Archives : By Month : August 2005
BLOG: Art and Cultural Next
Sam AdamsEarly this summer, I attended a gathering of arts and business leaders who met to discuss mutual concerns and ideas. More recently, I met with the Arts Caucus, a group of people from across the creative services sector dedicated to strengthening the role of arts and culture in the Portland...
Posted by Sam Adams on August 31, 2005
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Filed Under Arts & Culture, Blog, Regional Arts & Culture Council
GUEST BLOG: How Are Portland Street's Selected for Repaving?
Guest Author
How Are Portland Street's Selected for Repaving? Give us your feedback on this policy for selecting which Portland street is to be repaved...
Posted by Guest Author on August 31, 2005
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Filed Under Front Page, Livability & Environment, Office of Transportation, Transportation
BLOG: LISTOS Alternative Learning Center
Sam AdamsAs I enrolled in the University of Oregon, my college academic adviser gave me the following advice: take lots of critical thinking courses; get an internship in the real world and learn a language other than English. So, my first term, I signed up for Philosophy 101. It included wonderful...
Posted by Sam Adams on August 31, 2005
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Filed Under 100 Hours, Education, Equality, Workforce
BLOG: Classique Floors, A Local Store You Can Trust
Sam AdamsA receptionist is the hub between the inside operations of any organization and the outside world. I have always enjoyed being a receptionist, I like the challenge of answering people's questions, trying to meet their demands and respond to their complaints. Being a receptionist at an unfamiliar company selling products...
Posted by Sam Adams on August 31, 2005
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Filed Under 100 Hours, East Portland, Jobs & Economy
BLOG: "...the most diverse room of people in Portland..."
Sam Adams
It's lunchtime. I am in the employee lunchroom in the basement of the downtown Embassy Suites Hotel. After two hours of janitorial work, it feels good to sit down. I spent the morning helping Balma scrub and sweep the pool and Jacuzzi area, clean the windows in the lobby...
Posted by Sam Adams on August 31, 2005
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Filed Under 100 Hours, Front Page, Jobs & Economy
GUEST BLOG: A Better Concrete
Guest AuthorBy Dave Frentress, Glacier Northwest, Inc. In today’s climate of environmental sensitivity, owners and developers have real challenges in dealing with stormwater regulations. Glacier Northwest has developed a pervious concrete that allows an owner or developer to provide parking, sidewalks, low speed roadways, and other hard surfaces without sacrificing valuable...
Posted by Guest Author on August 26, 2005
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Filed Under Environmental Services, Transportation
Mt. Tabor Artists in the SE 55th/Belmont area to host Open Studio Weekend
Jesse BeasonArtists Beverly Bauer, Sharlane Blaise, Greg Danielson, Don Jacobson, and Larry Olson plan to open their studios to visitors on Saturday and Sunday, September 10 and 11, from 11 am to 5 pm. These artists live within walking distance of each other and invite you to visit their studios. Beverly...
Posted by Jesse Beason on August 26, 2005
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Filed Under Arts & Culture, Events
Sam's letter to the FHWA
Roland ChlapowskiSam recently wrote a letter to the Federal Highway Admnistration in support of a pilot program for sharrows - an innovative new approach to bicycle safety. Read it below: sam_sharrow_letter.pdf...
Posted by Roland Chlapowski on August 26, 2005
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Filed Under Office of Transportation
Sharrows: Moving Towards a Bicycle-Safe, Platinum Portland
Roland Chlapowski
Get Ready Portland! - Soon, you are going to see new markings on our roads - something called "sharrows." These innovative new pavement markings are part of a pilot program being rolled out by the City of Portland's Department of Transporation to study their effectiveness in our city...
Posted by Roland Chlapowski on August 26, 2005
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Filed Under Front Page, Livability & Environment, News, Office of Transportation, Our Initiatives, Public Safety, Transportation
OLCC Director: "I am committed to investigating this matter fully..."
Sam AdamsUPDATE: The OLCC responded to my inquiry. You can download a copy of their letter to...
Posted by Sam Adams on August 25, 2005
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Filed Under Equality, Front Page, Good Government
To Teresa L. Kaiser, Director, Oregon Liquor Control Commission: Request for Inquiry into Comments Allegedly Made...
Sam AdamsCOPY August 20, 2005 TO: Teresa L. Kaiser, Director Oregon Liquor Control Commission 9079 S. E. McLoughlin Blvd Milwaukie, OR 97222 FROM: Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams RE: Request for Inquiry into Comments Allegedly Made by Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) Investigator In the Wednesday, 8/17/2005 issue, the Willamette Week...
