Join Your Neighbors for an Awesome Summer Gathering, Aug. 6
By Suzanne Perra, SRN President
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SRN News
February 2022 Kicks Off 'LOVE SRN' Month
By Emily Bennett
Hello neighbors! As you know we’ve missed our main annual fundraiser for Skyline Ridge Neighbors the past two years with the cancellation of our annual gathering and auction. We’re so thankful for the generous contributions of community members who have donated to SRN over the past year. We consistently hear how much residents love our community and the beauty of our surroundings through the neighbor submitted articles in the Ridge Runner, communication via the Newsline, and casually bumping into neighbors in the community. With that spirit in mind we’re kicking off ‘LOVE SRN’ month in February.
We’ll be creating some special items like stickers, mugs, hats, and apparel items with unique Skyline Ridge artwork (coming soon). These items will be available as gifts with different levels of donations to SRN. This will be an opportunity to show your love and pride of our community while also providing critical financial support to our organization. This support helps us maintain communication channels to the community through the Ridge Runner, Newsline, and Facebook pages, provide neighborhood clean up opportunities like SOLVE, and support neighborhood safety programs like NET and resident CPR training.
Keep an eye out for more details coming via the Newsline in Feb. LOVE SRN items will be available for a limited time so don’t miss the chance to show some neighborhood pride!
Hello neighbors! As you know we’ve missed our main annual fundraiser for Skyline Ridge Neighbors the past two years with the cancellation of our annual gathering and auction. We’re so thankful for the generous contributions of community members who have donated to SRN over the past year. We consistently hear how much residents love our community and the beauty of our surroundings through the neighbor submitted articles in the Ridge Runner, communication via the Newsline, and casually bumping into neighbors in the community. With that spirit in mind we’re kicking off ‘LOVE SRN’ month in February.
We’ll be creating some special items like stickers, mugs, hats, and apparel items with unique Skyline Ridge artwork (coming soon). These items will be available as gifts with different levels of donations to SRN. This will be an opportunity to show your love and pride of our community while also providing critical financial support to our organization. This support helps us maintain communication channels to the community through the Ridge Runner, Newsline, and Facebook pages, provide neighborhood clean up opportunities like SOLVE, and support neighborhood safety programs like NET and resident CPR training.
Keep an eye out for more details coming via the Newsline in Feb. LOVE SRN items will be available for a limited time so don’t miss the chance to show some neighborhood pride!
Public Service
Redistricting Will Change How We Advocate for Our Community
By Maureen Barnhart, Skyline Grange Legislative Chair
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is the bipartisan legislation which will make available $1.2 trillion (nationwide) in funding for infrastructure programs across the energy, water, transportation, and building sectors. Signed on November 15, the next steps will be made by U.S. departments and agencies charged with implementing the Act. To advocate for issues of concern in this area (broadband access, roads such as Cornelius Pass, clean water), it will be important to maintain lines of communication with our representatives. Those individuals are changing.
On the Federal level, we in the Ridge Runner audience will continue to be represented by Congressional Representative Suzanne Bonamici. The State Legislature presents a completely new landscape.
Senate
State Senator Betsy Johnson has resigned (effective Dec. 15) to focus on her campaign as an unaffiliated candidate for governor of Oregon. Senator Johnson has served in SD 16 since 2001, and has often been the nominee of the Democratic, Republican and Independent parties. The County Commissioners of Multnomah, Washington and Columbia Counties will appoint a replacement to finish this term, and a new State Senator will be elected in November of next year. Senator Johnson has been at several town halls over the years, often at the Grange, along with Rep. Witt.
House
House District 31 has been represented by Brad Witt since 2005. Most of the votes that brought his victory came from the areas that are now in a new House District (34), which will also be an open seat in 2022 as there is no incumbent living within those boundaries.
Representative Witt served us well. He was on the Legislative committee that worked to put Oregon on a path of mitigation of climate change and its effects. In our local area, Representative Witt was instrumental in obtaining American Rescue Plan Act funds to improve accessibility to the Skyline Grange. He will not seek re-election, and the House District has been re-districted to eliminate the area of Washington County which includes North Bethany. In the last election Rep. Witt faced stiff competition and election results were unknown until days after the election. The changing composition of HD 31 could well mean a change in what our representation in the Oregon State Legislature looks like.
Here is a site on which one can enter an address and locate the appropriate House District, Senate District, and Congressional District
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is the bipartisan legislation which will make available $1.2 trillion (nationwide) in funding for infrastructure programs across the energy, water, transportation, and building sectors. Signed on November 15, the next steps will be made by U.S. departments and agencies charged with implementing the Act. To advocate for issues of concern in this area (broadband access, roads such as Cornelius Pass, clean water), it will be important to maintain lines of communication with our representatives. Those individuals are changing.
On the Federal level, we in the Ridge Runner audience will continue to be represented by Congressional Representative Suzanne Bonamici. The State Legislature presents a completely new landscape.
Senate
State Senator Betsy Johnson has resigned (effective Dec. 15) to focus on her campaign as an unaffiliated candidate for governor of Oregon. Senator Johnson has served in SD 16 since 2001, and has often been the nominee of the Democratic, Republican and Independent parties. The County Commissioners of Multnomah, Washington and Columbia Counties will appoint a replacement to finish this term, and a new State Senator will be elected in November of next year. Senator Johnson has been at several town halls over the years, often at the Grange, along with Rep. Witt.
House
House District 31 has been represented by Brad Witt since 2005. Most of the votes that brought his victory came from the areas that are now in a new House District (34), which will also be an open seat in 2022 as there is no incumbent living within those boundaries.
Representative Witt served us well. He was on the Legislative committee that worked to put Oregon on a path of mitigation of climate change and its effects. In our local area, Representative Witt was instrumental in obtaining American Rescue Plan Act funds to improve accessibility to the Skyline Grange. He will not seek re-election, and the House District has been re-districted to eliminate the area of Washington County which includes North Bethany. In the last election Rep. Witt faced stiff competition and election results were unknown until days after the election. The changing composition of HD 31 could well mean a change in what our representation in the Oregon State Legislature looks like.
Here is a site on which one can enter an address and locate the appropriate House District, Senate District, and Congressional District
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Forest, Farm & Garden
WMSWCD Offers Five Tips for a Healthy Stream
By Kammy Kern-Korot, Senior Conservationist, West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District
One of the most essential types of natural habitats we have is the riparian forest, which affects the health of the adjacent stream and benefits our climate. A riparian forest is the community of trees, shrubs, and understory plants adjacent to a stream or body of water. The plants closest to the stream are adapted to moist soil conditions and those species a bit further away tolerate a middle ground between wet and dry conditions. They comprise various zones, as shown in this graphic.
