The meeting to plan the first “better bridge” rally since city council approved the 12-lane Columbia River Crossing bridge was held in the living room of Joe Kurmaskie last Wednesday, March 11th. Seven veteran activists showed up and, sipping Hefewizens, discussed the best options for messaging, speakers and the protest goals. “This is the opening […]
Transportation
Posted inCity Hall
Today in $4.1 Billion Commuter Bridge News
Another official step in the march toward a 12 lane Columbia River Crossing: this morning, the Project Sponsors Council (the twelve regional transit and government leaders guiding the bridge) voted unanimously in favor of approving the 12 lane option Mayor Adams proposed to Portland’s City Council last week. The vote to go ahead with the […]
Posted inTransportation
Chris Smith: CRC May Be “Furnace” Not “Thermostat”
After Adams wrapped his State of the City speech today, there was only time for a handful of people to ask questions publicly. Luckily, transportation activist Chris Adams dashed to the microphone and was at the head of the queue. His question about Sustainable Sam’s vote yesterday approving the widest option for the $4.2 billion […]
Posted inTransportation
TriMet Bus Line Death Watch
Two weeks ago, TriMet announced its decision to axe 12 bus lines, scale back weekend service and rethink Fareless Square. Last night was the first open house getting public comment on the transit downsizing and apparently the public has a lot to say — TriMet spokeswoman Mary Fetsch says she her mailbox has filled with […]
Posted inCity Hall
Bridge: Adams’ Office Defends Green Reputation
70% of Blogtown readers in our lunchtime poll say they expected more from Mayor Sam Adams on the Columbia River Crossing. Can a mayor who travels all the way to China to preach about ‘green practices’ support a 12-lane freeway in his own backyard? Can he now still be considered a “green mayor”? “Sam is […]
Posted inTransportation
Fareless Square May Be on the Chopping Block
Taking a look at its annual budget, TriMet is seriously considering a controversial change: getting rid of or limiting Fareless Square. A consulting team for TriMet released a report at the end of December (read through it here) finding that TriMet has estimated lost revenue due to Fareless Square to be between $2.72 and $3.26 […]
Posted inTransportation
The Mercury: Getting Answers for YouTM
In an off-topic comment to a post yesterday, a reader asked this: Why does the MAX go over the bridge suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuper sloooooooooooooow now between the Rose Quarter Transit Center and downtown? Didn’t used to. Is it because the bridge might collapse at any moment? Good question! I put it to TriMet’s Mary Fetsch, who put […]
Posted inTransportation
Miracle Occurs in Northeast Portland
Mercury reader Jason spotted this unbelievable sign on Lombard and MLK: I don’t keep obsessive track of gas prices since the price for me is always the same but I’m wondering if this means that TriMet might lose less money than it thought? I mean, look at this plunge! TriMet raised fares in part because […]
Posted inPuppy
Dog Washing, Exotic Dancers, This Weekend
In a benefit for the Oregon Humane Society, the lovely ladies from Devils Point will be washing your car and/or dog this Saturday at 5305 SE Foster Road. What will they be wearing? Bikinis, of course. Aside from the dog/car wash, Devil’s Point is hosting a series of events. Come for the car wash, stay […]
Posted inGreen
Green SUVs Are Still a Bad Idea.
All week the Ford auto company PR people have been bugging us to attend their forum on sustainability at the Governor’s Hotel today. In a plan that sounded both dubious and hilarious, the company offered a free catered meal and an in-depth discussion of their “groundbreaking” Eco-Boost Engine. I decided to bring along Ivan Maluski, […]
Posted inTransportation
TriMet Rider’s Union in the Works
Pricey gas is pushing TriMet ridership to a record high and a fare-hike is on the horizon – could the time be right to form a Transit Rider’s Union? The upstart group Portland Coalition Against Poverty (PCAP) thinks so. Last week they started a city-wide grassroots campaign to organize a union, donning silkscreened red PCAP […]
Posted inFood and Drink
Tacos de Lengua: Bite your tongue
It was either this, Gene Simmons or medical pics you did not want to see… About a year ago, I jumped into the offal fray by ordering my first tongue taco. I wasn’t really sure what the hell to expect from the experience. So I closed my eyes, opened my mouth, and took a bite. […]