The idea sounds like a good one: update the structure of the Portland Public High schools to accommodate the changing population and needs of an ever developing higher education platform. The unfortunate thing is the plan may ultimately be less about updating individual schools, meeting their needs and helping them succeed and more about trying to create an equal divide across the district of offerings and students. In more...

The Portland City Council approved a tentative demolition permit for Chinatown’s historic Kiernan Building—better known by some as the now-defunct Gail’s Dirty Duck Tavern—at a February 3 council meeting. Commissioner Fritz was the lone dissenting vote. The vote was part of the City’s Type IV Land Use Procedure, a quasi-judicial procedure adopted in 2004 as part of the Historic Resources Code more...

Created to support local businesses and stir excitement within the community, Palooz.com comes to the scene offering a dirt-cheap option to advertising and killer deals to Portlanders. Though there are similar sites that offer "free" advertising, upfront costs, heavy commission fees (40-100%), or profit sharing are usually associated. Palooz.com features businesses free of any fees—only 7% of any deal sold on the more...

Guest post by Amie Dahnke. The hazelnut, as any good Oregonian knows, is our state nut. But when roasted hazelnuts are combined with skim milk and a hint of cocoa, our humble state nut is elevated to [cue the Angels] the chocolaty hazelnut spread known as Nutella. According to some, however, "Nutella is more than just a 'chocolaty hazelnut spread,' it is a way of life." The single word conjures up more...

Mayor Sam Adams and City Commissioner Amanda Fritz are hosting a community meeting regarding Last Thursday on Alberta! They are interested in hearing from any and all stakeholders of the event, including businesses from Alberta Street, neighboring residents, vendors, performers, and attendees. The meeting will take place on Monday, February 8th, from 6:00 to 8:00pm, at the Acadian Ballroom at 1829 NE Alberta Street. We know more...

Looking for effective ways to save money on utility bills? Finding where jobs and training in sustainability are posted? How to go about to hiring an eco-friendly contractor? Where to donate used building materials for a tax-donation? Receiving green home design ideas for little or no cash? Finding out where you can attend a free class to build a rain garden? Learning how to make your home elderly-friendly and wheelchair accessible? more...

Event date: January 11th, 2010

Event location: Vernon SUN Community School

Vernon SUN School is offering free adult exercise classes with childcare (ages 3-10). Classes run from 1/11-3/11 and registration is required. Interested parties can call the SUN office at (503)-916-6559 to register. One class is offered each night, Monday-Thursday, from 6-7. There is a one time donation of $5.00 for Zumba due to its popularity. Monday is Step Aerobics, Tuesday is Zumba, Wednesday is kickboxing, and Thursday is more...

Event date: January 26th, 2010

Event location: Hoffman Gallery at Lewis & Clark

What is a Trade? Donald Fels and Signboard Painters of South India exhibits sixteen large-scale paintings that explore trade and globalization in India. Fels' conceptual starting point for this exhibition was Vasco da Gama's 1498 voyage in search of a direct sea route for the spice trade. This exhibition explores the historic and modern-day legacy of that expedition. The exhibition runs through March 14, 2010. Gallery more...

Event date: February 8th, 2010

Event location: Acadian Ballroom, 1829 NE Alberta

From Art on Alberta: Mayor Sam Adams & City Commissioner Amanda Fritz invite you to a community meeting about Last Thursday on Alberta. The Mayor and Commissioner will take public testimony from stakeholders of Last Thursday on Alberta, including residents, business people, neighborhood activists, vendors, performers, and attendees. The Mayor & Commissioner are considering options for Last Thursday, more...

Event dates: March 8th, 2010, April 12th, 2010

Event location: Montavilla Community Center, 8219 NE Glisan

Neighborhood/Business Association Meeting more...

Event dates: March 8th, 2010

Event location: 2217 NW Johnson

The NWDA Health and Environment Committee strives to monitor and improve the quality of the air and water in the Northwest neighborhood with the goal of creating a healthy environment for everyone living, working in, and visiting the neighborhood. Sharon Genasci chairs the Committee. Contact: Sharon Genasci Email: sgenasci@spiritone.com Phone: 503-229-0525 more...

Event dates: March 8th, 2010

Event location: West Hills Friends Church, 7425 SW 52nd Ave

Neighborhood Association General Meeting, open to the public. more...