Category: Community

Community, Event, Food and Drink, Montavilla November 27, 2025

Holiday Season 2025 Starts in Montavilla

Once again, the opening of Red Shed Christmas Trees officially starts the holiday season in the area with the reopening of its Montavillage market in the Vinje & Son’s parking lot near SE 78th Avenue and Washington Street. That festive start leads to the public Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 6th at 5 p.m. in the Public Plaza at SE 79th Avenue and Stark Street, featuring a Red Shed tree. Then, local businesses have a host of WinterFest activities planned throughout December to keep people in a celebratory and giving mood.

A festive gathering around a brightly lit Christmas tree, with people celebrating in winter attire, as the evening sky glows in the background. — *_{Tree Lighting Ceremony December 2024}*

Montavilla’s only seasonal tree lot in the historic downtown has grown into a winter holiday market over the years, with youth activities, handcrafted gifts, baked goods, standard wreaths, and the hard-to-find juniper wreaths. These offerings are in addition to Douglas, Nordmann, and Noble Fir trees of various sizes. That tradition almost ended after a disappointing series of targeted thefts in 2024. “It was super discouraging. We were hit three times in one month, and I didn’t know if I was going to be able to open it this year. But so many people reached out to say, ‘You’re a big part of the community, and we would really hate to see you go.’ That just meant the world to us, so we pulled out all the stops, and we’re trying to recover,” said Red Shed owner Lesle Janssen. She notes that the Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA) and neighbors are providing the support needed to make this a better year. Janssen did not want to dwell on the negative side of things because it distracts from the spirit of the holiday season, which drives her annual efforts. “You know, it’s been a crazy year, and we just really want to maintain that sense of community. We’re not here just to sell trees, we’re here to be a part of a community.”

A display of handmade beeswax candles in various shapes, including Christmas trees and roses, on a wooden shelf at a market. — *_{Beeswax candles from Hannah Miller, Waxing & Raining Handmade Goods}*

Customers from previous years will recognize many vendors selling their works in the boutique gift booth. They feature pottery and soaps from Shane Reaney Studios, and those looking for a mood-setting addition to their centerpiece can find distinctive beeswax candles from Hannah Miller through her company, Waxing & Raining Handmade Goods. “She has beautiful Christmas tree wax candles that are gorgeous and some morel mushrooms,” described Janssen. The boutique will also carry “pocket mistletoe” made from pet-safe materials to avoid poisonings. PumpkinPatchHandmade sells knitwear, and the shop now offers “Red Shed Montavilla” embroidered waxed ball caps by Rustek, featuring weather-resistant properties made from sustainable natural materials. Shoppers can also purchase McTavish Shortbread confections as an edible treat while supplies last. These baked-to-order items are a special treat rarely available in small quantities and often sell out, but Janssen plans to have a good supply.

_{“Red Shed Montavilla” embroidered waxed ball caps by Rustek}

This year, they have wood ornaments featuring artwork from Grace Babcock’s Graceful Botanical designs. They feature burned natural imagery on the wood pucks made from tree ends. Sugar pinecones have returned as a holiday decorating option sold by Red Shed. Janssen said they are “huge,” measuring 6 to 14 inches. “They’re really good on table runners around candle displays. You can take two of them and twine them together and put a bow on them as door ornaments,” said Janssen. “They’re just so incredibly beautiful, and they hold up well in water for a cylindrical display of a bouquet. You sink one of those into your glass instead of using stones, and they look amazing.” This year, they have unique crescent-shaped swags. “A swag is a half-round wreath, and we’re making those in-house this year, and people can come watch us make their swag,” explained Janssen.

A display of various Christmas wreaths adorned with pinecones and greenery, hanging on a wooden wall at a seasonal market.

Red Shed trees come from Greg Smith’s Molalla Tree Farms, where they locally harvest trees raised with minimal pesticides. With 200 acres of naturally grown product, Janssen values the dependable relationship with the Molalla, Oregon, grower. “Our trees are looking really, really good this year. Even though we had a really hot summer, we had just enough water to get them good”, said Janssen. However, she noted that some varieties were not so lucky. “We are not selling grands this year. They did not weather very well.”

As in years past, the owner’s mother, Janie Janssen, assembled 400 bags of special supplies for kids to craft with, but they are available only while supplies last. The lot also offers a large outdoor-themed backdrop for family photos. Additionally, for people interested in a wintry brew, a collaboration with Montavilla Brew Works grants tree purchasers a special deal on local beer. Customers will take their “Tree Cookie” token a block over to 7805 SE Stark Street and receive a discount on a four-pack or growler refill.