Riparian forests provide important pathways for wildlife to move through the landscape and to higher, cooler areas. Trees and other vegetation along streams, and elsewhere, are key to storing carbon and keeping air and stream temperatures lower, which we will need more and more as the global climate warms. Have you ever gone into the forest on a hot day and noticed how it’s 20 degrees cooler? If so, you’ll appreciate how invaluable the shade and moisture retention that our forests provide. We also need trees and shrubs to capture and store rainwater that is hitting us in higher volumes during increasingly intense winter and spring storms. (Remember the “atmospheric rivers” we experienced this fall?) The more we collectively preserve and plant such vegetation, the more benefits we’ll see. Here are 5 tips for creating and maintaining a healthy riparian forest and a healthy stream:
1. Plant and preserve native trees and shrubs along your stream. Not only do they shade the stream, which helps keep the water cool for fish and other aquatic life, their roots hold onto the soil and minimize streambank erosion. They filter pollutants from run-off water, slow its movement across land, and help recharge groundwater. With our increasingly dry, hot summers, ground-water recharge is more important than ever before.
Look for local sources of plants to get species adapted to your growing conditions and local wildlife needs. You can use a Willamette Valley retail or wholesale nursery that specializes in native plants, or harvest “starts” of plants off your land or where you have permission. You can cut off branches of willow, red-twig dogwood and cottonwood trees in the late fall – right now! – and just stick them into moist streambanks. Strive for cuttings that are 2-3 feet long and insert them half to two-thirds of the way into the ground, with the buds facing up. Assuming conditions are right, they will root and grow, like magic! You can also dig up small seedlings of other suitable plants, such as western red cedar, Oregon ash, or red or white alder, where you have many and move them to your streamside areas. Look around for what likes to grow near your stream and, once you’ve confirmed those species are native, plant more of them.
See the Guide for Using Willamette Valley Native Plants Along Your Stream for appropriate species and for tips on how to propagate your own plants from cuttings.
2. Plant and care for understory species in your riparian area. These might include native shrubs and small trees like cascara, Douglas hawthorn, snowberry and salmonberry, or twinberry and Douglas spirea for sunny edges or openings. A mix of woody plants contributes to a good matrix of roots under the ground that hold the soil in place. They also support and benefit from soil life such as fungi, and provide much needed food for birds, pollinating insects, and other wildlife. Flowering plants, in particular, provide nectar and pollen for bees and hummingbirds, but most plants attract native insects. Since insects are the bottom of the food chain, plants that support them support other wildlife. Some native trees, like Western hazelnut, even provide nuts as food for jays and squirrels, for example.
See here for local sources of native plants
3. Add native grasses and wildflowers that naturally occur in riparian areas. Blue wildrye is an example of a locally common native grass that tolerates sun and shade, and it can be purchased inexpensively by the pound. Tufted hairgrass is a great native species for moist, sunny areas. You can also add wildflowers that like understory settings, such as largeleaf avens, fringe-cup, and youth-on-age. Really moist soil areas can benefit from native sedges, rushes and bulrushes, like small-flowered bulrush and slough sedge. Try digging up and transplanting a few or getting some from a local nursery, as with the wildflowers. Scatter seed of native grasses where you have bare soils areas, particularly if you’ve cleared an area of invasive blackberry or reed canary grass.
Free up more areas for native seed and native plants by controlling invasive weeds. Along with reed canary grass (RCG), tackle aggressive herbaceous invaders such as shiny geranium, which can take over the ground of a riparian area. Keep reed canary grass somewhat at bay with persistent cutting, combined with heavy, heavy mulch. Be aware, however, that too much mulch applied where it can wash into the stream is not a good thing. Remove RCG growing immediately around desired plants – either manually or with careful use of herbicide – and have patience while new native trees and shrubs grow up and gradually shade it out. The goal is to avoid the intense competition for water and nutrients the RCG imposes.
4. Retain downed “wood” that ends up in or near streams. When trees lose branches and fall near or across a stream, they shed leaves and twigs that become food for aquatic insects and other critters, such as crayfish, that live in streams. The downed logs end up creating pools where fish hold and take cover from predators and where the deeper water created is nice and cool. The wood that falls on land will decay and provide future organic matter and healthy soil, which will harbor a wide range of life and be more hospitable to future plant growth. And while the log is still intact, it can shade and help fragile new seedlings establish. Also, while it’s not a guarantee, beaver may use downed pieces of wood for dam-building instead of cutting new, growing pieces.
5. Consider the benefits of beaver for water retention and fire breaks. Recent experience in Oregon has shown that beaver-flooded areas are extremely resilient to wildfire and serve as both important fire breaks and refuge areas while fires rage. After a fire, a green oasis is left behind. If beaver are taking more trees than you’d like, you can create wire “cages” around key trees to preserve them. You can also plant trees and shrubs adapted to beaver browse, like dogwood, cottonwood, and willows, which generally grow back after being browsed. (Our native willows include Pacific, Sitka and Scouler’s willow, the latter tolerating the driest of conditions.) Or select plant species that are less preferred by beaver, like Pacific ninebark, elderberry, and swamp rose. If you want to learn more about how beaver can benefit a stream, watch this recent video by the Oregon Zoo.
So, there you have it. Keep and plant more native plants near your stream, control invasive weeds, propagate your own plants on-site to save money and have hyper-adapted plants, embrace a “messy” natural riparian area with downed wood and beaver, if you can, and promote a variety of plant species and types. Work with your neighbors to maximize benefits. We suggest a 50-foot riparian “buffer” on each side of the creek as a good starting point, if you have the space. More is better but anything is better than nothing. Work with what you have and feel good about the progress you’ve made; and keep working at it! You and the wildlife will be glad you did.
One of the most essential types of natural habitats we have is the riparian forest, which affects the health of the adjacent stream and benefits our climate. A riparian forest is the community of trees, shrubs, and understory plants adjacent to a stream or body of water. The plants closest to the stream are adapted to moist soil conditions and those species a bit further away tolerate a middle ground between wet and dry conditions. They comprise various zones, as shown in this graphic.
Riparian forests provide important pathways for wildlife to move through the landscape and to higher, cooler areas. Trees and other vegetation along streams, and elsewhere, are key to storing carbon and keeping air and stream temperatures lower, which we will need more and more as the global climate warms. Have you ever gone into the forest on a hot day and noticed how it’s 20 degrees cooler? If so, you’ll appreciate how invaluable the shade and moisture retention that our forests provide. We also need trees and shrubs to capture and store rainwater that is hitting us in higher volumes during increasingly intense winter and spring storms. (Remember the “atmospheric rivers” we experienced this fall?) The more we collectively preserve and plant such vegetation, the more benefits we’ll see. Here are 5 tips for creating and maintaining a healthy riparian forest and a healthy stream:
1. Plant and preserve native trees and shrubs along your stream. Not only do they shade the stream, which helps keep the water cool for fish and other aquatic life, their roots hold onto the soil and minimize streambank erosion. They filter pollutants from run-off water, slow its movement across land, and help recharge groundwater. With our increasingly dry, hot summers, ground-water recharge is more important than ever before.