Posted by Sam Adams on August 25, 2005
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Filed Under Equality
Coffee with the Commish
Maria Thi MaiI think it's amazing that you are here said Susan Levine of Metal Urges. Yesterday, Sam and I started our morning at the Coffee Haven, (3551 SE Division) with about 10 other people who either work or live in the area. Sam heard about an array of issues including concerns...
Posted by Maria Thi Mai on August 25, 2005
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Filed Under Good Government, Southeast Portland (inner)
Local Business Faces Reality: Production Overseas is Cheaper.
Warren JimenezThe other day, I had a chance to visit a business who is facing jobs cuts because of the cost of production. Because of confidentiality, I cannot share the name of the company but their Chief Operating Officer (COO) was very honest with me. The cost of production is 4...
Posted by Warren Jimenez on August 25, 2005
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Filed Under 100 Businesses, Front Page, Jobs & Economy
Annual Portland Wooden Boat Show
Sam AdamsI am interested in getting more Portlanders out onto the Willamette River (since we are spending over a billion dollars to get it cleaned up!). So, I attended my first Annual Portland Wooden Boat Show at the Eastbank Esplanade plazas and the old fire dock on the east bank of...
Posted by Sam Adams on August 21, 2005
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Filed Under Southeast Portland (inner), Transportation
Homowo Festival of African Arts
Sam Adams
After 15 year of thunderous drumming and powerful rhythms, the Homowo Festival of African Arts elected to embrace a quieter tradition. Honoring one of the most ancient rituals in African culture, Homowo presented a daylong tradition of African story telling...
Posted by Sam Adams on August 21, 2005
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Filed Under Arts & Culture, Events
A Parade in "The Village in the Heart of the City"
Sam AdamsI had the honor of MCing the Multnomah Days Parade. Wow! Thanks to Beth Kahlen of Portland’s own ‘The Swizzle Chicks’ who helped me sort the parade entry cards. The Grand Marshal was Ivan “the hairable” Tadic. The Tadic family has been cutting hair in Multnomah Village for 72 years....
Posted by Sam Adams on August 21, 2005
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Filed Under Southwest Portland
Montavilla Neighborhood Outreach Fair
Sam AdamsAt the invitation of Montavilla Neighborhood Association President Sandra McDaniels, I attended the neighborhood outreach fair at the 82nd Avenue Safeway parking lot. Things are looking up for the Montavilla Neighborhood mainstreet, SE Stark near 82nd. The Bipartisan Café just opened. The Flying Dough Pizza Co. is looking to buy...
Posted by Sam Adams on August 21, 2005
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Filed Under Southeast Portland (inner)
8 Women Boutique
Sam AdamsAs part of the Hawthorne Sidewalk Sale Days, I stopped by 8 Women, 3614 SE Hawthorne Blvd. I love the owner because she is so active in the Hawthorne Business Association, but she also runs a boutique others rave about. Take the write up she got for Portland City Search...
Posted by Sam Adams on August 21, 2005
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Filed Under 100 Businesses, Southeast Portland (inner)
For Strawberry Pie, Don't Walk, Run to the New Bipartisan Café @ 7901 SE Stark Street
Sam AdamsSome of the best Strawberry/Rhubarb pie sits waiting for you in a chilled dessert case just 5 miles from downtown Portland at the new Bipartisan Café, 7901 SE Stark Street in Portland’s rebounding Montevilla Neighborhood/South Tabor Business District. I did. The cafe is open 7am through 5pm weekdays, 8am-3pm weekends....
Posted by Sam Adams on August 21, 2005
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Filed Under 100 Businesses, Southeast Portland (inner)
Rededication of Refurbished Empire Builder Amtrak Trains
Sam AdamsI helped kick off refurbished Empire Builder Amtrak train coaches today (nice hat, huh?). The Empire Builder provides daily service between Chicago and Seattle Portland via Spokane. Amtrak is a vital domestic transportation link for Portland; Over 60,000 people board or depart from Portland’s Union Station. Seattle/Portland-Chicago coach fares range...
Posted by Sam Adams on August 21, 2005
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Filed Under 100 Businesses, Transportation
DESDEMONA: A PLAY ABOUT A HANDKERCHIE
Sam AdamsOn Friday, August 19, 2005 I watched a 'home planet production' of Paula Vogel’s “DESDEMONA: A PLAY ABOUT A HANDKERCHIEF at the CoHo Theater, 2257 N.W. Raleigh St., directed by Donna McFall. My favorite character is Bianca pictured here. The Oregonian wrote, “…the three actors -- Stephanie Danna as the...
