Portland's Bureau of Planning and Sustainability is looking at ways to improve livability around six Eastside MAX stations. The purpose of the project is to create active station communities where a wide range of housing, retail, services and job opportunities are immediately available within a pedestrian-friendly, 20-minute walk of MAX light rail stations. Community input over the past year has resulted in a set of proposed long-range more...

Metro anticipates about $33.5 million to be available to fund city and county transportation projects in the Portland metropolitan region as part of the federal economic stimulus package. Because the stimulus package is geared toward immediate job creation, the project selection process is on a very short timeline. For projects to be eligible for these funds, they must be a part of the current Regional Transportation Plan, the 25-year more...

King Neighborhood will be host to the latest Portland Farmer's Market. The location at the King School, Park and King Neighborhood Facility will serve King and its surrounding neighborhoods. Portland Farmer's Market (PFM) in partnership with the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods (NECN) under the direction of its new permanent executive director, Paige Coleman are spearheading this project. NECN is forming a King Market more...

Another interesting tidbit...Are you a future star just waiting to be discovered? Here's your chance! Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is hosting its third annual singing competition, Portland Teen Idol, for all teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19.  If you live within Multnomah, Clark, Clackamas, and Washington Counties, you're eligible to audition beginning next month to become Portland's next Teen Idol!Last year more...

a little note from our inbox...Tonight, the first of three City budget forums will offer you an opportunity to express support for the Tree Project generally but most importantly for the development of a Tree Manual.The Bureau of Planning & Sustainability budget has two "new" requests for money. The requests are new at a time when requesting new money is a really tough sell for any bureau. The Tree Manual is fully more...

Save the date! On Saturday, April 25th, the fourth annual Ready. Safe. Go. will be held at Warner Pacific College (2219 SE 68th Avenue).Ready. Safe. Go. is an opportunity to learn more about crime prevention, safety, and emergency preparedness. Choose between 21 free classes during three hour long sessions in the morning, network with other volunteers, community members, and staff during lunch, then honor fellow community members at the more...

Walk through the doors of In Other Words Books on N Killingsworth or Black Rose Collective on N Mississippi and you'll get a taste of some of Portland's sweetest DIY- the independent zine. Although independently published zines are made and distributed throughout the country, Zine Manager for In Other Words Books, Rebecca Luxembourg points out that Portland is the home of the Independent Publishing Resource Center (IPRC) more...

It's Friday the 13th, people. This tidbit should put a little fear in your heart—not for the sake of superstition—but, because Valentine's Day is tomorrow. And, if you've procrastinated about this weekend's details, your pulse may be racing about now. Fortunately, bloggers all over town have put together great lists of Valentine's Day resources just so you can share—and possibly get—some lovin'.neighborhood more...

Strong lines and patterns are appealing traits of photos; I know they appear frequently in my work. This group of images contains one or both of these elements. Strong lines draw you into the image and create depth, while patterns capture your attention and create interest.The way photographers use these elements is always interesting to me. Sometimes, it's straight forward, such as stair work 2 [shown below] or it's more...

It's time to replace winter damaged plants with something new! A dry day in February is the perfect time to plant a winter-blooming Witch hazel or Hellebore for interest in an otherwise-bland garden.Cornell Farms is having a secret sale which can be accessed through a secret link. Take 25% off all trees and shrubs through February 15th, 2009 when you print and present the coupon. More info at www.cornellfarms.com more...