If you’re reading this story, you’re probably very familiar with Portland’s neighborhood association system. And if you’re familiar with it, you know it isn’t alway smooth; isn’t always nice.
But should it be scrapped? And what will be lost?
That’s the question being considered by the City of Portland. In a partership with the fabulous listener-powered KBOO radio, I interviewed Christian Trejbal, chair of the Overlook Neighborhood Association.
Trejbal says that the City hasn’t been communicative or clear about what’s going to be changed, but if NAs lose their City-sanctioned powers, there will be a lot less opportunities for oversight and engagement.
This is a citywide-heavy post this week, but I’m just following the flow.
Portland activists are organizing for the fight for a better police union contract. It might sound wonky, but the union contract sets the frame for police oversight and accountability— and right now the contract heavily favors the police.
The rally was organized by Portland Resistance.
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The Oregonian wrote an interesting piece on how the painting of the Southeast Steele Street footbridge— a really cool grassroots effort—- was almost “restored” (painted over) by Oregon Department of Transportation.
FRIDAY, JULY 12TH
Lents baseball:
The Portland Pickles take on the San Francisco Seals all weekend! There are games Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!
The schedule is here.
Walker Stadium, 4727 SE 92nd Ave * $5 – $13
SATURDAY, JULY 13TH
Street painting at NAYA Generations (event):
“We’re very excited for this community art project where we will be painting a street mural on SE Steele and SE 86th Ct. The design was co-created by a local artist and the residents at NAYA Generations, and the day has come for it to come to life!”
NAYA Generations, 8510 SE Steele St * 9 am, painting begins, noon – 3 pm: party, food, and other activities
People of the Drum (event):
“Enjoy vibrant performances and free drumming workshops for youths in this special program designed to strengthen and celebrate our community!
Presented by Portland Taiko, sponsored by Portland Parks & Recreation, East Portland Community Office, and KBOO Community Radio. Supported by the Regional Arts and Culture Council, Multnomah County Cultural Coalition, and The Collins Foundation.”
Gateway Discover Park, 10520 NE Halsey Street * 2 pm – 4 pm
SUNDAY, JULY 14TH
Farmers market:
“Portland’s only internationally focused market, LIFM provides fresh, affordable, and culturally unique produce to the diverse Lents community and offers farm-direct sales opportunities for immigrant, emerging farmers, and new business owners. In addition to standard market produce, the market features a variety of unique fresh produce from Hmong, Latino, & Russian farmers.”
SE 92nd and Reedway between Foster and Harold * 9 am – 2 pm
Village Portland @ Lents 