First the of possession of marijuana was decriminalized, then growing and using marijuana for medical purposes was legalized (with a permit), and then the nation’s first Cannabis Café, where card holders can go to socialize and smoke pot, opened in the Woodlawn neighborhood. So many groundbreaking changes to Oregon law in a relatively short time, I couldn’t help but wonder how things were going for law enforcement more...

Margaret and Oliver's on SE Hawthorne is a fab vintage venue that opened for biz this fall—a volatile time for retail, especially when many have had to close their doors all over the city. But, Margaret and Oliver's has done steady business and, with the holiday shopping season officially here, they, like other retailers, certainly hope to do well. A few weeks before Black Friday (the official shopping season more...

With  cold  weather  in  the  forecast,  the  Portland  Water  Bureau  reminds  customers  to  take  preventative  measures  to  protect  home  plumbing  systems  from  potential  weater-related  damage.    Tips  on  protecting  indoor  plumbing:   Insulate more...

Recently, an Arlington Heights neighbor reported that his car was prowled, and that his garage door opener was used to access his home's attached garage—which provided access into the home. Fortunately, that did not happen. Northwest Portland Crime Prevention Coordinator Frank Silva counsels neighbors: "Please remember, some simple steps can greatly reduce your chances of being a victim of a car prowl. Car prowlers more...

The TriMet-sponsored and NECN-operated Rider Advocates Program is unfortunately slated to end on September 30, 2009 due to the bad economy and TriMet's financial situation. Since finding out this information earlier this month, NECN has been continuing talks with TriMet to see what may be possible. In the meantime, NECN and our Rider Advocates are collecting signatures on a "Public Statement of Support for the NECN more...

Interested in volunteering? Here's an option...The Independent Police Review Division (IPR) receives and screens complaints about Portland Police Bureau officers. IPR may investigate, mediate, dismiss, or refer complaints to the Portland Police Bureau. IPR oversees investigations, analyzes complaint patterns, and conducts policy reviews. IPR is seeking volunteers for the Citizen Review Committee to monitor and advise IPR, hear appeals more...

This just in from the Office of Neighborhood Involvement Crime Prevention...HB 3201 bill strengthens the requirement that the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) refuse to issue, or cancel/suspend a liquor license if there are reasonable grounds for such action. HB 3201 expands the current cancellation/suspension guidelines to include consideration of "serious or persistent" problems at a liquor establishment.WHY DO WE more...

A very cool upcoming event series benefiting Oregon Red Cross...If your dog suddenly stopped breathing or broke a bone, would you know what to do? Get informed by signing up for an American Red Cross dog first aid class at Dogs Dig It doggie daycare, 1132 SE Salmon.Pet first aid classes are typically offered at the Oregon Trail Chapter's North Portland headquarters. This is only the second time that the furry mannequins will venture more...

The Pedestrian Legal Clinics are a presentation by the Willamette Pedestrian Coalition and lawyer Ray Thomas. The 90 minute course will use : "Oregon Pedestrian Rights; A Legal Guide for Persons on Foot" and cover the laws that protect pedestrians and information on how to use the courts to prosecute dangerous drivers. This is an opportunities to learn how to make our street safer for those who run, walk and use mobility more...

Okay kiddies -- here's the scoop: the weather is cold, cold, freezing cold. You need to protect your plumbing or you could end up with a miserable, watery situation on your hands....please just trust me on this one! I've seen it too many times. No one wants frozen and/or exploding plumbing in the middle of a snowstorm. It's just not fun.Outside PlumbingCaulk around pipes where they enter the house. Close all foundation vents. Cut wood more...