SW Trails downloadable self-led hikes

Virtual Personal Safety Training, Thursday, August 13, 2pm

Multnomah Days reimagined - Venture in the Village

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Neighborhood Meetings

16 Calendar

Equity and InclusionLand UseParksPublic SafetySchoolsTransportationWatershed

10 SWNICommittees

News and Events13 Watershed

Meetings and News14 Community

Arnold CreekAshcreekBridlemileCollins ViewCrestwoodFar SouthwestHayhurstHillsdaleHomesteadMaplewoodMarkhamMarshall ParkMultnomahSouth BurlingameSouth PortlandSouthwest HillsWest Portland Park

4 NeighborhoodAssociations

August 2020 News from Southwest Neighborhoods, Inc. www.swni.org (503) 823-4592

The Southwest Corridor Light Rail Project will bring high-capacity transit to one of the most congested travel corridors in our fast-growing region. The new the MAX line will get people

to jobs, schools, retail and other destinations. To ensure that the benefits of this major transportation investment are available to all residents, project partners are

collaborating on a variety of efforts to minimize gentrification and displacement of low-income people and communities of color. We will keep you posted as these efforts develop. For more information on TriMet’s transit-oriented-development (TOD) program, please visit trimet.org/swcorridor.

Thanks to an initial Federal Transit Administration grant, Metro and their partners began to explore investments in the Southwest Corridor that can support community development and improve the quality of life for people of all incomes and backgrounds. Metro and community

SW Corridor Light Rail updateSubmitted by Libby Winter, TriMet

Submitted by Joan Fredriksen, Bureau of Planning and Sustainability

Submitted by Multnomah County Elections Division

Continuted on page 3

Continued on page 2

Southwest Corridor Light Rail Project station area rendering, subject to change.

City of Portland voters have until Thursday, August 6 to safely mail back their ballot for the August 11 Special Runoff Election. Voters mailing ballots from outside of the City of Portland should do so earlier. After August 6, voters should use the Official Ballot Drop Sites that are open for this Special Runoff Election. Those Official Ballot Drop Sites include 24-Hour Drop Boxes and 24-Hour Book Drop boxes at libraries in Multnomah County. Please note,

because this Special Runoff Election is only in the City of Portland, the Fairview and Troutdale Libraries will not be accepting ballots. The Albina Library has moved. To find your nearest Official Ballot Drop Site visit multco.us/dropsites. Ballots must be received at an Official Ballot Drop Site by 8:00 PM on Election Day.

City of Portland voters who do not receive a ballot by Thursday, July 30 should call the county elections office at 503-988-VOTE (8683).

Voters can sign up to track their ballot and get a virtual “I Voted” sticker. Text, email, or voice alerts tell voters when the County elections office has mailed ballots. Alerts indicate whether the ballot has been

Special runoff election City of Portland Commissioner, position 2 on August 11

West Portland Town Center Plan updateMoving Forward

Preparing for September release of Discussion Draft

The West Portland Town Center Plan will articulate the community and City’s vision for transforming the West Portland area into a healthy, inclusive, people-centered place. The emerging draft plan reflects community feedback from the past year and includes technical elements and actions to make the collective vision a reality. Release of a Discussion Draft is planned for September 2020.

Some of the ideas coming together in the plan include zoning map and code changes that provide options to preserve existing affordable

apartments, allow more housing and housing types in the area, strengthen and expand areas for small businesses to thrive, create a multicultural hub reflective of the area’s diverse cultures, and integrate community gathering spaces and natural elements into new development. In coordination with bureau partners, the Bureaus of Transportation and Environmental Services already have planning underway for a safe and accessible transportation network as well as stormwater improvements to support future growth and changes.

Many thanks to the ongoing efforts of the project’s Community Advisory

Group, HAKI Community Organization, Community Alliance of Tenants and UniteOregon for ensuring this work reflects the perspectives of this diverse community, including the East African and Arab immigrant communities.

We want to hear from you this fall. Look out for an online open house and Q & A sessions.

Until then, learn more online at portland.gov/bps/wpdx-town-center or by connecting with project staff, Joan Frederiksen, at 503-823-3111, or joan.frederiksen@portlandoregon.gov.

2 AUGUST 2020 In Our Neighborhood

SW News is published monthly and distributed for free by Southwest Neighborhoods, Inc. (SWNI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing services to 17 neighborhood associations in southwest Portland. Partial funding is from the City of Portland through an annual grant.

Our mission: SWNI empowers citizen action to improve and maintain the livability of Southwest neighborhoods. We are located in the Multnomah Arts Center, 7688 SW Capitol Hwy.,

Room 5, Portland, OR 97219-2457. Hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Note: Due to COVID-19 issues the SWNI Office is closed until further notice. Staff are working from home. Call 503-823-4592 or email sylvia@swni.org.

Staff: Sylvia Bogert, Executive Director; John Tappero, Program Coordinator; Erik Horngren, Watershed Resource Center (WRC) Manager; Lorena O'Neill, Stormwater Programs Specialist; Sharon Keast, Technology;

The SW News has been made possible in part by a grant from the City of Portland,

Office of Community & Civic Life.

SWNI does not discriminate against individuals or groups on the basis of race,

religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, legal citizenship,

national origin, income, or political affiliation in any of its policies, recommendations or

actions.

Volume 41, No.8Corey Shelton, Communications; Nancy Biskey, Office Specialist; and Sara Freedman, Events. Board officers: Leslie Hammond, President; Steve Mullinax, 1st Vice President; 2nd Vice President (vacant); Janet Hawkins, Secretary: Teddy Okonokhua, Treasurer.

Donate at swni.org/donate.Subscribe online at swni.org/

subscribe. Advertising rates can be found at swni.org/newspaper. All submissions are due by the 15th of the prior month.

A difficult decision has been made to cancel the Grauer Back-to-School event that was originally scheduled for August 8th, 2020. In light of Governor Brown's order limiting gatherings to 10 people, tightened requirements on wearing masks, and increased COVID-19 cases in Multnomah County, the Grauer Team

felt canceling it would be the best and most responsible decision for all.

accepted for counting or whether it requires further action by the voter. Multnomah County voters can sign up by visiting multnomah.ballottrax.net.

All voters in the City of Portland will receive a ballot for this election with the top two candidates from the May 2020 Primary Election for City of Portland Commissioner, Position 2. Dan Ryan and Loretta Smith will be the only names on the ballot for this Special Runoff Election for Commissioner, Position 2. For more information on the candidates, including voters’ pamphlet statements and upcoming election deadlines visit mcelections.org.

For the August 11 Special Runoff Election, Multnomah County Elections will open an additional location in Gresham. The Voting Center Express will be open July

27 - Aug. 11 inside the Multnomah County East Building at 600 NE 8th Street. Voters will be able to replace a lost ballot, get help voting, ask questions, or vote in person at the Voting Center Express for Portland voters who live or work closer to Gresham.

Both Multnomah County Elections locations are following all safety

recommendations provided by the Center for Disease

Control and Prevention including wearing face coverings and physical distancing guidelines. Many voter services can also be completed

online. For questions, please call 503-988

VOTE (8683).Voted ballots must be received

by 8:00 PM on Tuesday, August 11, 2020. For more information about the August 11 Special Runoff Election, please visit mcelections.org.

Grauer Back-to-School project canceled

Special runoff election Contintued from page 1

Submitted by Joan Frazer

partner organizations teamed to create the Southwest Corridor Equitable Development Strategy (SWEDS).

Currently, TriMet is working with Southwest Corridor partners to identify sites for 950 new units of affordable housing along the future light rail line. TriMet’s TOD program will prioritize equitable outcomes through robust planning and outreach, and ensure long-term, sustainable and diverse communities.

Equitable development is an approach for meeting the needs of underserved communities through policies and programs that reduce disparities while fostering places that are healthy and vibrant.

For more information on the SWEDS program, the SW Corridor's equity and affordability commitments, and to review Metro's equitable development strategy report, please visit: oregonmetro.gov/public-projects/southwest-corridor-plan/equitable-development-strategy

In February 2020 the draft conceptual design report (CDR) was released, and project staff held a series of in-person and online

open houses to collect vital public feedback. Staff has been working to respond to community feedback and will be completing the final draft of the CDR next month. For 18 months, Metro has worked with local leaders and the public on a plan to make it safer and easier for everyone to get around as the Portland area continues to grow. On July 16, 2020 the Metro Council referred the Get Moving 2020 transportation funding measure to the November ballot.Southwest Corridor Community Advisory CommitteeThursday, August 6, 20205:30-7:30pm

This meeting will be held virtually. For meetings details, please visit: trimet.org/swcorridor/getinvolved

SW Corridor Light Rail updateSubmitted by Libby Winter

Continuted from page 1

For more details: Chris Cobey, forums@lwvpdx.org or Margaret Noel, communications@lwvpdx.org

Starting on July 22 and continuing through August 11 (Election Day), the League of Women Voters of Portland will feature information about the August 11 Special Election on Vote411.org and on lwvpdx.org. The League will post video of a virtual candidate debate between Dan Ryan and Loretta Smith, running to fill the Portland City Council seat, position 2, formerly held by Commissioner Nick Fish. In addition, both websites will show the candidates' written answers to six questions about current city issues.

Ballots were mailed to Portland voters beginning on Wednesday July 22. To vote in this special election, voters must have registered by July 21. The last day to mail ballots is Thursday, August 6, however, voters may drop their ballots off at any official drop site up until 8 pm on August 11.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization, never supporting nor opposing any candidate. LWV debates and candidate questions are structured to treat all candidates equally and fairly.

Unbiased nonpartisan voter info for August 11 special election

When: Thursday, August 13, 2:00pm

The Personal Safety Training is designed to introduce community members to a variety of self-protective options in a short, non-physical, discussion format. The training includes discussing situations of concern for safety, identifying intuition and acting on it, practicing assertiveness, learning basic de-escalation techniques and exploring options for escaping threats of violence. The training is strength-based and empowering! Emphasis is placed on options, not rigid safety rules. No physical self-defense skills are taught in the training, but information about physically-focused self-defense classes can be provided.

Register in advance for this meeting:

See SWNI Calendar for info swni.org/calendar

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Offered by: Jenni Pullen & Sarah Berkemeier, MA

Civic Life Community Safety Coordinators, Central Team

Community Safety Program503-823-4064 (main line)

Virtual Personal Safety Training

AUGUST 2020 3In Our Neighborhood

Dear friends and neighborsWritten by Janet Hawkins, SWNI Board Secretary and Leslie Hammond, SWNI President

Southwest Neighborhoods, Inc. is currently going through a difficult time. Accusations have been made by two SWNI Board members that SWNI is mismanaging its finances. The full Board of Directors consists of 29 members representing Neighborhood Associations and Business Associations in SW Portland. Important to note is the fact that the majority of the Board has consistently voted in support of SWNI’s Executive Committee leadership during the past few months in decisions related to SWNI’s budget, office operations, and program services.

The accusations of fiscal mismanagement are unwarranted, but SWNI has focused time and effort on addressing these public complaints. In addition, the two Board members have made requests for ten years of SWNI’s records, which both staff and volunteers are addressing.

SWNI experienced serious issues with its finances ten years ago because of criminal theft from the organization by a former employee. This former employee was tried, convicted, and incarcerated for their crime. After this experience, SWNI instituted strict financial oversight procedures to ensure that embezzlement would not happen again. The IRS conducted an extensive audit of SWNI in 2014 and found that all its financial management practices were sound.

Since that time, SWNI’s yearly reports to the IRS have all been approved. You can review SWNI’s Financial Management Policy on the website at swni.org in the Board Handbook document. You can also view nine years of IRS 990 reports.