Wooden ornaments with intricate burned designs hanging next to a display of assorted botanical greeting cards and a red beanie on mannequin heads. — *_{Wood ornaments featuring artwork from Grace Babcock’s Graceful Botanical}*

Red Shed Christmas Trees is closed on Thanksgiving and officially opens on Friday, November 28th. As early as November 21st, shoppers began walking in to buy a tree and gifts, showing eagerness to start celebrating their winter traditions. “People were calling me early this year asking me when we were going to open,” recalled Janssen. They allowed people to come in during setup hours and shop as they have in the past. However, this year’s demand was higher than expected. “We’ve just been selling trees like crazy,” remarked Janssen.

A hand holding a small, handmade 'pocket mistletoe' crafted from green and white materials, with a red string for hanging. — *_{“pocket mistletoe” made from pet-safe knitted materials}*

People can visit the tree lot every day between November 28th and December 23rd. They open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, with extended hours to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays. Janssen also noted that they can hold trees past the closing date for culturally specific customs. “If Russian Orthodox customers would like us to save them some trees, we can also do that.” That community often follows the Julian calendar, placing Christmas on January 7th, and tree purchases occur later in December. Due to the adjacent parking lot closure, they ask visitors to park on the street and then hold a parking spot in the limited space for customers to load their tree.

A snowy path lined with Christmas trees in a market, with a sign indicating 'CASH ONLY' for transactions. — *_{Rows of trees and a sign noting cash only sales on the lot}*

Whenever people celebrate the winter season, METBA businesses are collaborating to support the community with music and festive cheer. From December 1st through the 20th, patrons of participating local storefronts can use the “Shop Local Montavilla” passport to earn stickers toward a raffle entry. In addition to the December 6th Tree Lighting Ceremony, Board Bard Games at 7960 SE Stark Street will host a Santa Party on December 13th with a free family event. Starting at 11 a.m., attendees can enjoy cocoa and a treat while taking a festive photo with Santa. Business district celebrations wrap up on Saturday, December 20th, with the “Merry Montavilla SoirÉe.” Starting at 4 p.m., people can enjoy food and drink specials across Montavilla while earning double stickers for the Winterfest passport.

A juniper wreath hanging at a seasonal tree lot, with Christmas trees visible in the background and festive lights strung around the area.

METBA also notes that this is a season of giving. Many supportive groups are working in the area, and they can always use donations. This year, the business association’s sponsored donation drive will accept food, kids’ clothes, adult coats, laundry cards, Fred Meyer gift cards, and toys for the Vestal Elementary School PTA to distribute to families in need. People can drop off donations throughout December during the WinterFest events and at the Montavilla Burgerville at 8218 NE Glisan Street.

Disclosure: Lesle Janssen provided a free sample of “pocket mistletoe” to MV News

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

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Community, Infrastructure November 21, 2025November 21, 2025

A Tree-Lined Walk to School

Recently, crews working with the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) added a new line of street trees along NE 82nd Avenue adjacent to Glenhaven Park’s parking area. The new plantings occupy a 600-foot-long planting strip created by shifting the formerly curb-tight sidewalk west, closer to a mature tree line on the city park’s edge. This pedestrian update will improve the daily walk many schoolchildren take on their commute to Leodis V. McDaniel High School and Roseway Heights Middle School, eventually providing them with a tree-canopy-buffered pathway along a fast-paced road.

Parents of students walking along 82nd Avenue have expressed many concerns for safety over the years. The former State Highway has several long, uninterrupted blocks near McDaniel. Those stretches include two vehicle travel lanes in each direction, with no curbside parking to buffer sidewalk users from the heavy automotive flow. Updates to the public high school completed in September 2021 added wide sidewalks with a planting strip buffer between NE 82nd Avenue’s curb and the pedestrian zone. However, the school shares part of the frontage with Portland Parks & Recreation-owned property that was not updated in 2021. It featured narrow sidewalks pushed to the edge right next to the roadway, where wind can whip off passing vehicles and tire spray soaks walkers on rainy days.

