Archives : By Month : June 2005
BLOG: Portland and PGE and Me
Sam AdamsHelping to determine the future ownership of Portland General Electric (PGE) is one of the most important economic development decisions I will make in the first half of my term as a Portland City Commissioner. Economists estimate that 1300 jobs will be created in PGE’s service territory if we can...
Posted by Sam Adams on June 30, 2005
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Filed Under Blog, Good Government, Jobs & Economy, Speeches & Testimony
Southeast Public Safety Forum Drop-by
Jane AmesSam dropped by the SOUTHEAST PUBLIC SAFETY FORUM hosted by SE Precinct Commander Rosie Sizer and Crime Prevention Program Coordinator Galina Grigoryan on Monday, June 27th. The Commander, Emergency Response Team Officers and representatives from the various neighborhood and business associations were reviewing current crime statistics for the Southeast and...
Posted by Jane Ames on June 29, 2005
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Filed Under Our Initiatives, Public Safety, Southeast Portland (inner)
My Remarks Commemorating the Stonewall Riots
Sam AdamsI gave this speech at Holocene (SE 11 Morrison) on June 28, 2005 at 8:30 pm at a performance commemorating the Stonewall Riots, considered by many to be the birth of the modern gay rights movement. I would like to welcome everybody to this performance commemorating the Stonewall Riots, an...
Posted by Sam Adams on June 29, 2005
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Filed Under Equality, Speeches & Testimony
Request to Bureaus for Baseline Information
Sam AdamsJune 24, 2005 Dear Director, I hope this memo finds you well and eager to initiate a new era of service for Portland’s citizens. I look forward to working with you and your staff, the experts in your respective areas of concentration, as we work to meet and exceed the...
Posted by Sam Adams on June 29, 2005
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Filed Under Environmental Services, Good Government, Office of Transportation, Transportation
Support Democracy
Jane AmesEthiopian-Americans rallied at City Hall on Tuesday, June 28th. Sam was there to support those gathered in support of fellow Ethiopians fighting for Freedom and Democracy in the wake of the May 15, 2005 general election in Ethiopia. Over 25 million Ethiopians registered, and it is reported that 90 percent...
Posted by Jane Ames on June 28, 2005
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Filed Under Equality, Events, News
Firehouse center board gives city parks control
Andrew TuttleThe Oregonian June 28, 2005 The board of the financially troubled Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center has voted to suspend its work and hand over supervision of the day-to-day operations to Portland Parks and Recreation and Commissioner Sam Adams' office, Adams said Monday. Adams said he'll convene a community meeting in...
Posted by Andrew Tuttle on June 28, 2005
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Filed Under Arts & Culture, News, North Portland
My Apology for Missed Meeting
Sam AdamsMonday, June 27, 2005 Dear PDOT Maintenance Colleagues, I am sorry that I was unable to attend this morning’s scheduled meeting. Unfortunately, my office had a schedule snafu and your valuable time was spent waiting for me instead of doing the work Portlanders need and expect from us. I apologize...
Posted by Sam Adams on June 27, 2005
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Filed Under Office of Transportation
BLOG: No Pay Raise for Me While City Government Faces Budget Shortfall
Sam Adams-----Original Message-----From: Adams, Sam Sent: Friday, June 24, 2005 5:47 PMTo: Rhys, DavidSubject: RE: Request needed if elected official salary to be frozen effective July 1, 2005 David,I do not believe it is appropriate for me to accept a pay increase given that the City of Portland has to cut...
Posted by Sam Adams on June 24, 2005
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Filed Under Blog, Good Government
Arts group takes a new tack to court corporations
Jesse BeasonFrom the Portland Business Journal, June 24, 2005 - "A local arts nonprofit group's campaign to win support within Portland-area companies could be an uphill battle. But the Regional Arts and Culture Council has strong support from a number of prominent businesspeople, and hopes with their help to meet ambitious fund-raising goals.
Posted by Jesse Beason on June 24, 2005
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Filed Under Arts & Culture, News
Greetings POVA
Warren JimenezDear Portland Oregon Visitors Association Colleagues, As you know, I’m excited to work with you as your new Commissioner Liaison beginning Friday, July 1, 2005. If you don’t already know me, allow me to tell you a little bit about the aspirations I have for myself and my staff. I...
