Month: September 2024

Bar, Food and Drink, New Business

Dingo’s Sports Pub for East SE Stark

In early September, Dingo’s Sports Pub opened at 8826 SE Stark Street, replacing the Beer Brats & Beats venue with an Australian-style sports bar. Owner Brendan Jones has transformed this space several times since opening in late 2021. This iteration pulls inspiration from his national roots with a light Aussie theme that offers a brighter, quieter sports bar experience.

Dingo’s displays four large screens showing American and Australian sports, with a variety of indoor table and bar seating. A bank of glass-fronted coolers behind the bar stock an array of local beer selections and two on-theme imports. “We absolutely support the Northwest beer because it’s the best in the world, having just reaffirmed that in my mind, going to Australia [recently]. There’s no comparison there, but I do have a couple of Australian beers, the iconic Foster’s Victoria Bitter and Coopers, which is our best craft beer,” said Jones. On the other hand, the majority of the food menu incorporates many flavors of his upbringing. “I’m focusing on the great Australian meat pie and the great Australian sausage roll. That food is such a huge part of our football sport culture because it’s readily available and easy to hold.” People can also order grilled cheese prepared several ways and veggie pies or spinach rolls as meat-free options. Dingo’s will continue to serve the espresso and full bar selection patrons of the previous iterations enjoyed.

Australian roll and meat pie pictures courtesy Dingo’s Sports Pub

Brendan Jones moved to the United States in 2001 and embraced his new country. However, a recent trip home rekindled his interest in his heritage. “I had a sort of a patriotic, nostalgic kind of reconnection to Australia when I went down there recently,” explained Jones. On his return, he set to work reshaping his storefront on SE Stark Street to match his vision, but not in the cartoonish fashion often seen in other Australian-themed ventures. Instead, he wanted to capture the feeling of his native country’s local pub, which primarily serves the neighborhood. “This really does feel like an Aussie pub, just straight off the bat because our drinking establishments are light. There are big windows, and you know it’s a very bright country in terms of sunlight, and that’s what I wanted to reflect here,” remarked Jones.

Unlike the classic American dark and loud sports pub, Dingo’s patrons will notice natural light streaming in from the nearly floor-to-ceiling windows and the general openness inside. Tables are widely spaced so people can come in groups and not feel on top of one another. Jones noted that he is conservative with screen placement around the pub, ensuring that TVs do not overstimulate guests. “I’ve been to those bars where you just sort of feel like your head’s gonna pop [from the distraction]. So it’s more of a happy balance of laid-back enjoyment without it being over the top,” said Jones. He explained that it is important for Montavilla residents living east of 82nd to have a “Local” in the British and Australian sense. A comfortable third place that is not home or work where neighborhood people can relax or meet friends.

Dingo’s Sports Pub is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. People can follow the company’s Instagram page for special games and updates. Visitors are welcome to walk in from the neighborhood. However, a newly resurfaced parking lot offers five standard parking stalls and one reserved accessible space for guests.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Help keep independent news accessible to the community. Montavilla News has a Patreon account or you can pay for a full year directly online. We invite those who can contribute to this local news source to consider becoming paid subscriber or sponsor. We will always remain free to read regardless of subscription.

Community, Event, History, View of Montavilla

Historic Erv Lind Field Ceremony

On September 6th, Government officials and honored community members gathered in front of Erv Lind Field (Normandale Field) to celebrate its listing on the National Register of Historic Places. This community stadium at NE 57th Ave and Hassalo Street is the only sports facility in Oregon constructed primarily for a women’s sports league team. It served for decades as a gathering space for LGBTQ+ Portlanders during an oppressive period of the City’s history.

The event occurred in the stadium seating area surrounded by the annotated pictures of athletic achievement displayed in “Portland’s Hall of Fame and Honor.” Players with the Rose City Softball Association, Oregon’s largest LGBTQ+ sports organization, provided a backdrop to the scheduled speakers, with the Amateur Softball Association’s six-foot-tall World Champions trophy flanking the podium. The Erv Lind Florists won the national women’s softball championship in 1964, bringing the prize to the home field used by the team since 1948.