A view of NE 82nd Avenue with a speed indicator sign showing 32 mph, a red truck parked on the side, and newly planted trees in the background. — *_{Previous sidewalk’s curb tight alignment January 2023 (Jacob Loeb)}*

The sidewalk’s previous location close to the street did not seem necessary, with nearly 25 feet between the road’s edge and the tree line. Portland acquired the park in 1948 as a primarily open green space without sidewalks. In 82nd Avenue’s earlier years, it supported street parking until widening and left turn safety efforts removed parking along the road in favor of two travel lanes in each direction and a center turn lane. Aerial photos up to 1978 show a visible parking strip between the sidewalk and curb. The sidewalk’s curb-tight placement likely occurred after street widening shifted the curb west.

Aerial view of Leodis V. McDaniel High School and surrounding area, showing the school building, nearby sports field, and residential neighborhoods. — *_{December 1957 Aerial view of Madison (now McDaniel) High School under construction with park visible (City Archives)}*

This sidewalk replacement project rectified a decades-old deficiency in pedestrian infrastructure around a park and school where residents value safe sidewalks. The improvement work is part of the Building a Better 82nd initiative, created to address deferred maintenance issues identified after the jurisdictional transfer of 82nd Avenue from the Oregon Department of Transportation to PBOT on June 1st, 2022. People can already use the set-back sidewalks, and as the trees mature, the pedestrian space should become a more comfortable place to walk to the park or school. NE 82nd Avenue construction in this area is ongoing with lane closures for raised median installations in some sections and sidewalk corner reconstruction. During working hours, pedestrians may need to cross the street to avoid work-site blockages. Drivers will retain access to at least one lane of travel in all directions.

Jacob Loeb

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Community, Entertainment, History November 13, 2025November 20, 2025

Trolley Art Installation Honors Montavilla Roots and Draws Visitors to Present-day Community

On November 12th, crews completed the installation of a roughly 5-by-10-foot art display within the Montavilla Street Plaza at SE 79th Avenue and Stark Street. The artistic representation of a historic streetcar is part of a grant-funded program titled “Meet Me in Montavilla,” with a focus on celebrating the town-turned-Portland-neighborhood’s diverse history while attracting present-day Portlanders to its vibrant community. A December 3rd ribbon-cutting ceremony will officially introduce the outdoor art exhibit to the public, but it is now open to visitors at the center of Montavilla’s historic main street.

The Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA) developed the interactive art and history project with a $50,000 Major Impact Grant from Venture Portland. METBA President Neil Mattson explained that the Meet Me in Montavilla District Activation Project idea originated from board member Becca Clover’s work at a board retreat, seeding the idea for a successful grant application in 2024. The awarded funds originate from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocations directed by Prosper Portland and the Portland City Council. Mattson said that the Meet Me in Montavilla project will complete its first phase with the launch of the Plaza art installation and subsequent launch of the meetmeinmontavilla.com website.

A person unloading a small streetcar model from the back of a red van onto a street in Montavilla. The van's doors are open, and there are greenery and a storefront visible in the background.

The art installation features a historically inspired streetcar profile produced by High Order fabricators, incorporating optical elements to create a three-dimensional perspective from its relatively flat representation. Yaqui-Mexican-American artist Marilyn Shawe led the project’s art direction and designed the trolley with cutout windows, allowing inclined visitors to pose for pictures “inside” the streetcar. Local historian and Montavilla News contributor, Patricia Sanders, assisted with the streetcar’s color accuracy and researched information for the piece. Its scale and interactive elements encourage youthful play around the artwork, while the backside of the piece offers information on the trolley line’s influence in shaping Montavilla. “The trolley was one of five primary themes of significance to our community,” said Mattson. The transit availability in this remote area allowed the town to grow from a community outside the Portland City limits into a prosperous neighborhood that officials quickly annexed in the early 1900s. “The trolley became symbolic of the community,” said Mattson. Although the project will have other phases of work across the neighborhood, he explained that the Meet Me in Montavilla project team decided to focus early work at the SE 79th Avenue Plaza because it has become the current center point of the community in Montavilla and is just one block from where the original streetcar spur line terminated on 80th Avenue.

Local lumber company Mr. Plywood donated the weather-resistant building materials for the trolley installation, and the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) contributed to the project, which resides within one of the bureau’s 20 Public Street Plazas. Mattson explained that PBOT’s partnership was helpful because the installation resides within a public street’s parking lane that is currently part of the car-free plaza space, but still needs to adhere to City policy. “It is physically bolted to the street, which requires a certain amount of engineering, approval, permitting, and insurance,” said Mattson. He also noted that METBA can remove the trolley and store it if needed. It was essential for the team to preserve these community investments, allowing for relocation if the plaza were to reopen to vehicle traffic.