Posted by Sam Adams on August 21, 2005
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Filed Under Arts & Culture
To Mr. Makboul: I strongly disagree with your statement...
Sam AdamsAs reported in the Willamette Week newspaper, Wednesday, 8/17/2005: As the frenzy continues over the recent string of downtown shootings, Portland's top hip-hop club, the Vue, is upsetting African-Americans with its plan to remake itself into a newer, whiter venue.Club manager Rami Makboul outlined the thinking in an email he...
Posted by Sam Adams on August 18, 2005
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Filed Under Equality
Take Our On-line Survey
Warren JimenezWe need your help. Help us define which economic goals are important to you through our on-line survey. Over the past few months, we've been working with economists to help us develop the Portland Area Economic Dashboard. It sets draft goals for business success and individual and family prosperity. Now,...
Posted by Warren Jimenez on August 18, 2005
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Filed Under Economic Dashboard, Front Page, Jobs & Economy
Want to have fun?
Maria Thi MaiPlease join us this Saturday, August 20, for the Multnomah Days Parade. We would love to have you walk in the parade as a supporter of Commissioner Adam's. Sam will be announcing the entries while his staff and supporters will be one of the entries. Your job would be to...
Posted by Maria Thi Mai on August 18, 2005
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Filed Under Events
YOU'RE INVITED: Special September 1st Thursday Events
David Gonzalez
Commissioner Sam Adams Invites You to City Hall First Thursday on September 1, 2005 5pm-7pm, featuring the Susan Komen Foundation UP CLOSE in PINK Art Show, a special performance by Oregon Public Broadcasting's Live Wire! Commissioner Adams will show "Mind States" paintings by Megan Scheminske...
Posted by David Gonzalez on August 18, 2005
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Filed Under Arts & Culture, Downtown Portland, Events
City Commissioner moonlights as waiter in noodle house
Maria Lynn LimArticle from The Asian Reporter, August 16, 2005 Nobody knows who I am, and it's so refreshing, said Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams as he took a break from his shift bussing tables at Pho Hung Restaurant on SE Powell Blvd. on Sunday, August 7. In the past month, Adams...
Posted by Maria Lynn Lim on August 18, 2005
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Filed Under 100 Hours, News
A bit of public art
Jesse BeasonToday the auditor's office released a report of Portland's percent for art program (PDF). The Oregonian wrote about the report in today's paper. The program dedicates a percentage of the costs of construction of certain public works to public art. Currently, the program dedicates 1.33%, though it will likely increase...
Posted by Jesse Beason on August 18, 2005
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Filed Under Arts & Culture, Front Page, Our Initiatives, Regional Arts & Culture Council
Sam shows promise as a sewer diver
Maria Thi MaiGuest Blog, Doug Hutchinson, Environmental Program Manager for Field Operations When Sam was assigned the Bureau of Environmental Services (BES), he sent an introductory email discussing his vision with a fine print offer to come out and observe workers in action. I took him up on his offer and yesterday...
Posted by Maria Thi Mai on August 17, 2005
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Filed Under Environmental Services
Bring Bike Stations to Transit Mall Redo
Sam Adams
Dear Ms. Dyck, On behalf of the Portland Mall Revitalization Project, I want to express my appreciation for Portland State University support and participation in the project. Portland State University has been an instrumental project partner. I also appreciate your willingness to meet with TriMet and Portland Office of Transportation...
Posted by Sam Adams on August 17, 2005
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Filed Under Downtown Portland, Front Page, Transportation
Sam votes against early FPD&R charter amendments
Mary Jo MarkleWednesday, August 17, 2005, City Council decided, in a 3-2 vote, not to hold a special election this fall for voters to consider amendments to the Fire and Police Disability and Retirement Fund. Commissioner Erik Sten and Commissioner Randy Leonard voted in support of the special election. Sam, Mayor Potter...
Posted by Mary Jo Markle on August 16, 2005
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Filed Under Front Page, Good Government, Our Initiatives
My Position on City Tax Abatements
Sam AdamsIn the emerging South Waterfront district there is a proposed ‘for rent’ high-rise housing project named the Alexan. Mayor Tom Potter has put a proposed tax abatement for the project on this week’s City Council agenda. I understand the Portland Development Commission earlier this year endorsed a report on the...
