Community News March 2018

Driving Down Carbon:
The Role of Electric and Autonomous Vehicles

Wednesday, March 14 • 7 pm
SEIU Local 49 Hall, 3536 SE 26th Ave.  (S. of Powell)

 Free and Open to the Public

How will the rapidly accelerating introduction of autonomous, electric, and hybrid vehicles impact our lives and environment? How will they impact greenhouse gas emissions? How might they change the urban landscape?

Find out when Let’s Talk Climate presents a panel discussion on strategies and effects of electric and autonomous vehicles. The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has outpaced most expectations. In addition to passenger cars, electric transit buses and delivery trucks are on the horizon.

The technology for autonomous vehicles (AVs) is developing rapidly. It is widely expected that AVs will be electrically driven and used on demand in a shared transportation economy.

Both of these raise opportunities and concerns for urban planning. The electric grid will need to accommodate the increased demand, and there may be less need for fossil fuel infrastructure. AVs might need less lane width and travel more closely to one another, perhaps resulting in more space in existing rights of way.

At the same time, perhaps AVs would encourage longer commutes if we could use the time spent on the road more productively than driving, increasing pressure on the current urban growth boundary.

The panel will address strategies to encourage adoption of EVs that enable a just rollout, the considerations of testing AVs, and some of the potential implications for urban planning.

Panelists include Ingrid Fish, Policy & Research Analyst with the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability; Eliot Rose, Technology Strategist, Metro; and Becky Steckler, Program Manager, Urbanism Next, University of Oregon.

The event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are requested via Eventbrite at drivingdowncarbon.eventbrite.com.

This event is presented by Let’s Talk Climate, a group created by neighbors, for neighbors. It is made possible in part through logistical support from Renew Oregon and 350PDX.

More info at letstalkclimatepdx.org or by e-mail at contact@letstalkclimatepdx.org / facebook.com/letstalkclimate.

 

March is Red Cross Month

During Red Cross Month in March, the organization encourages eligible donors to join in its mission by giving blood.

Since 1943, every US president has designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how the organization helps people across the country and around the world. It is a celebration of supporters and brings hope to people facing emergencies.

The Red Cross depends on blood donors across the nation to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals nationwide. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are needed to help those who rely on blood products.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.

High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Make an appointment to become a hero to patients in need by visiting redcrossblood.org, or calling 1.800.RED.CROSS (1.800.733.2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in SE Portland are from March 1-15:

March 9: 2 pm – 7 pm, East Portland Eagle Lodge 3256, 4904 SE Hawthorne Blvd.

March 10: 10 am – 3 pm, Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 5239 SE Woodstock Blvd.

March 11: 9 am – 2 pm, St Ignatius Catholic Church, 3400 SE 43rd Ave.

March 12: 1 pm – 6:30 pm, Holy Family Catholic Church, 7425 SE Cesar E. Chavez Blvd, (39th and Flavel St.).

 

Recycling tip

By Bonita Davis, Master Recycler and Sunnyside Resident

The word “used” when referring to consumer goods, is sometimes met with a negative reaction. Maybe we imagine items that are broken, not clean, in poor condition or undesirable for some reason.

Sadly, in the US, a lot of perfectly good, even new things get thrown out. Clothing, household goods, tools, books, toys, appliances, furniture, and sports gear and everything else you can imagine gets tossed.

Keeping items in use and in good repair, and buying used are important choices when living a sustainable lifestyle.

Reducing and Reusing come before Recycling when it comes to impact and practicing all three, strengthens our efforts.

SE Portland has some of the best places to shop for previously owned items. Boutiques, swaps, consignments and online are good places to look.

Specialty stores and brand name retailers offer bright lighting, clean aisles, organized merchandise and amazing selections.

Want bohemian, vintage, mid-century designs? It’s out there. Cars, electronics, homes, tools, music, bikes, building supplies and kids’ stuff, … you can find a used version, often at great savings.

Used items can be a treasure trove for those who enjoy creative reuse and making something new out of something old.

Safety does come first. Get the latest on recalls and vital information before buying at the Consumer Product Safety Commission: cpsc.gov.

Oregon’s facilities managed 5.1 million tons of waste in 2015.  In 2013, the US managed 254 million tons of waste. That’s a lot of stuff.

Time to revise our view of “used.” Here are suggestions:  new-to-me, awesome, unique, broken in, well-made, durable, vintage, high quality, durable, quaint, full of potential, hip, made-to-last, gems, exquisite, and probably A Real Bargain.

Ed Begley, Jr., the actor and environmental activist put it this way to a Portland audience: “If you are not buying recycled (reused) products, you are not really recycling.”

Reusing makes it all work.

 

Reducing Our Carbon Footprint

Did you know that the City of Portland and Multnomah County have a Climate Action Plan that provides a roadmap for cutting our carbon emissions? If successful, by 2050, we will have cut our carbon emissions by 80 percent. There is a role for everyone: government, businesses, and individuals.

The League of Women Voters of Portland present an educational panel discussion to explore how Portland is working to reduce its carbon footprint March 13, at 7 pm (doors open at 6:30), Multnomah County Building, 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd.

