2010 Hillsdale News FLAG
Issue #88
Posted June 12, 2011
Also in This Issue
· Hillsdale's real estate market
· HNA Power and Participation
· Hillsdale plans a Big Pan Party
· Volunteers honored
· The Date Book
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Visit Korkage web site 

 

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Forum persentation

 

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Owner Discount days, July 15-17

 
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Forum persentation  
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Alissa at Korkage

Scarf-tying demo, Third Thursday

June 16 


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  Legacy hospice 2009

 
Visit Hopewell House Hospice site

Jeff Devine
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Visit Jeff Devine's web site 

Commentary

 

But is it news?

 Olympia TypewriterRecently I've been challenged to answer the most basic question in journalism: What is news? Or more specifically, what is the news I should include in this hyperlocal publication?

I frequently get calls and e-mails from readers who want to bring certain worrying events to my attention. I'll give you some examples, but first let me share a few principles I try to use in determining what is important to pass on to readers.

Number one is "Do no harm." That's not always easy, but at least it raises two related questions: Will the story  cause harm and to whom? Can this harm be justified? Will the harm caused by public exposure lead to a greater good?

Another question is whether the "story" will resolve itself. Will the parties involved find a solution on their own without my exposing it to public view? Indeed, will public exposure make it even more difficult to resolve.

Next, is there a public need to know about a problem? Does it violate a matter of public policy? Is it illegal? Are elected officials involved? Is public money involved? If so, how much?

Finally, is this a story that is wider in scope than Hillsdale? Has it been covered, or should it logically be covered, in a media outlet with a wider readership?

With those "news values" in mind consider these stories.

1. A citizen's complains at a neighborhood association meeting about a proposed new brew pub.

2. Landlords in Hillsdale have been named in a widely published city-wide report about discriminatory landlords.

3. A parent has submitted a formal complaint to the State and to the school district about a teacher, accusing the teacher of presenting issues in a biased way. The parent criticizes school administrators of being slow to respond.

4. Another parent complains about the rental of City parks facilities to parents who then fail to supervise teens using those facilities. The result has been a public disturbance and the alleged illegal use of drugs and alcohol.

Note that by simply writing those few words, I'm alerting parties concerned that the stories are on my radar. That may have effect in itself.

Before I share how I applied my "news values" screen to each, I invite you to apply your  own to the stories. Question: Would you report on and publish these stories in the Hillsdale News?

What did I do? Let's take them one by one:

1. The objection to the new brew pub came up at a recent Hillsdale Neighborhood Association meeting. Both the complainant and the pub owner were present. The consensus at the meeting was that the two parties should sit down and work out the concerns. I decided to let that happen without publicity. I told both to get in touch with me if they were at an impasse. Sitting next to me was Jim Mayer of The Oregonian. He chose to write the story which ended up in the June 11 Oregonian in the "Community" section. It was also on his news blog, where it attracted the all-too-familiar vituberative comments.

2. The landlord story was widely reported in The Oregonian so I decided to let it go. I may follow up later to see how renewed efforts to enforce anti-discriminatory regulations are working here in Hillsdale.

3. I also chose to let the complaint about the teacher work its way through the system. In fact, the ability, or inability, of the school district and state authorities to deal with the complaint seemed more important than the alleged bias. I'm watching this one to see what happens.

4. The complaint about seemingly negligent parents renting facilities to be used by unsupervised teens should be shared with the officials renting the space. If the problem persists after the complaint is lodged, I'd pursue the story.

There it is. Now you make the call. As always, I'm interested in what you are thinking. 

 

    Rick Seifert, Editor/Publisher


Letters to the editor are always welcome. Write [email protected]

Correction


The new name of the old Housing Authority of Portland was incorrect in the last issue. The correct name is "Home Forward."


As others see us...

 

Outside advice from Main Street experts      


By Andy Wheeler and Rick Seifert


A team of outside design, branding, promotion and development experts spent four days scrutinizing the Hillsdale Main Street District last week.
Hillsdale Main Street logo samples
Branding consultant Cindy Williams offered logo examples as part of her presentation.