Allegations that SWNI doesn’t support equity and inclusion have also been promoted by the two Board members mentioned earlier. The real story is that SWNI created an Equity & Inclusion Committee over five years ago, which has worked to raise awareness of equity issues in our community. The Equity & Inclusion Committee developed a racial equity policy that was passed by the SWNI Board in Fall 2019. After Board approval, planning began to implement the policy.

Unfortunately, efforts to implement the policy were dominated by the two Board members who attempted to turn the policy implementation planning into an informal contracting process. Activities around creating a contract proposal took place without the required Board fiscal oversight. The SWNI Board voted down the contract proposal based on lack of a Board-approved fiscal allocation. The two Board members then accused

the Board of mis-governance, when it was actually conducting responsible fiscal management oversight. Work is still continuing on the implementation of the racial equity policy.

Finally, SWNI has faced criticism for its application to the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) based on funding impacts caused by the COVID-19 crisis. As with many non-profit organizations, this has been a time of financial uncertainty

for SWNI. Since March, SWNI’s budget has been

negatively impacted by the cancellation of

events, decrease in donations, and higher operating costs associated with the new fiscal year. There is also the potential

for cutbacks in SWNI’s city

funding as the City of Portland

conducts its planned “re-budgeting” process in

the fall. The Federal Small Business Administration reviewed and approved SWNI’s application for PPP funding.

Despite dealing with this difficult situation for months, SWNI’s staff and volunteers have continued to conduct their work to benefit the residents of Southwest Portland. Neighborhood Associations and SWNI’s Committees are meeting online to support community involvement. SWNI has also initiated the Community

Engagement Allocation Program to create community partnerships that address the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on under-represented populations in our community. Southwest Neighborhoods, Inc. has been an important resource for neighborhoods in SW Portland for over forty years. SWNI’s 17 Neighborhood Associations and Community-Based Organizations have benefited from SWNI’s support as they have conducted neighborhood livability planning and activities. As SWNI Board Officers, we stand with SWNI.

Multnomah Days reimagined-the fun isn’t canceled

With COVID-19 still going on, we had no choice but to cancel Multnomah Days in its traditional form. However, we still wanted to find a way to celebrate the amazing small businesses in our wonderful village, while keeping things safe, so the Multnomah Days committee came up with Venture in the Village-Rediscover Multnomah Village. This is a modern-day scavenger hunt. Think First Friday and Golden Ticket wrapped into one, with a fun twist. We are hosting Venture in the Village on August 15-16, the same weekend Multnomah Days is usually held.

What does this event look like? A few days before the event, check out the Multnomah Days Facebook page, website or Instagram to get your map and clues about the participating shops in Multnomah Village and our neighbors in Hillsdale. The weekend of the event, you figure out the clues for each business, go to thier location, find their QR Code somewhere within the shop, and scan it it with your phone or other mobile device. That will pull up a customized page with info about their shop, the website, and a special promotion determined by the business. Reap the rewards of that find and off to the next clue.

What if someone is not tech savvy? On Saturday and Sunday in Multnomah Village, we will have an information booth with paper copies of the map and clues. You can take that into the store, present the paper and receive the promotion. We don’t

want anyone to be left out and want this to be super fun for everyone.

Tips:• Since this is just about a month

away, we don’t know what our COVID situation will be at that point. We ask that you adhere to the guidelines that each store requires when shopping. • Even if it is not mandated, we still

encourage you to wear your masks and keep social distancing during this event. • You can download a free QR code

reader to your mobile device in order to scan the codes at each location. • Share your progress on the

Multnomah Days Facebook and Instagram site, and be sure and tag the business as well.

Thank you so much for continuing to support the beloved locally owned businesses in Multnomah Village and Hillsdale. We know it takes a Village. Special thanks to our sponsors Root and Branch and Jake Planton from Two Rivers Mortgage.

Contact Christine at multnomahdays@gmail.com for any additional questions.

Multnomah Days Committee and Multnomah Village Business Association

Join us for Venture in the Village, a community scavenger hunt to help support our local Multnomah Village and Hillsdale businesses in a safe, fun way. August 15th

and 16th. Follow the Multnomah Days Facebook page and @Multnomah_days on

Instagram for map, clues and more info. Thank you to our sponsors

Venture in the Village Rediscover Multnomah Village

And Hillsdale

Leslie Hammond, SWNI President

4 AUGUST 2020

PARTY PARTY PARTY !!!The long-awaited installation

project of park benches at Ashcreek's Smith School is coming to a head with a brief ceremony and free refreshments for the kids scheduled for Sunday, August 9, at 6pm at the school playground area. Due to the continuing COVID-19 crisis, please wear face masks and respect the proper social distancing protocols.

Special thanks for the successful project goes to Sue Goodstein, who donated a sizeable portion of the funds needed for two 8-foot benches adjacent to the playground equipment area, and to Esther Shepson, who donated funds for two benches in the names of two of her classmates -- Jennifer Slaybaugh Miller and Mark Adams -- who were students at the school from 1970 to 1976.

Also warranting recognition are Dean Smith, who spearheaded the project since early last year and Bruce Koester, who managed the actual bench installation activities. Altogether, the ANA raised over $4,300 for the benches -- much

of it coming from many dozens of individuals who donated their Oregon redeemable bottles and cans to the neighborhood's BottleDrop account.

While on the topic of upgrades at Smith School, some of us have spoken to frequent users of the play area and noted the broken asphalt where the now removed wing used to be. While I’d normally say, 'let's form a work party,' the problem may be more insurmountable. Since it may be a while until we get a new, safer surface to call our neighborhood play zone, we are open to ideas in the semi-do-it-ourselves kind of way - similar to what we did while working with Parks and PPS to get the benches put in. One options is a “manny-pad” or “manual”, is a 10-inch off the ground platform that skaters use to do tricks off of. Seems simple to build. Feed back? Come and let’s discuss on August 10th!

The congregation of West Portland United Methodist Church (4729 SW Taylors Ferry Rd) has voted to build affordable housing on some of their property. At our next meeting on August 10th, 2020 6pm (Zoom

meeting), representatives from WPUMC will be presenting their decision & more information on how this will expand their goal of contributing to meeting the needs of the community. And for those concerned about the garden, it will be in full operation for a minimum of two years, possibly up to four.

Thank you to Tedd Dod, Dave Manville and Bruce Koester for the clean up they've done so far on Garden Home Road. If you live on Garden Home Road and need help with clearing areas for safe visibility and travel, please let me know. If you’d like more info, want to join the next work party or get on our mailing list, email me. president@ashcreekna.org

Neighborhood Association Reports

Bridlemile submitted an application for a Community Engagement Allocation from SWNI. The main focus is to expand the Bridlemile

Neighborhood Emergency Team's (NET) emergency preparedness "Neighbor Circles" and to help promote "One Can Wednesdays" in

weekly collection of food donations to Neighborhood House. (This week's collection delivered over 325lbs. of food!) This project was initiated by PositiveChargePDX. We welcome the collaboration with these groups, as well as Bridlemile.net. Thanks to all the volunteers working on the application and on the projects!

Due to restrictions imposed as a result of COVID-19, the Bridlemile

Neighborhood Association has rescheduled the 2020 Annual Meeting and election of Board and officers to 7pm Wednesday, September 9, 2020.

This and other future meetings will be scheduled either for a face-to-face or virtual venue, depending on COVID restrictions. Future announcements will include the venue, when one is determined.

BridlemileAnnual Meeting and Elections : Wednesday, September 9, 7:00pm

Location TBD, see swni.org/calendar Steve Mullinax, bridlemilenaboard@swni.org

bridlemile.swni.org

AshcreekNext Meeting: Monday, August 10, 7pm Virtual Meeting, see swni.org/calendar

Jerry Rundorff, president@ashcreekna.org ashcreekna.org

You are invited to a Virtual Arnold Creek Community Event on August 11th at 6:30pm. Join your neighbors as we unveil neighborhood mapping, a new Neighborhood Emergency Team tool to help Arnold Creek residents during a disaster. Then, at 7pm, we are hosting a "Be Red Cross Ready" presentation on earthquake preparedness. The events are open to all and we hope you will join us.

Land Use:The date for the Hearing on the

Residential Care Facility proposed for Clara Lane at Boones Ferry has not yet been set by the deadline for this report.

The Hearing on the proposed eight-lot subdivision on Comus west of Arnold Woods scheduled for 7/15 was canceled because an appeal to the Fire Bureau had not been adjudicated.

Transportation:There seem to be more walkers

in our neighborhood, probably due to COVID-19 restrictions. Walkers, please make sure you are visible to drivers of vehicles by wearing bright, better yet reflective, clothing.

Boones Ferry:Between July 23 and August 7, the

contractor continues construction

of the interior deck, overhang, curbs and sidewalks on the bridge.

Crews are continuing to excavate

the area in order to remove the original culvert. Crews are also installing barriers to divert water in the creek around the site of the culvert while it is being removed. After installing water diversion measures, crews will begin the fish salvage process.

Equity:Our board is learning how historical

racist land use planning contributed to racial segregation and inequity

for people of color in Portland. The City of Portland's report: Historical Context of Racist Planning: A history of how planning segregated Portland can be found posted on our website, arnoldcreek.org.

Local:Need a face mask and want

to support an Arnold Creek neighborhood business? sewkiwi.com has many options. My order was delivered quickly by bicycle.

Tuesday, August 11, 6:30pm-8pm Virtual Arnold Creek Community Event in partnership with our

Neighborhood Emergency Team and Red Cross Details on how to join this FREE event at arnoldcreek.org

Sharon Keast, president@arnoldcreek.org ArnoldCreek.org

Arnold Creek

Boones Ferry construction site photos by Sue Strater.

Bruce Koester uses a hammer drill to prepare holes for installing

benches at Smith School.

The first neighbors to enjoy a freshly installed bench at Smith School were Courtney Meeboer and her pet, Dusty.

AUGUST 2020 5Neighborhood Association Reports

We already have a very full agenda for our next meeting in September: we will discuss updates to Dickinson Park, receive an update on the SW Corridor and West Portland Town Center Plans, be presented with the West Portland United Methodist Church’s affordable housing project proposal, and will hold elections for open board positions and for a new Secretary/Treasurer. If you are interested in being a more active member in your local community, we’d love to meet you!

At our recent remote meeting in July, Representative Margaret Doherty updated us about how the state legislature plans to address police reform and extend eviction and mortgage default protections to the end of September. Future legislative sessions will focus on the

current unemployment crisis and arts funding.

Marianne discussed the Community Engagement Allocation Program draft grant application that the Crestwood Board approved in June. This grant would fund an neighborhood-wide all-household postcard and online survey to learn how to better connect with our residents and address their concerns. We intend to focus on outreach and inclusion for our underserved populations this winter.

The West Portland Town Center Plan currently includes SW Taylors Ferry Road from SW Capitol Highway to SW 52nd in their "growth concept". Under the plan, this area would have a denser zoning code, including

"small multi-family dwellings" 2-4

stories (25-40 feet height) tall, along both sides of the roadway. There are currently no sidewalks, nor bike paths along Taylors Ferry. The plan does not address this. It only considers infrastructure improvements like these on a per-site basis. We believe the growth concept must include pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements and better stormwater management for this important artery so all of the current and new residents can access transit and other services safely. The draft plan should be available for public review in September.

Current funding issues have delayed the SW Capitol Highway improvements and construction traffic detour plan to this fall. For more information and updates, see portlandoregon.gov/transportation/71661 and portlandoregon.gov/transportation/80303.

Finally we are sad to announce that due to continued safety concerns,

Crestwood will cancel this year’s National Night Out party. We will miss getting to hang out and chat with all of you but are hopeful our annual picnic will be back next year, bigger and better than ever!