Posted by Sam Adams on August 16, 2005
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Filed Under Downtown Portland, Front Page, Good Government
Convention Center HQ Hotel: 'Yes' or 'No' & Pick Your Favorite
Sam AdamsThe Portland Development Commission, in concert with the Metropolitan Exposition Recreation Commission and Portland Oregon Visitors Association has solicited request for proposals (RFP) from developers for construction of a Headquarters Hotel near the Oregon Convention Center (OCC). The RFP allows a minimum first phase hotel with 400 rooms. The goal...
Posted by Sam Adams on August 15, 2005
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Filed Under Jobs & Economy, Northeast Portland, Workforce
Classical music in the park on a hot summer evening in NE Portland’s Grant Park
Sam AdamsClassical music in the parks is just so very Portland. On this hot summer August evening in NE Portland’s Grant Park, I had my first chance to introduce Lajos Balogh, founding music director of the Portland Festival Symphony. It’s a tough job but someone has to do it! Balogh is...
Posted by Sam Adams on August 15, 2005
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Filed Under Arts & Culture, Northeast Portland
BUSINESS VISIT: Solar Powered Backpacks and More: Get it at the new "Office" on Alberta Street
Sam AdamsI found a new store on my way to dinner a few nights ago... Their motto is, “Quality Products for the Modern Worker.” I visit a lot of businesses. I see a lot of products. Anthony Secolo and Kelly Coller’s new store the “OFFICE” at 2204 NE Alberta Street, is...
Posted by Sam Adams on August 14, 2005
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Filed Under Jobs & Economy, Northeast Portland
North Mississippi Street is Rising
Sam AdamsThe 4th Annual Mississippi Avenue Street Fair showcased much of the multi-cultural neighborhood’s artists, music, puppet shows, and a giant community yard sale. It also shows what a small but determine band of business owners with little help from the Portland Development Commission or City government can do to improve...
Posted by Sam Adams on August 14, 2005
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Filed Under Arts & Culture, Jobs & Economy, North Portland, Northeast Portland
How to Dunk a City Commissioner
Sam AdamsHow to dunk a City Commissioner: 1. Hold the Annual Woodstock Old Fashion Picnic in Woodstock Park in Southeast Portland. 2. Get the good folks at the Southeast Portland Lions Club to bring their dunk tank. 3. Sell dunk tickets for $1.00 for three throws at the dunk tank target....
Posted by Sam Adams on August 14, 2005
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Filed Under Southeast Portland (inner)
BLOG: Whew! Give Your Comments on Providence Bridge Pedal 2005
Sam Adams
With more riders than ever, the Providence Bridge Pedal 2005 was (almost too) successful this year!
Posted by Sam Adams on August 14, 2005
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Filed Under Blog, Front Page, Transportation
The Eastside Guy Discrimination in the Rose City
Maria Lynn LimArticle from Brainstorm NW, by Dave Lister August, 2005 In Portland, we honor cultural diversity. All races and creeds exist together in a harmony unparalleled in most American cities. Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and Caucasians participate equally in community activities and the political process, and there are special activities to celebrate...
Posted by Maria Lynn Lim on August 12, 2005
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Filed Under Jobs & Economy, News
STORMWATER IN AUGUST?
Guest AuthorBy: Dean Marriott Why are Sam and I talking about stormwater when we haven’t felt a raindrop in over a month? Besides a short question about my buying a skateboard, our meeting was everything about stormwater. We started with PDOT’s reconstruction of Naito Parkway Project along Waterfront Park. Sam wants...
Posted by Guest Author on August 12, 2005
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Filed Under Blog, Environmental Services, Front Page
Intern: My Departure from Sam's Office as the Summer Draws to an End
Andrew TuttleIt's Friday morning at City Hall. The daily hustle and bustle that seems to flow through this building has hushed to a dull roar as the weekend approaches, and I am preparing my status reports so I can hand off my assignments after today. Its hard to believe that three...
Posted by Andrew Tuttle on August 12, 2005
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Filed Under Downtown Portland, Education, Speeches & Testimony
BLOG: Hey Portland, Get off Your Butts and Get to 'Bridge Pedal' this Sunday!
Sam Adams
My comments before the Providence Bridge Pedal Kick-off: Good afternoon! I’m Sam Adams, your new City Transportation Commissioner. I want you to take a good look at Portlandia and her new accessories. Doesn’t she look great? I think she embodies the spirit of Portland. We’re a small city with big ideas and we’re not afraid to be a little different, a little bit ahead of the curve...
Posted by Sam Adams on August 11, 2005
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CWA Rally
Terry RichardsonThank you, Madelyn Elder for the invitation to speak today. I would like to introduce my Labor Liaison, Terry Richardson. Communications Workers of America, I am here to support your actions today. I am committed to attracting and keeping family wage jobs in Portland. Qwest and CWA in the past...