Left to right: Portland City Commissioner Carmen Rubio, Kristen Minor, U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer, Fern Wilgus, Oregon First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson, Portland City Commissioner Dan Ryan, and Tim Bias

The story of the field extends beyond its contribution to gender-inclusive athletic achievements. This location also served as one of the earliest and longest-lasting gathering spaces for LGBTQ+ Portlanders when the City was intolerant of known LGBTQ+ venues and community members. U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer noted that hidden history and the importance of surfacing its significance to the City and nation. “I grew up in Portland, and there’s a back story here that I wasn’t aware of as a kid in this neighborhood,” said Blumenauer. “I’m so pleased that we are making this recognition clear. We’ll have plaques that people can see and savor this significant permanent part of Portland’s history, celebrating it all in its rich diversity. As I’m winding down, with 114 days left until I’m a civilian, it’s been delightful to see the progress we’ve made in terms of historic preservation. We are a national leader in recognizing historic contributions of the LGBTQ community.”

U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer

Oregon First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson expanded on the State’s leadership in recognizing places that supported LGBTQ+ communities. “I’m honored to be here to celebrate the addition of these landmarks to the National Historic Registry and want to thank everybody who made this reality. It brings me incredible joy not only to be Oregon’s First Lady but to be a part of our State’s first LGBT First Family. There was a time in my life where I never thought I would have the choice to be married, yet because of the work of so many people that came before me, I am blessed to be married to one of the first out Lesbian governors in the country. Who also plays a little softball. With the addition of the Erv Lind Field and Crystal Hotel, Portland becomes the proud home to 3 of 30 sites of Queer significance on the National Historic Registry. 10% of the nation’s significant gay historic landmarks are right here in Portland,” said Kotek Wilson. “The contributions from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, nonbinary, and queer community cannot be overstated. From fierce advocacy to rich cultural history. Once again, Oregon is leading the way in protecting underrepresented groups, and [Gov.] Tina [Kotek] and I are so proud to be a part of that.”

Oregon First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson

Fern Wilgus spoke at the ceremony, representing the many softball players who relied on the community around Erv Lind Field to help them express themselves in a restrictive society. She shared decades of stories about players’ accomplishments and dedication to the second families created around the game. Wilgus explained that while telling her stories, she would still honor the trust that had developed among the softball players of her time, even decades later. “Some of these names are going to be full names because they have passed, and I hope I don’t have thunder hitting me, and some of the names are going to be just first names because a lot of people have not yet come out for one reason or another. I did as soon as I got home and out of the military because I was free at last,” explained Wilgus. She also acknowledged that the league was not fully accepting of people’s true selves with rules that required players to dress feminine and, to Wilgus’s heartfelt disapointment, prevented people of color from participating. However, looking back at the transformation and support enabled by Erv Lind Field and the softball players drawn to that place, Fern Wilgus feels her dreams were realized.

Fern Wilgus

Portland City Commissioner Carmen Rubio helped usher in this recognition with a funding package focused on equitable historic preservation. “With those resources, the staff at the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, specifically Cayla McGrail, have spent years working to document LGBTQIA+ historic sites across Portland. Erv Lind Field is more than deserving of that designation,” said Rubio. “Immediately after the inauguration, 44,000 fans came to this field to watch the Amateur Softball Association World Championship women’s softball tournament in 1948. In the years after its inauguration, this field became a place of camaraderie and community for softball players and fans alike.” Portland Parks and Recreation Director Adena Long noted the contribution of historian Kristen Minor in preparing the National Register nomination, along with the contribution of Parks staff Brett Horner and Marty Stockton.

Portland City Commissioner Carmen Rubio

Portland Commissioner Dan Ryan summarized with humor and excitement the importance of landmarks like Erv Lind Field, which have shaped Portland into the more accepting community it has become. “Just this week, under the category of, ‘No kidding,’ there was an article that said this City has the most lesbian couples of any city in the nation. As a safe and welcoming place for lesbian, bisexual, and queer women, Erv Lind Field opened the door to this City that we have today,” said Ryan.

Portland City Commissioner Dan Ryan

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Commissioner Carmen Rubio is running for Portland Mayor and Commissioner Dan Ryan is running for Portland City Council in District 2. Montavilla News does not endorse candidates, ballot measures, or government initiatives.