Visit swni.org/crestwood for more information on current projects. There, you can join our email list to receive the latest updates on those projects as well as reminders for our upcoming meetings and events. Crestwood members roll up their sleeves and work together to make the neighborhood more livable–from park projects and neighborhood events to earthquake preparedness, transportation projects, and thoughtful development.

Our next meeting will be held on September 9th, 2020 at 7:00 pm. See you then!

CrestwoodNext Meeting: Wednesday, September 9, 7:00pm

Most likely online, please check our website for more details. Chair: Tony Hansen, Vice-Chair: Marianne Fitzgerald, CrestwoodNABoard@gmail.com

crestwood.swni.org

ConnectivityCapitol Hill School’s graduation

car parade ― a celebration of tooting, balloon-streamer-sign- bedecked cars ― made its way along the streets of Collins View in June. Residents streamed from their houses to wave and cheer the students and their families, and then stayed outside to visit neighbors (with appropriate distancing) long after the car parade moved on. What a great idea! Thank you, Capitol Hill School, for including us in your graduation celebration. We hope this is the beginning of a long-time tradition.

Born of necessity, required remote learning technologies have highlighted the necessity of equity and inclusion for our students and teachers. All teachers and students need access to the skill sets, equipment and WIFI connectivity that structures this new education.

“Inclusion” is a necessity at this very basic level.

Neighborhood Association meetings are now dependent upon capabilities that are new to many of us. An inclusive environment includes

us. Community connectedness, responsiveness and societal responsibility depend on our learning and embracing new technologies. Remote attendance meetings, like Zoom, are the future. It is a way to include more participation in neighborhood discussions. Our students are forging ahead. We can do no less.

It’s not the pits. It’s the lemonade. PBEM’s NET, under the guidance

of Jeremy VanKeuren and Glenn Devitt, has held a weekly Wednesday Zoom meetup since April 8, 2020. Attendance, approaching almost 200 now, has steadily increased. Everyone is welcome to attend. The meetup has evolved into a nice mix of updating news, training tutorials (e.g. Necessities in a First Aid Kit, Animals During a Disaster, Knots for NETs, Leveraging the Power of Whole Communities, Practicalities of Your Disaster Sanitation Supplies), relaxed but relevant chat, input and conversation among folks who ordinarily aren't in conversation with each other. It’s a great way to keep the NET’s training and enthusiasm

alive without expending funds. It’s a keeper. It’s connectedness. This is the essence of a community.

Connectivity transcends physical distancing and time distancing. Jim Diamond, former chair of CVNA and now a resident of New Hampshire, sent this awesome photo, “Midnight from White Gates Farm” ― the setting

moon to the west lighting up the cloud, the star field and a FIREFLY flying through the scene with the shutter open. Photo details at collinsview.org

Let’s keep our shutters open to new knowledge.

Submitted by Maryellen Read

Next Meeting: Wednesday, Sept 2, 7:00pm Teleconference Board meeting. Instructions/Details will be posted on Nextdoor

Chair: Elise deLisser, Contact: outreach@collinsview.org collinsview.org

Collins View

On July 7th, 2020 the Far Southwest Neighborhood Association held its first Zoom meeting. It was a successful meeting with 21 residents participating. The meeting had been announced on email using our mailing list and on NextDoor. We were pleased to note that the Zoom format was able to attract a number of new people who had not been to our meetings before. The purpose of the meeting was two-fold: 1. Elect new officers for the coming year, and 2. Discuss and decide on applying for the Community Engagement Allocation Program (CEAP) funding.

Mary Ventura, our Secretary, ran the Survey Monkey balloting to elect officers and representatives to the various SWNI committees in the

days leading up to the meeting. The results were as follows:• George J. Vranas, President (and

FSW representative to the SWNI Board)• Martha Campbell, Vice President• Mary D. Ventura, Secretary and

TreasurerEach SWNI committee includes

representatives from each neighborhood. Far Southwest elected the following members for next calendar year: Mary Ventura (Schools); Greg Dorros (Land Use); Virginia Hendrickson (Transportation); Larry Teeter (Parks and Watershed committees); Marcia Leslie (Public Safety). We lack a representative to the Equity and Inclusion Committee.

We congratulate our officers and representatives! We are also pleased to see that our former president, Teddy Okonokhua, now serves as Treasurer on the SWNI Board.

Most of the meeting was spent discussing our CEAP application. Some people wanted FSW to create a space within the neighborhood, as a meeting point for members, particularly mothers and their children wanting to relax and visit during the daytime. Other folks wanted to create a child-oriented mural installed at a yet to be decided location; this project could be coupled with the purchase of Far Southwest road sign toppers at a number of strategic locations. The third suggestion was to refurbish the paths within our two small naturalized area parks, Lesser Park and Sylvania City Park. A committee was formed to discuss these proposals with the CEAP project coordinators.

George Vranas, Mary Ventura, Larry Teeter, and Marcy Brillman, who comprised the committee, met with Sara Freedman, a CEAP project coordinator, the following week. Sara advised us that the plan to get road sign toppers would not be approved under the CEAP guidelines, and that we lacked an agreed space to install a mural. Purchasing and installing an outdoor bench or other furnishings would not fly given the CEAP constraints, and we also lack a specific location for a memorial bench. Therefore we were left with the park pathway refurbishing project. This would better meet the goals of CEAP funding, as we could organize larger and more diverse groups of volunteers, and hold related events to better inform residents about the two parks. If this project goes ahead, we expect that it will be carried out in Spring, 2021.

Next Meeting: Virtual (Zoom) meeting September 22, 7:00 pm Next Location: Zoom Meeting

George Vranas, FSWNA Chair, george@farswpdx.org, 503-724-4011 farswpdx.org

Far Southwest

Photo by Jim Diamond, Tamworth NH

6 AUGUST 2020 Neighborhood Association Reports

Our August 5 Neighborhood Association meeting will feature renaming of Wilson High School. The naming process is now in action! Hillsdale is the home of this school which serves most of SW Portland. One of our Board Members, Aslan Newsom, was a high school leader who pushed this forward. Wilson High School Principal and PPS both agree with the initiative. The new name will be: ????

Our August 5 HNA Meeting, which you can log in to at: meet.google.com/dec-vjgy-hyw or check the Hillsdale webpage at the SWNI website for a link you can click, will include our first discussion on the name change. The agenda continues with discussions of the potential closing of the SW Community Center; two bond measures up for vote in November; a Police Liaison report; and an introduction of Mingus Mapps, one of the two candidates for Portland City Commission Position 4. Chloe Eudaly, the incumbent and other candidate for this seat has also been

invited to speak to our Neighborhood Association. We will publicize that event when scheduled.

The June and July HNA meetings saw changes in members of the Board and of the Officers. The new President is Tatiana Lifshitz, Glenn Bridger remains as Vice President, Bre Wende is the new Secretary, and Robert Hamilton the new Treasurer. The Board welcomes new members Robert Hamilton and Julia Daigneault; and thanks Rick Meigs, Will Reese, and Chuck Stilton for their service on the Board. If you are a resident or work or study in Hillsdale, and wish to become a candidate for the Board, please let the Board know of your interest. An election to fill vacancies will be scheduled in the future.

The HNA Board is interested in what you think about activities in our community. Please email board@hna-pdx.com regarding your concerns. SEE you in our Virtual Meeting on Wednesday, August 5, at 7 PM.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, August 5, 7:00pm meet.google.com/dec-vjgy-hyw or 413-418-2389 PIN: 288 111 825#

President: Tatiana Lifshitz, tatiana@hna-pdx.com hna-pdx.com

Hillsdale

We had a good turn-out for the Hayhurst NA General Meeting on July 13, 2020 conducted via Zoom. We’re pleased that neighbors have adapted to online meetings and demonstrate a willingness to continue to work together.

Community Engagement Allocation Program (CEAP) Application

Hayhurst NA has approved making an application to SWNI’s CEAP program. The Community

Engagement Allocation funds will enable us to reach under-represented communities who have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. We’re currently planning projects with the Neighborhood Emergency Team, SW Trails, and Neighborhood House to partner on serving the needs of neighborhood residents this summer and fall.

Land Use Committee Hayhurst NA hosted a Zoom

meeting with Cedar Sinai Park

staff and the SW Boundary Street neighbors in early July. An important goal of the meeting was to discuss updating the 2014 Addendum to our Good Neighbor Agreement. We also discussed CSP’s application for a zoning change to the city’s Affordable Housing Development Plan. Hayhurst NA opposes this zoning change request.

Partnership with SW TrailsSW Trails and Hayhurst neighbors

have completed trail improvements to an informal trail between SW Idaho and Vermont Streets. Many thanks to Dave Manville, with SW Trails, for leading the project work.

National Night Out – Rescheduled to October 2020

SWNI’s Safety Committee has been informed that all the city’s National Night Out events will be tentatively moved to October 6, 2020. Stay tuned for updates.

Upcoming Hayhurst NA Meetings Our next Hayhurst Neighborhood

Executive Committee Meeting is scheduled for 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Monday, August 10, 2020. Our meeting will take place via Zoom. Contact Janet Hawkins at janetchawkins@msn.com or 503-244-7703 to get the Zoom meeting access information and instructions.

HayhurstVirtual Meeting: Monday, September 14, 7pm

Virtual Meeting instructions will be posted on SWNI online calendar Janet Hawkins, janetchawkins@msn.com, 503-244-7703

hayhurst.swni.org

The Homestead Neighborhood Association will NOT meet in August. The next scheduled meeting will be Tuesday, September 1st using Zoom. The meeting information will be sent in the next E-News and posted on the Homestead website. homesteadna.org

Zone C Area Permit Parking Changes coming in October

The Homestead Area Permit Parking (APPP) committee has worked diligently to draft changes to the Homestead Zone C parking area that hopefully will make it easier for residents to park on Marquam Hill,

improve enforcement and reduce fraudulent use of permits. Changes are for Zone C only. Parking rules for zones D and E will not change.

The following are Zone C proposed changes to be adopted and applied beginning with the October 20/21 parking permit year. Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) will send information soon to current permit holders.

Business Permits - The new rules will limit Business Permits to one per licensed business or B&B provided they have not already been issued a Resident Permit. Businesses,

B&Bs and Airbnbs will be required to provide a copy of their City Business License when applying. Non-resident property owners will not be issued business permits but can apply for daily permits with proof of property ownership.

Businesses will be able to apply for 60 Daily Permits per year. (Daily Permits take the place of Guest Permits) The Daily Permits will be sold in bundles of 10.

Resident Permits - There will be no limit on Resident Permits in Zone C. Guest permits will no longer be issued. However, resident permit holders will be able to apply for Resident Daily permits for their guests. A maximum of 60 Daily permits per year per resident will be issued. The Daily Permits will be sold in bundles of 10.

The Homestead Parking Committee is working to develop language that will allow residents with specific family needs or hardships to apply for additional Resident Daily Permits. Examples include at-home physical therapy, hospice care, or nanny services.

The city plans to move to a digital system in all zones in Homestead beginning with the October 2020/21 permit year. More info regarding digital permits as it becomes available.

HomesteadNext Board Meeting: Tuesday, September 1, 7pm

Location: Check the Homestead Website Ed Fischer, homestead@swni.org

HomesteadNA.org

Dear Wilson Community,

Over the years, a growing number of students, families and staff at Wilson High School have advocated for changing the name of our school. As some of you may know, President Woodrow Wilson was a known racist and segregationist. He supported the Ku Klux Klan, he (re)segregated the federal workers, and he ensured that racial equality was abandoned by the League of Nations as a founding principle. President Woodrow Wilson’s racist beliefs and policies were evident during his tenure as a governor and university president as well.

As the proud principal of Wilson High School, I also believe that we must change the name of our school and that we must begin this important process now. Given Woodrow Wilson’s racist legacy, it is clear that his beliefs and actions stand in conflict with our school’s and our district’s commitment to racial equity and social justice.

