Tag: Newsletter Dec. 2022

Happy Holidays Sunnyside! 

The SNA met on November 10th for our bi-monthly meeting. A big topic of conversation was Mayor Ted Wheeler’s new plan to open large designated campsites across the city and to gradually ban unsanctioned camping by Portland’s houseless residents. Sam Adams, from the Mayor’s office, kicked off a series of meetings with neighborhood stakeholders on November 9th to discuss their vision. The pilot site would open with space for up to 150 people. They eventually expect to have six sites, with space for up to 250 people at each site. The mayor’s office says that each city-owned site would be managed by a private contractor, providing two meals, heated tents and access to service providers, like mental health, housing coordinators and drug treatment. The camps would be fenced and would have security, including in the 1000 feet surrounding each site. There are still many details to work out, including site selection and finances. Many meetings with the mayor’s office will continue over the coming months. They hope to be off the ground within 18 months.

We also had a presentation from Quiet Clean PDX (QC PDX). This organization is working towards a future where Portland would be free of gas-powered leaf blowers, as they greatly decrease air quality, cause extensive noise pollution and may present particular health hazards to their operators. This was an educational presentation and we may look at endorsing their campaign in the future, if the neighborhood is interested.

In other news, Portland voted for a new form of government with multi-member districts, proportional ranked-choice-voting, and a city administrator to manage bureaus! This is a big change for our city, and Portland needs you to stay involved. Over the coming months there will be many opportunities to participate in shaping the new government. Keep an eye on https://www.portland.gov/transition for opportunities to serve your community by making this change a reality.

The SNA board will have its monthly meeting on December 8th and we will return for our next general meeting in January.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season filled with friends, family and bright tidings for the coming new year. And I hope to see many of you at Sunnyside’s brightest tradition – the lights on Peacock Lane!

Greetings! The residents of Portland’s beloved “Christmas Street” are pleased to announce the schedule for this year’s Lights on Peacock Lane Event. The lights will be on daily every night from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. starting on December 15th  and ending on December 31st.

Returning this year are the Hot Cocoa Booth and pedestrian-only nights! 

The Hot Cocoa Booth provides hot cocoa and cider (free of charge) to the public during the event. Donations are, of course, accepted and help defray certain costs, but they are not required. The booth runs from December 15th – 24th, while supplies last.

We’re delighted to announce the return of pedestrian-only nights, which will take place on December 15th, 16th, and 17th!

During these nights, the Lane will be closed to vehicle traffic, which means the public may walk on the Lane itself for an even better view of the lights. On December 18th, pedestrian-only nights end and vehicles can drive down the Lane, though we recommend planning ahead as traffic will get heavy. 

And, of course, Peacock Lane is always free!

The ways in which we are kind during, and after, any type of weather-related emergency also manifests itself in many big and little ways.

Give yourself credit for the invisible and visible ways that you are kind on a daily basis. 

The other day I had the opportunity to hand deliver about forty SNA newsletters. On the north side of SE Taylor and the south side of SE Yamhill, from Cesar Chavez to SE 42nd Avenue, and on the east side of SE 42nd Avenue between these two blocks. There was a lot of climbing up and down the mostly uneven stairs with many not-so-stable handrails to guide me. It was a sunny day with no snow or ice – just a few damp leaves and branches scattered about. 

I share this story with you so that you consider making it safer for those who deliver mail and other items to our homes every day. Making it easier for people to navigate to our front doors would be an act of kindness.

As winter comes (well, it feels like it’s already here), let’s keep the streets and sidewalks in front of our homes free from leaves, garbage, ice and snow so that it’s safe for all of us to get around by car, bicycle and on foot.

Be prepared, not scared.