Promotion: Help keep independent news accessible to the community. Montavilla News has a Patreon account or you can pay for a full year directly online. We invite those who can contribute to this local news source to consider becoming paid subscriber or sponsor. We will always remain free to read regardless of subscription.

Food and Drink, New Business

Shorba Arabic Food Cart on SE 80th

On August 27th, the Shorba Arabic food cart opened for business after a weeks-long soft launch period. This uniquely sited cart sits adjacent to an apartment building on the northeast corner of the same block that hosts mainstay neighborhood restaurants, including Yaowarat and Redwood. The cart’s owner, Omer Alshahrabani, and his wife run lunch and dinner service from the sidewalk adjacent eatery at 307 SE 80th Avenue, bringing authentic recipes from Iraq to the Montavilla area.

Alshahrabani is an experienced food service worker who has cooked professionally since 2003. During those years, he developed the culinary skills to meet Portland diners’ various diets with gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. Alshahrabani explained that even with dietary modifications, the recipes remain authentic to his Baghdad-based upbringing, with everything made by the couple from simple base ingredients. “We use quality products and keep everything fresh and authentic,” remarked Alshahrabani.

Unlike a collection of carts at a food cart pod, the business owner situated this eatery by itself at the edge of a commercial street near residences. Alshahrabani said this was an intentional choice that would set his operation apart. “I wanted to be the first one to have a food cart in the area. Since I know the landlord of our apartment, it was easier to make an agreement and get permission. The challenging part was getting approval from the city.” Residents walking by the future cart site watched as the operator gradually readied his eatery for opening in the apartment’s parking lot, with activity building up to a soft launch during the Montavilla Street Fair.

People familiar with Mediterranean menus will find familiar dishes, including a beef saj with seasoned beef shawarma served in a grilled saj flatbread wrap. Guests can also order seasoned beef and chicken over rice or salad. Meat free options include hummus, tzatziki, and falafel in several preparations. The menu also offers a namesake serving of lentil shorba (soup). For a sweet option, people can order baklawa, a dessert similar to Baklava but flavored with cardamom and other slight ingredient differences. Shorba is open daily for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. They are a friendly, family-run business that serves Arabic foods with a wide-reaching appeal.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Help keep independent news accessible to the community. Montavilla News has a Patreon account or you can pay for a full year directly online. We invite those who can contribute to this local news source to consider becoming paid subscriber or sponsor. We will always remain free to read regardless of subscription.

Community, Event

Geek Week PDX Starts Friday

On September 4th, the City of Portland proclaimed September 6th through 15th as the City’s first Geek Week. The Portland-wide celebration follows Rose City Comic Con with over 300 events hosted by nerd and nerd-adjacent small businesses, including locations in Montavilla. Attendees will find game tournaments, cosplay parties, trivia nights, and film screenings. This new promotional initiative intends to expand the City’s reputation as a favorable community for traditionally geeky passions like board games, comic books, science fiction, and fantasy.

Portland City Council Item 762 Proclaiming the Geek Week 2024

The Portland event enables visitors and residents to explore their interests beyond the convention center and venture out to places often offering year-round themed events. A newer Montavilla business, Board Bard Games, at 7960 SE Stark Street, has a full day of gaming fun planned for Thursday, September 12th, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. All attendees receive a free Warhammer model, paints, and a brush. Store staff will accommodate drop-in attendees while supplies last, but they recommend that people reserve space ahead of time. Organizers say this event is not just for enthusiasts. Members of the “Kill Team Cascadia” game club will teach attendees how to paint and play with miniatures, tailoring instruction to players’ skill levels.

Graphic courtesy Geek Week PDX

People looking to take a break from Warhammer can swing by the Covert Cafe at 803 SE 82nd Avenue on the 12th for Star Trek Trivia from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Other Montavilla events include a classic trivia night on Tuesday, September 10th at 6:30 p.m. hosted by East Glisan Pizza Lounge at 8001 NE Glisan Street. On Wednesday, September 11th, Threshold Brewing at 403 SE 79th Avenue will hold its regular “Trivia on Wednesdays” starting at 6 p.m.

Geek Week PDX seeks to celebrate the region’s dreamers, artists, creators, and innovators by expanding on a widely attended convention. Starting Friday, people can find more events to satisfy their science fiction, fantasy, and gaming interests. Event organizers invite people to visit geekweekpdx.com to learn about activities happening across Portland and to help support this first in what they hope will become an annual event.