Look for local sources of plants to get species adapted to your growing conditions and local wildlife needs. You can use a Willamette Valley retail or wholesale nursery that specializes in native plants, or harvest “starts” of plants off your land or where you have permission. You can cut off branches of willow, red-twig dogwood and cottonwood trees in the late fall – right now! – and just stick them into moist streambanks. Strive for cuttings that are 2-3 feet long and insert them half to two-thirds of the way into the ground, with the buds facing up. Assuming conditions are right, they will root and grow, like magic! You can also dig up small seedlings of other suitable plants, such as western red cedar, Oregon ash, or red or white alder, where you have many and move them to your streamside areas. Look around for what likes to grow near your stream and, once you’ve confirmed those species are native, plant more of them.
See the Guide for Using Willamette Valley Native Plants Along Your Stream for appropriate species and for tips on how to propagate your own plants from cuttings.
2. Plant and care for understory species in your riparian area. These might include native shrubs and small trees like cascara, Douglas hawthorn, snowberry and salmonberry, or twinberry and Douglas spirea for sunny edges or openings. A mix of woody plants contributes to a good matrix of roots under the ground that hold the soil in place. They also support and benefit from soil life such as fungi, and provide much needed food for birds, pollinating insects, and other wildlife. Flowering plants, in particular, provide nectar and pollen for bees and hummingbirds, but most plants attract native insects. Since insects are the bottom of the food chain, plants that support them support other wildlife. Some native trees, like Western hazelnut, even provide nuts as food for jays and squirrels, for example.
See here for local sources of native plants
3. Add native grasses and wildflowers that naturally occur in riparian areas. Blue wildrye is an example of a locally common native grass that tolerates sun and shade, and it can be purchased inexpensively by the pound. Tufted hairgrass is a great native species for moist, sunny areas. You can also add wildflowers that like understory settings, such as largeleaf avens, fringe-cup, and youth-on-age. Really moist soil areas can benefit from native sedges, rushes and bulrushes, like small-flowered bulrush and slough sedge. Try digging up and transplanting a few or getting some from a local nursery, as with the wildflowers. Scatter seed of native grasses where you have bare soils areas, particularly if you’ve cleared an area of invasive blackberry or reed canary grass.
Free up more areas for native seed and native plants by controlling invasive weeds. Along with reed canary grass (RCG), tackle aggressive herbaceous invaders such as shiny geranium, which can take over the ground of a riparian area. Keep reed canary grass somewhat at bay with persistent cutting, combined with heavy, heavy mulch. Be aware, however, that too much mulch applied where it can wash into the stream is not a good thing. Remove RCG growing immediately around desired plants – either manually or with careful use of herbicide – and have patience while new native trees and shrubs grow up and gradually shade it out. The goal is to avoid the intense competition for water and nutrients the RCG imposes.
4. Retain downed “wood” that ends up in or near streams. When trees lose branches and fall near or across a stream, they shed leaves and twigs that become food for aquatic insects and other critters, such as crayfish, that live in streams. The downed logs end up creating pools where fish hold and take cover from predators and where the deeper water created is nice and cool. The wood that falls on land will decay and provide future organic matter and healthy soil, which will harbor a wide range of life and be more hospitable to future plant growth. And while the log is still intact, it can shade and help fragile new seedlings establish. Also, while it’s not a guarantee, beaver may use downed pieces of wood for dam-building instead of cutting new, growing pieces.
5. Consider the benefits of beaver for water retention and fire breaks. Recent experience in Oregon has shown that beaver-flooded areas are extremely resilient to wildfire and serve as both important fire breaks and refuge areas while fires rage. After a fire, a green oasis is left behind. If beaver are taking more trees than you’d like, you can create wire “cages” around key trees to preserve them. You can also plant trees and shrubs adapted to beaver browse, like dogwood, cottonwood, and willows, which generally grow back after being browsed. (Our native willows include Pacific, Sitka and Scouler’s willow, the latter tolerating the driest of conditions.) Or select plant species that are less preferred by beaver, like Pacific ninebark, elderberry, and swamp rose. If you want to learn more about how beaver can benefit a stream, watch this recent video by the Oregon Zoo.
So, there you have it. Keep and plant more native plants near your stream, control invasive weeds, propagate your own plants on-site to save money and have hyper-adapted plants, embrace a “messy” natural riparian area with downed wood and beaver, if you can, and promote a variety of plant species and types. Work with your neighbors to maximize benefits. We suggest a 50-foot riparian “buffer” on each side of the creek as a good starting point, if you have the space. More is better but anything is better than nothing. Work with what you have and feel good about the progress you’ve made; and keep working at it! You and the wildlife will be glad you did.
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Skyline NET News
Bridgetown vs. The Big One
By Sen Speroff
The other day I drove to the east side of Portland. I had to remove my NET pack, car Go Bag, and emergency bag from my car to make room for the stuff I was delivering. As I crossed the Fremont Bridge, I had the eerie thought of “let’s not have a major earthquake until I get back to the west side.” I only occasionally use a bridge, but many of you living on Skyline Ridge commute daily over bridges; many students at Skyline School make the daily trip to school from St. Johns; and certainly, we see a hoard of vehicles with Washington license plates on Cornelius Pass on their way to high-tech jobs in Hillsboro. This got me thinking about all the people who would be displaced and the families that would be separated when a major earthquake happens.
Portland is called Bridgetown for a good reason; it has 12 bridges within city limits. There are 3 additional bridges that locally connect Oregon with Washington, including the Burlington Northern Railroad Bridge. Our nearest bridge, the St. Johns Bridge, was built 91 years ago, in 1931. Many bridges in Multnomah County were designed when horse and buggy transportation still existed (Burlington Northern in 1908, Hawthorne in 1910, Steel in 1912, Broadway in 1913). Only a few were built in recent memory – Marquam was completed in 1966, Fremont in 1973, Sauvie Island in 2008 (replacing the original built in 1950) and the carless Tilikum Crossing in 2015.
What will happen to the bridges when there is a major earthquake? The new Sellwood Bridge is the most earthquake-resilient vehicle-bridge in the City. Its new foundation reaches bedrock, and its piers can flex and bend, absorbing some of the energy from an earthquake without collapsing. For most of our bridges, the pillars under the bridges would go first, followed by the bridge collapsing. Engineers did not design bridges with earthquakes in mind until the mid-1990’s. The Ross Island, Steel, and Broadway Bridges would likely collapse. The Morrison and Burnside bridges could remain standing, but with extensive damage. The Marquam and Freemont bridges would survive with problems and there is a good chance their approaches would collapse.