More than 2,000 students, families and staff have signed a petition asking that we rename Woodrow Wilson High School. Last week Hui Hui Hutchinson (‘22), Casimiro Cox (‘22) and Ms. Ellen Whatmore provided powerful testimonies before the school board and advocated for the change. Another one of our student leaders, Mia Sedory ('21), sent a letter to the Superintendent to explain why our school should sever ties with President Woodrow Wilson. Other student groups, including our Black Student Union, have long advocated for this change as well.

We are in early stages of this important process. I hope to meet with PPS district leaders this week to learn more about the policy that governs the naming/renaming of district property. I promise to keep you in the loop as we articulate what the community-engagement process will entail. In the meantime, please read and learn about President Woodrow Wilson’s racist legacy and why other institutions are changing their names as well.

As always, let me know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Filip Hristić, Ed.D.

Principal, Wilson High School Portland Public Schools

Statement fromWilson High Principal

Wilson High SchoolSource:pps.net/wilson

AUGUST 2020 7Neighborhood Association Reports

Marshall ParkNext Meeting: TBD

Mike Charles, marshallparkna@yahoo.com, 503-891-5198 marshallpark.swni.org

We want everyone to remain safe and vigilant by continued social distancing, disinfecting and hand washing. We will be back when it is safe to be back. In the meantime, we continue to receive returnable bottles

and cans for bottle drop to build our neighborhood fund for community events and projects neighbors vote to undertake at our meetings.

Maplewood regrets that due to Portland Parks budget cuts and COVID-19, we will not be able to have our summer events this year: Movie in the Park and Ice Cream Social. Both events are a good way to meet new neighbors or visit neighbors you have lived near for many years. At past events we have had the Maplewood History booth, (yes, Maplewood has an interesting history), the Neighborhood Emergency Teams, (NET) information booth regarding emergency preparedness, and much more.

“Sheltering” hasn’t meant we are not keeping up with what is going on

in the City. We still want to hear from you and keep you informed. We want to hear from you.

Neighborhood meetings are one way to get involved. Maplewood Neighborhood Association is open to all who live and work in Maplewood Neighborhood. One way to keep up to date is to join our monthly meetings. The meetings are the first Tuesday of every month. Meetings are online now, and open to all.

• What does living in a neighborhood mean to you?

• How do you want to be involved? • How do you want to get information?

• What is going on in April Hill Park? Is there a Friends group? Yes, there is. There is much work to be done in the park and fun times too.

How do I find out more? Check out these webpages.

• Maplewood Neighborhood page; maplewoodna.org

• Maplewood neighborhood has a group Facebook page. Ask to join Maplewood Neighbors PDX

• Friends of April Hill Park aprilhillfriends.org

Please bring your questions and ideas to a meeting. Our next meeting is Tuesday, August 4, at 7:00pm and can be accessed at Google Meet meet.google.com/ykg-ypwq-zgk

Is this your first time joining the meeting? It is easy to join.

1. Copy and past the link for the meeting.2. There are two ways to join. Use the link: meet.google.com/ykg-ypwq-zgk OR dial in by phone: (US) +1 443-971-1224 PIN: 564 884 867#3. When you “arrive” the moderator will welcome you. All you have to do is turn on your mic and un-mute yourself. 4. If you want, you can also turn on your camera. This is optional. Bad hair day, no worries..

Hope you can join in our next meeting.

Next Meeting: TBA Kim Herron, President@MarkhamNeighborhood.com, (503) 452-0000

markhamneighborhood.com

Markham

Next Meeting : Tuesday, August 4, 7pm meet.google.com/ykg-ypwq-zgk or 443-971-1224 PIN: 564 884 867#

Stephan Lewis, stephan@maplewoodna.org maplewoodna.org

Maplewood

No activities have been planned for August in the neighborhood.

Please check our website for updates.

Regards,Mike Charles, Chair, Marshall Park

Neighborhood Association

“Winning was easy young man. Governing is harder.” As a Lin-Manuel Miranda fan, this quote stands out as we see “fighting in the streets” of Portland and “the world is turned upside down”. In the play Hamilton, we saw how fighting united the colonies and the task they were left with after the revolution. Today’s revolution is the COVID pandemic and an exhausting list of systemic issues-racism, inequity, and poverty to name a few. In spite of all this, I feel hopeful that we’ll “tell the story of tonight”; a story of revelations within this revolution.

This month, I ask you to “look around at how lucky we are” to live in a community where you have a voice and ideas are welcomed through our Neighborhood Associations. Portland has had over 90 Neighborhood Associations since the 1970’s and these neighborhoods have been a clearinghouse for galvanizing people for clean-ups, preservation, and actions that support quality of life. At times, they’ve also been divisive and petty, keeping in mind governance is hard and diplomacy takes time.

With time comes patience. Here is where I want to acknowledge how your voice makes a difference. Thanks to a few dedicated and persistent neighbors who took to heart the Bureau of Transportation’s Safe Slow Streets initiative and added three streets to the list for signage recognition as a Safe Slow Street.

A special shout-out goes to: Karyn Munford, Corin Wallace, Peter Samson, Joey Yazzoli, Katherine Christensen (transportation chair), and Nick Falbo (PBOT) for helping to make our streets pedestrian friendly. These areas will be added:

• Canby between Gabriel Park and Multnomah Village• Troy East of Multnomah Village to

Capitol Hill Rd• Dolph Ct 30th to Capitol HwyYour voice matters. I encourage

you to share your thoughts, listen, and learn what’s happening in your backyard. Neighborhood membership is free and everyone who lives within the boundaries of the Multnomah Neighborhood is a voting member. We host monthly meetings where we provide updates on transportation, land use, equity, and watershed issues,, as well as host guest speakers. Meeting minutes and more info is on our website: multnomah.swni.org Here’s the latest on a few timely issues.

The Race to Displace: Diversity in housing types is what makes Multnomah livable to a wide swath of socio-economic groups. The Middle Housing lawsuit is waiting to be heard by the Oregon Supreme Court. If successful, we would prevent the City from converting all single-family lots to multi-unit dwellings. If we lose, we could be surrounded by big box apartments/condo complexes. We would lose our tree canopy and the streets would be crammed with vehicles. (swni.org/multnomah/land-use/middle-housing)

Arts for All: Securing the Multnomah Arts Center on the National Registry of Historic Places acknowledges the value of the building’s architecture and honors the tradition of community activities that have made it the heart of the Village for over a hundred years. Let us know if you’re interested in helping advocate for adequate and sustained funding to support its

continued use as a public meeting place.

Life in the Fast Lane: The proposed light rail project on Barbur Boulevard will upzone and displace thousands of single-family homes in and around the Barbur transit center. Now is the time to speak up. What is decided today will affect us for decades. More info: swni.org/multnomah/transportation

Summer Reading?? From legal briefs to stormwater manuals, go here for the best sellers. multnomah.swni.org

Join us at our August 11, virtual meeting, 7-9pm. See our website for the Zoom lilnk and dial-in number.

May we all enjoy the long days of summer with peace and good health.

Written by Maria Thi Mai, President

Next Board Meeting: Tuesday, August 4, 6pm Next General Meeting: Tuesday, August 11, 7pm

Virtual Meetings, see swni.org/calendar Maria Thi Mai, multnomah-president@swni.org

multnomah.swni.org

Multnomah

Summer bounty of fresh produce in the city. Photos by: Maria Thi Mai

8 AUGUST 2020 Neighborhood Association Reports

On July 9th, South Burlingame Neighborhood Association (SBNA) held a virtual board meeting using video conferencing. Other than normal business, we elected new board officers.

First, I’d like to thank the outgoing officers. Thank you Lynn Pearson, for your years of service being our Treasurer. We appreciate your time and dedication to helping our neighborhood association.

The 2020-2021 officers are as follows: Shannon Hiller-Webb is moving from the Vice President to President; Robert Lennox is moving from President to Vice President; Carol Porto is moving from Secretary to Treasurer; and Diane Victoria is now our Secretary.

We also appointed our neighborhood representatives to Southwest Neighborhood Inc. (SWNI) committees. We now have representatives for Equity and Inclusion, Land Use, Parks,

and Transportation. We still have opportunities for representatives to SWNI committees for Public Safety, Schools, and Watershed. If you are interested in representing, or know anyone in our neighborhood who would like to represent us at one of these committees, please reach out to our President. Contact information is on our neighborhood landing page at sburlingame.swni.org.

Next month, we usually don’t meet due to Neighborhood Night Out being in August, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Neighborhood Night Out has been canceled.

We’ll look forward to our next meeting, which will most likely be a virtual meeting. It will be on Thursday, September 10th from 7-8 pm via video conferencing. We’ll post specifics on how to attend the virtual meeting on our neighborhood page at sburlingame.swni.org.

South BurlingameNext Board Meeting: Thursday, September 10, 7pm

Virtual Meeting instructions will be posted on sburlingame.swni.org Shannon Hiller-Webb, sbna-president@swni.org

sburlingame.swni.org

What’s Happening in the "SPBA" southportlandba.com

Best Friends Veterinary Medical Center is offering One FREE Exam for first time clients. They are open Mon – Friday 8am – 6pm and Saturday 9am – 2pm. Call 503.892.6387 or visit bfvmc.com to schedule your appointment for your furry friends.

Ross Island Grocery Store and Café has extended their hours for outdoor seating & pickup. Mon - Friday 8am – 8pm, Sat 8am – 7 pm and Sunday 8am – 5pm. Call 503.227.4531 to place orders. Jennifer and her friendly staff are looking forward to serving you!

Bill and his wife, Linda and their fine staff at the Pet Loft are open daily Mon – Fri 9 am – 7pm and Sat & Sun 9 am – 6 pm to help you feed and care for your pet family members. Currently no children or pets are allowed inside, respecting social distance & safety. They are providing curb-side pickup for those whom prefer. Call the store at 503.244.9538 or email to: info@

petloft.net Please be sure and include your phone number in any email orders.

If you’ve missed Malea & The Tourists Live Stream Videos, you can still view via facebook.com/musicbymalea or and visit the band's Facebook page. They hope to continue their Live Stream performances until the opportunity provides them gigs, events, weddings, etc. respecting safe distances. Questions: visit: maleamusic@comcast.net or musicbymalea.com

The SPBA is continuing to work on their Annual Membership Drive as businesses are starting to get a bit more on track. If you’re interested in learning more or becoming a member, please contact Pam Lemire; Executive Director at info@southportlandba.com

Enjoy these Hot Summer Days!~ MaleaSPBA Board Member/ Event Chair/

Secretary

South Portland Business Association

The South Portland Neighborhood Association (SPNA) invites anyone interested in attending our Zoom board meeting on Wednesday, August 5, 7pm to contact me at: president@southportlandna.org at least two days prior to the board meeting (August 3, end of day) so that we have time to email you a Zoom ID #, password and link. We ask that you not share the link to limit Zoom bombing. All residents, owners of businesses, one representative per non profit and/or other eligible members of our three districts (South Waterfront, Lair Hill and John’s Landing) are eligible to attend. Our August 5 Board meeting will include donated Board training

by SWNI Executive Director, Sylvia Bogert. All members are welcome. Thank you in advance for taking an interest in our neighborhood of South Portland! We look forward to seeing you August 5 and working with you to improve our neighborhood.

Please see below the South Portland NA Board resolution on Police Reform within the Portland Police Bureau. This resolution received unanimous support at our board meeting on July 1, 2020.

Warm regards, Michael Kaplan, SPNA president

Next Meeting: Wednesday, August 5, 7pm via Zoom Please contact Michael Kaplan for the Zoom link prior to July 1

Michael Kaplan, president@southportlandna.org southportlandna.org

South Portland

South Portland Neighborhood Association (SPNA) Resolution on Police Reform Within the Portland Police Bureau (PPB):

Whereas, law enforcement officers who risk their lives each day to ensure our safety deserve the respect and appreciation of all Americans.