If you are interested in what our city is doing to reduce our carbon footprint and what this will mean to you, join our March Civic Education Panel Discussion on Tuesday,

Robots from around the world

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), Robot Revolution opens on March 17. The exhibit  explores how robots will ultimately be companions and colleagues, changing how we play, live and work together.

The exhibit comes to life with a collection of cutting-edge robots from some of the most innovative global robotics companies and universities.

Guests will have the opportunity to interact with robots rarely seen by the public, as they step into a visionary world where robots are not just a curiosity, but a vital asset.

Robot Revolution runs from March 17 – September 3. Tickets to this exhibit, which include museum admission, are $19.75 for adults, $13.50 for youth (ages 3-13), and $15.75 for seniors (ages 63+).

Prices for OMSI Members are $5 for adults, $3.25 for youth, and $4.25 for seniors. Guests can purchase tickets online at omsi.edu, via phone at 503.797.4000 or in person at the museum.

Founded in 1944, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the nation’s leading science museums.  OMSI is located at 1945 SE Water Avenue. For general information, call 503.797.4000 or visit omsi.edu. 

 

Congestion Pricing comes to the Portland

By: Leah Fisher, SE Uplift Neighborhood Planning

Program Manager

What is congestion pricing? Now is the time to learn about it and weigh in on policies that will shape tomorrow’s driving decisions.

Congestion pricing refers to roadway tolls implemented to reduce traffic congestion.

What is the Portland area doing about traffic congestion?

Last legislative session, the Oregon Legislature (via HB2017, now “Keep Oregon Moving”) authorized the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to conduct a feasibility study and proposal for what they refer to as value pricing on Interstate 5 and Interstate 205 with the purpose of reducing congestion.

Read more about ODOT’s effort at oregon.gov/ODOT/Get-Involved/Pages/Value-Pricing-Committee.aspx

Last November, Portland City Council built upon that effort by passing a resolution directing the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) and Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) to study congestion pricing on local roads like Grand Ave. and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and the Willamette River bridges.

These terms congestion or value pricing are similar and used interchangeably. Both refer to a payment/tolling mechanism applied to a single lane, an entire roadway, or used during a certain time of day, in a certain area (e.g. city center), or for certain users (e.g. trucks vs. carpool vs. single occupancy vehicles).

However, while a toll’s purpose is primarily to collect revenue, the main objective of congestion or value pricing is to alleviate congestion, particularly during peak hours.

ODOT’s feasibility study will consider various types of tolls (e.g. single lane, freeway location, and time of day) as well as consider equity for low-income individuals who could be adversely impacted.

Portland’s effort will evaluate/consider geographically based pricing, parking demand management, automated/shared mobility pricing, and bridge management. PBOT will consider how these connect with other city-wide policy efforts around housing, climate, Vision Zero goals.

The Metro area is struggling to manage congestion. Congestion has outpaced population growth 4 to 11 and there are no signs of any decrease in the near future. It has negative impacts not only on our livability, but on public health, the climate, and our economy.

ODOT and PBOT both agree it is unlikely our roadways will ever be as free-flowing as they were in decades past.

Both ODOT and PBOT are exploring this pricing as part of a larger or more comprehensive strategy to get people out of single occupancy vehicles by investing in infrastructure for walking, biking and transit, as well as other management strategies.

This concept needs to be a community-wide discussion as the introduction of tolls will not only affect the highways but could have surface street impacts as drivers change routes to avoid tolls.

The impact on surface streets is a consideration of the feasibility study and residents are encouraged to weigh in their opinions to both ODOT and PBOT.

Cities like Seattle and New York are implementing policies and practices to address congestion in the United States.

The Federal Highway Administration lists more (ops.fhwa.dot.gov/congestionpricing/resources/examples_us.htm) and demonstrates the variety of options available to implement locally.

There are numerous international cities that have been using this strategy for many years and some have reliable data for Portland to consider.

 

Rock Paper Calligraphy – Calligraphy/Hand Lettering Workshops are offered at Artist & Craftsman Supply, 3393 SE 21st Ave. Two separate Beginner Brush Pen Lettering Classes offered March 10 or March 17, 10 am – noon.

Each class is two hours for $75 and includes all supplies including a beginner’s kit to keep. Class size limited. Call Bonnie to register 503.432.1021.

 

ANNUAL LENTEN SEAFOOD FEST  at St. Philip Neri SE Division & 16th , Saturday March 17. Dinner includes half dungeness crab or salmon filet, homemade New England Clam Chowder, shrimp cocktail, rustic bread, mixed green salad, and sherbet. Reserve your tickets before the March 12 deadline. Adults $35, Children (6-12) $20, children under 5 free (mac & cheese). Beer & wine available for purchase. Choose from two seatings: 3 pm or 5:30 pm. Call Parish office, 503.231.4955 to order tickets, or place order from website. Handicap accessible. stphilipneripdx.org/ for online ticket purchase and more information.