Multnomah County wants to rebuild the Burnside Bridge. Since it does not run underneath a freeway or railway, nothing is likely to collapse upon it. This priority bridge is a designated “life-line” route by the state and must stay open for first responders. A bond measure which would have financed its rebuilding failed this past November. $300 million has been raised by Multnomah County residents through vehicle fees but another $500-$700 million is still needed to replace the Burnside before the Big One strikes.
What does this mean for us?
Internet Sources:
Skyline Ridge NET Happenings
Our group continues to meet monthly by Zoom with an educational component to each meeting. Also Portland Bureau of Emergency Management (PBEM) offers weekly educational topics via Zoom to NET members. Twelve Skyline Ridge NET members joined the virtual City-Wide Deployment Exercise along with close to 200 other NET members. These volunteers were divided into 18 teams including Skyline Ridge. The scenario was a shift change two days after a large earthquake. For the exercise, we met at the homes of several NET members who had the best internet connections, yet we experienced frequent periods of poor connection making communication difficult. This was very frustrating, but a sobering reminder that in a disaster effective communication will be a major problem. Slowly we have been mapping points of radio connectivity and mapping areas with no radio connection.
Needed: Local Amateur Radio Operator
If you’re not interested in doing the full NET training, we welcome local expertise to join us as “Affiliated” team members. One of those would be an Amateur NET Radio Operator. AROs are vital in an emergency, especially with the limitations with two-way radios in our steep, vegetated terrain. For further details log onto www.portlandoregon.gov/pbem/31667.
Become Involved in Our NET
You can take most of the Basic CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) lecture training online for free through the University of Utah: at www.onlinecert.org. If you get certified through that program, PBEM will honor the Utah units, and you will only need to complete hands-on training and a final field exercise when they are scheduled again locally. You also can wait and take PBEM’s 30-hour NET training locally to become a certified NET Team member when it safely resumes. For more information, visit https://www.portlandoregon.gov/pbem/31667.
Contact Us
NETS are here to support the community. Questions? Email Skyline Ridge NET at SkylineRidgeNET@gmail.com or contact Rachael Brake, Team Leader, at 503.621.3423.
The other day I drove to the east side of Portland. I had to remove my NET pack, car Go Bag, and emergency bag from my car to make room for the stuff I was delivering. As I crossed the Fremont Bridge, I had the eerie thought of “let’s not have a major earthquake until I get back to the west side.” I only occasionally use a bridge, but many of you living on Skyline Ridge commute daily over bridges; many students at Skyline School make the daily trip to school from St. Johns; and certainly, we see a hoard of vehicles with Washington license plates on Cornelius Pass on their way to high-tech jobs in Hillsboro. This got me thinking about all the people who would be displaced and the families that would be separated when a major earthquake happens.
Portland is called Bridgetown for a good reason; it has 12 bridges within city limits. There are 3 additional bridges that locally connect Oregon with Washington, including the Burlington Northern Railroad Bridge. Our nearest bridge, the St. Johns Bridge, was built 91 years ago, in 1931. Many bridges in Multnomah County were designed when horse and buggy transportation still existed (Burlington Northern in 1908, Hawthorne in 1910, Steel in 1912, Broadway in 1913). Only a few were built in recent memory – Marquam was completed in 1966, Fremont in 1973, Sauvie Island in 2008 (replacing the original built in 1950) and the carless Tilikum Crossing in 2015.
What will happen to the bridges when there is a major earthquake? The new Sellwood Bridge is the most earthquake-resilient vehicle-bridge in the City. Its new foundation reaches bedrock, and its piers can flex and bend, absorbing some of the energy from an earthquake without collapsing. For most of our bridges, the pillars under the bridges would go first, followed by the bridge collapsing. Engineers did not design bridges with earthquakes in mind until the mid-1990’s. The Ross Island, Steel, and Broadway Bridges would likely collapse. The Morrison and Burnside bridges could remain standing, but with extensive damage. The Marquam and Freemont bridges would survive with problems and there is a good chance their approaches would collapse.
Multnomah County wants to rebuild the Burnside Bridge. Since it does not run underneath a freeway or railway, nothing is likely to collapse upon it. This priority bridge is a designated “life-line” route by the state and must stay open for first responders. A bond measure which would have financed its rebuilding failed this past November. $300 million has been raised by Multnomah County residents through vehicle fees but another $500-$700 million is still needed to replace the Burnside before the Big One strikes.
What does this mean for us?
- Have a family plan for separation lasting days or even weeks. Do you have a designated person living near your child’s school that could care for your child? Is the school aware of this arrangement? Do you have an out-of-the area contact for family members to report to if separated?
- If you are separated from home, business, or family, do not expect transportation over our rivers for quite some time. Plan for this reality.
- Carry emergency supplies in your vehicle and at work in case you cannot get home.
- Designate a trusted person to care for your pets and livestock and to check your property.
- Wherever you are, volunteer to assist in that area.
Internet Sources:
- New Burnside Bridge needed, Multnomah County residents asked to weigh in on design, cost - KATU News
- Willamette River Bridges - Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT)
- The Portland bridges that will collapse in an earthquake - KGW8 News
Skyline Ridge NET Happenings
Our group continues to meet monthly by Zoom with an educational component to each meeting. Also Portland Bureau of Emergency Management (PBEM) offers weekly educational topics via Zoom to NET members. Twelve Skyline Ridge NET members joined the virtual City-Wide Deployment Exercise along with close to 200 other NET members. These volunteers were divided into 18 teams including Skyline Ridge. The scenario was a shift change two days after a large earthquake. For the exercise, we met at the homes of several NET members who had the best internet connections, yet we experienced frequent periods of poor connection making communication difficult. This was very frustrating, but a sobering reminder that in a disaster effective communication will be a major problem. Slowly we have been mapping points of radio connectivity and mapping areas with no radio connection.
Needed: Local Amateur Radio Operator
If you’re not interested in doing the full NET training, we welcome local expertise to join us as “Affiliated” team members. One of those would be an Amateur NET Radio Operator. AROs are vital in an emergency, especially with the limitations with two-way radios in our steep, vegetated terrain. For further details log onto www.portlandoregon.gov/pbem/31667.
Become Involved in Our NET
You can take most of the Basic CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) lecture training online for free through the University of Utah: at www.onlinecert.org. If you get certified through that program, PBEM will honor the Utah units, and you will only need to complete hands-on training and a final field exercise when they are scheduled again locally. You also can wait and take PBEM’s 30-hour NET training locally to become a certified NET Team member when it safely resumes. For more information, visit https://www.portlandoregon.gov/pbem/31667.
Contact Us
NETS are here to support the community. Questions? Email Skyline Ridge NET at SkylineRidgeNET@gmail.com or contact Rachael Brake, Team Leader, at 503.621.3423.
