams) made their introductions.

@ 55:30 – The candidates are asked about better representation for outer Portland, and if they would support changing the City Charter to create districts.

@ 1:03:08 – The candidates answered how they would include neighborhood associations and other community groups in City decisions.

@ 1:11:54 – The candidates were asked about livability issues, and more specifically, if they supported hiring more police officers.

@ 1:22:15 – The candidates were asked how they would balance the budget to support City services.

@ 1:30:33 – The candidates were asked about how they would pave streets in East Portland.

@ 1:37:47 – The candidates made their concluding statement.

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Election Day is May 15th. The last day to register to vote in this election is April 24th.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This weekend

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FRIDAY

Cody Weathers & The Men Your Mama Warned You About, live at Cartlandia.

“America’s favorite scat-rockers bring their smorgasbord of musical influences to Portland’s ultimate smorgasbord, The Blue Room Bar at Cartlandia. Gorge yourselves.”

The Blue Room Bar at Cartlandia, 8145 SE 82nd Ave 

SATURDAY

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“The first two candidate sections will be a more formal question and answer segment where candidates will be answering five questions, sourced from Southeast and East Portland neighborhood associations and organizations. At noon, candidates will stay for an informal meet and greet with light refreshments. (Please RSVP (here) to this event to help us plan for enough refreshments!)”

The Gathering Church, 5921 SE 88th Ave * 10 am – 1 pm 

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“But what is Participatory Budgeting (PB), how does it work, and how is it different from other forms of governing? What are the potential benefits for increasing government accountability, making participation more meaningful and equitable, and building trust and community? What can we learn from other cities as we experiment with PB in the Portland metro region?”

This is a free event, but registration (here) is requested. Lunch is provide, childcare and translation is provided upon request.

Rosewood Initiative, 16126 SE Stark St * 9 am – 3:30 pm

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“Join us this Saturday at our pop-up park on SE Stark Street! We’ll be taking over two parking spaces for a “parklet” as part of Portland Design Week. We’ll have fun activities for kids and adults to celebrate our neighborhood, National Poetry Month, and using the streets to build community!”

8037 SE Stark St * 10 am – 7 pm 

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“Come celebrate the new playground at Ventura Park!

Join the party to celebrate your new playground; free cake and activities.”

Ventura Park, SE 113th Ave and Stark St * 2 pm – 4 pm * free 

SUNDAY

“Courageous Vulnerability ‘How Can Men Support Women to Speak Up and Be Seen?’

A Non-Profit Fundraiser in Honor of #metoo, #hertoo, #timesup. Featuring an Expert Conference Panel with Audience Q & A. Presented by Cafe de la Culture, Musical Ambassadors for Peace, and 100 Thousand Poets for Change (Tickets).”

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Foster Powell Community Garden Plant Sale:
“The time has come again for the annual Foster-Powell Community Garden Plant Sale and Fundraiser.
Swing by for dirt cheap prices on plants of many varieties.  We will also have snacks and raffle prizes from local business.  All proceeds go directly to the garden.”

SE 62nd Ave and Powell * noon – 6 pm