16 Locally Owned Businesses Opened in Portland in January

As you might've expected, entrepreneurial Portlanders chose not to take a post-holiday breather in January. Because of their gumption, we now have a few new bars to belly up to, as well as new spaces to get traditional Russian rolls stuffed with all things sweet and savory, small hand pies, sushi and ramen, and bacon-wrapped, deep-fried, late-night hot dogs. You can also make plans to dine on British Isles more...

Significant Increases Feared Out of Reach for Many Small Businesses

Foggy Implementation of New Sewer Fee Worries Small Business Owners

Foggy Implementation of New Sewer Fee Worries Small Business Owners

In 2011, the City of Portland spent $12.1 million to clear clogged sewer lines and remove fats, oil and grease from wastewater during treatment. For the last 20 years, according to the Bureau of Environmental Services (BES), that check has been picked up by 72 of Portland’s largest industrial businesses, like Costco, Kraft Foods, Portland French Bakery, and Widmer Brothers Brewing. But this year, the city is more...

Change the World From Your Own Home

Share Your World With an AFS Exchange Student

Share Your World With an AFS Exchange Student

AFS Intercultural Programs is looking for families to host foreign exchange students arriving in Portland this August from across the globe. These students have been selected by the U.S. State Department Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs to be ambassadors for their countries, to attend a local high school, share their culture, and help change the world. Hailing from countries of the former Soviet Union, more...

Water Quality Testing Results for the Year 2011

Portland Water Bureau Releases the 2012 Drinking Water Quality Report

Portland Water Bureau Releases the 2012 Drinking Water Quality Report

As mandated by the federal government, the Portland Water Bureau sent out its 2012 Drinking Water Quality Report today. The report summarizes water quality testing results for the year 2011. The reports are due to customers by July 1st of each year. “This information is extremely important,” said Water Bureau Administrator David Shaff. “I urge everyone to take a minute to read this report and more...

Portland Neighbors Answer Questions About the Direction of the City

Armchair Mayor: Richard Colombo

Armchair Mayor: Richard Colombo

Are you still worn down from all those scintillating political ads on TV? How about those political phone calls and surveys? Well, you can relax. Neighborhood Notes has factored all that in with this month’s Armchair Mayor selection. After two mayoral candidates in a row, we’ve decided to turn to the arts with folk musician and business owner Richard Colombo of Artichoke Music. Has it really been more more...

Request for More Time Denied by Oregon Health Authority

PWB's Reservoir Compliance Schedule Request Denied

PWB's Reservoir Compliance Schedule Request Denied

PORTLAND OR – The Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division Drinking Water Program (OHA) today denied the Portland Water Bureau’s request for an adjustment to its regulatory schedule to replace the uncovered drinking water reservoirs at Mt. Tabor and Washington parks. The decision by OHA means that Portland’s existing regulatory schedule to end the use of the uncovered reservoirs by December more...

Launches Outreach to Local Businesses and Community Organizations

Northwest Fair Trade Coalition to Create Portland’s First Fair Trade Directory

Northwest Fair Trade Coalition to Create Portland’s First Fair Trade Directory

Northwest Fair Trade Coalition, Portland’s local economic justice and fair trade coalition, plans to create Portland’s first ever Fair Trade Directory. Local businesses and community organizations who sell fair trade products will be listed in the directory so that people will have a local resource to know where to find and purchase authentic fair trade products. Fair trade products are made under safe more...

Neighbors for Clean Air Petition in Oregon

Neighbors for Clean Air asks that you consider signing its petition, which asks: When sources of toxic pollution apply for a new or renewal air pollution permit, the state should require them to provide a robust, independent and objective audit of emissions and emission control strategies. Based on that audit, the source should be required to propose and implement specific toxics reduction strategies. Please more...

Traffic Advisory: Water Contractor Needs More Time on SW Naito Parkway

Portland, OR – A contractor for the Portland Water Bureau must take one to twomore days—Tuesday, May 1 and Wednesday, May 2—to work in the intersection of SW Naito Parkway at SW Clay Street. The crews are making a difficult connection to an existing water supply pipeline. Work hours will be from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM to accommodate rush hour traffic. Several traffic lanes will be closed and the more...

Reward Being Offered for Information Leading to Arrest + Conviction

TriMet Needs Your Help to Stop Bus Shelter Vandalism

TriMet Needs Your Help to Stop Bus Shelter Vandalism

Vandals are targeting TriMet bus shelters, most of them in Southeast Portland. Glass panels were broken out on 12 shelters overnight Thursday, bringing the number damaged this week to at least 21. Most of the shelters vandalized this week are on or near Southeast Division Street, between 17th and 92nd avenues. Three of the shelters were targeted twice in the week. All four shelters at 82nd and Division were more...