Posted by Warren Jimenez on June 23, 2005
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Filed Under Arts & Culture, Jobs & Economy, POVA
Hello APNBA
Warren JimenezDear Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business Associations, As you know, I’m excited to work with you as your new City of Portland Commissioner Liaison beginning Friday, July 1, 2005. Allow me to tell you a little bit about the aspirations I have for myself and my staff. I gravitated to...
Posted by Warren Jimenez on June 23, 2005
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Filed Under APNBA, Jobs & Economy
Greetings Worksystems Inc.
Warren JimenezDear Worksystems, Inc, As you know, I’m excited to work with you as your new City of Portland Commissioner Liaison beginning Friday, July 1, 2005. Allow me to tell you a little bit about the aspirations I have for myself and my staff. I gravitated to public service because my...
Posted by Warren Jimenez on June 23, 2005
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Filed Under Jobs & Economy
Greetings BES Employees
Maria Thi MaiDear Portland Bureau of Environmental Services Colleagues,
I am enthusiastic to be working with all of you as your Bureau’s new Commissioner in Charge, beginning Friday, July 1. With the largest capital improvement project in the state since the Umatilla Army Depot, you definitely carry a full plate...
Posted by Maria Thi Mai on June 23, 2005
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Filed Under Environmental Services, Livability & Environment
City Hall's New Bureau Assignments
Andrew TuttleMayor Potter released bureau assignments yesterday. Below are the assignments.
Posted by Andrew Tuttle on June 23, 2005
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Filed Under Arts & Culture, Education, Jobs & Economy, News, Public Safety, Transportation
Potter's changes rock City Hall
Andrew TuttleThe Oregonian June 23, 2005 After six months of quiet study, Mayor Tom Potter announced seismic changes Wednesday in Portland's government. The changes, made through personnel moves and assignment of the city's bureaus, are part of Potter's campaign promise to consolidate power in the mayor's office and the council as...
Posted by Andrew Tuttle on June 23, 2005
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Filed Under Good Government, News
Hello PDOT Employees
Sam AdamsDear Portland Department of Transportation Colleagues, I’m excited to work with you all as the department's new Commissioner-in-Charge beginning Friday, July 1, 2005! Portland has a world-class transportation system largely because of you; I hope to build on that reputation. I have a genuine passion for the mission of PDOT,...
Posted by Sam Adams on June 23, 2005
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Filed Under Office of Transportation, Transportation
UPDATED: The Case AgAainst Wal-Mart
Roland ChlapowskiUpdate: Local neighbors against the proposed Sellwood/Ardenwald Wal-Mart store have begun to organize. Check out their website, NoSellwoodWalMart. WakeUpWalMart is another great resource. Sam is strongly opposed to the new Wal-Mart store proposed for SE Portland. If you were wondering why, here is a (partial) list of the issues underlying...
Posted by Roland Chlapowski on June 22, 2005
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Filed Under Jobs & Economy, Livability & Environment, Wal-Mart
Beer and Politics
Maria Thi MaiEarlier this week (Tues., June 21), Sam and I met with about 15 members of the Columbia Chapter of the Sierra Club at The Rose and Raindrop. As a diligent staffer, I carefully crafted Sam's remarks to highlight his work on green streets, platinum bike status, and invasive species removal....
Posted by Maria Thi Mai on June 22, 2005
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Filed Under Events
What Sam Learned from his 100 Businesses in 100 Days Experience
Roland ChlapowskiThis report is an overview of the data we collected over the course of Sam's first 100 Days. While the surveys in it are not scientific, they still give us a peak into the issues and concerns of Portland business-owners. This information will serve as the starting point for a...
Posted by Roland Chlapowski on June 22, 2005
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Filed Under 100 Businesses
It's Not Just Meth
Jane AmesSam spent Friday, June 17th at a Meth Congress presided over by Mayor Potter and County Chair Linn. From the first speaker to the closing remarks a few themes set the tone of the event. This is not only a Meth crisis, it is a drug crisis. Meth is one...
Posted by Jane Ames on June 21, 2005
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Filed Under Events, Public Safety
Ballot Box Trailblazers
Ben DuPreeFrom The Advocate: Other out politicians are getting into the game after spending years gaining experience through working for other politicians. Sam Adams, who was once the ultimate insider in Portland, Ore., had to adjust when he finally ran for city commissioner after working as a political staffer for 20...
