Life claimed in Foster hit-and-run; safety improvements should be paramount

Posted on January 30, 2012 by

This weekend brought tragic news, as another pedestrian was killed on Foster Road, this time by a hit-and-run driver who has yet to be found.  This is at least the third pedestrian death on Foster in just over two years.

Already labeled a high-crash corridor, Foster Road continues to cry out for safety improvements.  While accidents are inevitable, especially in an urban area with high traffic speeds, these fatalities are certainly preventable.  The city has been aware of safety concerns along Foster for a long time, and the time is now to see that specific improvements be made.

While we continue our push for measures to be taken, we also want to offer our condolences to the family of the man killed.  This is terribly unfortunate, and hopefully a wake up call to the city.  We’ll keep you all posted on how to make your voices heard in response to this tragedy.

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Happy weekend, FoPo!

Posted on January 27, 2012 by


It seems like a lot’s going on in and around the ‘hood.  As always, we lead you into the weekend with tidbits galore.  Enjoy, and have a nice, relaxing few days.  We’ll catch you on Monday.

- Sweetness Bakery and Cafe will soon be hosting a monthly dinner, branching out from their usual pastries, coffee and breakfast.  The Sweetness Super Club, as it is called, will seat up to 20 people for dinner on a monthly basis.  The first hosting will be on February 29th.  For more information, and/or to make a reservation, click here.

- “Gay Mondays?”  Yep, brought to you exclusively by Bar Carlo.  Catch RuPaul’s Drag Race on the big screen Monday nights.  Word is, there’ll be an occasional showing of Fashion Police, too.

- If you haven’t yet noticed the marquee poking out of the Bob White Theatre, there will be an estate sale next weekend, presumably to clear the space of all salvageable equipment, furniture and other items.  This is a good sign, as, ideally, it means the space is being prepped for the renovation it sorely needs.  Only good things to come now…or so we hope.

- The HJ Mini Mart and Deli, on SE 82nd and Holgate, will be changing hands, and is soon to become Giants NY Pizza and Convenience.  We’ll see what they have to offer.

- The Gun Room Melodies will be playing at Gemini Lounge this Saturday night, 9pm.

- And finally, it looks like Foster Road is getting a new tattoo parlor.  After Suite C Tattoo opened above Torta-Landia a few months ago, another shop will be opening in the expansive space above Da Hui.  No word on who’ll run the shop, or when it will open.

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Foster Streetscape

Posted on January 25, 2012 by

Since 2003, Foster Road has eagerly been waiting for a city-adopted, collaboratively planned facelift.  This facelift, long overdue, and hoped for well before 2003, has become somewhat of rallying point for many in the neighborhood, including those in Mt. Scott-Arleta.  The Foster Road Transportation and Streetscape Plan, as it is known, was drafted by city planners, transportation officials, and a citizens advisory committee, many of whom are from Foster-Powell.  In July of the same year, the City of Portland adopted the plan, which meant funding was the only thing in between adoption and implementation.

Nearly nine years later, it appears as if the Foster Streetscape Plan is not only gaining traction, but slated to receive a serious shot in the arm.  With $2 million earmarked from the Portland Development Commission (PDC), and an additional $1.25 million in regional flexible funds, Foster Road will indeed see its facelift.

Now it’s a matter of when, and how much.

With the inclusion of Foster Road (west of 82nd) in the Lents Town Center Urban Renewal Area (LTCURA), naturally, there is some level of bureaucracy that also stands in the way.  However, that is more about the process, as opposed to its laying dormant and forgotten about up until a couple years ago.  Part of the process now includes reviewing the plan and seeing how current trends and planning goals fit into it.  That means a new study will be conducted, with a likely refreshing of the plan to include the possibility of bike facilities and a future streetcar.

At the LTCURA’s January Citizen Advisory Committee meeting, the PDC presented a briefing sheet on this “Refresh of the Foster Streetscape Plan,” laying out some of the details on funding that’s been secured, as well as specific areas along Foster they want to focus on.  For example, the vacant lot on 72nd and Foster is owned by the PDC, and they’ve identified that as a key area for improvement.  As such, the “heart of Foster,” between 63rd and 67th, will also be a center of focus.

As the PDC has implemented a new Foster Corridor Investment Strategy, stemming from the Foster Lents Integration Partnership (FLIP), the review and amending of the streetscape plan will largely take place through this channel, with the PDC and Portland Bureau of Transportation overseeing the project.  There will be another round of community outreach and workshopping around the plan, with an anticipated project start date at the end of 2013.

This is all good news for those who depend on Foster Road for commercial needs, as a mode of transportation, or simply live nearby.  For more information, you can email us directly or contact the PDC or PBOT.

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Our Slogan Haven

Posted on January 24, 2012 by

So many great entries, keep them coming…

E: fosterpowellpdx@gmail.com

If you have yet to sign up for the newsletter, click HERE

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Fabulous Folks of Foster, Meet Danielle of Somaphile

Posted on January 23, 2012 by

Meet your Neighbors FoPoians…

Danielle Cornelius, DC

Somaphile Movement Studio

Owner, Chiropractic Physician

http://www.somaphile.com/

Who are you?