Posted by Terry Richardson on August 11, 2005
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Filed Under Events, Jobs & Economy, Workforce
Local reaction to Civil Unions Bill
Sam Adamsby Sarah Simpson EUGENE (KMTR) - Thousands celebrated diversity at Eugene's Pride Festival over the weekend. But at the same time, many gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are feeling discriminated against because of recent changes to the Civil Unions bill in the Oregon State Legislature. The original intent of...
Posted by Sam Adams on August 11, 2005
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Filed Under Equality
GUEST BLOG: The Help Wanted/Workers Skill Mismatch
Guest AuthorBy Andrew McGough. Andrew is the Executive Director of Worksystems Inc. (WSI). Before working at WSI, Andrew was the Chief Operating Officer at Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council. As the new Executive Director of Worksystems, Inc., I am honored by Sam’s request to contribute to his Blog. It is no...
Posted by Guest Author on August 11, 2005
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Filed Under 100 Hours, Front Page, Jobs & Economy, Workforce
BLOG: My summer internship
Ben DuPreeThis summer, I worked as a policy intern in Sam’s office. While I am not a policy wonk by nature, I expected that my experience working here would be rewarding and interesting in its own way. At the end, I believe my time spent here has been the most worthwhile...
Posted by Ben DuPree on August 10, 2005
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Filed Under Blog
Celebrating 10 years of watershed stewardship
Maria Thi MaiLast night, Sam and I drove the the American Youth Hostel on Hawthorne Blvd. to kick off the 10th anniversary of Portland's Community Watershed Stewardship Grant Program. Administered by Environmental Services and Portland State University, this event was organized by more than a dozen PSU capstone program students. The youth...
Posted by Maria Thi Mai on August 10, 2005
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Filed Under Environmental Services, Events, Livability & Environment
What Sam said about FPD&R...
Mary Jo MarkleWe need to modernize the system, and we need to put ourselves in a position to establish the policies and answer directly for them. Sam Adams, August 10, 2005, The Oregonian The Fire and Police Disability and Retirement Fund (FPDR) has been a hot issue around City Hall the past...
Posted by Mary Jo Markle on August 10, 2005
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Filed Under Front Page, Good Government, News, Our Initiatives
Quality Childcare for Teen Mothers in North Portland
Andrew TuttleAt 18, my sister Samantha became pregnant with my niece Melody. She gave birth when she was 19, and now shortly after my sister's 21st birthday, my niece Melody (the cutest niece in the world, of course) will be turning two and learning the harsh reality that no, in fact,...
Posted by Andrew Tuttle on August 9, 2005
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Filed Under Education, Events, Livability & Environment, North Portland
Paddling the Slough
Maria Thi MaiSunday, July 31, Sam and several of his staff joined hundreds of others who basked in the sun and paddled the Columbia Slough. This regatta helped highlight the educational efforts of the watershed council and the Bureau of Environmental Services....
Posted by Maria Thi Mai on August 7, 2005
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Filed Under Environmental Services, Events, Livability & Environment
BLOG UPDATE: Learning to be Better Prepared From The Tunnel Shaft Collapse That Wasn't
Sam Adams
Thanks for your comments on this blog entry; I enjoy and learn from the blog conversation. The discussion on this topic exemplifies why I created my blog. It would be easier for me to simply limit my exposure to those who criticize me by not giving them a forum such as this. But I know I make better decisions for the city when I am exposed to the fullest possible range of ideas on any topic, even those that I don’t agree with or that I find inaccurate.
Posted by Sam Adams on August 6, 2005
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Filed Under Blog, Environmental Services, Front Page, Good Government
GUEST BLOG: Legislature ends on disappointing note for schools
Sam AdamsA message from the Co-Chairs of the Portland School Board, David Wynde and Bobbie Regan: The Oregon Legislature adjourned at dawn on Friday, without having acted on significant measures to help our Oregon schools. Partisanship took priority over policy, and our school children are the losers...
Posted by Sam Adams on August 6, 2005
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Filed Under Education, Front Page
Update: Tunnel Collapse
Maria Thi MaiIs it a cave in asks the 911 operator. The project manager, Jim McDonald says, uhhh, you could say that. This confirmation set into motion the mobiliation of several fire rescue vehicles, including an ambulance and a cave-in unit. Within 7 minutes of this call, the photographer who was pinned...
Posted by Maria Thi Mai on August 5, 2005
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