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Public Service
TVF&R Offers Ways to Stay Safe During Winter Storms
By Christina Lent, TVF&R
Winter storms can be dangerous, bringing heavy winds, freezing temperatures, power failures, as well as icy or flooded roads. Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue encourages you to prepare yourself and your family for winter storms by following these safety tips:
Indoor Safety
Outdoor Safety
Safety Behind the Wheel
Winter storms can be dangerous, bringing heavy winds, freezing temperatures, power failures, as well as icy or flooded roads. Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue encourages you to prepare yourself and your family for winter storms by following these safety tips:
Indoor Safety
- Have a professional perform annual inspections of your heating system and make any necessary repairs. If you have a fireplace, have the chimney inspected and cleaned annually
- Bring pets and smaller animals inside to keep them warm and dry
- Keep heating sources at least 3 feet away from materials that can burn, and never leave lit candles or other flames unattended
- Have a disaster supply kit with bedding, clothing, first-aid supplies, flashlights, food, a battery-operated radio, and water to be self-sufficient for the first 72 hours of any emergency. For more information on 72-hour kits, visit www.tvfr.com
- Know the shut-off locations for your electricity, natural gas, and water
- During a power outage, turn off major appliances to reduce power demands when electricity is restored
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in the home and test them regularly
Outdoor Safety
- Minimize outdoor activities whenever possible. If you must venture outdoors, dress appropriately for the weather conditions you may encounter and avoid getting wet to prevent hypothermia
- Don’t overestimate how far you can walk on extremely cold, rainy, or snowy days
- Use extreme caution when stepping outside in icy conditions, particularly in the morning when it’s coldest and the ice hasn’t had a chance to melt
- Insulate exposed water pipes with fiberglass or foam to protect them from freezing
- Report power outages to your electric company and NEVER touch a downed power line!
- If you have pets or livestock that must be outside, provide a sheltered area and access to non-frozen drinking water
Safety Behind the Wheel
- Avoid traveling when the weather service issues storm advisories
- If you must drive, drive much slower than you would in ideal weather conditions
- Have your car inspected to ensure it’s in proper running condition. A breakdown during extreme weather can put you and your passengers in danger
- Replace worn tires, belts, leaking radiator hoses, and burned-out headlights and taillights
- Ensure your radiator has appropriate antifreeze for the conditions you will encounter
- Have an emergency kit in your car equipped with blankets, flashlights, snacks, tools, a shovel, and kitty litter or sand for traction in case of an unexpected delay or emergency
- Keep your gas tank more than half full. Should a power outage occur, you may have difficulty finding a service station that can fill your tank
- If you plan to travel in the mountains, carry the appropriate chains or traction devices required by law
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Learning About Nature
Sign up for ECO's FREE Learn at Home Lessons
Ecology in Classrooms and Outdoors (ECO) offers FREE Learn at Home activities that are designed for parents, grandparents, caregivers and teachers to get kids outside, learning about science and nature with very few materials needed. Sign up for lessons here: https://www.ecologyoutdoors.org/learn-at-home or share them with a parent or teacher in your life.
ECO’s mission is to inspire students to care for nature and their local communities through hands-on education and climate action. Contact Wendy Mitchell, Senior Development Advisor with questions and to make a donation at wendy@ecologyoutdoors.org
ECO’s mission is to inspire students to care for nature and their local communities through hands-on education and climate action. Contact Wendy Mitchell, Senior Development Advisor with questions and to make a donation at wendy@ecologyoutdoors.org
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Learning About Your Land
Exploring Your Woodland Property's Past (Part One)
By Pat Wheeler, Brad Withrow-Robinson, Amy Grotta, and Lauren Grand, OSU Extension
One of the special things about woodland ownership is the connection to place it creates for people. That connection is evident in the pride of ownership, passion, and the energy that people put into their property. Less obvious but often very strong is the connection to time and history associated with that place, however long a person’s own relationship to the land has been. Many people really enjoy exploring and recording their property’s history.
We recommend you first develop the basic story, with the recent history of the property, as you know it (for your Woodland Discovery Plan, or Forest Management Plan). Then maybe you go on to collect information and memories from other family members and neighbors.
If you are then interested in digging deeper, and extending your search further back in time, then this document can help. It provides a list of resources, many of them available free online that may be useful to people exploring the history of their woodland properties.
What do you hope to learn? Besides the recent history, some of which may be available in the memories of living people, a lot of information is available in public and historical records. A variety of resources can help you learn about native people, pioneers, early settlers, donation land claims and more. We introduce some here, but others will be unique local documents you may have to discover yourself.
Building Your History
Visiting your local historical museum is a good place to start. Many have oral histories, photographs, maps and other resources to provide context as well as details across a wide span of time. You can also try out many online resources to learn about specific things such as pioneers who settled on or near your property.
What is known about pre-European use of the land?
There was a long history of Native American people in Oregon before European settlement. You might be able to find some information about that, or infer the use of the land prior to European settlement from some of these sources.
However, most of the available documents and resources will address the time following settlement. Ideas for learning about Native American land use:
Was Your Property Settled by an Oregon Pioneer?
The US government established the Territory of Oregon in 1848. To encourage settlement of the area by US citizens, the government passed the Donation Land Claim Act in 1850. This act granted free land to pioneers who lived on the land and cultivated it for four years. Settlers arriving before 1850 were granted 320 acres if single or 640 acres if married. Settlers arriving after 1850 were granted 160 acres if single or 320 acres if married.
Thirty thousand white immigrants traveled west and 7000 individuals made claims to 2.5 million acres of land under the Donation Land Claim Act. Many of these claims were in the Willamette Valley. The act expired after 1855, but the government continued to sell land to early settlers for $125/acre.
The trip west on the Oregon Trail was about 2,000 miles long and took about six months. Usually 50-100 wagons traveled together as a group. Wagons were heavily loaded with supplies and most of the pioneers actually walked the 2,000 miles. Related families traveling together sometimes amounted to 25-50 family members. The age range was from grandparents (> 70 years) to newborns.
The trip was arduous and nearly one in ten died on the trail. The most common causes of death were “camp fever” (cholera) and accidents. Travel usually started in the spring and pioneers reached Oregon in the fall. Families would find a temporary place for over-wintering and the search for a homestead site the following spring.
Two avenues to research these early homesteaders are through maps (if you know the location, and are trying to identify the settler or owner); and people searches (to learn more about an individual/family once you know their name). The rest of this document provides a list of Internet tools that can help you with this research.
Pat Wheeler is a forestland owner in Polk County and a Master Woodland Manager volunteer. Brad Withrow-Robinson and Lauren Grand are, and the late Amy Grotta was, faculty of the OSU Forestry and Natural Resources Extension program. Part two will be published in the April Ridge Runner.
One of the special things about woodland ownership is the connection to place it creates for people. That connection is evident in the pride of ownership, passion, and the energy that people put into their property. Less obvious but often very strong is the connection to time and history associated with that place, however long a person’s own relationship to the land has been. Many people really enjoy exploring and recording their property’s history.
