I have my hands full with too many summer projects as it is, what with the rock band, the garden, the random fix-up projects from garage sales.  If you're still looking for something to keep you busy this summer, here are two ideas:

Sustainable Homes Professional - Building Science Fundamentals Module 2

This 2-day class provides an exploration of the fundamental laws that govern the dynamic flows within a building in order to understand the interconnectedness of house systems. These fundamentals are necessary tools to use when making design, construction, and operation decisions that affect the sustainability of projects. This class enables you to: comprehend the natural laws that drive the thermal, air, and moisture flows within a house; develop strategies for analyzing how dynamic flows affect the performance of a house; and explore the importance of place and its impacts on building performance, occupant health, well-being, and resource efficiency. The second day of class includes site visits that... (more)

After a rainy weekend of sickness, I don't have much to report. I do, however have a fantasy:  that a FosterPowellPDX.com reader will get the following job, and then report back or write stories about what kind of projects are getting funding. From the listing at CNRG: 

"The Housing Authority of Portland (HAP) is seeking a part time Economic Stimulus Projects Coordinator. This position is for an approximate 18-month duration and will be working a 20 hour work week. The Economic Stimulus Projects Coordinator is a vital team member responsible for the coordination of projects funded under American Recovery and Revitalization Act (ARRA).

Key responsibilities of the Economic Stimulus Projects Coordinator include supporting HAP by coordinating and managing internal efforts to develop a comprehensive, effective and compliant program relative to economic stimulus funds; serving as a liaison between HAP departments working in ARRA planning, reporting, procurement and communications efforts; and supporting collaborative... (more)

Foster-Powell is part of the green revolution, not only due to its inclusion in Portland proper, which already attracts green businesses. If you ask me, out here in FoPo, we have more open space, more lawn, and more diversity than many other parts of Portland. Also-- we have Mt. Tabor, the City of Portland's nursery, and more freelancers than you can shake a stick at. What I'm saying is that many FoPoers like sustainability-- just take a look at our amazing gardens. Are you looking for a sustainable job? A job that will pay the bills but also help make the earth a little healthier?

If you're a Foster-Powellite who's looking for a new job, I have a website for you: SustainableEnergyJobs.com. I discovered this budding new social network when they signed up to follow the FosterPowellPDX.com Twitter postings.

Anyone else know of great resources for finding green jobs? I'd look at Craig's List, especially for stay-at-home jobs-- no commute=no gas.

Here's a bit more good news about finding local opportunities-... (more)

Are you eager to help beautify and heal Portland? Is there an eyesore parking lot that is especially offensive to your sense of civic pride? Depave wants to hear from you! They're looking for your participation in a survey of Portland's paved areas. Depave is an organization dedicated to ripping up unnecessary parking lots and turning them into greenspaces for community work. Here's a Streetfilms video that neatly explains their work.

When I first moved to Portland from Reno nearly ten years ago, I was surprised to see streets flooding during big rainstorms. The sheer amount of water was shocking to a desert girl like me, but I was also surprised that Portland's spongy soil didn't soak up more of the rain. Ten years of residence has brought some insight. Minor flooding happens for many reasons: clogged drains, a faulty sewage system, and asphalt. When it dumps buckets here, the rain just runs off the asphalt and into the storm drains, zippping straight down blocks to get backed up at drains, and picking... (more)

"Stimulus" is this week's news buzz word. Everyone from Obama to Adams is throwing around big numbers, promising to pull the economy up by the government-funding bootstraps. FDR and LBJ would be proud. To throw in one more acronym, let's talk about ODOT. The Oregon Department of Transportation has released its list of projects worthy of federal stimulus funding. Improved lighting along the I-205 bike corridor made the list. The stretch of corridor between Clackamas Town Center and Woodstock and 92nd would be brightened.

With the total cost of proposed improvements at almost $180,000, this Fo-Poer is flabbergasted that US-26 West between I-205 and downtown didn't make the list-- those potholes are getting fierce! (Or is that a city issue? Pipe in if you know.)

One more good piece of news for bikers: the Bicycle Transportation Alliance is currently drafting a bill that would make it legal for cyclists to roll through stoplights, AKA "Idaho Style" biking rules. The proposed law change would mean that bikers... (more)

Obama's economic bailout is aimed to "green up" the country, both economically and environmentally.  The new administration hopes that federal green infrastructure funding will lift the country out of the financial duldrums.  But the city of Portland has been governing green for years.  And you can help.  The City is currently seeking comments on a proposed new sustainable building policy.  With a sister in interior design, I can tell you that green building is the trend that's distinguishing the most progressive construction and design companies.  See the full message below to learn more and add your own comments.

"Commissioner Dan Saltzman and the Office of Sustainable Development (OSD) recently opened the public comment period for the proposed High Performance Green Building Policy. This innovative policy seeks to cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce energy costs and accelerate the growth of green jobs in Portland.

The proposed green building policy was developed by OSD staff with input from stakeholders in... (more)

Did you get a Goodwill flier announcing the opening of a new location at 6125 SE 52ND Avenue? Did you notice the drawing for $100 spending sprees? Do you love rummaging through stuff people give away in search of unexpected gems? I answered "yes!" to all of these questions, so I headed down to the store yesterday afternoon, assuming I'd find a fairly empty store. Boy, I shouldn't make assumptions like that! (After all, when you make assumptions, you make an "ass" out of "u" and "umption"...) I found crowds of eager shoppers digging through shoes, books, clothes, and home goods.

I was pleasantly surprised to find the store well-organized, clean, and well-staffed. One friendly staffer, Assistant Manager Natalie, answered a few of my questions as thriftistas flowed around us. She reported that when they opened the store at 7:00 yesterday morning, 150 people were already waiting to get in! "Why do you think people are so excited about this store?" I asked.

"It's in a great residential area.... And now Target... (more)