Posted by Ben DuPree on June 21, 2005
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Filed Under Equality
BLOG: Thanks, Tamara
The Office
We are standing across from each other sharing a big wood-block food preparation table in the middle of a well-used commercial kitchen. I am breaking 50 dozen eggs into a strainer in preparation for scrambled eggs...
Posted by The Office on June 20, 2005
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Filed Under Blog, Front Page, Northwest Portland, Public Safety
Wal-Mart cite collides with TriMet Goals
Andrew TuttleThe Oregonian June 20, 2005 A vacant industrial lot coveted by planners for a future light-rail station could be home to Portland's next Wal-Mart. Developer Howard Dietrich Jr. of Nelson Development Co. confirmed Tuesday that Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is proposing a 150,000-square-foot store at 8300 S.E. McLoughlin Blvd., a property...
Posted by Andrew Tuttle on June 20, 2005
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Filed Under Livability & Environment, News, Southeast Portland (inner)
Sam is no fly by night
Maria Thi MaiSam kicked off the noise flight test day (June 18, 2005). As a North Portland resident, Sam is not just a fly by night on this issue. He cares about the impacts of noise to his neighbors and has Gordon and myself working diligently on solutions. We'd especially like to...
Posted by Maria Thi Mai on June 19, 2005
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Filed Under North Portland
Pride Parade shakes a leg downtown
Ben DuPreeThe Portland Tribune - June 17, 2005 Demonstrate love and support for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered friends, family and complete strangers this weekend at Portland’s 2005 Pride Festival and Parade. At last year’s event, 30,000 people celebrated the diversity of the local GLBT community. The annual Pride Parade will...
Posted by Ben DuPree on June 17, 2005
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Filed Under Equality, Events, News
Portland commissioner joins the blogosphere
Ben DuPreeThe Oregonian - June 19, 2005 Sam Adams became the first Portland City Council member with his own public blog this week, but neither he nor his staff nor the city's vibrant blogging community knows quite what to expect. The standard for political Web logs -- at least the ones...
Posted by Ben DuPree on June 17, 2005
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Filed Under News
Oregon Senate Approves a Bill to Expand the City's Budget Committee
Mary Jo Markle
On June 17, the Oregon State Senate voted to approve House Bill 3441 Commissioner Adams led the City of Portland's effort to change a 1963 Oregon State Legislature bill that prevents the participation of citizens on the budget committee of large municipalities...
Posted by Mary Jo Markle on June 17, 2005
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Filed Under Front Page, Good Government, Our Initiatives
Economic plan unveiled
Warren JimenezPortland Tribune - June 17, 2005 Commissioner Sam Adams this week unveiled a project he calls his “economic dashboard” — a framework that he’s spent the past five months crafting with the help of local economists, business leaders and other stakeholders. Adams says the project is still in its early...
Posted by Warren Jimenez on June 17, 2005
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Filed Under Economic Dashboard, Jobs & Economy, News
Juvenile Justice Works for the Future
Jane AmesTim Nacoste is a Custody Services Supervisor and Measure 11 Overseer, and Faye Fagel is Custody Services Manager at the Multnomah County Juvenile Justice Center. They gave Sam a tour of the Justice Center in Southeast Portland at the program's 100 year anniversary on June 10th. Sam was struck by...
Posted by Jane Ames on June 16, 2005
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Filed Under Events, Public Safety, Southeast Portland (inner)
BLOG: No more "at-fault" giveaways
Sam AdamsA city staffer recently emailed me with a tip about how the City of Portland could save tax dollars by going after those who are at-fault for injuring our fire and police officers. I thought you might find interesting my email exchange following up on the tip (I removed staff's...
Posted by Sam Adams on June 16, 2005
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Filed Under Blog, Front Page, Good Government, Our Initiatives
TILTING AT WINDMILLS? Sam Adams vs. Wal-Mart
Mary Jo MarkleIn the Portland Mercury, June 16, 2005 - Late last week, City Commissioner Sam Adams fired off a terse letter to Lee Scott, Wal-Mart's CEO. He was concerned that Wal-Mart has been steadily pushing forward plans to plop a Superstore in Sellwood, at the corner of McLoughlin and Tacoma. It...
Posted by Mary Jo Markle on June 16, 2005
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Filed Under Jobs & Economy, Livability & Environment, News, Southeast Portland (inner)
Portland Streetcar Receives Prestigious Award
Tom MillerPORTLAND STREETCAR RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD THURSDAY $50,000 Prize Money Donated to Community Small Starts effort to Assist Streetcar Projects around the County (Portland, OR) The Bruner Foundation announced the 2005 Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence Gold Medal Award Winner as the Portland Streetcar Project. Simeon Bruner presented the award...