We recommend you first develop the basic story, with the recent history of the property, as you know it (for your Woodland Discovery Plan, or Forest Management Plan). Then maybe you go on to collect information and memories from other family members and neighbors.
If you are then interested in digging deeper, and extending your search further back in time, then this document can help. It provides a list of resources, many of them available free online that may be useful to people exploring the history of their woodland properties.
What do you hope to learn? Besides the recent history, some of which may be available in the memories of living people, a lot of information is available in public and historical records. A variety of resources can help you learn about native people, pioneers, early settlers, donation land claims and more. We introduce some here, but others will be unique local documents you may have to discover yourself.
Building Your History
Visiting your local historical museum is a good place to start. Many have oral histories, photographs, maps and other resources to provide context as well as details across a wide span of time. You can also try out many online resources to learn about specific things such as pioneers who settled on or near your property.
What is known about pre-European use of the land?
There was a long history of Native American people in Oregon before European settlement. You might be able to find some information about that, or infer the use of the land prior to European settlement from some of these sources.
However, most of the available documents and resources will address the time following settlement. Ideas for learning about Native American land use:
- Visit the local city or county’s museum or historical society in person or online. For example: Oregon Historical Society, https://ohs.org/
- Pre-settlement (~1850) land cover was often very different from what we have today. Maps of pre-settlement vegetation types have been developed from General Land Office survey records and other data. An overview of pre-settlement vegetation in the Willamette Valley is available here.
Was Your Property Settled by an Oregon Pioneer?
The US government established the Territory of Oregon in 1848. To encourage settlement of the area by US citizens, the government passed the Donation Land Claim Act in 1850. This act granted free land to pioneers who lived on the land and cultivated it for four years. Settlers arriving before 1850 were granted 320 acres if single or 640 acres if married. Settlers arriving after 1850 were granted 160 acres if single or 320 acres if married.
Thirty thousand white immigrants traveled west and 7000 individuals made claims to 2.5 million acres of land under the Donation Land Claim Act. Many of these claims were in the Willamette Valley. The act expired after 1855, but the government continued to sell land to early settlers for $125/acre.
The trip west on the Oregon Trail was about 2,000 miles long and took about six months. Usually 50-100 wagons traveled together as a group. Wagons were heavily loaded with supplies and most of the pioneers actually walked the 2,000 miles. Related families traveling together sometimes amounted to 25-50 family members. The age range was from grandparents (> 70 years) to newborns.
The trip was arduous and nearly one in ten died on the trail. The most common causes of death were “camp fever” (cholera) and accidents. Travel usually started in the spring and pioneers reached Oregon in the fall. Families would find a temporary place for over-wintering and the search for a homestead site the following spring.
Two avenues to research these early homesteaders are through maps (if you know the location, and are trying to identify the settler or owner); and people searches (to learn more about an individual/family once you know their name). The rest of this document provides a list of Internet tools that can help you with this research.
Pat Wheeler is a forestland owner in Polk County and a Master Woodland Manager volunteer. Brad Withrow-Robinson and Lauren Grand are, and the late Amy Grotta was, faculty of the OSU Forestry and Natural Resources Extension program. Part two will be published in the April Ridge Runner.
Skyline Grange News
Winter-Spring Activities Planned at Skyline Grange
By Sen Speroff
We hope to hold our traditional winter-spring events and provide opportunities for our community to regather if wily COVID allows for these to take place safely. Precautions will be taken, events modified as necessary, or cancelled as needed. Until further notice, at all Grange community events, attendees must be fully vaccinated and have proof of vaccination, wear masks, and practice distancing. Windows may be open for better ventilation. And of course, people should not attend events if they are feeling even a bit under the weather. Updates will be available on our website at www.skylinegrange894.org and on SRN’s weekly Newsline.
Skyline Living Series
Our Education Committee is in the early planning for a series of presentations in 2022:
“Firewise: A Collaborative Community Program to Reduce Wildfire Risks.” Trace Richard, Deputy Fire Marshall from TVF&R will provide an informational presentation about Firewise communities, property assessments and wildfire risks. Some of you may remember Trace from last year; he is the TVF&R representative that performs property assessments and makes recommendations to better prepare your property for the wildfire season. Portland Fire & Rescue may also be there for folks living inside their service area.
“Skyline Elk” which had to be cancelled in 2020, continues to be on hold until COVID restrictions are lifted for speakers from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Community Brunch Cancelled
Traditionally in February the community enjoys a hearty brunch together. At present, we simply cannot make community meals happen safely. We considered limiting the number of attendees, takeout, or two seatings, but none of these options seemed reasonable under the current COVID conditions. Perhaps by summer, we can consider an ice cream social outside. Many of you have expressed missing our community meals, and we miss cooking for you.
Two Spring Garage Sales 2/25-26 & 3/4-5
We plan to hold two sales on Friday-Saturday, February 25-26 and on Friday-Saturday, March 4-5. Our furnace room is already packed with donations and many of our consistent donors have stored away nice items to donate when we're-open. We expect a huge amount to offer, requiring two weekends, instead of our usual one weekend sale. We may feature items from certain sections of the household on each weekend so displays can be adequately spaced and customers distanced. Also, we may limit the number of customers at a time. Mark your calendar, this will be a good sale.
Two Plant Sales
Tree Seedling Sale
Date for this sale is to be determined, but probably in early March. It is by pre-order only. We hope to offer a good variety of native conifer and deciduous bareroot seedlings. This is a great opportunity to buy in quantity. The Seedling Pre-Order Form should be out in early January with the deadline towards the end of January. If you want a Seedling Pre-Order Form when available, email your request to skylinegrange894@msn.com. Quantities will be limited, so we encourage you to order early.
BIG Tree and Native Plant Sale
After several years of a down-sized Sale, we are back to our BIG Tree & Native Plant Sale on Friday-Saturday, April 1-2. This will include a robust Native Plant Pre-Order option and sales on days of the Sale. The Bareroot Section will return after two years. This section will include fruit-bearing trees, ornamental trees, shade trees and shrubs (no berry bushes). Most of these bareroots are not Oregon “natives”, but have been chosen because they do well in our area and are compatible with our Oregon native habitat.
Yoga Classes
Yoga classes since the weather turned cold and wet, have been only by Zoom several days a week. It is hoped that limited size, distancing and masks will enable classes inside. For more details, class schedule, and to register for classes, visit www.yogainalignment.com. Janci is the instructor.
Join Skyline Grange
Grange is a non-partisan, non-sectarian, non-profit, and totally volunteer-driven organization. We are a diverse group of people who believe that we are fortunate to live in the Skyline area and want to support its well-being. We take seriously the fact that our building is a community asset as a gathering place. Our impact, activities, and accomplishments depend upon our members and community volunteers.