Their visit prompted brainstorming and lists of perceptions, suggestions and ideas.

Some sounded familiar and affirming in a community that has been studying itself and its potential for two decades. Others prompted new thinking.

In a group presentation near the end of the team's visit, Rick Ferrell, a retail business consultant from Delaware, noted that many businesses will eventually want to come to Hillsdale. But, he added, they will vie for a small amount of space. The decisions about who is allowed to locate here will be key because they are so rare and few. "You have to make them count," he said.

Ferrell and other experts mentioned the need to get commuters to stop in Hillsdale rather than merely pass through. Branding consultant Cindy Williams from New Jersey put the objective in three words: "Stop and Stay."

In one of the many meetings with the team, one business owner, Julie Richardson of Baker & Spice, noted that she covers her costs with her local Hillsdale patronage. "The profit comes from the commuters," she said.

One way to get people to stop and stay in Hillsdale is to leverage on the draw of the popular farmers market, said Kathy La Plante, a Main Street program officer who specializes in Main Street promotions and lives in New Hampshire. Hillsdale needs to "get the people who come to the farmers market to go to local businesses as well," she said.

Ferrell went one step further, suggesting that the Main Street program "explore ways to make the farmers market more permanent."

Some read this to mean that the market presence should be extended to the rest of the week.

Food also figured in another La Plante recommendation: cross-promotion of Hillsdale's many places to eat. Also, because Hillsdale has so many health professionals, the Main Street program should hold a health-related event that promotes health enterprises.

Scott Day, an urban retail design specialist from San Antonio, returned to the "Stop and Stay" theme by noting that before customers will stop they must slow down. The trees that line Capitol Highway will calm traffic as they grow, he noted. But because they also block signage, they need to be pruned.

He stressed the importance of creating "walking loops" and urged more to be developed. A major challenge for Hillsdale, he added, is that it has no street grid. Once a motorist passes something of interest, there are few places to turn around and go back.

He suggested that Hillsdale might consider converting its "mid-Century Modern" architecture into hybrid "Green-Century Modern" sustainable structures.

Among Hillsdale's many assets are its volunteers, observed Jane Seaton, the state coordinator for Iowa's Main Street programs. "I don't know that I've been a part of a team visit where I have seen so many professionals on so many different levels among volunteers."

Among those volunteers is graphic artist Liz Talley, who pointed out after the presentation that many Main Street programs across the country have actually purchased or built buildings and currently own and operate them. Hillsdale can get people to spend time here by providing a place to hang out, she said. "It's not about partying," she said. "It's about a loungey, hangy-outy vibe. A multi-use theater, like McMenamin's Mission Theater, would be great."

Talley and others among the approximately 30 who attended the session are looking forward to the resource team's final report, which will be available by mid-August.

Hillsdale real estate follows the trend

     

Market favors first-time buyers;

sellers advised to prepare before listing 

 

 

A glut of houses on the market, low interest rates, stagnant or declining prices.

 

The residential real estate market in Hillsdale, with a few variations, fits the sluggish pattern in the broader Portland area.

Zillow map of Hillsdale

In Hillsdale, 57 houses are currently on the market with 23 sales pending. So far this year 45 houses here have sold. This image is from the Zillow.com web site.

If there's good news it's for the first-time, credit-worthy buyer, say local real estate agents interviewed.

 

RE/MAX Equity Group agent Pat Weiss also sees opportunities for owners who have sold their homes and are planning to "move up" to a higher priced house. Houses in the upper range have come down the most in price.

 

But, she says, many would-be sellers are frightened to move in uncertain times or simply can't afford to because they are "under water (owing more than their houses are worth).

 

The area market has seen about a 30 percent loss in value since the peak in the fall of 2007.

 

To would-be sellers, sales agents are advising detailed pre-listing preparation and realistic and often sobering pricing.