Posted by Tom Miller on June 16, 2005
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Filed Under Jobs & Economy, Livability & Environment, News, Transportation
Our Next City Hall First Thursday, July 7, 5-7pm
David GonzalezSam invites you to an open house and art exhibit:Color of Life
Sculpture and Paintings by David Herbold
First Thursday reception:July 7, 5-7pm
City Hall, Room 220
light refreshments provided
Posted by David Gonzalez on June 16, 2005
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Filed Under Arts & Culture, Events
Sam Seeks Platinum
Tom MillerI remember the day clearly. As Sam's campaign manager during the general election, I encouraged him to attend a meeting at city hall with Andy Clarke, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists, a national bicycle advocacy organization. Though he had served as the mayor's chief of staff for...
Posted by Tom Miller on June 16, 2005
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Filed Under Livability & Environment, Our Initiatives, Transportation
UPDATED: A letter against the proposed Wal-Mart
Sam Adams
Dear Mr. Scott: It has come to my attention that Wal-Mart is planning its first Supercenter in Portland, to be located at SE McLoughlin Boulevard and Tacoma Street. I write to express my strong opposition...
Posted by Sam Adams on June 16, 2005
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Filed Under Front Page, Livability & Environment, Southeast Portland (inner), Speeches & Testimony
Artwork of Jim Han featured at Portland City Hall in June
Maria Lynn LimArticle from The Asian Reporter, June 14, 2005 Artist Jim Han is featured during the month of June in an art exhibit at Portland's City Hall. Han, who works as a Funeral Director at Omega Funeral and Cremation Services in addition to his artistic ventures, attributes his style to the...
Posted by Maria Lynn Lim on June 16, 2005
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Filed Under Arts & Culture
Taxi Please
Maria Thi MaiWith a commitment for equality, Sam asked the Bureau of Licenses to provide data on how many taxi companies are locally owned, minority owned, or women owned businesses. This question came up at today's (June 15) City Council session when the Bureau of Licenses introduced an ordiance to increase taxi...
Posted by Maria Thi Mai on June 15, 2005
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Filed Under Equality
Sam Visits the Cully Neighborhood
Tom MillerThe Cully Neighborhood in NE Portland is home to some of the worst streets in Portland. Many streets are unpaved and more are unimproved. Additionally sidewalks are missing and transportation infrastructure generally needs a hand. That's the report from Sam. Sam toured the neighborhood yesterday with leaders from the Cully...
Posted by Tom Miller on June 14, 2005
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Filed Under Transportation
Crack in the Ground
Maria Thi MaiA strong advocate of community services, Commissioner Adams supports Commissioner Leonard's pursuit of the Buckman Pool repair costs and who can finance fix. Portland Public School cost estimates are around $100,000. Other estimates may be gathered which will begin a discussion on who will pay for fix. The pool is...
Posted by Maria Thi Mai on June 14, 2005
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Filed Under Livability & Environment, Southeast Portland (inner)
Reducing Noise is Looking Up
Maria Thi MaiAs a Kenton Neighborhood resident Commissioner Sam Adams is quite familiar with North Portland noise issues. He has met with several of the Neighborhood Associations, members of the AIR, CNAC, and individuals on airport noise. In response to these concerns Gordon Johnston and I formed an ad hoc committee to...
Posted by Maria Thi Mai on June 14, 2005
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Filed Under Livability & Environment, North Portland, Northeast Portland
The Use of Deadly Force Issue Needs the Light of Day
Jane AmesOne of Sam's campaign promises is to insure that investigations of “use of deadly force” cases become transparent. This will necessitate a change in Oregon State Law. When Grand Jury cases involve police use of deadly force that results in the death of an individual, the proceedings should be recorded...
Posted by Jane Ames on June 13, 2005
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Filed Under Good Government, Livability & Environment, News, Public Safety, Speeches & Testimony
What is Economic Success?
Warren JimenezHow should we define economic success for Portland and the region? This will be the central question posed to business, labor and government as part of the “Portland Area Economic Dashboard” project facilitated by Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams and local economists this summer. “Hard to believe, we have never set actual goals for business success or individual and family prosperity,” Commissioner Sam Adams stated...