You can contact the Grange for questions and rental inquiries at SkylineGrange894@msn.com. Skyline Grange is located at 11275 NW Skyline Boulevard. Our website is www.skylinegrange894.org. and our Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/Skyline-Grange-894-169559023662398/
We hope to hold our traditional winter-spring events and provide opportunities for our community to regather if wily COVID allows for these to take place safely. Precautions will be taken, events modified as necessary, or cancelled as needed. Until further notice, at all Grange community events, attendees must be fully vaccinated and have proof of vaccination, wear masks, and practice distancing. Windows may be open for better ventilation. And of course, people should not attend events if they are feeling even a bit under the weather. Updates will be available on our website at www.skylinegrange894.org and on SRN’s weekly Newsline.
Skyline Living Series
Our Education Committee is in the early planning for a series of presentations in 2022:
“Firewise: A Collaborative Community Program to Reduce Wildfire Risks.” Trace Richard, Deputy Fire Marshall from TVF&R will provide an informational presentation about Firewise communities, property assessments and wildfire risks. Some of you may remember Trace from last year; he is the TVF&R representative that performs property assessments and makes recommendations to better prepare your property for the wildfire season. Portland Fire & Rescue may also be there for folks living inside their service area.
“Skyline Elk” which had to be cancelled in 2020, continues to be on hold until COVID restrictions are lifted for speakers from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Community Brunch Cancelled
Traditionally in February the community enjoys a hearty brunch together. At present, we simply cannot make community meals happen safely. We considered limiting the number of attendees, takeout, or two seatings, but none of these options seemed reasonable under the current COVID conditions. Perhaps by summer, we can consider an ice cream social outside. Many of you have expressed missing our community meals, and we miss cooking for you.
Two Spring Garage Sales 2/25-26 & 3/4-5
We plan to hold two sales on Friday-Saturday, February 25-26 and on Friday-Saturday, March 4-5. Our furnace room is already packed with donations and many of our consistent donors have stored away nice items to donate when we're-open. We expect a huge amount to offer, requiring two weekends, instead of our usual one weekend sale. We may feature items from certain sections of the household on each weekend so displays can be adequately spaced and customers distanced. Also, we may limit the number of customers at a time. Mark your calendar, this will be a good sale.
Two Plant Sales
Tree Seedling Sale
Date for this sale is to be determined, but probably in early March. It is by pre-order only. We hope to offer a good variety of native conifer and deciduous bareroot seedlings. This is a great opportunity to buy in quantity. The Seedling Pre-Order Form should be out in early January with the deadline towards the end of January. If you want a Seedling Pre-Order Form when available, email your request to skylinegrange894@msn.com. Quantities will be limited, so we encourage you to order early.
BIG Tree and Native Plant Sale
After several years of a down-sized Sale, we are back to our BIG Tree & Native Plant Sale on Friday-Saturday, April 1-2. This will include a robust Native Plant Pre-Order option and sales on days of the Sale. The Bareroot Section will return after two years. This section will include fruit-bearing trees, ornamental trees, shade trees and shrubs (no berry bushes). Most of these bareroots are not Oregon “natives”, but have been chosen because they do well in our area and are compatible with our Oregon native habitat.
Yoga Classes
Yoga classes since the weather turned cold and wet, have been only by Zoom several days a week. It is hoped that limited size, distancing and masks will enable classes inside. For more details, class schedule, and to register for classes, visit www.yogainalignment.com. Janci is the instructor.
Join Skyline Grange
Grange is a non-partisan, non-sectarian, non-profit, and totally volunteer-driven organization. We are a diverse group of people who believe that we are fortunate to live in the Skyline area and want to support its well-being. We take seriously the fact that our building is a community asset as a gathering place. Our impact, activities, and accomplishments depend upon our members and community volunteers.
You can contact the Grange for questions and rental inquiries at SkylineGrange894@msn.com. Skyline Grange is located at 11275 NW Skyline Boulevard. Our website is www.skylinegrange894.org. and our Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/Skyline-Grange-894-169559023662398/
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Classifieds
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Bird Watercolor Painting for Beginners. Every Tuesday for ALL AGES, 4:00-5:30pm (Portland, Oregon time). Learn how to paint birds in watercolor, step by step instruction with Ronna Fujisawa. $15/ class or $50/ 4 classes. Register online www.saltywaterart.com or email: ronnafujisawa@me.com.
Phoenix Farm Riding School. English horse riding lessons for the whole family. All ages and ability levels are welcome! Day-off-school camps. Summer camps. Parties and special events. Located on the corner of Skyline Blvd. & Rock Creek Rd. Call/text 503.621.3823, email: 13phoenixfarm13@gmail.com. |
Owen West Electric. Our specialty is service and panel changes, kitchen and bath remodels, security, and yard lighting. 30 years of experience. CCB #29492. 503.297.6375 Office, 503.880.9512 Cell.
Borrow tool to eliminate Scotch broom, holly and other woody shrubs, sapling trees easily. SRN will lend 3 sizes of Weed Wrench. Contact Sen 503.621.3331 for large and medium size (Skyline near mile marker 15). Contact Laura 503.407.7175 for small size (McNamee Rd.). Rent the Skyline Grange. Reservations accepted for dates in 2022, COVID permitting. Rental details at www.skylinegrange894.org. |
Community Calendar
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Jan. 10, 7:30 PM: Skyline Grange monthly meeting. All are welcome to attend, regardless of Grange membership. For more info, email SkylineGrange894@msn.com.
Jan. 11, 6:30 PM: SRN Board online meeting via Zoom. All are welcome to attend. Contact Emily Bennett (ebemilybennett@gmail.com) to get the link. Feb. 8, 6:30 PM: SRN Board online meeting via Zoom. All are welcome to attend. Contact Emily Bennett (ebemilybennett@gmail.com) to get the link. Feb. 14, 7:30 PM: Skyline Grange monthly meeting. All are welcome to attend, regardless of Grange membership. For more info, email SkylineGrange894@msn.com. |
Mar. 8, 6:30 PM: SRN Board online meeting via Zoom. All are welcome to attend. Contact Emily Bennett (ebemilybennett@gmail.com) to get the link.
Mar. 14, 7:30 PM: Skyline Grange monthly meeting. All are welcome to attend, regardless of Grange membership. For more info, email SkylineGrange894@msn.com. Apr. 11, 7:30 PM: Skyline Grange monthly meeting. All are welcome to attend, regardless of Grange membership. For more info, email SkylineGrange894@msn.com. Apr. 12, 6:30 PM: SRN Board online meeting via Zoom. All are welcome to attend. Contact Emily Bennett (ebemilybennett@gmail.com) to get the link. |
Thanks for Your Donations!
Many thanks to the following neighbors and friends who recently made cash donations to SRN:
~ Edward & Elaine Perkins
~ Carol Chesarek
~ Loretta Field & Floyd Nelson
~ Kenneth Prier
~ Motz & Son, Inc.
