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...

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...

They say January is a slow month. After the party and shopping frenzy of the holidays, everyone kind of hibernates and recovers both physically and financially during the first month of the year. But our local entrepreneurs didn’t get the message. And with the opening of 20 new businesses, we all had a reason to bundle up and head out in January. The city did lose a few glitzier spots—Anju (after only a few months), more...

I seriously don't know how Brian Wilson finds the time to sleep. The owner of Tribute Gallery, tireless local arts supporter, and champion Twitter-er (and not one of the Beach Boys) has made his corner of the Everett Station Lofts a must-visit every First Thursday with shows that, well, pay tribute to both the familiar and esoteric. Amidst the ever-evolving and always exciting creativity that is drawn to the Old Town live/work more...

Neighborhood children from Isobel's Clubhouse decided to hold a bake sale to benefit the Haitian earthquake relief effort. They made signs, told their friends, chose Mercy Corps as the beneficiary and helped their parents make delicious baked goods. But they couldn't control the weather which was cold, rainy and downright unpleasant. The chilly temperatures didn't stop the neighborhood from coming out to support the more...

The Portland Development Commission has officially kicked off its new economic development program, Portland Main Street®. The program, charged with promoting neighborhood commercial district revitalization, is based on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street® approach that has been implemented in 2,800 communities within 45 different states. PDC will be holding application workshops for more...

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...

If you’re like me, maybe you’ve stuck your head into a cigar lounge before and found yourself intrigued by the scene. You see sophisticated types sitting in plush leather chairs, taking long, thoughtful drags off their cigars as they discuss what you imagine must be profound topics like politics, science or religion—certainly not the fart jokes you and your buddies banter around on a regular basis. And then 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: February 9th, 2010, March 9th, 2010

Event location: La Quinta, 4319 NW Yeon Avenue

Meet and greet, 7-7:30 a.m. Contact: Pamela Ake Email: pake@staff4u.com Phone: 503.228.2335 more...

Event dates: February 9th, 2010, March 9th, 2010

Event location: Hillside Community Center, 653 NW Culpepper Drive

You're invited to join your neighbors at the Hillside Neighborhood Association's Board of Directors meeting. more...

Event dates: February 10th, 2010, March 10th, 2010

Event location: CoHo Theater, 2257 NW Raleigh

Neighbors West-Northwest Coalition Board Meeting. Meets most months. Date may be subject to change in order to accommodate guest public policy makers' schedules. If this meeting is scheduled, it will occur at CoHo Theater, 2257 NW Raleigh. more...

Event dates: February 11th, 2010, March 11th, 2010

Event location: Dynagraphics, 300 NW 14th Avenue (at Everett)

Get involved! Attend the monthly meeting of the Pearl District Neighborhood Association's Board of Directors. Hear committee reports and keep up on the latest! Board Chair: Joan Pendergast Email: Joan more...

Event dates: February 13th, 2010, March 13th, 2010

Event location: Food Front Co-op, 2375 NW Thurman

Help keep Northwest District clean! Contact: Phil Selinger Email: selingep@msn.com Phone: 503-224-5122 more...

Event dates: February 16th, 2010, March 16th, 2010

Event location: Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center, 121 NW 2nd Ave

C'mon down, neighbors! Contact: Reid Decker Email: reid@saturdaymarket.org Phone: 503-222-6072 ex 11 more...

Event dates: February 16th, 2010, March 16th, 2010

Event location: Central City Concern, 232 NW 6th Avenue

You're invited! Contact: Patrick Gortmaker or Paul Veroeven Email: patrick@kalbererco.com or Paul@saturdaymarket.org more...

Event dates: February 16th, 2010, March 2nd, 2010, March 2nd, 2010, March 16th, 2010

Event location: Dynagraphics, 300 NW 14th Avenue (at Everett)

This active, influential committee meets twice a month to oversee, discuss and act upon development issues affecting the look, feel and functionality of the Pearl District. Committee Chair: Patricia Gardner Email: Patty Gardner Vice Chairs: Ann Niles, Carter Case more...

Event dates: February 16th, 2010, March 16th, 2010

Event location: Willis Community Center, 360 Northwest Greenleaf

You're invited to join your neighbors at the Forest Park Neighborhood Association's Board of Directors meeting. more...