Posted by Warren Jimenez on June 13, 2005
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Filed Under Economic Dashboard, Jobs & Economy, Our Initiatives, Workforce
BLOG: Cuttin' the grass
Sam Adams
It's ten thirty in the morning. I've got on my Norton motorcylcle black t-shirt, a pair of jeans, a baseball hat and my iPod Shuffle around my neck. It's Sunday and I'm mowing my front yard. I'm just getting to the edging when a truck pulls up.
Posted by Sam Adams on June 13, 2005
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Filed Under Blog, Front Page, Our Initiatives
Bicycle Rodeo
Maria Thi MaiJust a big kid on a Specialized mountain bike, Sam was flanked by 100s of kids at this year's Grand Floral Parade. Sam and the riders chanted K-I-D-S Pedal. The bicycle safety rodeo is a great way for kids to test their bike skills says Sam. He said these young...
Posted by Maria Thi Mai on June 11, 2005
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Filed Under Events
Portland Area Economic Dashboard
Warren JimenezCommissioner Adams would like task how we should define economic success for Portland and the region? This is a draft list of indicators of a successful regional economy that our office and a team of advisors compiled. We want tknow, what goals matter most tyou?
Posted by Warren Jimenez on June 10, 2005
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Filed Under Economic Dashboard, Jobs & Economy, Our Initiatives, Workforce
Officials oppose Wal-Mart
Andrew TuttleThe Oregonian June 10, 2005 Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams and Metro Councilor Robert Liberty are opposing construction of a Portland Wal-Mart before the idea has even been made public. Documents show a proposal by the Nelson Development Co. to develop a four-story, 338,000-square-foot retail center at 8300 S.E. McLoughlin...
Posted by Andrew Tuttle on June 10, 2005
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Filed Under Livability & Environment, News, Our Initiatives, Southeast Portland (inner)
Sam Walks his Talk for Schools
Jane AmesThere are several ways to walk your talk for schools. Commissioner Adams has been visiting various schools in Portland since January, talking with and reading to students, discussing City Government with Bill Stack’s U.S. Government class at Wilson High in SW Portland, and celebrating reading with Woodstock Elementary 5th graders...
Posted by Jane Ames on June 6, 2005
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Filed Under Education, Speeches & Testimony
Sam's Calendar: Northeast Portland
The OfficeSam likes to spend most of his time outside of City Hall, so we thought we'd offer a snapshot of where he's been in Portland sorted (roughly) by neighborhood coalition boundaries...
Posted by The Office on June 6, 2005
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Filed Under Events, Northeast Portland, Sam's Calendar
Sam's Calendar: Southwest Portland
The OfficeSam likes to spend most of his time outside of City Hall, so we thought we'd offer a snapshot of where he's been in Portland sorted (roughly) by neighborhood coalition boundaries...
Posted by The Office on June 6, 2005
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Filed Under Events, Sam's Calendar, Southwest Portland
Sam's Calendar: East Portland
The OfficeSam likes to spend most of his time outside of City Hall, so we thought we'd offer a snapshot of where he's been in Portland sorted (roughly) by neighborhood coalition boundaries...
Posted by The Office on June 6, 2005
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Filed Under East Portland, Events, Sam's Calendar
Sam's Calendar: Downtown
The OfficeSam likes to spend most of his time outside of City Hall, so we thought we'd offer a snapshot of where he's been in Portland sorted (roughly) by neighborhood coalition boundaries...
Posted by The Office on June 6, 2005
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Filed Under Downtown Portland, Events, Sam's Calendar
Sam's Calendar: Southeast Portland
The OfficeSam likes to spend most of his time outside of City Hall, so we thought we'd offer a snapshot of where he's been in Portland sorted (roughly) by neighborhood coalition boundaries.
Posted by The Office on June 6, 2005
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Filed Under Events, Sam's Calendar, Southeast Portland (inner)
BLOG: My welcome home
Sam AdamsI worked as a day laborer in New York City during the summers of 1981 and 1982. Last night, I got back from a week of vacation visiting old friends in Long Island and the City. I enjoyed the break but it’s good to be home...
Posted by Sam Adams on June 6, 2005
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Filed Under Blog, Front Page
Sam's Calendar: North Portland
The OfficeSam likes to spend most of his time out of City Hall, so we thought we'd offer a snapshot of where he's been in Portland sorted (roughly) by neighborhood coalition boundaries...
Posted by The Office on June 6, 2005
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F