Similar to the trolley installation, team members will design the other Meet Me in Montavilla project elements with a sense of permanence and strong historical ties. Future installations in Phase Two will highlight other themes that significantly shaped the area. They include contributions by Japanese American berry farmers, Montavilla’s Black community, and Dehen Knitting Mills. Public installations around those formative community elements, along with others, will roll out in 2026.

A person working on a colorful, wooden streetcar model labeled 'MONTAVILLA' in a plaza setting, with trees and outdoor seating visible in the background.

For 14 months, the Meet Me in Montavilla project team of Rebecca Clover, Brenda Dunn, Leah Kohlenberg, Neil Mattson, Patricia Sanders, and artist Marilyn Shawe, collaborated with contractors to bring the neighborhood’s newest public art to the streets, allowing everyone to enjoy and learn from it. Look for specifics on the December 3rd ribbon-cutting event on the METBA website. People are free to stop by anytime to take their own pictures with the Montavilla Trolley, now on display in the Street Plaza at SE 79th Avenue and Stark Street.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Update November 20, 2025: The art installation’s ribbon cutting ceremony in the plaza will take place on on Wednesday, December 3rd at 3:30 p.m. Attendees can meet the artists and team members responsible for the artistic streetcar representing Montavilla’s first trolley line dating back to 1891.

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Community, Services November 2, 2025

Leaf Day Comes to Montavilla

On November 1st, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) began its 2025-26 Leaf Day season. For over 30 years, the City of Portland has offered select geographic areas a curbside collection and cleaning service that prevents streets from flooding in locations that account for the majority of dropped leaves on city streets. This year, the program extends to four new Montavilla zones, assisting residents with extensive tree canopies in keeping the public right-of-way clear during the autumn season.

A tree-lined residential street in Portland featuring vibrant autumn foliage with trees displaying shades of orange, yellow, and red. The pavement is covered with fallen leaves, and parked cars are visible along the sides of the road.

PBOT asks residents within a Leaf Day pickup zone to rake loose leaves into the street one day before the scheduled collection day. Piles should include only loose tree leaves and pine or fir needles from street trees. No other yard debris is allowed in the street. Instead, those twigs, branches, pinecones, and grass clippings must go in the green collection bins. People should pile the leaves in the parking zone near the edge of the street with a foot of space between the pile and the curb. This clearing allows a path for rainwater runoff to reach cleared catch basins, making it easier for sweepers to clean pile remnants after collection loaders scoop up the mounds of leaves.

SE 17 (Montavilla / Mt. Tabor / South Tabor) NEW Sweep Date 11/05/2025
SE 18 (Montavilla / Mt. Tabor) NEW Sweep Date 01/10/2026
SE 19 (Montavilla) NEW Sweep Date 01/10/2026
SE 20 (Montavilla) NEW Sweep Date 01/10/2026

PBOT expanded the Leaf Day service from the historically supported 53 zones up to 82 with additional funding from the City Council. Around 30,000 newly included addresses in a Leaf Zone received a postcard from PBOT introducing occupants to the program and encouraging them to prepare for the service. The formerly two-month program now runs from November through mid-January as crews cover a few neighborhoods each day, six days a week. They take the Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas holidays off, but otherwise progress through the designated routes spanning the City. People wanting to know if they need to prepare should check Portland Maps with the Leaf Day overlay enabled for address inclusion and dates.

A tree-lined street in Portland, Oregon, showcasing vibrant autumn foliage with a mix of red, orange, and yellow leaves. Cars are parked along the sides of the street, and fallen leaves cover the road. A stop sign is visible in the distance.

Leaf Day funding comes from the City’s general transportation revenue, which includes State Highway funds and local parking meter revenue. This year, additional budget allocations for the program came from stormwater management funds. In addition to Montavilla’s inclusion at the eastern edge of City Council District 3, the 2025 leaf collection program’s expansion reaches neighborhoods across District 1, including Lents, Parkrose, and Centennial.

