Disappointing for a lot of people, but People’s Food Co-op has decided not to open a store in Lents.

In a recent blog post, they point to a changing natural foods market. More big grocery chains are selling organics— Walmart is the largest selling of organic foods nationally. This may have not happened without the hard work of pioneering independent food co-ops, but the current market makes it harder for markets like People’s to expand their market.

One of the best parts of publishing Village Portland is working with new contributors. People love creating, telling stories, investigating their world— and we love giving people a forum to share their work.

Please check out this essay from Drew Thorson about a Lents’ neighbor decision to push back from modern media. It’s called the “Brightest Distraction” and tells the story with his photography as well as words.

And below is another awesome contribution from Philip King.

I suggested casually: what sort of adventures would happen if a Pomeranian and a raccoon hung out? Here’s what they gave me.

The process by which developers communicate with neighbors is being updated. The project’s website is here, and testimony is being accepted until April 24th.

The City Council accepted testimony on the issue this week, and you can watch the video of the meeting here.

Because of lack of planning or expense, many neighborhoods in Portland don’t have sidewalks. The City of Portland are considering Alternate Ways to provide safe passage for pedestrians.

There’s a meeting about the project on Thursday, April 18th in Brentwood-Darlington. Go here for the time and location.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13TH

Cooking Around the World Club: Seed Swap:

gardening

“Want to grow your own vegetables from seeds? Come to our first-ever seed swap meet! Come prepared to swap seeds, share gardening tips, and talk about the fresh, healthy food you like to eat right from your garden.”

Holgate Library, 7905 SE Holgate Blvd * 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Live music at The Blue Room:

Rock / funk from Salem’s The Ferenjis.

The Blue Room Bar, 8145 SE 82nd Ave * 8 pm

SUNDAY, APRIL 14TH

Live music, strings & brass:

“Combined concert: East County Community Orchestra and Portland Metro Concert Band”

David Douglas High School’s Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 SE 130th Ave * 3 pm * donations accepted