By

Jacob Loeb

Community, Construction

Mt. Tabor Dog Off-Leash Area Repairs

On Tuesday, September 3rd, Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) will begin repairs to the Mt. Tabor Dog Off-Leash Area to address erosion concerns. This approximately three-week project requires crews to temporarily close portions of the canine recreation area as they install erosion control measures near the SE 68th Avenue entrance. PP&R anticipates crews can maintain visitor access to the eastern portion of the dog off-leash area during construction but encourages people to follow posted signs regarding access.

SE 68th Avenue entrance

The September project will address ongoing erosion and instability issues and revegetate the center portion of the off-leash area. Crews must remove debris that slid down the hillside, piling up against the southern fence and impacting the SE 68th Avenue entrance accessed by the public street in the center of Warner Pacific University’s campus. New fencing will protect the dog off-leash area and preserve the hillside by improving stormwater handling while maintaining the health and stability of the park’s ecosystem.

Eastern Off-Leash Area entrance

PP&R timed this work ahead of the rainy season in hopes it will prevent further erosion and improve conditions for the dogs and people using this park resource through the winter. At the end of the project, parkgoers should see enhanced access to the Mt. Tabor Dog Off-Leash Area and enjoy improved conditions within its fenced boundary. People with dogs can access the eastern Off-Leash Area entrance from SE 70th Avenue. A pathway through the park guides visitors to the gated entryway. City staff ask for the public’s assistance during construction to keep people and pets safe. They instruct visitors to follow directions on all posted closure notices, keep pets under their control, and stay clear of construction areas.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misidentified the eastern entrance

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Help keep independent news accessible to the community. Montavilla News has a Patreon account or you can pay for a full year directly online. We invite those who can contribute to this local news source to consider becoming paid subscriber or sponsor. We will always remain free to read regardless of subscription.

History, Property Sale

Former Fueling Site for Sale Again

The owners of a 0.8-acre industrial site at 9270 NE Glisan Street listed the property for sale after almost four years of use as a freight transportation yard. This former Associated Petroleum Products distribution facility spans residential and commercial zoning, and any substantial redevelopment would need to conform to new city-designated uses. However, new owners could request conditional use approval for similar logistics operations as allowed today.

Pioneer Oil Company built the facility in 1988, and the family that owned that company still has a stake in the property. In 2020, they entered a real estate transaction directly with a buyer to sell the property. Now, the 350 by 100 foot multi-parcel property is available again. The front 10,000 square foot lot is on NE Glisan Street in a Commercial Mixed Use 1 (CM1) zone, allowing small-scale buildings generally three stories tall. It could support apartments, offices, and retail storefronts. The Residential 2,500 (R2.5) parcels are single-dwelling zones, but newer building codes allow for housing density in these areas, including cottage clusters and fourplexes.

Overhead image from Portland Maps Red lines indicates CM1 Zoning and blue marks a residential R2.5 designation

The mixed-use parcel on NE Glisan Street blocks the residentially zoned properties from access to a city street. However, an overgrown alley extends from E Burnside Street to NE Glisan Street along the property’s eastern edge. That skinny single-lane road was the original East 94th Street North before later development, and Portland City street renumbering shifted that street 150 feet east. During that early time in Portland’s history, people called NE 92nd Place Mabel Street, and these properties were located just outside city limits in Russellville. 9270 NE Glisan Street was addressed as 2264 E. Glisan Street when Russellville Water Company first owned the land. It housed an above-ground steel water tank elevated into the air by a steel support tower. This distribution tank stored 50,000 gallons of water. Russellville Water Company’s board dissolved the organization on December 30th, 1950, and sold its assets to the Russellville Water District.

Sanborn Maps from 1924 showing Russellville Water Co. tower at 9270 NE Glisan St

Current zoning and past uses for petroleum storage may complicate future redevelopment of this site. However, its walkable access to transit on bus or MAX light rail and quick connections to services in the Gateway District make 9270 NE Glisan Street an appealing place for housing construction with varying degrees of density. Interested groups can contact Jordan Fezler with Apex Real Estate Partners.

By

Jacob Loeb