In June 2009, Portland Stock made an unforgetable splash into the blogosphere and Portland art scene with this intriguing post: “Stock: Clear soup broth, investment, estimation, faith, gathering, accumulation, appraisal, cash, assets, a stem, tree, or plant that furnishes slips or cuttings. Ancestry, lineage. Merchandise.” This creative, vibrant grassroots public dinner event boldly aspires to be and embrace each of more...

Like two rivers merging together, Portland’s breakfast scene and food cart movement are starting to create a flood of fabulous, outdoor options for your morning meal. While it’s hard to keep up with the flow, here’s an attempt to show you around the burgeoning world of breakfast food carts. It all started with the waffle, really. Way back in 2006, food carts were already happening when FlavourSpot appeared on more...

Guest post by Irvington neighbor Sharon Eldridge. If you have been to downtown’s Central Library recently, you may have noticed something: fewer library staff and no DVDs on hold in the lobby checkout area. And what was the checkout isn’t even the checkout anymore. Now, we're supposed to use self-checkout stations in the center of the lobby to check out our materials. All hold materials are now kept in the more...

The City of Portland’s SmartTrips program is revving up for another successful year as the SmartTrips Green Line program gets underway at the end of March. SmartTrips is an individualized marketing program sponsored by the Portland Bureau of Transportation. The program, which was implemented by the city in 2004, is designed to reduce drive-alone trips by increasing biking, walking, carpooling and public transportation more...

Has anyone ever told you that you seem to have a lot of opinions? Do you have strong ideas and a feeling that you could "get stuff done" in your community? If you fit this description and are between the ages of 13 and 21, the Multnomah Youth Commission (MYC) is the place for you. The MYC started in 1996 with the goal of providing youth voice in the decisions that are made by our elected officials and to change any more...

I’ve learned two key things in the four months I’ve been writing this column: 1) businesses, especially restaurants, will always take longer to open than the initial announcement predicted; and 2) the stream of new Portland businesses making their debut doesn’t show any sign of drying up. You should see the list of rumors I’ve kept to follow up on—every time a place finally graduates to reality, there more...

Seeking fun-loving volunteers Help formerly homeless families get adjusted to their new homes and community. This may include helping them: buy groceries on a budget, learn how to cook, move furniture, sign-up for programs, find resources, figure out transportation, learn housekeeping tips, learn how to budget, learn computer skills, read/write, or find a job. Prior to serving, a volunteer must meet with the Volunteer more...

The 2010-2011 fiscal year budgeting process is underway for the City of Portland. March marks the beginning of serious budget discussions by and between citizens and city staff. Citizens get their first chance to sound off on the city budget during three community budget forums that are taking place this week. The first will be held tonight, March 1, at Montgomery Park (2701 NW Vaughn Street) from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The second more...

The best of this week’s upcoming sports events Sunday, February 28 Portland State Vikings vs. Weber State Wildcats It’s PSU’s final home game of the season, and it's gonna be a doozy. Not only are the Viks hosting powerhouse Weber State—a team that has won 9 out of their last 10 games and sits atop the Big Sky Conference—but the way things are stacking up, they could also be playing for the more...

Oregon Volunteers, the Commission for Voluntary Action & Service, is now accepting nominations for the 2010 Oregon Governor’s Volunteer Awards. These awards shine the spotlight on trailblazing individuals, businesses and nonprofits that are creating positive change throughout Oregon. The awards are given at both the regional and statewide levels, and will honor individuals and groups in the following more...