I’m Danielle Cornelius, owner and chiropractic physician at Somaphile Movement Studio.



What do you do?


I work one-on-one with women to provide gentle chiropractic care, movement therapy and self-care coaching. I also offer small group classes and workshops at my movement studio aimed at improving the health and wellness of women, offering them community support with a heavy emphasis on the mind-body connection and maximizing feminine potential.

One of my favorite tools is a unique mind-body movement practice called Shiva Nata ~ or Dance of Shiva. It’s a physical practice that also gives your brain a workout, helping you let go of old neural connections and create new grooves.

My movement studio is a place of community and support for women in the neighborhood and in the greater portland area. It’s a place of gathering where we can work on our stuff, make friends and ascend to our greatest potential … so we can focus on what we’re here to do … heal the world.



What is your inspiration? (Why do you do what you do?)


I’m inspired by the resiliency of mother earth and the power of the divine feminine. At the Vancouver Peace Summit in 2009, the Dalai Lama said, “The world will be saved by the western woman.” This resonated with me on a deep level. I’m constantly inspired by the tenacity, courage and and power of women. I know that when we work together and take exquisite care of ourselves, there is nothing we can’t do. I believe it begins with us and how we take care of ourselves ~ and this translates to how we care for the planet, our only home. And that is where my mission begins. To help women learn to heal themselves so we can get on with our work in the world.


What brought you and/or your business to the Foster-Powell Community?

I have lived in this neighborhood for several years. When I was considering locations for my practice, I cared deeply about finding a place as close to my home as possible.  I searched for almost a year before I found this little building for lease. I love the up-and-coming spirit of this neighborhood and am proud to be a part of the renewal of this area. I have loved seeing other awesome businesses start to grow up around me!

 What is your favorite way to enjoy Foster?


I love meeting with friends and colleagues at Yo Mama’s and Bar Carlo. I also love getting my hair done at Salon Mojo. I’m very excited about the Gemini Lounge opening next door to me.

 3 Ways to unite the Fine Folks of Foster


Awesome question. Off the top of my head …

1)  block parties?

2)  finding ways to network/collaborate in person more regularly?

3)  more live music or events?

 How do you envision the future of Foster?



I would love to see Foster Road businesses + neighbors and residents to come together to find way “green” our neighborhood and find more sustainable ways to live and do business. More activity with the Farmer’s Market. More food co-ops. More energy efficiency, more music in the park, more street fairs …  that sort of thing.

It would be great to see more retail shops on this street.

Also, ART. I know we have a lot of artists in the neighborhood, I’d love to see us create our own version of something like the Alberta Arts district or something like that.



Right now, my iPod is humming with:

1. Adele ~ Set Fire to the Rain
2. Live ~ Beauty of Gray
3. Drivepilot ~ Halo
4. Ghostland Observatory ~ Silver City
5. Sia ~ Playground


Your Top 5 Haunts in Portland


1. Yo Mama’s
2. Presents of Mind
3. Saysay Boutique
4. Olympic Provisions
5. Gypsy Chic

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Happy Weekend, FoPo!

Posted on January 21, 2012 by


Well, the arctic blast that wasn’t did, at least, produce some snow earlier in the week.  Most people were asleep when the snow dumped, though, and what remained in the morning was pretty minimal.  And as we know, it’s not a real arctic blast unless the city shuts down, as we’re apt to do.  That wasn’t the case this last week, and now it’s just rain and more rain.  Try to stay dry this weekend.

Now on to your weekend tidbits.  There isn’t a whole lot going on, so feel free to share any news, events, or goings on in the hood.

- The Blazers will be trying to get back on track tonight in Toronto.  As always, you should be able to catch the game at Bar Carlo, Torta-Landia, or O’Malley’s.

- The Wikman Building Committee held their first community meeting today, with the goal of establishing a more concrete plan for the site.  ROSE Community Development and its coalition of partners have six months to present a more detailed plan to the County for financing and use for the Wikman Building.  ROSE is inviting all community members to take part in this planning process.

- The City of Portland is suspending system development charges for accessory dwelling units, which means homeowners can save up to $12,000 on the permitting process when building secondary structures on their property.  Energy Trust of Oregon is also offering incentives for homeowners to build ADU’s, which aides in the city’s efforts to further add more density to the city’s core.

- The planned Lake Oswego streetcar project has apparently been scrapped, which now focuses the attention of transportation planners to other parts of the city.  As Foster Road has been considered for a future streetcar line, it’s time to think about how close to a reality this could be.  Would FoPo like a streetcar?  Let us know.

- The East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District is holding its 2012 native plant sale.  Get your orders in

- Friends of Trees will be planting in FoPo this Saturday.  It’s too late to get involved with the Neighborhood Trees Program for this year, but it’s not too late to sign up for next year’s planting.

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