Whereas, we reaffirm our respect and appreciation for law enforcement, we must acknowledge the long-standing structural injustices, particularly concerning race, that plague too much of our society including our criminal justice system.

Whereas, in light of the most recent videotaped images of violent and lethal use of force by police officials against an unarmed, handcuffed African American man.

Whereas, Oregon’s history of arbitrators overturning police discipline goes back decades, setting precedents for reinstatement of fired officers.

Therefore, we the South Portland Neighborhood Association (SPNA) call for and support local legislation that would reform the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) and work to end police brutality and structural racism in our community.

We call for immediate, concerted steps to end the unwarranted or excessive and often illegal use of force against civilians by PPB, and the implementation of concrete conduct remedial steps such as:

• Banning strangling chokeholds• Banning no-knock warrants• Requiring de-escalation• Requiring warnings before shooting• Exhausting all other means before shooting• Stopping shootings at moving vehicles• Changing reporting systems for use of force incidents• Amending the federal “Qualified Immunity” standard designed to protect

a governmental official (e.g., police officer) from lawsuits alleging violations of a plaintiff's rights.• Amending any program that allows officers for the rehiring of officers

who have been terminated for cause.• Requiring comprehensive reporting• Requiring officers to intervene when they witness misconduct• Improved training to address police systemic racism• Invest in community programs to address mental health and drug

treatment issues, rather than increased spending on police enforcement

The basic principles set forth above are being endorsed as an “at minimum” approach to ensuring and promoting the proper role of law enforcement officials and accountability, as well as, other persons, such as judges, prosecutors, lawyers, members of the city council and state legislature.

YOUR SOUTH PORTLAND NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION:WORKING TOGETHER FOR A SAFE, WELCOMING,

AND VIBRANT COMMUNITYRoss Island Grocery Store and Café has extended their hours for

outdoor seating & pickup.

AUGUST 2020 9Neighborhood Association Reports

Next SWHRL meeting: Probably Wednesday, August 12, 7-8:30 (via Zoom)

Details TBA on our webpage. No August picnic this year due to park closures.

To attend, RSVP to contact@swhrl.org. Anyone may attend a Board meeting. Let us know ahead of time if you have any issues you'd like the Board to address. We’ll continue our conversation on how neighbors are experiencing racism and other discrimination, and how we might help.

Our July 14, 2020 Zoom virtual Board meeting included: • Powerful testimony from SWHRL

neighbor Kevin Rhea (pictured right) on how he as a Black man regularly experiences racism. Shocking and saddening. See SWHRL website for our anti-racism statement and a post from Rhea. swhrl.org We want to continue and broaden the conversation with others experiencing discrimination in our community. Contact SWHRL if you want to share

your stories. We’ll talk more at our August meeting (probably via Zoom).

• Status of Community Engagement Allocation Program (CEAP) funds that SWHRL has been hoping to use for hunger relief.

• TriMet presentation on the SW Corridor light rail project, pending funding from Metro proposed bond this year. If approved, federal funding would match for 50/50.

• Discussion of doing a neighborhood survey: Who are we, what is the character of the neighborhood, where do we see ourselves going, what do residents need…Ideas?

Land Use Issues (check website for more):• Tangent Village: Still awaiting

final approval of the Respondent’s Record from LUBA (could be any time); after that, SWHRL has 21 days to present our arguments as to why the City erred in granting development approval without safe frontage improvements on Broadway Drive.• 2055-57 & 2061 SW Park Ave -

Several Victorian-era houses to be replaced by 11-story, 89-unit tower of affordable housing - apparently with no on-site parking. While affordable housing is welcomed, we have concerns over the flood of vehicles this project may produce in an already-packed area, as well as the effect the extra vehicles will have on local pedestrian safety. Other concerns: that an 11 story building is out of context, and the loss of these older Victorian-era structures which contribute to neighborhood character. • 1990 SW Mill St Terrace –

proposed deck project that blocks historic ROW (right-of-way) houses.

SWHRL Land Use Chair responded to BDS with our concerns about further blockage of a historic ROW (steps from Vista Ave that used to connect to Goose Hollow). SWHRL insists this vital connection should be restored, not further compromised.• SWHRL recently distributed over

150 surveys to residents along the entirety of SW Broadway Drive, from SW Sherman to SW Vista. If you have one, please send it in - your concerns and ideas about your street are vital to us when pressing the City to make it safer for residents and for all who use this vital connection to downtown. If you didn’t get one or have misplaced it, please let us know at contact@SWHRL.org and we will send a replacement.• Residential Infill Project - City

Council appears on track to approve RIP in August, including an amendment approved July 9 to allow up to six units on some lots if at least three units meet affordability requirements. This rule and most others in RIP will apply to many areas of SWHRL east of Council Crest, including the "Ainsworth Grid.” SWHRL believes infill must be accompanied by improved access to transit, and pedestrian + cyclist safety improvements. portland.gov/bps/rip

Southwest Hills Residential LeagueNext Board Meeting: Wednesday, August 12, 7-8:30pm

Location: Zoom meeting, see SWHRL web page for information John Neumann, Vice President, contact@swhrl.org, 503-224-3840

swhrl.org

Dear WPPNA, hope this hot summer is brining you joy and wonderful heat! Please make sure to stay hydrated and use sunscreen! Send me pictures of you in your sunglasses!

We are not meeting in August and we canceled our West Portland Park Neighborhood Picnic idea due to COVID-19 restrictions. Stay tuned for more information about our upcoming elections in the fall!

I am pleased to share that Lydia Poole, a rising leader in Portland

Public Schools with a track record of unifying staff, will be the next Principal at Markham Elementary School.

She will succeed Shawn Garnett, who is retiring after 30 years in PPS, including the last nine as Markham Principal. We thank Shawn for her service and dedication and wish her all the best.

For the last three years, Lydia has served as assistant principal at Scott Elementary School, helping lead its conversion from a K-8 campus. She

collaborated to write the school’s mission, vision and core values and led its school climate committee in teaching values we hold most dear by conducting school-wide assemblies.

Lydia earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Cascade College, and a Master of Education from Warner Pacific College. She obtained her Initial and Continuing Administrator Licensures from Portland State University.

Please join me in welcoming Principal Poole to Markham.

Respectfully, Javier

Next Meeting: TBA Javier Moncada, wppna-president@swni.org

wpp.swni.org

West Portland Park

“Kevin Rhea and Friend”

“Many of these ‘We Believe’ signs from Signs of Justice are popping up around the neighborhood.”

Lydia Poole Principal, Markham Elementary

10 AUGUST 2020 Committees

Chair Mike Linman parks-chair@swni.org

swni.org/parks

At the end of June, Mayor Ted Wheeler and PP&R Director Adena Long sent a letter to the public about the state of our Parks. Due to financial difficulties created by the COVID-19 pandemic, PP&R states that they will be “likely unable to open pools and community centers, or offer classes, camps, and swimming lessons in Summer 2021 and beyond.” They will be referring a temporary operating levy to the November 2020 ballot. If the levy passes, they intend to use that funding to: -Center equity in the delivery of programs and services - Restart recreation to open pools, community centers, classes, and camps for summer 2021 and end the dependence on fees so cost is no longer a barrier to community members - Improve access for all Portlanders by making our parks cleaner, safer, and more welcoming - Grow nature by restoring natural areas, planting more trees, and taking better care of trees in our neighborhood parks

Portland Parks and Recreation wants to hear from your thoughts. Email them at parksdirector@portlandoregon.gov.

The SWNI Parks and Community Center Committee is very concerned about the present and long term health of Portland Parks and Recreation. Members have attended City budget meetings and written support letters. We believe Parks & Recreation is doing its best to cope with the COVID-19, the loss of revenue, programs and staff. Here are

some suggestions that we have for going forward: 1. Involve community members for support, emphasizing the importance of Parks & Recreation to the City, as Director Adena Long has documented. Transition to a stable funding source and reduce fees to allow greater accessibility for residents. 2. Work with the community on innovative approaches to programming and care of our parks. Include effective training for volunteers and friends groups. Employ innovative outreach techniques. 3. Make investments in parks infrastructure that will support jobs and ways of sustaining ongoing operating costs. Include parks in creating equitable neighborhood improvements. 4. Collaborate with, and grow partnerships with philanthropic organizations and school districts to maximize resources and reach out to residents. Use parks for educational activities. 5. Encourage cooperation among the City Bureaus to support Parks & Recreation locations and programs.

As committed community volunteers, we continue to work for thriving and equitable neighborhoods. Parks and Recreation is an important key to the health of the people of Portland.

Next Meeting: Thursday, Aug 6th, 7pm Virtual Meeting See SWNI Calendar for info swni.org/calendar

Chair Gary Rundeland-use-chair@swni.org

swni.org/land_use

I hope that all of our SWNI neighbors and neighborhoods have been resourceful in finding all kinds of ways to stay active and engaged during the summer months despite the limitations required due to COVID-19. It has been a very busy June & July in the Land Use department. The Residential Infill Project had several Public Hearings with public testimony submissions in person and in writing. We went into June with twelve proposed Amendments to the Project, and came out with seven that were debated at further City Council meetings, the last being July 9th. Below is the description of the amendments directly from the BPS website for RIP:

"What’s in the amendments?The first four amendments

are technical in nature. They include aligning the project with previously approved projects and correcting minor inconsistencies, responding to two recently passed state laws (HB2001 and SB534), and streamlining a process for reconfiguring old subdivision platted lots. The fifth amendment was withdrawn and replaced by changes to PBOT’s Local Transportation Improvement Charge (LTIC), which were adopted in a separate but parallel track.

Deeper affordability bonus and historic buildings garner most testimony.

Amendment 6, also known as the “deeper affordability bonus” amendment and Amendment 7, the “historic resources demolition disincentive” received most of the

amendment testimony."I have underscored Amendment

Number Five as it was one of the Project amendments that had the most support from the SWNI LUC and the position was supported by the SWNI Board as well. Amendment Number Five had full backing of the Rulemaking Advisory Committee in Salem, commissioned to hammer out the details of HB2001 and SB534 Legislation passed last June 2019. It was all about defining Constrained Resources or Constrained Lands where deeper housing infill (anything more than a duplex or residence+ADU) would not be permitted in legacy single-family dwelling residential zones.

All of the amendments were approved by the City Council. RIP Project Team will incorporate into the updated Draft Document, with a first reading of the Final Draft at City Council on Aug 5th, and a final reading and vote for final approval and adoption as early as August 12th. Please note that RIP did not address our R10 and R20 Residential Zones. That has to be finalized around August 2021 to stay in line with the HB2001 / SB534 Rulemaking Timeline. We hope all parties use valuable learnings from this first phase of RIP for the remaining project work.

Next Meeting: Tuesday Aug 18 6:30 pm Virtual Meeting See SWNI Calendar for info swni.org/calendar

A monthly snapshot of land use planning work going on in your neighborhoods. Please visit the project website and contact project staff with any questions.

