We in the SWF 20/20 Health, Wellness and Social Spaces Committee are excited about the South Waterfront Wine and Dine Excursion #1.
The idea is simple: you and your South Waterfront friends and neighbors will meet at the streetcar stop at SW Moody and Gibbs (right next to OHSU’s Center for Health and Healing) at 6:00 pm on February 21st. You’ll get on the next streetcar and ride together to Bay 13 Restaurant in the Pearl District, giving yourself over to pleasant conversation for the entire ride rather than battling traffic and hunting for parking.
At Bay 13, you’ll enjoy contemporary seafood dishes with international influences and a free dessert with your purchase of an entrée. When’s it’s all over, you’ll ride the rails back home. What could be simpler? If you’d like to join in the fun, please RSVP to Michelle Walsh at 503.226.4941. Seating is limited to twenty, so act now! Residents only.

Transportation and green spaces sure seem to be the hot topic in the South Waterfront lately. Coming up on Thursday there will be a Citizen Advisory Committee meeting that is open to the public to provide input about the Portland to Milwaukie Max route - which will most likely cross the river somewhere near the South Waterfront. This will be interesting to watch and see where exactly the route will lie. Meeting takes place Thursday January 24th, 6-8pm at the SMILE Station (8210 SE 13th Ave). Attached is a PDF of the proposed agenda for this meeting: 24jan08-draft.pdf.

On Thursday November 15th, 2007 the Zidell Marine Corporation launched the Lovel Briere, a 52,000 barrel, double hull ocean tanker barge. This particular barge is 289 FT by 78 FT by 24FT and will be used to transport various petroleum products up and down the Pacific Coast. Even though the purpose of this vessel is not exactly in line with the sustainable living that is being implemented in South Waterfront, I think we can all appreciate the engineering and architectural feats that are happening here in our own neighborhood. On average Zidell completes one barge every 10 to 14 months, which is rarer than full moons or shooting stars. If you missed the launch last Thursday be sure to check out the gallery for pictures from our local photographer Kent Anderson, otherwise maybe we will see you at next year’s launch party!

Carbon offsets express the reduction in CO2 introduced into the environment.  According to the Bonneville Environmental Foundation Carbon Calculator, each kWh of energy in Oregon is equal to 0.6527 pounds of CO2. Carbon offsets were calculated by multiplying the energy savings in kWh by .6527 pounds of CO2.

According to the Bonneville Environmental Foundation Carbon Calculator, the average car uses 556 gallons of gas per year and emits 10,833 lbs of CO2.

Originally called the Willamette Shore Trolley, there are currently talks about using the old line to extend the modern streetcar route to Lake Oswego. The idea is that the addition would relieve traffic along Highway 43. City officials and a citizens advisory committee are debating whether or not this is the best solution, a bus line might be more effective, or if anything should be done at all. This is your chance to weigh in, the decision will affect all od us in SWF..

New infrastructure and technology aren’t always the best solution for traffic and commuting. My wife carpools with co-workers everyday, and saves time, money, and greenhouse gasses in the process. This site (www.carpoolmatchnw.org) is a great resource for matching up with other locals looking for a ride, or a way to use the carpool lane. If you’re already in the loop, use this as a forum to share your experiences; locations, hours, and who plays the best music.