_{PBOT video with instructions on preparing for Leaf Day ahead of your area’s collection date.}

Leaf collection support is not only about aesthetics. The impact of wet fallen leaves creates potential hazards for people walking, biking, rolling, or driving through tree-lined neighborhoods. Fallen leaves clog storm drains, causing street flooding during heavy fall rains and creating slip hazards. These dangers are a consequence of Portland’s tree-dense canopy, which helps mitigate the effects of climate change but creates treacherous conditions each autumn. Yearly, City crews remove thousands of cubic yards of leaves from Portland streets to minimize the dangers posed by decaying plant matter on public pathways and roads. City officials request that all residents and business staff in a Leaf Day zone move their cars and other obstructions from the street on collection days and rake sidewalk leaves into piles on the street for easier collection. If possible, adjacent property owners should limb street trees to clear the way for large trucks before their Leaf Day service.

A yellow loader collecting piles of leaves from a street, with trees and a house visible in the background. — *_{City vehicle collecting leaf piles along the street’s edge. Courtesy PBOT}*

For many new addresses that were previously excluded from the service area, the expanded Leaf Day zones present an opportunity to receive the City’s support in reducing the annual leaf collection burden.

Article and photos

Jacob Loeb

Community, Food and Drink October 31, 2025

Kids are Finding the Power of Produce

Starting October 26th, youth visitors to the Montavilla Farmers Market can sample a seasonal food item selected from market vendors. Participants aged two to 12 will receive $3 vouchers to spend at a farmer’s booth after sampling the food. For the last decade, this program, highlighting the “Power of Produce”(POP), has run through the market’s winter season. With grant funding from the East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District (EMSWCD), the Kids’ POP Club not only helps young people expand their tastes for fresh, local vegetables but also supports market vendors during the quieter winter months.

A smiling young woman wearing a yellow beanie sits at a market stall with a sign that reads 'Kid's POP Club Power of Produce'. The table is decorated with promotional materials, fresh vegetables, and containers. — *_{Volenteer at the the Kid’s POP Club table providing produce samples}*

Volunteer staff prepare the day’s selected food item on a portable camping stove, sometimes with light seasoning of salt and an organic oil. They then greet kids of all ages, offering samples of the local vegetables available at the market to willing children and their accompanying adults. As a reward for trying the item, appropriately aged tasters receive $3 in “POP Bucks” to spend at a vendor’s booth. Program leaders select the item, working with vendors to highlight foods that they have in significant quantities. Although the $3 voucher applies to a wide variety of items, many people spend it on the produce of the week, provided the child likes it. “We’ll still give them the POP Bucks even if they smell it. They don’t have to like it; they can spit it out. The reward is for just trying it, not liking it,” explained Market Manager Anina Estrem.

A close-up of a bunch of colorful carrots, including orange and yellow varieties, tied together with their green tops visible.

The POP Club idea originated in the State with the Oregon City Farmers Market in 2011, and by 2015, the Montavilla Farmers Market had replicated the program at its location. The activities run through the winter market season, this year occurring weekly from November through December 21st and then from January to April 26th every other Sunday. Scheduling the program in a slower season is strategic for the year-round operation. “I think POP Club is often the big reason that people come to the market. Kids say, ‘I want to go get my money.’ Almost every week this summer, a kid would stop by asking when the pop club was going to start. We run it specifically in the Winter to get people out, because otherwise it’d be really easy to stay home and warm and dry. We do have an incredible abundance of produce [in the Winter]. So there is stuff once you get people there,” explained Estrem.

A market display featuring a variety of fresh produce, including potatoes, squashes, and pumpkins, under a banner for 'Lil' Starts Plant Nursery' in Portland, OR.

The POP club and the summertime activity Vegucation Station help people expand their ideas about what healthy foods they can adopt into their diet; however, they also contribute to environmental well-being, which is a primary reason EMSWCD funds those programs with grants. “At the Conservation District, our mission is a healthy flow of water, helping people take care of land and water. Farmers are on the front lines of that work, and support for the farmers market is support for farmers,” said Heather Nelson Kent with EMSWCD. “Money goes to the people buying the produce, but the farmers are beneficiaries. At Montavilla’s market, we have a lot of farmers who are using really good farming practices such as low or no use of chemicals, water saving irrigation systems, low till and cover cropping.”