 

Weiss says that buyers are no longer willing to overlook problems they discover in a home. Houses in this market may not appreciate enough in the short-term to offset absorbing extra improvement costs.

 

The key to a sales, she says, is to address problems first so that potential buyers have no reasons to back out. On her pre-listing check list are:

 

�        Decommission oil tank if not used (a state law). Test for leakage if currently used.

�        Inspect wood or stucco siding

�        Remove any non-permitted wood stove (a state law)

�        Install compliant smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

�        Have sewer scoped

�        Have a professional radon test (especially if you have a basement)

�        Home inspection, especially if you suspect any rot anywhere

 

Because of the internet, buyers are well informed about prices.

 

Agent and investor Frank Hasabe, who owns MBA Properties, points to the on-line Zillow.com site, which lists prices of homes on the market by neighborhood. It also offers "Zestimates" of what a house might list for based on recent sales in the neighborhood. Hasabe cautions that because Zillow offers "rearview mirror" data; the prices can be high in a "down market" and low in an "up market."

 

Another agent, Dustin Miller of Realty Trust says that homes in Hillsdale are doing well comparatively. "If it's not on a busy road, in a quiet location, well designed, a mid-century home can sell in the mid-$300,000s and up. Homes requiring a loan below a $417,000 qualify for lower interest rates, which are running about 4.5 percent for 30-year conventional loans.

 

But because so many homes are on the market, the competition for buyers is stiff. And the longer a house stays on the market, the less attractive it is, Miller cautions. If that "for sale" sign has become a neighborhood fixture, "there's the perception that something is wrong with the property," he says. 

 

While over the last four years prices have been going down, Miller says that the last two months in Hillsdale have seen an uptick. But so far this year, prices here are down 3 percent over last year. In Hillsdale, 57 houses are currently on the market with 23 sales pending. So far this year, 45 houses here have sold at an average price of $363,104.

 

Hasabe, who owns the Sunset Office Building behind the Hillsdale Brew Pub, has taken advantage of the depressed market to buy up foreclosed-on properties, particularly in Beaverton, Aloha and other west-of-Portland suburbs. He sees a future in renting his houses, with the possibility of offering renters a deal with the first chance to buy.

 

He manages nearly 100 single-family homes and owns about half of them. In an unstable job market, which may require workers to move, renting doesn't tie down the occupant. Hasabe says that his fellow Realtors don't like to hear him say it, but "Not everybody should own  a home."

Chicken or Egg 

 

New chairman links participation to power

at the Hillsdale Neighborhood Association

 

As Mikal Apenes describes it, the Hillsdale Neighborhood Association (HNA) is faced with a chicken-or-egg conundrum.

Apenes, the newly elected HNA chair, says the question centers on modest citizen participation in HNA and on HNA's limited power.

Like all of Portland's 99 neighborhood associations, Hillsdale's has mostly advisory
Mikal Apenes pix

The new neighborhood association chair, Mikal Apenes was born New York City and graduated from George Washington University in Washington D.C. and the University of Connecticut School of law. After practicing law for 10 years he became a Realtor. He works as a broker with Windermere/Cronin & Caplan. 

As a licensed attorney he does Pro Bono legal work through the Legal Aid Society of Oregon. Apenes also is a Friends of Trees and Habitat for Humanity volunteer and cooks the monthly community supper at St. Barnabas Church.

He and his wife, Kathy, have twin sons, Jacob and Nicolai, who are just finishing 7th grade at Robert Gray Middle School.

powers that occasionally influence, but cannot compel, City officials to act.

Apenes says HNA's influence is partly determined by how representative of the community the association is. With just a couple dozen neighbors normally attending monthly meetings, the organization's representational legitimacy can be called into question.

Exactly whom does the neighborhood association represent besides the handful of folks who show up? How much credibility should such a small group be given?

But, Apenes points out, because the association has limited influence, few neighbors get involved with the organization. Why bother?