~ James Emerson
~ Sen & Leon Speroff
~ Catherine Dalziel
~ Joe & Laurel Erhardt
~ Chris Van Raden & Susan Gorgas
~ Michael Gronek
~ Sara Bowersox & Morgan Beller
~ Roger & Carol Wilkerson
~ D. Pedersen & Friends
~ Scott Teitsworth & Deborah Buchanan
~ Sharon Barthmaier
~ Bruder Family
~ Hughes Family Trust
~ Sancy Leachman & Craig Eroh
~ Miles & Libby Merwin
~ Mark Fujii & Jill Inahara
We would like to thank these neighbors who recently helped fund the DIY repairs to Rock Creek Road:
~ Jennifer & Ron Rich
~ Mary & David Lawlor
~ Rebecca Jenkins
~ Desiree Baldocci
~ Christina Traunweiser
~ Cody Hulett
~ Bob & Patrice Foote
~ Craig Eroh & Sancy Leachman
~ D E Anderson Inc.
SRN relies on the financial support of the Skyline community to pursue its nonprofit, educational mission. We operate entirely on the volunteer efforts of neighbors like you. Donations are tax-deductible and always appreciated! Please make checks payable to SRN and send them to Rachael Brake, SRN Treasurer, 14109 NW Rock Creek Rd., Portland, OR 97231. Thank you.
Many thanks to the following neighbors and friends who recently made cash donations to SRN:
~ Edward & Elaine Perkins
~ Carol Chesarek
~ Loretta Field & Floyd Nelson
~ Kenneth Prier
~ Motz & Son, Inc.
~ James Emerson
~ Sen & Leon Speroff
~ Catherine Dalziel
~ Joe & Laurel Erhardt
~ Chris Van Raden & Susan Gorgas
~ Michael Gronek
~ Sara Bowersox & Morgan Beller
~ Roger & Carol Wilkerson
~ D. Pedersen & Friends
~ Scott Teitsworth & Deborah Buchanan
~ Sharon Barthmaier
~ Bruder Family
~ Hughes Family Trust
~ Sancy Leachman & Craig Eroh
~ Miles & Libby Merwin
~ Mark Fujii & Jill Inahara
We would like to thank these neighbors who recently helped fund the DIY repairs to Rock Creek Road:
~ Jennifer & Ron Rich
~ Mary & David Lawlor
~ Rebecca Jenkins
~ Desiree Baldocci
~ Christina Traunweiser
~ Cody Hulett
~ Bob & Patrice Foote
~ Craig Eroh & Sancy Leachman
~ D E Anderson Inc.
SRN relies on the financial support of the Skyline community to pursue its nonprofit, educational mission. We operate entirely on the volunteer efforts of neighbors like you. Donations are tax-deductible and always appreciated! Please make checks payable to SRN and send them to Rachael Brake, SRN Treasurer, 14109 NW Rock Creek Rd., Portland, OR 97231. Thank you.
Skyline Ridge Runner
Editor: Miles Merwin
Contributing Editor: Laura Foster
Page Composition & Graphics: Agnes Kwan
Copy Editor: Libby Merwin
Digital Editors: Emily Bennett, Shea Lavalier
Printing & Mailing: City of Portland, Metro Presort
Contributors: Sen Speroff, Emily Bennett, Maureen Barn- hart, Kammy Kern-Korot, Christina Lent, Pat Wheeler, Brad Withrow-Robinson, Amy Grotta, Lauren Grand
Send comments, articles, opinions and advertising requests to the Ridge Runner, 14416 NW Skyline Blvd., Portland, OR 97231, ridgerunner@srnpdx.org, or fax to 503.621.3450. Deadlines for all submissions are the 15th day of March, June, September, and December unless otherwise announced. Letters to the Editor are welcome, but must include your name and phone number for verification. Letters may be edited for length.
➜ Deadline for the next issue is March 15
Skyline Ridge Neighbors Inc.
Skyline Ridge Neighbors is a nonprofit organization serving rural northwestern Multnomah County through educational, environmental, and social programs that inform residents on relevant issues and events. SRN endeavors to better our community, encourage volunteer efforts, and openly communicate with residents and outside organizations.
SRN Board of Directors
Skyline Rural Watch Newsline
Subscribe to SRN’s weekly email newsletter of local events and news via the link at www.srnpdx.org. Contact the Editor, Laurel Erhardt, at newsline@srnpdx.org or 503.621.3501 to submit items for publication
SRN Website
Visit www.srnpdx.org for more news, photos and information about our community. If you have questions or comments, contact the Webmaster, Agnes Kwan, at webmaster@srnpdx.org.
The views and opinions presented herein are those of the authors and are not necessarily endorsed by SRN or Skyline neighborhood residents.
Editor: Miles Merwin
Contributing Editor: Laura Foster
Page Composition & Graphics: Agnes Kwan
Copy Editor: Libby Merwin
Digital Editors: Emily Bennett, Shea Lavalier
Printing & Mailing: City of Portland, Metro Presort
Contributors: Sen Speroff, Emily Bennett, Maureen Barn- hart, Kammy Kern-Korot, Christina Lent, Pat Wheeler, Brad Withrow-Robinson, Amy Grotta, Lauren Grand
Send comments, articles, opinions and advertising requests to the Ridge Runner, 14416 NW Skyline Blvd., Portland, OR 97231, ridgerunner@srnpdx.org, or fax to 503.621.3450. Deadlines for all submissions are the 15th day of March, June, September, and December unless otherwise announced. Letters to the Editor are welcome, but must include your name and phone number for verification. Letters may be edited for length.
➜ Deadline for the next issue is March 15
Skyline Ridge Neighbors Inc.
Skyline Ridge Neighbors is a nonprofit organization serving rural northwestern Multnomah County through educational, environmental, and social programs that inform residents on relevant issues and events. SRN endeavors to better our community, encourage volunteer efforts, and openly communicate with residents and outside organizations.
SRN Board of Directors
- Suzanne Perra - President - 503.866.9289 - president@srnpdx.org,
- Emily Bennett - Vice President - 971.280.3142
- Rachael Brake - Treasurer & Secretary - 503.621.3423, 503.201.6740 / treasurer@srnpdx.org, secretary@srnpdx.org
- Brad Graff - 503.292.1614
- Shea Lavalier - 612.718.9683
- Grant Rolette - 503.621.3423, 503.985.2060
- Alex Rose - 213.507.6616
- George Sowder - 503.621.3552, 503.961.3440
Skyline Rural Watch Newsline
Subscribe to SRN’s weekly email newsletter of local events and news via the link at www.srnpdx.org. Contact the Editor, Laurel Erhardt, at newsline@srnpdx.org or 503.621.3501 to submit items for publication
SRN Website
Visit www.srnpdx.org for more news, photos and information about our community. If you have questions or comments, contact the Webmaster, Agnes Kwan, at webmaster@srnpdx.org.
The views and opinions presented herein are those of the authors and are not necessarily endorsed by SRN or Skyline neighborhood residents.