Neighbors, business owners, artists, and other interested parties, including Sam Adams, packed Zaytoon on February 13th, for the Art on Alberta annual meeting.

Last year’s theme for the May’s Art Hop, was “Eyes on Alberta.” The theme’s mission was accomplished. Sam Adams congratulated Art on Alberta at its success in branding itself. He said that the Alberta Arts District is second only to the Pearl with its high profile in the Portland arts scene. However, the mostly volunteer and under-funded organization can no longer do it alone. Thus, they have launched the new 2008 theme of “Synergy.”

According to a blind survey by Portland State University (PSU), neighbors are proud to have community art events and want the Art Hop to continue largely as it has been. President of Art on Alberta, Joseph Blanchette, said that they were a little surprised by positive response, which has given the organization energy and information to help ensure the event’s progress and success in future years.

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by Tony Fuentes, CNA Vice-Chair

As I read the local papers and listen to the news, there have been two big things on my mind lately. The first is the recent gang incidents that have occurred in Northeast and North Portland.

The gang problem is complex and we must strive to fully address it. We need to create an environment and choices in our homes, in our neighborhoods, in our schools, in our job market, and in our social circles that provide the knowledge and support our young people need to succeed. We also need to work together to help address immediate day-to-day concerns related to gang activity.

So what can you do? One small but important thing is keeping the police and city informed of what is happening. For instance, be sure to document and report all graffiti – all it takes is a call to the graffiti hotline at 503-823-4824. And it is critical that all criminal incidents and suspicious activity be reported to the police no matter how minor it may seem. For instance, public drinking, disruptive house parties, car prowls, any public display of weapons, and illegal drug use should always be reported without hesitation. The bottom-line is that if you see something, say something. Emergencies should always be reported to 9-1-1, non-emergency issues and suspicious activity can be reported to the non-emergency line at 503-823-3333.

Another thing I have been thinking about is the upcoming elections, the CITY elections. Not as glamorous as the presidential race but the decisions made by the city council always impact your day-to-day life and affect the overall livability of our neighborhood.

To help inform your decision on council members, the Concordia Neighborhood Association will be holding a forum on April 1 featuring candidates for commissioner positions 1 and 2. I hope that we fill the Gym at the Kennedy School with Concordia neighbors that night. This will be a unique chance to learn more about the candidates and their stand on the issues facing our fair city and our neighborhood.

Got a burning question for the candidates that can’t wait until April 1? Go ahead and ask the candidates – really. Most are accessible by email or phone or both and if they want to be a commissioner, they better be open to dealing with the public, right?

As part of the planning committee preparing for this forum, I can say that we are definitely open to suggestions on questions about local issues. So feel free to also email me your hot topic as well.

*The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the author(s) in the Chair’s Corner do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Concordia Neighborhood Association.