Close-up of vibrant purple cauliflower surrounded by green leaves at a farmers market. — *_{Purple cauliflower sampled to Kids POP Club}*

For the people and organizations participating in the POP Club, it is a winning program on all fronts. Farmers with good growing practices receive support during slower seasons, and children discover food options that often do not occur to them when it comes to their eating habits. “Yeah, we try to pick vegetables that are a little unfamiliar, so that’s why we stay away from fruit. Most kids aren’t gonna have a problem trying an apple or a pear, but we had purple cauliflower this week. There were definitely some kids who thought that was weird. A couple of kids who just didn’t like cauliflower and didn’t want to try it,” recalled Estrem. “There’s always a pretty good mix of kids that are really eager to try stuff, and then we usually have maybe a fifth of them that will never try. Last year, we had bok choy, black radish, turnips, and fennel. Things that aren’t necessarily considered kids’ foods, but we often get feedback from the vendors on that day that they had better sales of the vegetable that we taste tested.”

A farmer's market display featuring various vegetables, including green tomatoes, purple daikon radishes, and sweet potatoes, with colorful signage and a vibrant mural in the background.

People wishing to have their children participate can stop by the Kids POP Club booth in the Montavilla Farmers Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays or every other Sunday from January through April. The market is currently located on SE Stark Street east of SE 76th Avenue. They are still seeking volunteers to assist with running the booth, and EMSWCD’s community grant program is open for applications until December 17th.

A colorful display of fresh vegetables at a farmers market, including greens, peppers, and root vegetables, arranged in baskets and on a table.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Community, Event, Food and Drink October 29, 2025

Oct 30 Food Bank Benefit

On Thursday, October 30th, Montavilla Brew Works (MBW) will host a food bank benefit with matched food donations to Mainspring Community Pantry and the Oregon Food Bank amid a looming food crisis brought about by the Federal Government’s shutdown. Attendees can bring unexpired non-perishable food items to 7805 SE Stark Street from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., and the organizer will match that donation with an equivalent amount of similar food items. MBW’s founder, Michael Kora, created the “Snap to It” event to bolster the local systems that support people experiencing food insecurity. Those supportive programs expect to see increased demand after November 1st, when the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will pause due to a funding halt.

As with many of MBW’s charitable events, attendees are encouraged to stay for music and locally produced beer. Band Two-Dimensional Man will perform live at the event, and anyone over 21 who donates two or more food items will receive $1 off their first pint. Kora hopes these incentives and the general goodwill of Portlanders will make an impact in supporting the one in six Oregonians who rely on food benefits, which federal actions could drastically reduce next month.

_{MBW’s founder Michael Kora on NBC affiliate KGW}

On October 1st, after Congress failed to pass 2026 funding legislation, officials told many Federal workers to stay home, while other essential employees were required to work without pay. Programs with unspent and contingency funds could continue to support those operations. However, a recent notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture says it will not use reserve funds and halt payments to States for its SNAP program in November. In a partisan message on the agency’s website, it blames Senate Democrats for not passing legislation that would reopen the Federal government.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield recently announced Oregon is joining 21 other states in filing a lawsuit against the USDA, contending that the agency is failing to access billions of dollars in contingency funds designated by Congress to maintain SNAP operations during funding lapses.

A box of De Cecco spaghetti, a can of WinCo refried black beans with jalapeño peppers, and a can of Kroger chunk light tuna on a kitchen counter. — *_{Example non-perishable food items}*

Even if funding legislation passes or the USDA taps into its contingency money, support for food banks and anti-hunger organizations is needed. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) implemented federally required changes to SNAP eligibility on October 1st in reaction to the federal law approved in July 2025. The H.R.1 legislation will reduce benefits and increase work requirements for some SNAP recipients, driving more people to alternative food assistance programs. ODHS officials estimate that under the new law, Oregon will need to contribute $385 million annually to the program to maintain current service levels.

People interested in seeing their non-perishable food donations doubled should attend Montavilla Brew Works’ “Snap to It” event on Thursday, October 30th. Others unable to attend but interested in supporting can make donations to organizations like the Oregon Food Bank and Meals on Wheels People, which anticipate higher demand due to changes in Federal funding for food assistance.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

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Community, Infrastructure October 28, 2025

Clearing Your Local Catch Basins

As autumn rainwater grabs fallen leaves and carries them down streams formed at the road’s edge, local catch basins clog, allowing puddles to form, which are treacherous for pedestrians and drivers alike. For several years, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has asked willing residents to help keep the stormwater flowing off the streets by clearing the tops of the inlet grates and the surrounding area through its Adopt a Storm Drain program. Safely removing surface blockages from catch basins helps maintenance crews focus on locations with significant clogs that require professional deep cleaning. Participants do not need to register to help. They only need to follow some basic safety guidelines and help when they can.