Hence the chicken-or-egg problem: Power depends on participation; participation depends on power.

Apenes and outgoing co-chair Robert Hamilton recently addressed these and other issues put to them about the neighborhood association as Hamilton (and his fellow co-chair, Sheila Greenlaw-Fink) hand over the gavel to Apenes.

On the plus side, HNA provides a open forum for the community. Individual voices are stronger, Apenes says, when they unite through HNA.

Particularly contentious issues will attract many newcomers to meetings, and often a few stay around and get involved with other issues, says Hamilton.

HNA meets the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at either The Watershed or St. Barnabas Church - visit the HNA web site for location, the agenda and minutes of the past meeting. 

Hamilton and Apenes say that by simply meeting each month neighbors get to know each other and forge alliances. Hillsdale Main Street evolved out of such alliances, particularly with the Hillsdale Business and Professional Association via the Hillsdale Alliance, an umbrella group, and the Hillsdale Community Foundation, yet another spin-off from the Alliance.

Hamilton says that a principal function of HNA is to be a link to several other organizations such as the PTAs, Main Street, the Farmers Market, the Hillsdale NET (emergency team) and the business association. He adds that attendance at meetings has grown in the past few years as Hillsdale has become more vibrant. He also cites new leadership that has given given birth to and is nurturing the highly visible Main Street program.

Hamilton questions whether HNA will ever have power, at least in the form of money, materials and staff to make physical improvements, like long-sought sidewalks. But the organization does have influence in lobbying for change. Beyond that, he notes but doesn't particularly agree with those who say community power really resides at the ballot box. If the City Council isn't addressing neighborhood needs, let your votes speak.

Meanwhile, Apenes lists HNA's biggest challenge as continuing to stimulate attendance and involvement. "There is a risk that HNA could become insular and viewed as expressing the opinion of only a few members," he says. "Without a broader spectrum of participants, the risk of group-think grows."

Monster-pan Paella Dinner benefit

set for Sept. 10

Paella closeup It's being billed as "The largest dinner of its kind in Oregon!" and it will be right here in Hillsdale this fall.

The Hillsdale Paella Dinner is the brain child of Ted Coonfield, who has served numerous paella feasts - but none the size of the monster he is planning for Saturday, Sept, 10, as a benefit for Hillsdale Main Street and the Neighborhood House food box program

Spanish paella is a traditional Valencian rice dish loaded with shrimp, chicken, sausage and vegetables. This one will be simmered in a pan more than five feet in diameter. A separate pan will be reserved for a strictly vegetarian paella.

Flamenco dancers, tapas, wine, desserts, an outdoor setting and the simmering of the main course will all be part of the scene, which is expected to lure "foodies" from afar.

Coonfield, a Main Street Board member and the founding chair of the HIllsdale Farmers Market, hopes to attract 300 guests.

The cost of $75 per person will match the price of the food, wine and cooking, said Coonfield. Main Street and Neighborhood House will benefit because the fixings are all being donated. Pacific Natural Foods, Baker & Spice and Food Front have already signed on to donate, he said.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, contact the Hillsdale Main Street office at (503) 896-9211 or write [email protected].
Local Volunteers honored

Michael Reunert, Liz Talley, Linda Doyle & Mike Roach thanked & praised


The June graduation awards season is spreading off campus to the Hillsdale neighborhood.

This month, Michael Reunert was recognized not once but twice for his volunteer work in Hillsdale.

Reunert was named Hillsdale's volunteer of the Year at the Hillsdale Neighborhood Association meeting on June 1.

He and other honored volunteers from Southwest neighborhoods will be toasted guests at the annual Southwest Neighborhoods Incorporated (SWNI) volunteer appreciation banquet Tuesday, June 28 at the Multnomah Arts Center at 7 p.m.

Reunert was also one of two volunteers singled out for "hero" status by the Hillsdale Main Street board. Reunert was honored for his work both as a volunteer and as a Hillsdale Community Foundation/Main Street board member. He serves as the board's treasurer and has been active on Main Street committees.