Design Overlay Zone Amendments Project (DOZA) What: Updating and improving both the process and tools used within the design overlay zone.Status: Staff released the Proposed Draft on Sept. 16, 2019. A joint public hearing with the PSC and Design Commission was held on Oct. 22. Opportunities for submitting public testimony ended on Nov. 15. Next opportunity to engage: The two commissions will continue to hold work sessions on the staff proposal through July 2020 before making their recommendations. The PSC held virtual work sessions on April 28 and June 9 and was expected to make a recommendation for the zoning code on July 14. The Design Commission held a work session on June 4 and made their final recommendation on the guidelines on June 18. The Recommended Draft is anticipated to be released in late Summer 2020, followed by a City Council hearing before adoption. Contact: Phil Nameny, 503-823-7709, Phil.Nameny@portlandoregon.gov

Residential Infill Project (RIP)

What: Updating the rules that shape Portland’s residential neighborhoods, so more people can live in them, while limiting the construction of very large new houses. Status: On June 3, City Council held a virtual public hearing on proposed amendments to RIP, which was continued to June 18. Nearly 100 people signed up to testify, and nearly 300 written comments were received over the course of the four-month open record period on the proposed amendments. You can view the June 3 and June 18 Council hearings online. Next opportunity to engage: The record for testimony has closed. Council returned on July 9. to discuss and vote on the proposed amendments. Council will reconvene in August to consider and vote on the entire RIP package. Please check the RIP website and/or the Council calendar to confirm dates and times of these meetings. Contact: Morgan Tracy, 503-823-6879, Morgan.Tracy@portlandoregon.gov

River Plan / South Reach What: Developing an updated vision and implementing maps, code and action items for the southern part of the Willamette River, as well as Natural Resources and Scenic Resources protection plans. Status: Project staff released a Proposed Draft for public review on

Jan. 14. Public hearings were held on Feb. 25 and June 23. PSC work sessions were held on March 10, May 12 and 26, and June 23. The PSC voted to transmit the Proposed Draft as amended by the PSC to City Council for a public hearing. Next opportunity to engage: On July 16 the Design Commission held an online public hearing on design recommendations for South Portland / Macadam Plan District area, including a Macadam Character Statement. City Council will hold a public hearing on the River Plan / South Reach Recommended Draft on Aug. 27. Learn more on the project webpage. Contact: Debbie Bischoff, 503-823-6946, Debbie.Bischoff@portlandoregon.gov

South Portland Area Planning What: Working with PBOT and community members to develop land use, circulation and urban design plans around the Ross Island Bridgehead in South Portland, and featuring a Naito Main Street Plan. This effort is part of BPS’s Southwest Corridor Inclusive Communities Project. Status: The project is partially on hold while PBOT recalibrates their project scope and timeline, including a final community engagement event. BPS is now scoping the range of land use and map changes to be recommended in the plan. An existing conditions report was published in March and includes an addendum summarizing major infrastructure projects in the study area. BPS and

PBOT have a series of meetings with NUNM to discuss implications for their campus master plan. BPS has identified the range of land use changes to be recommended in the plan. After community engagement is restarted, two development concepts for the Ross Island Bridgehead opportunity sites will be refined and a racial equity analysis of the project will be led by BPS. Now seeking TAC member participation. Next opportunity to engage: Next open house is TBD. Check the project calendar for updates. Contact: Kevin Bond, 503-823-1112, Kevin.Bond@portlandoregon.gov

South Portland Historic District Design Guidelines What: New approval criteria for alterations, additions and new construction in the South Portland Historic District Status: A Community Advisory Group (CAG) is meeting monthly to guide development of the draft approval criteria. Next opportunity to engage: CAG meetings are open to the public, with time reserved for public comments at every meeting. The next CAG meeting will be held late summer 2020 via Zoom.

Contact: Brandon Spencer-Hartle, 503-823-4641, Brandon.Spencer@portlandoregon.gov

Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) Update

AUGUST 2020 11Committees

Equity and InclusionChair: TBD

equity-chair@swni.org swni.org/equity

The Equity & Inclusion Committee will meet in August to continue discussing priorities for the coming year, including recommendations to fill the open committee Chair position.

Patty McMahon, Co-Chair for the SWNI Schools Committee has asked to attend the August meeting and discuss a possible partnership project with the SWNI Equity & Inclusion Committee and Portland Public Schools, Robert Gray Middle School, Jackson Middle School, and hopefully Wilson High School on a racial justice project. The project idea was submitted for grant funding through SWNI's Community Engagement Allocation Program.

The SWNI Schools Committee would like to support the effort towards obtaining training through the Anti-Defamation League's No Place for Hate Training. The ADL’s Education Department provides educational programs, training and resources for grades Pre K-12 and college/

university settings. Their anti-bias and bullying prevention programs assist educators and students in understanding and challenging bias and building ally behaviors. Their work in confronting racial discrimination empowers young people with constructive responses to combat anti-Semitism and hate speech targeting multiple oppressed groups and individuals.Next Meeting:

Monday Aug 24th, 7pm Virtual Meeting See SWNI Calendar for info swni.org/calendar

Co-Chairs: Patty McMahon & Sandi Ragnetti

schools-chair@swni.org swni.org/schools

"Every single day affords us opportunities to inspire our students. Once a student has that 'aha' moment, a light goes on and a hunger for learning takes hold.

"We as a community must foster and promote a collective vision for public education so that every student -- regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic situation, special need or ability -- has access and opportunity to spark his or her unique spark, and to build the knowledge and skills to achieve their goals.

"We owe our students this." -- Guadalupe Guerrero,

Superintendent, Portland Public Schools

Fall 2020Plans for opening schools in Fall

2020 are still evolving. The schools’ opening might include in-person learning, virtual learning, or a combination of both. Regardless of how schools open, online learning would be a part of every student’s learning experience. Continuing to offer meals and other primary supports, like technology tools, is also planned.

The Schools Committee, through its 2020 SWNI grant “Coding Initiative”, works to support PPS’s effort that all kids, regardless of their economic situation, get access to computers and other technology.

The PPS website – www.pps.net

-- is a useful source for updated information on happenings in the district. While there, check out the Coronavirus Resources, which include urgent resources for families (food, childcare, health care, mental health/safety) and information/help on homebased distance learning.

PPS Plan for renaming its buildings and other spaces

Portland Public Schools released a five-phase plan that lays out a procedure for renaming its buildings and other spaces. Among the phases is a review and study of renaming Wilson High School. WHS Principal Filip Hristic is setting up a committee to consider a new name for WHS, however there will be opportunities for participation by community members not on the committee.

The Schools Committee is updating its 2020-2021 SWNI Schools Action Plan. We are looking at how our committee can best serve the SW Community going forward, allowing us to focus our actions.

Next Meeting: Thursday, Sept 17th, 2020*. Multnomah Art Center, 7688 SW Capitol Hwy. Portland 97219

*This may be a virtual meeting See SWNI Calendar for info swni.org/calendar

Chair: Katherine Christensen transportation-chair@swni.org

swni.org/transportation

Watershed CommitteeChair: Murphy Terrell

watershed-chair@swni.org swni.org/watershed_committee

SPOTLIGHT on..Fire in the Watershed

This time of year we are getting ready for fire. You think it can't happen in the City, but there was a fire on Sauvie Island last week. OK Not exactly in SW, but not a dry area either.

Fire is natural and Native Americans used it to control forests and meadows for rejuvenation of usable lands. But we don't want fire in our backyards.

We remember the devastating Eagle Creek fire just a few years ago. Set off by mistake. Not paying attention. Last year there were roadside fires along I5 and other open areas. A cigarette, a spark, arson. All these sources can set a fire. And we've seen sparks travel.

The watershed suffered greatly from erosion, fouling fish habitat, muddying bird nesting areas and flushing acid into the ocean.

Governor Brown has listed an urban fire ban including fireworks, camping, backyard burning and fire pits. BBQ and grilling are OK for now (Whew!)

So, as a reminder, please be careful with fire, especially this time of year.

Keep a hose handy and don't walk away until you can put your hand in the fire.

From the Multnomah County Library Watershed

The Undamming of AmericaGrossman, Elizabeth

Our website link: swni.org/watershed_committee

Westside Watershed Resource Center: swni.org/watershed

Plant Swap link: nativeplantswap.org

Plant swap is a bit thread bare just now. Have you any natives to contribute?

Next Meeting: Thursday, Aug 20th 7pm Virtual Meeting See SWNI Calendar for info swni.org/calendar

July’s SWNI Transportation Committee meeting was attended by Portland Bureau of Transportation’s (PBOT) Nick Falbo who is the lead on Southwest In Motion (SWIM) project implementation. SWIM projects were identified by the community to meet bicycle and pedestrian needs through near term, lower cost projects in critical locations that can bridge the gap while funding for longer term, more costly infrastructure projects can be scheduled. Mr. Falbo gave an update on which projects have now been completed, which are on deck and/or pushed out, and most importantly, how the scope of some projects may need to change to meet new budget restrictions. As these projects are throughout SW Portland, much of our time was focused on making sure they continue to be as effective as possible, especially given the increase in pedestrian and bicycle use during the recent months of the pandemic as well as issues of increased speeding with the associated decrease in vehicular traffic.

Mr. Falbo was also able to speak to the Slow Streets program which has transformed most of our established Neighborhood Greenways into Local Access Only streets. providing greater safety for cyclists and pedestrians. PBOT is working to expand the scope of the Slow Streets program to other streets not currently designated as Neighborhood Greenways and, given the relatively few in SW Portland is something we’re looking forward to contributing to. We were also able to give feedback on how the current Slow Streets were being utilized and how they could be improved given the heightened use and continued need for social distancing.

The committee was able to dedicate some time to a deeper discussion about the unique aspects of the policing of transportation in SW Portland given the few number of

officers stationed in our area. Based on this, we decided to continue the conversation in a breakout group and invite some knowledgeable guests to help strengthen the discussion. This group will meet prior to our next SWNI Transportation Committee meeting (date to be decided) and may recommend a motion or statement for the larger committee to discuss/adopt. If you are interested in attending this discussion, contact John Tappero at SWNI.

Other projects we are currently watching closely: PBOT is delaying the intersection improvements at SW Multnomah Blvd and SW Garden Home Rd due to the restructuring of funding; the Capital Hwy project from Multnomah Village to Taylors Ferry Rd is looking at being phased with the sidewalks coming later in the timeline; and transportation components of the West Portland Town Center (WPTC).

Next Meeting: Monday, Aug 17th, 7pm Virtual Meeting See SWNI Calendar for info swni.org/calendar

12 AUGUST 2020

New research from New American Economy shows immigrants play a critical role as job creators, making up 32.9 percent of business owners in Hospitality and 20.9 percent of business owners in General Services in Portland.

Portland, OR – New research from New American Economy (NAE) released today in partnership with the City of Portland, highlights how immigrants are both essential to Portland’s rapid response efforts and especially vulnerable due to gaps in our federal relief package, barriers in language access, and increased risks of infection associated with frontline and essential work.

Key findings from this report include:

Immigrants serve in essential industries and carry out vital roles that keep Portland, and the country, functioning but put them at higher risk of infection. Despite making up just 13.5 percent of the city’s residents in 2018, immigrants comprise more than 21.1 percent of all Restaurant and Food Service workers and 20.1 percent of all Transportation and Warehouse workers in Portland.

Immigrants play an important role in Portland as job creators but face significant economic challenges stemming from the economic shutdown. Immigrants make up 32.9 percent of business owners in Hospitality, 20.9 percent of business owners in General Services and 16.4 percent of business owners in Healthcare.

Culturally sensitive and language accessible emergency materials are in demand. In 2018, over 28 percent of immigrants, or 24,510, living in Portland had limited English language proficiency. Among them, the top five languages spoken at home other than English were: Spanish (32 percent), Vietnamese (21.3 percent), Chinese (13.7 percent), Russian (8.8 percent), and Ukrainian and related (3.3 percent).

Access to healthcare and medical services remains critical for all Portland residents during this pandemic. In 2018, 44,101 Portland residents were without insurance, over 28 percent of which were immigrants.

The City of Portland is one of twelve communities that received NAE research to inform culturally sensitive emergency response measures that ensure all residents are included, regardless of immigration status. Portland’s customized research report highlights the demographic nuances of the city’s immigrant population and will inform the advocacy, development, and implementation of inclusive local emergency responses.

“The immigrant population is essential to keeping Portland running, yet especially vulnerable to gaps in our social safety nets,” said Mo Kantner, Director of State and Local Initiatives at New American Economy.

