It is National Ground Water Awareness Week!Here at the Portland Water Bureau we celebrate groundwater every day because we know just how lucky we are to have a reliable and efficient back-up, groundwater water supply system such as the system we maintain at the Columbia South Shore Well Field (CSSWF). Even though we rarely use our groundwater system, it is always there, ready and waiting to provide water in the event of an Bull Run more...

Did you know that February is Black History Month? While it's absolutely true that history was made on January 20, 2009, February is the month we honor all the great men and women of black history. Be sure to check out the biographies, videos and more on biography.com. There are many events honoring Black History Month in Portland neighborhoods. Check out the list below for art, film, lectures and more! photo: Reggie more...

The ReTHINK Education Series is presented by the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability Green Building Program. Sponsored by Metro and City of Portland Bureaus of Environmental Services, Development Services and Water. Today's economic and environmental crises highlight the failures of our "conventional wisdom," and offer the opportunity to rethink our own lives: how can we live well, in harmony with our more...

Hearing about more public school cuts makes my blood boil. To take from children is to me the most cruel step the government can make, not to mention stupid, for as we all know: education is the soil that society grows out of. When I heard about Stand for Children, a non-profit childrens' advocacy group, that works to improve public education and fight against public school cuts, I got on board. Right now legislators are in more...

This past weekend, three Portlanders presented at WordCamp Las Vegas.  WordCamp is a gathering at which WordPress users share information/ideas and learn about what's next for WordPress.  Portland had a very successful WordCamp this past September.  WordCamp Las Vegas attracts everyone who is anyone in the WordPress community, so it is really significant that three Portlanders were asked to speak.For those who don't know, more...

"Libraries will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no libraries." Library use is up around the country. Here in Multnomah County alone more books, movies, and music are being checked out than a year ago. Haven't discovered your local library yet? Here are a few reasons libraries can help in tough economic times: FREE books, movies, and music to check more...

The Youth Employment Institute is a nonprofit organization in Northeast Portland that provides education, employment and personal development programs for youth.  One of our main services is our GED Preparation program which focuses on GED attainment in an alternative school setting.  We also provide specialized services for young parents, which include case management services, parenting education and an onsite child care more...

As many of you know, this week marks the 25th anniversary of the sobering delivery of “A Nation at Risk” speech, by the then President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. Reagan had understood, long ago, that the real problem America faced with regard to its national security is its education crisis. The recent news about the performance of the Oregon public school system, especially in Portland, is a continuing reminder more...

Halloween is the one day each year we culturally expect a knock on the door and it also always falls just days before the election. You may be too old to trick-or-treat, but you're never too old to trick-or-vote. Studies show that face-to-face contact is the most effective method to boost voter turnout—increasing participation by as much as 8–12%.Trick or Vote is the nation's largest non-partisan get-out-the-vote canvass more...

If you're looking for new, fun things to learn—opportunities may be closer than you think! TeachStreet is the new, free website that connects inspiring local neighborhood instructors and experts with curious individuals. Whether you want to learn to yodel, sculpt or whatever, TeachStreet offers over 25,000 local classes and learning experiences in over 500 categories. Their goal is to help teachers build their businesses and help more...