Many in the Rieke Elementary School community know Reunert, a marketing expert and parent, as a key player in saving the school from closure five years ago.

The Main Street board also named Liz Talley, a graphic artist, as its other volunteer of the year for her dedicated work on the promotion and design committees. She has also designed Main Street's web site.

Meanwhile, back at the schools, Linda Doyle was recently honored by the Wilson High School PTA for her years of work, including founding the Wilson-Cluster Arts Council and the widely read on-line Wilson Spotlight newsletter. Doyle also serves on the Hillsdale Main Street Board. Her work on Wilson's 50th anniversary celebration in 2005 led to the creation of an alumni website and e-mail newsletter.

A handful of volunteers are so worthy of honors and have been honored so much that the only recourse is to name the honor for them.

Mike Roach, co-owner of Paloma Clothing and a schools volunteer extraordinaire, was surprised by Lincoln High School administrators and students when the first "Mike Roach Service Award" was given out at the June 2 awards assembly.

The Roach award goes to "involved fathers who dedicate hours of their time supporting students and attending student activities at Lincoln High School." This year, it was awarded to Lincoln dads Robert Matteri and Skip Mulkey.

What's this?


A giant bird bath?

A Stone Age wok?

A public bath? 

A flying saucer waiting for a flying cup?

 

Planter 

See answer at bottom of the page.


DATE BOOK

Through June

 

Historical Association's Collections exhibit


"Collections," an historical display at the Multnomah Arts Center (MAC). The display organizers invite visitors to answer the question, "What do you collect?" Community members are invited to donate old photos, memorabilia and historical items to the history center and office, 2929 Multnomah Boulevard. For more information call (503) 893-5549 or visit the Multnomah Historical Association's web site. Open board meetings are the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the MHA office, but July's meeting will be on the 11th at the MAC at 7 p.m. (see below)

Monday, June 13

 

Benefit dinner for Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH)


5 p.m. to closing at 1 a.m. at McMenamins John Barleycorns, 14610 SW Sequoia Parkway, Tigard. Fifty percent of net proceeds go to CPAH.

Thursday, June 16


"Third Thursday" in Hillsdale


Select Hillsdale shops have extended hours with specials. Live music/beer and wine tasting at Food Front. Scarf-tying demonstration at Paloma Clothing.

June 20 - 24 and June 27 - July 27

Basketball camps for boys and girls

Every June, the basketball coaching staff at Wilson High School offers basketball day camps in Wilson's main gym for boys and girls entering 4th through 9th grades. The boys' Camp is June 20-24; girls' Camp is June 27-July 1. To learn more and to register online, please visit wilsonyouthbasketball.com 

 

Tuesday, June 28


"Mexican Fiesta" honoring SW Volunteers 


7 p.m. Multnomah Arts Center. Dinner and music in honor of Southwest Portland volunteers.

Monday, July 11

Railroads of Southwest Portland

7 p.m. Multnomah Art Center. Presented by the Multnomah Historical Association. Free.

 

Thursday, July 28

Movie in the Park: "Ferris Beuler's Day Off" 

7 p.m. DeWitt Park across from the Hillsdale Library. Free. Presented by Hillsdale Main Street and Portland Parks and Recreation. Movie starts at sundown preceded by music and pop corn.

Sunday, July 31

Hillsdale Pancake Breakfast and Book Sale

34th annual Blueberry Pancake Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. to noon. Key Bank parking lot.

Hillsdale Used Book Sale, the Watershed building, 6388 SW Capitol. 9 a.m.to 2 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Hillsdale Community Foundation. Book donations welcomed at the Hillsdale Farmers Market from June 26 through July 24. 

Quiz Answer
planter answer What is it? The new but still-empty planter at the traffic island at Pendleton and Cheltenham. Volunteers plan to add plants on Wednesday, June 15, according to a Bureau of Transportation spokesperson.