“This new NAE research will support efforts by local communities to work quickly and innovatively to fill critical gaps in federal programs and ensure that response and recovery efforts reach all residents.”

“The COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated how vital it is to share culturally-specific communications in a timely manner—we need every Portlander to have access to life-saving information and social support,” said Commissioner Chloe Eudaly.“This New American Economy research will support our efforts to effectively reach Portland’s immigrant communities and to address gaps in federal programs.”

“Oregon’s immigrant and refugee population contributes significantly to our state’s culture and economy.” Said Touk Keo, the City of Portland’s Immigrant & Refugee Supervisor.

“The research provided by NAE will help us to build strong a case for how the City of Portland can continue to work with these communities, provide them with valuable resources, and support their growth, especially during our national health crisis.”

The full research report can be accessed here in the following languages: English, Arabic, Japanese, Lao, Romanian, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Somali, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.

About New American Economy

New American Economy (NAE) is a bipartisan research and advocacy organization founded to educate, empower and support policymakers, influencers, and citizens across the country that see the economic and social benefits of a smart approach to immigration reform. NAE has created a coalition of civic, business, and cultural leaders who span the political spectrum and represent all 50 states. NAE makes the case for smart immigration reform in four ways: 1) we use powerful research to demonstrate how immigration impacts our economy, 2) we organize champions at the grassroots and influencer levels to build support for immigration, 3) we partner with state and local leaders to advocate for policies that recognize the value immigrants add locally, and 4) we show immigrant contributions to American culture through film, food, art, sports, comedy, and more.

Visit www.newamericaneconomy.org to learn more.

Perla SitcovCommunications Coordinator |

Communications

Public Safety

The SWNI Public Safety Committee's August 6th meeting agenda will include a presentation by Don Merrill who is starting a non-profit called CNBSeen. Its purpose is to reduce the number of police stops for burnt outcar lights by replacing those lights for free. The first event is planned for January 2021. Mr. Merrill explains his intention is, "to eliminate the number of fatal encounters between Portland police and people of color because of these kinds of stops... Some neighborhoods have higher concentrations of people of color than others. [He] hope[s] to select neighborhoods for bulb replacement events based on US Census data and the Stops Data Collection report which is compiled quarterly by the Portland Police Bureau... [He'll] compare stops data from similar quarters at the beginning of 2022 to see if numbers have changed."

In other news, the COVID-19 crisis has created opportunity for scammers.

From the National Center on Law & Elder Rights: Older adults are frequently targeted by individuals promoting fake vaccines, COVID-19 cures, bogus stimulus payments, and other fraudulent schemes and scams. Most scams go unreported and older adults may lose a significant amount of income and assets. A webcast will provide an overview of the frauds and scams aimed at older adults, discuss legal protections, and provide resources to aid older adults defrauded by the individuals

and businesses that promote these scams. The training will also focus on efforts by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to prevent older adults from falling victim to these scams, and provide information on addressing financial distress and avoiding foreclosure. A recording of the July 22, 2020 live event is available at ncler.acl.gov.

Additionally, many Southwest Portland residents report text messages and phone calls from a very convincing someone purporting to be with PGE, and sometimes spoofing PGE's phone number, claiming residents have delinquent accounts. The details provided by the caller can vary, but the common thread is a threat to disconnect service within an hour unless payment is made in accordance with the caller's instructions. PGE will NOT give you a one hour disconnection notice. If you receive a call like this and have concerns about an impending service cut off, hang up and dial PGE directly. Never give out your personal identification information (name, address, bank or credit card information) unless you have initiated the call to the verified phone number on your billing statement.

Next Meeting: Thursday, August 6, 7pm Virtual meeting See SWNI Calendar for info swni.org/calendar

Public Safety CommitteeChair Kimberlyn Silverman

safety@swni.org swni.org/public_safety

Portland uses new research to inform immigrant-inclusive COVID-19 relief measures

A state mandate that residents wear face coverings in certain public indoor spaces went into effect June 24, in seven Oregon counties including Multnomah. The mandate requires employees and customers at area businesses wear a face covering unless an accommodation is required or certain other conditions apply.

Evolving science shows a face covering that fits well and is made out of certain types and combinations of fabric can offer good protection from COVID-19 to the wearer and to those nearby.

Multnomah County is strongly encouraging residents who can adhere to the governor’s mandate to wear face coverings in public indoor spaces. We also recommend face coverings when interacting with friends and family who do not share a household.

That said, some people should not wear a face covering or don’t feel safe doing so. People who have trouble breathing shouldn’t wear a face covering. Young children shouldn’t wear a face covering. Anyone who cannot easily take off a face covering on their own should not wear one.

There is also legitimate safety concern among some of our communities of color related to wearing face covering. Racist reactions to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color wearing face coverings is a reality. The County will not act in a way that may prompt over-policing or shaming of individuals.

For those reasons, Multnomah County will not enforce the state’s face covering mandate. Instead the County is taking steps to make face coverings available to those most at risk. It is prioritizing donations of face coverings to community groups that serve essential workers, older adults and communities of color.

Businesses are urged to make face coverings available to staff and to customers, free or at very low cost.

We should not make assumptions about why a person may or may not wear a face covering. Please be kind, avoid judging or policing. Instead, those who can should wear a face covering and maintain physical distance. In that way, it protects you and the person who may not wear one.

State’s face covering mandate in effect

State mandate requires employees and customers to wear face coverings at local businesses

AUGUST 2020 13Watershed Resource CenterWestside Watershed Resource CenterErik Horngren, Manager503-823-2862 or watershed@swni.org Contact the WRC to sign up for our monthly email newsletter, the Westside Watershed News.Visit us at: swni.org/watershed facebook.com/sw.wrc instagram: watershedresourcecenterThe Westside Watershed Resource Center inspires awareness and action on behalf of watershed health in Portland. We work through a partnership between Southwest Neighborhoods, Inc., and the City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services.

Watershed 101 workshops

When water falls near you, where does it go? Why does what you do matter? What do weeds have to do with fish?

If you have a group of about a dozen friends or neighbors, and are interested in learning and volunteering from home by stewarding your slice of the watershed, reach out to us! Tryon Creek Watershed Council (TCWC) is now offering our Watershed 101 Workshop adapted online. We can cater the presentation to your groups’ age group and interests, and provide specific guidance on restoration work. It’s a win-win - your time spent stewarding your backyard can count as volunteering for TCWC!

Topic options include:• Virtual/photographic tour of

Tryon Creek watershed• Native and invasive plants

• Impervious and pervious surfaces• Rainwater/stormwater• Fish passage barriers• Pollinators• Urban watersheds and water

temperature• Soil health/science

• Green infrastructure• Best practices for stewardship

We’ll share about watersheds, deepen your sense of place, and go over some ways to

make a difference in nature near

you. Email alexis@tryoncreek.org

if you’re interested in learning more about the

workshop opportunity!Thank you to the City of Portland's

Bureau of Environmental Services' Community Watershed Stewardship Program for funding these workshops!

Events are back! In addition to the activities listed below, check out the Portland Parks & Recreation Stewardship Calendar (portland.gov/parks/nature/events) for updates on events taking place throughout the City.

Westside Watershed Events

Summer tips for clean waterWater might not be falling from

the sky right now, but we still have plenty of reasons to use it in our daily lives. While watering gardens, washing cars, or cleaning outdoor spaces, it's important to be mindful of where this water travels once we're done using it, and what it might be carrying with it.

We've all seen it, a sprinkler watering more concrete or asphalt than vegetation. In addition to being a waste of water, this can pull pollution from roads and sidewalks into storm drains where it will eventually enter the nearest body of water. Fortunately, this issue has a simple solution.

Most sprinkler heads can be easily adjusted for positioning toward the areas that really need water. Changing water pressure can also prevent sprinklers from overshooting vegetated spaces and accidentally watering hard surfaces. For more sprinkler and irrigation tips, check out epa.gov/watersense/watering-tips or savingwater.org/lawn-garden/watering-irrigation

Washing a car at home can result in a lot of water in the street. To minimize the potential of this water running off into a storm drain, try

washing your car over a porous surface (like grass or gravel) if you have access to one.

A commercial car wash can also be a good option, as many will use less water than you would need to do a wash at home, and some even recycle their water so that it can be used for multiple washes. Find some additional car wash water saving and pollution prevention tips at tinyurl.com/car-wash-tips

Pressure washing is a great way to get tough dirt off of hard-to-clean surfaces. But all that grime has to go somewhere, and can potentially wind up in storm drains and eventually enter our rivers and streams if we aren't careful.

When hosing off things like tables or chairs, try cleaning them over a porous surface like lawn or gravel. For things like decks, patios, or driveways, avoid mixing soap or other chemicals with the water, and when possible, try cleaning surfaces by sweeping and then disposing of debris in the trash.

For more tips on how to how to keep our water clean this summer (and all year round) check out tinyurl.com/cleanwatertips

Submitted By Alexis Barton, Tryon Creek Watershed Council Program Coordinator

Learn about the benefits of invasive weed removal and native plantsing at a Watershed 101 workshop. Then try out what you've

learned in your own neighborhood! (photos courtesy of Tryon Creek Watershed Council)

Avoid letting sprinklers runoff onto streets and sidewalks (photo courtesy of Jordan Hopkins on Unsplash)

Friends of Terwilliger8/12, 9am-12pm. Meet in the Terwilliger Parkway for a restoration work party. Go to terwilligerfriends.org for more information.

SOLVEStewardship events are being held at various dates and times throughout Oregon. Go to solveoregon.org/solvecalendar for more info on dates, locations, and activities.

14 AUGUST 2020 Community

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Like many organizations and businesses, the Portland Bureau of Transportation’s (PBOT) revenue has been impacted by COVID-19. Due to the impact, the SW Multnomah Blvd / Garden Home Road Intersection Safety Project has been put on hold until more funding can be secured. Unfortunately, the delay of this project is not unique, as many other PBOT projects across the city have either been rescheduled, delayed, or canceled altogether as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.

With that said, the SW Multnomah Blvd / Garden Home Road Intersection Safety Project is still a

priority here at PBOT. This project seeks to improve the intersection of SW Multnomah Boulevard, Garden Home Road and 69th Avenue to reduce crashes, improve sight distance, address queueing issues, and provide safer, more comfortable pedestrian and bicycle facilities.

As we know more, we will provide updates on this project’s website which can be found at portland.gov/transportation/policy-and-planning/construction/sw-multnomah-blvd-garden-home-road-intersection.

We thank you for your patience and understanding during this public health emergency.

Project Manager: Lisa Patterson503-823-7780Lisa.Patterson@portlandoregon.gov

Project update: SW Multnomah Blvd / Garden Home Road intersection safety project delayed

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The U.S. Census Bureau is sending reminder postcards to an estimated 34.3 million households. This will be the final mailing before census takers begin visiting nonresponding households across the nation in mid-August. Responding now minimizes the need for census takers to visit homes to collect responses in person.

The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the nationwide start of census taker visits from mid-May to mid-August, giving the Census Bureau the chance to send one more reminder to households encouraging them to respond on their own. A select number of areas will be part of the soft launch of the census taker visits as early as mid- and late July. The postcard is one reminder in a series of reminders that the Census Bureau has mailed nonresponding households since mid-March urging them to respond.

The Census Bureau strongly encourages the public to respond online at 2020census.gov.

Households can respond online or by phone in English or 12 other languages. Households can also respond by mail using the paper questionnaire that was mailed in April to most nonresponding addresses. Households can continue to respond on their own until these visits conclude on October 31.

Households that have already responded may disregard the reminder postcard if they receive it. A small number of households that have already responded will receive a census taker visit as part of 2020 Census quality checks.