Rain Gardens 101 –  Sunday April 29 from 1 – 5 pm at Bridgeport United Church of Christ, 621 NE 76th Ave. Explore the critical role rain gardens can play in urban stream restoration, and how they add beautiful landscaping to a yard at the same time.  Learn how to assess your site to determine the best location and size, calculate impervious surfaces, determine soil suitability, choose appropriate plants, and how to maintain your new rain garden. You’ll receive a comprehensive manual to guide you through the steps in constructing your rain garden. Where possible, workshop includes a short tour of a nearby rain garden.Register at: emswcd.org/workshops-and-events/upcoming-workshops.

 

Honoring Our Rivers, a project of Portland-based nonprofit Willamette Partnership, is accepting student submissions of art, photography, poetry, and writing, including works in foreign languages for the upcoming edition of its publication. Entries should reflect the student’s connection to rivers or their watershed.Students, kindergarten through college, will be published alongside regional pro authors and artists. Past collections have included Barry Lopez, Ursula K. Le Guin, Paulann Petersen, Charles Finn, Ana Maria Spagna, and Lillian Pitt. The anthology is distributed across the state of Oregon to libraries, partner organizations, and participating families and schools. The upcoming edition of the student anthology will include a featured section dedicated to celebrating the different tribes of the Pacific Northwest and their connections to rivers. The intention of this theme is to increase awareness and appreciation of Native culture, history, language, and arts, particularly as they relate to Pacific Northwest Rivers and watersheds, through student art and creative writing. Deadline to submit is Earth Day, April 22, 2018. Learn how to submit at honoringourrivers.org/submit, or contact the project coordinator at info@honoringourrivers.org.

Neighborhood Watch is a program designed to increase the sense of safety and community in neighborhoods by organizing and involving individuals and their families in united crime prevention efforts. Neighborhood Watch is formed when residents notice chronic problems and/or increases in crime and suspicious activities in their neighborhood. Due to the large response for neighborhood watch requests watch coordinators have already taken enough requests to book out trainings through the month of April. They will still accept requests and continue to schedule trainings. Learn more about neighborhood watch. Go online to the Office of Neighborhood Involvement, Crime Prevention page at portlandoregon.gov/oni/62587. Neighborhood Watch Interest Form is at portlandoregon.gov/oni/70451. If you have a general question about crime prevention, email them to onicpa@portlandoregon.gov or submit an online request at portlandoregon.gov/32302 . 

20 is plenty – The first yard sign pick up is beginning. The City is providing free “20 is Plenty” yard signs and bumper stickers to raise awareness about Portland’s new 20 mph residential speed limit. In an effort to increase safety, speed limits on Portland’s residential streets are dropping to 20 miles per hour following a recent Portland City Council decision. The new speed limit takes effect citywide April 1. The 20 mph speed limit is part of Portland’s Vision Zero work to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries. PBOT is doubling the number of residential speed limit signs, installing approximately 2,000 across the city. Not every residential street will have a speed limit sign, but the 20 mph speed limit will be in effect on all residential streets. Here are the currently scheduled times and locations in SE: Saturday, March 3, noon – 4 pm., parking lot of Midland Library, 805 SE 122nd: Saturday, March 10, noon – 4 pm, Zenger Farm, 11741 SE Foster; Sunday, March 18, noon – 4 pm, in front of Hosford Middle School, 2303 SE 28th Place. Saturday, March 24, noon – 4 pm, in front of Lane Middle School, 7200 SE 60th Ave.

Windermere Realty Trust Donated $29,683 to SE Portland nonprofits in 2017. The Trust supported 43 charitable organizations throughout Oregon and southwest Washington in 2017. Over $405,163 was given to local charities supporting low-income children and families, with $29,683  benefiting nonprofit organizations based in SE Portland, such as Children’s Center and Boys and Girls Club. Windermere Realty Trust is proud to be a part of the larger Windermere Foundation, serving the Western U.S. since 1989. Along with launching their own fundraising activities and providing personal donations, brokers donate a portion of every commission to the foundation for every home bought or sold through the realty company. Three years ago, the foundation reached its goal of raising $30 million in donations supporting programs and organizations that provide shelter, clothing, children’s programs, emergency assistance and other services to those in need.

Dry Farming in the Maritime Pacific Northwest – Up to a 50% reduction in summer water availability is predicted in Oregon within 50 years. It will be critical for the viability of farms in our region and the security of our food system to increase knowledge and awareness of methods of crop production that require little or no irrigation. To initiate this project, a Dry Farming Demonstration was established in Corvallis, Oregon in 2015. This demonstration expanded to three OSU sites in 2016 and more than 10 farms in Western Oregon hosted dry farming trials via the Dry Farming Collaborative. Join the Multnomah Master Gardeners Speaker Series on Tuesday, March 13, 7 pm at TaborSpace, 5441 SE Belmont St., as Amy Garrett, Oregon State University, shares how the OSU Extension Service is partnering with growers to increase knowledge and awareness of dry farming management practices and hear about some of the results from their field trials.  Learn how these techniques can be applied in the home garden.

See multnomahmastergardeners.org. Free event. All are welcome.

Community News March 2018

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top