An illustration of a cartoon beaver using a rake to clear leaves from a storm drain, with the text 'ADOPT A STORM DRAIN' prominently displayed. — *_{Adopt a Storm Drain banner courtesy PBOT}*

PBOT crews must keep over 58,000 catch basins in the City’s stormwater management system clear, occasionally visiting locations several times a season. The bureau staff appreciates public assistance in keeping leaves and trash away from the grates, but asks people to follow basic safety advice before pitching in. As with cleaning in any public place, people should avoid using their hands because sharp objects often hide in obscure places. Using a shovel, rake, or broom is the safest option. People should also wear gloves, but they cannot depend on them to protect their hands from dangerous items that may be hiding within a leaf pile or under sludge. Cleaned-up organic material can go in a resident’s compost container, but rubbish-contaminated material must go into a trash bin. Cleared material should not be left in the street or on the curb outside a disposal container.

A ground-level view of a curb covered in a mix of yellow and brown fallen leaves, with some grass visible in the background. — *_{A catch basin is hiding under these leaves but trash and sharp objects could also sit below. PBOT recommends using tools to clear the grate}*

Volunteers need to wear reflective clothing and only clear catch basins from the sidewalk, avoiding working in the street where a vehicle could strike them. The program uses the term “adopt” because clearing is most effective when done regularly before rain, until the leaves have all fallen for the year. Participants should clean a ten-foot area along the curb on both sides of the drain to reduce the likelihood of clogging. People can also help after a snow or ice event by clearing a foot-wide path along the curb so melting water can flow into the catch basins.

If the catch basin will not drain after a surface cleaning, or there are emergency hazards, PBOT asks people to call its Maintenance Dispatch at 503-823-1700 to report the location of the problem. Residents should not lift storm drain grates; instead, leave them for PBOT crews, who have the proper equipment and will likely appreciate the surface cleaning done before their arrival.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Community, Event, Food and Drink October 17, 2025

Montavilla’s 2025 Fall Crawl and Trick or Treat Events

Starting October 17th, visitors to select Montavilla businesses can pick up a “Fall Crawl Passport” card from participating locations and collect stickers with purchases to earn a raffle entry. Completed passports are due back at Arbor Hall on SE Stark Street or Replicant/Mudd Works Cafe by the close of the event on October 31st. During the sticker collecting and business visiting event, the Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA) will also host a Trick or Treat event on Sunday, October 26th. A printed map shows key participants, and the METBA site displays individual business hours for the candy giveaway.

METBA organized both events as part of its annual tradition to create a safe and fun celebration of Autumn. The idea of a Montavilla pub crawl grew in popularity in 2019 when Threshold opened the neighborhood’s second brewery in the historic SE Stark Street downtown area. The concept grew into a more formalized event as part of METBA’s Harvest Festival and now includes a variety of activities, including a week-long shopping event for a chance to win a prize. Additionally, bars, restaurants, and other participating businesses may offer special entertainment and discounts.

A decorated house at night with colorful green and red lights, featuring Halloween decorations, including skeletons, pumpkin lanterns, and a ghost figure. — *_{Montavilla home decorated for Halloween}*

Burgerville at 8218 NE Glisan Street will offer a free coupon for a food item with purchase for passport holders. Kim’s Tae Kwon-Do at 9003 SE Stark Street will provide free classes for passport holders on Tuesday and Thursday during the event from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Montavilla Brew Works at 7805 SE Stark Street will host a special beer release on Halloween, celebrating its three new fall/winter seasonal brews. NightOwl Custom Apparel will offer free stickers and treats for those visiting the shop at 7114 NE Glisan Street in costume. The Glisan Fred Meyers branch of OnPoint Community Credit Union, located at 6615 NE Glisan Street, will feature a prize wheel on October 31st and offer candy on all other passport dates.

For October 26th specific activities, Beanstalk Children’s Resale at 8021 SE Stark Street will have “trick-or-treat goodies for the kiddos” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. DolFUN Dynamics will host a free Halloween party from 2 to 3 p.m. for children twelve years old and younger at 9260 SE Stark Street, along with a discount of $50 off the first month of classes for new enrollments. Personal Beast at 8119 SE Stark Street is offering a 25% discount on select dog and cat bulk treats from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Although not included on the map, Threshold Brewing & Blending, Academy Theater, and Flying Pie Pizza will participate in the Trick or Treat event.