Census 2020 reminder postcards

AUGUST 2020 15Community

Last month, area nonprofit Neighborhood House got some good news from the State of Oregon; its highly-regarded Head Start Program was selected for a major expansion funded by the Student Success Act. Created by the legislature in 2019, the Student Success Act aims to dramatically increase investment in both K-12 education and early learning.

Neighborhood House’s early learning programs previously served approximately 200 children aged 0-5. The program offers age-appropriate education through home visits with families and in classroom settings, and specializes in serving children from diverse backgrounds. Students speak an impressive 36 different languages at home! Its diverse and highly trained staff provide comprehensive services supporting the entire student and his/her family. Neighborhood House’s skilled education, health, family, inclusion, and nutrition specialist teams provide guidance about child development, family health and wellness, family resiliency skills, and school readiness skills, as well as provide high quality, culturally appropriate meals each day. They also promote positive parenting skills, parent leadership and engagement at all levels.

Neighborhood House’s program expansion is part of a focus across the state on the need for more no-cost or low-cost quality preschool programming for marginalized families so that all children will enter

school ready to learn. The program receives funding from the Portland Children’s Levy, as well as the Oregon Department of Education. The expansion will include the following changes:

• Expand preschool programming from 140 to 153 student slots

• Shift most classroom-based programming to longer days, which allows for more in-depth learning and better supports working families

• Expand infant/toddler center-based programming from 12 to 27 slots

• Expand home visiting programming from 30-36 slots

• Implement a 6-week summer camp for children transitioning from home-based programming to preschool and children transitioning from preschool to kindergarten

• Opening of a new 6-classroom center-based program in NW Portland

“High-quality early education is the very best possible tool in breaking the cycle of poverty. We are honored for this opportunity to both serve more children, and to enhance the quality of our programs.” said Lindsay Wills, Early Childhood Education Program Director.

For more information about Neighborhood House’s Head Start and other early learning programs, please call 503-354-6775 or visit nhpdx.org/early-childhood to enroll.

Neighborhood House Head Start expanding education servicesAgency is awarded state student success act funding The Neighborhood House Senior

Center will remain closed in August due to the coronavirus pandemic but we still are committed to the many seniors in our area who are staying close to home. We continue to offer classes on Zoom, free of charge to anyone age 55+. We held a Foot Clinic in the courtyard outside the Senior Center in July, and will hold another in August. We've also begun distributing publisher’s copies of books from our friends at Annie Bloom’s Books. We deliver books, food boxes or groceries directly to seniors’ homes in the Southwest Portland area. Our transportation program is also providing one-on-one rides. Here’s how to stay connected to our Senior Center:

TRANSPORTATIONIf you live in southwest Portland,

are a senior 60+ or a person with a disability, call Ride Connection at 503-226-0700 for a ride. Our trips are available at no cost to you. Our monthly recreational excursions and Riders’ Club trips are temporarily postponed until further notice, but we are offering Southwest RideAbout Shuttle trips to grocery stores in August. Sign up by calling Ride Connection. We are currently limiting the number of passengers on the shuttle to four or fewer and all drivers and passengers are required to wear face masks unless they have a medical condition or disability that prevents them from wearing a mask. Drivers are unable to carry bags into individuals’ homes and there is a limit of three bags per passenger. The August trips are as follows:August 4: Raleigh Hills Fred Meyer or New SeasonsAugust 11: Walmart, Costco or WinCoAugust 18: Beaverton Fred Meyer or Trader Joe’sAugust 25: Walmart, Costco or WinCo

ZOOM CLASSESOur online Zoom classes can

be found at nhpdx.org/remote-classes-for-seniors or by calling 503-244-5204. If you know of an older adult in your area who might benefit, please spread the word. We continue to add classes to our Zoom lineup. Coming shortly: a Stability Ball class one day a week as well as

a Life Stories class and a support group through Cascadia Behavioral Health. Check our website for more details or call 503-244-5204. Our remote Zoom classes, which are free of charge, include:9 a.m. Mondays: Meditation with Carole Melkonian10:15 a.m. Mondays: Qi Gong with Carole Melkonian10:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays: Rhythmic Chair Exercise with Peggy Frieze2 p.m. Tuesdays: Tai Chi for Better Balance with Catherine Holder3:15 p.m. Tuesdays: Buddhist Meditation and Study with Candle Summers2 p.m. Thursdays: Tai Chi for Better Balance with Jim Dalton10 a.m. Fridays: Yoga with Peggy FriezeNoon Fridays: Chair Fitness with Carrie Craven

BOOKSEach month the Senior Center

receives a new box of publisher’s copies of books, thanks to our friends at Annie Bloom’s Books in Multnomah Village. These books cannot be resold, and are available for any senior to read. We will provide a list of books to those who are interested, and our volunteers may be able to deliver them to your doorstep. Just email nburke@nhpdx.org or call 503-765-8820 to become a part of our book distribution!

FOOT CLINICWe will hold a Foot Clinic in August

outside in the courtyard of the Senior Center at the Multnomah Arts Center. The clinic will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 12, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The 20-minute appointments are available for $35 with a skilled foot-care nurse. To make an appointment, call 503-765-8820.

YARD CAREThe Portland Bentham Lions Club

is volunteering to help our seniors with their yard maintenance and minor repairs. The volunteers will meet at a different senior’s home once a month. If you are a member of the Senior Center and need help with your yard, please call 503-765-8820.

Senior Center 7688 SW Capitol Hwy.

503-244-5204 • 9 am - 3:30 pm, M-F

Multnomah County Library has canceled all events until further notice.

Updates at multcolib.org.

Head Start staff have been providing remote support for students and families since schools closed earlier this year.

Nurse Amanda Morris takes her Foot Care Clinic outside of the Neighborhood House Senior Center in July.

16 AUGUST 2020 Calendar

Please be aware that public meetings are being canceled

or rescheduled for public health and safety, so be

sure to check SWNI's online calendar for meeting updates

and virtual meeting links.

swni.org/calendar

SWNI calendar note

August 2020Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

26 277:00 PM SWNI Equity & In-clusion

28 29 30 31Eid al-Adha

1

2 3 46:00 PM Multnomah Board7:00 PM Maplewood

57:00 PM Hillsdale General Meeting7:00 PM South Portland

67:00 PM SWNI Public Safety7:00 PM SWNI Parks and Community Centers

7 8

9 107:00 PM Ashcreek7:00 PM Hayhurst Execu-tive Committee

116:30 PM Arnold Creek Community Event7:00 PM Multnomah NA General Meeting

129:00 AM Friends of Mar-quam Nature Park work party7:00 PM SWRHL Board

132:00 PM Personal Safety Workshop

14 15Venture in the Village

16Venture in the Village

177:00 PM SWNI Transporta-tion Committee

186:30 PM SWNI Land Use

191:00 PM SWNI Finance2:00 PM SWNI Executive

207:00 PM SWNI Watershed

21 22

23 247:00 PM SWNI Equity & In-clusion

25 267:00 PM SWNI Board

27 28 29Ashura

30 31 16:00 PM Multnomah Board7:00 PM Maplewood7:00 PM Homestead

26:45 PM Hillsdale General Meeting7:00 PM Collins View7:00 PM South Portland

39:00 AM SW Trails work party7:00 PM SWNI Parks and Community Centers7:00 PM SWNI Public Safety

4 5

26 277:00 PM SWNI Equity & In-clusion

28 29 30 31Eid al-Adha

1

2 3 46:00 PM Multnomah Board7:00 PM Maplewood

57:00 PM Hillsdale General Meeting7:00 PM South Portland

67:00 PM SWNI Public Safety7:00 PM SWNI Parks and Community Centers

7 8

9 107:00 PM Ashcreek7:00 PM Hayhurst Execu-tive Committee

116:30 PM Arnold Creek Community Event7:00 PM Multnomah NA General Meeting

129:00 AM Friends of Mar-quam Nature Park work party7:00 PM SWRHL Board

132:00 PM Personal Safety Workshop

14 15Venture in the Village

16Venture in the Village

177:00 PM SWNI Transporta-tion Committee

186:30 PM SWNI Land Use

191:00 PM SWNI Finance2:00 PM SWNI Executive

207:00 PM SWNI Watershed

21 22

23 247:00 PM SWNI Equity & In-clusion

25 267:00 PM SWNI Board

27 28 29Ashura

30 31 16:00 PM Multnomah Board7:00 PM Maplewood7:00 PM Homestead

26:45 PM Hillsdale General Meeting7:00 PM Collins View7:00 PM South Portland

39:00 AM SW Trails work party7:00 PM SWNI Parks and Community Centers7:00 PM SWNI Public Safety

4 5

26 277:00 PM SWNI Equity & In-clusion

28 29 30 31Eid al-Adha

1

2 3 46:00 PM Multnomah Board7:00 PM Maplewood

57:00 PM Hillsdale General Meeting7:00 PM South Portland

67:00 PM SWNI Public Safety7:00 PM SWNI Parks and Community Centers

7 8

9 107:00 PM Ashcreek7:00 PM Hayhurst Execu-tive Committee

116:30 PM Arnold Creek Community Event7:00 PM Multnomah NA General Meeting

129:00 AM Friends of Mar-quam Nature Park work party7:00 PM SWRHL Board

132:00 PM Personal Safety Workshop

14 15Venture in the Village

16Venture in the Village

177:00 PM SWNI Transporta-tion Committee

186:30 PM SWNI Land Use

191:00 PM SWNI Finance2:00 PM SWNI Executive

207:00 PM SWNI Watershed

21 22

23 247:00 PM SWNI Equity & In-clusion

25 267:00 PM SWNI Board

27 28 29Ashura

30 31 16:00 PM Multnomah Board7:00 PM Maplewood7:00 PM Homestead

26:45 PM Hillsdale General Meeting7:00 PM Collins View7:00 PM South Portland

39:00 AM SW Trails work party7:00 PM SWNI Parks and Community Centers7:00 PM SWNI Public Safety

4 5

Page 1/1

August 2020 swni.org/calendar

The newest self-led hike, created by SW Trails volunteers when COVID-19 caused the cancellation of monthly Group Hikes, delivers more than just a walk in the woods and neighborhoods.

Hike #18, which can be found July 24 at swtrails.org/self-led-hikes, is called the Hillsdale Berry Loop and guides hikers to four blackberry patches where public picking is about to begin.

SW Trails volunteer Brian Brady has captained the effort to map and post online 18 excellent excursions which are literally within walking distance wherever you live in Southwest Portland.

“Why drive two hours to the Columbia Gorge for a glimpse of waterfalls when we have places like Marshall Park, which has a waterfall of its own and is just 5 minutes away? “ he wonders. (Check out Hike #4.)

The SW Trails self-led hikes bow to the realities of life in the time of COVID-19. They provide the directions, in both smart phone online maps with your position tracked and with printable maps. You will need to hike alone (or with a couple of companions) on tested routes ranging from just over two to just under eight miles. The degree of difficulty is graded from Easy to Really Hard. Each walk description answers questions about accessibility for strollers and where the rest rooms are located (if there are any). Instructions for downloading the digital maps are provided on the website swtrails.org

Maps for the hikes have been downloaded more than 1,000 times as of late June.

The most downloaded self-led hike is Hike #1, which begins and ends at Gabriel Park and heads west to cover 5.2 miles through the Maplewood neighborhood.

These self-led hikes replace the weekly group hikes SW Trails first started conducting in the Winter of 1997. Only weather bad enough to make walking conditions dangerous had ever caused a hike to be canceled…..until COVID-19. The last Group Hike was held on February 8. Oregon's first case of COVID-19 was confirmed 20 days later.

There is no word yet when SW Trails group hikes will resume, but Brady says he's got at least another eight self-led hikes that will be posted in coming weeks and (maybe) months at swtrails.org/self-led-hikes

SW Trails downloadable self-led hikes