A spooky Halloween-themed display featuring a creepy clown figure with glowing yellow eyes, holding a large lollipop, surrounded by colorful banners and festive decorations. — *_{2023 Nightmare on Taylor Street haunted walkthrough animated creature}*

Many more locations will participate. An extensive list is available on the METBA Fall Events website page at metba.org. People trying to win the raffle can receive two stickers per purchase of $5 or more from participating locations, and every five stickers counts towards a raffle entry to increase the chances of winning. For a scarier, yet family-friendly event, consider “Nightmare on Taylor St,” featuring The Madhouse of MonstaVilla at 7926 SE Taylor Street. That October 31st event is a haunted walkthrough hosted by a resident who creates an elaborate experience for the neighborhood. As with most years, Montavilla plans to have an active fall celebration throughout the last half of October. Look for these events and more through the neighborhood.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Community, Review - Opinion October 13, 2025October 12, 2025

Portland Taproom in Tokyo Japan

In the bustling Shibuya section of Tokyo, Japan, PDX Taproom offers a slice of Portland craft beer culture to travelers and locals alongside a healthy serving of the City’s charm. During my two-week stint working abroad, I had the opportunity to visit the ten-year-old pub started by Miyuki Hiramatsu. I found a Portland-themed establishment that accurately represents our City’s brewing stature and embodies some of the Rose City’s more endearing features.

A glass of craft beer from PDX Taproom resting on a wooden bar counter, beside a coaster that reads 'Montavilla News'. — *_{Gigantic Brewing Company – Gravity Drop IPA served at the PDX Taproom Tokyo, Japan}*

Hiramatsu studied in the Portland area for several years in the early 90s, attending Wilson High School (now named Ida B. Wells-Barnett High School) and Linfield College (known as Linfield University as of 2020). She returned to her home in Tokyo, where she worked for Columbia Sportswear Japan before opening PDX Taproom. In a posted note to visitors, Hiramatsu explained how her business embodies two passions that she now shares with the people of her native City. “I LOVE Portland and craft beer so much that I decided to open a bar of my own so I can deliver Portland culture, community, lifestyle, and trend to people.”

A letter from Miyuki Hiramatsu, owner of PDX Taproom, thanking customers and sharing her background, handwritten in a notebook on a wooden table. — *_{PDX Taproom guest book with message from owner Miyuki Hiramatsu}*

The small space in a second-floor storefront is packed with Portland stickers and memorabilia. Corners of the bar feature Blazers, Pickles, Timbers, and Thorns supporter-wear. The bathroom pays tribute to The Portland Loo and TriMet. Behind the bar, the tap list features nine craft beers and one cider, mostly from Oregon. On the day of my visit, several regional breweries, including Thunder Island Brewing, Ex Novo Brewing Company, Deschutes Brewery, Baerlic Brewing, Rogue Ales, Migration Brewing, Gigantic Brewing Company, Breakside Brewery, and Bauman’s Cider Company, had tap handles available for a pint or a half-pint pour. Montavilla’s own Threshold Brewing & Blending is represented on the keg cooler door in the collection of stickers.

An interior view of PDX Taproom in Tokyo, showcasing Portland Timbers memorabilia including scarves, shirts, and a map of Portland on the wall. — Portland team sports are well represented at PDX Taproom

A wooden shelf displaying a map and photos of public transportation, alongside bottles of sanitizer and paper towels. — Portland team sports are well represented at PDX Taproom

PDX Taproom’s bartender explained he had visited Portland once in 2018 and greatly enjoyed his visit. Despite having only stayed in the City once, he feels well-connected to Rip City thanks to the consistent stream of Portlanders walking through the door. Since starting there, he estimates that at least three PDX residents walk into the taproom each day. That steady traffic of Rose City residents has recently increased to five daily visitors after a video by Wesleigh Ogle with KATU highlighted the bar’s unique theming. Some days, up to ten people from Oregon order a brew and talk about their home with the people behind the counter, adding to the staff’s knowledge of the City nearly 4,900 miles away.

A round sticker with text in both English and Japanese that reads, 'I made it to PDX TAPROOM! Shibuya, Tokyo', featuring an outline of the state of Oregon and a glass.

After exchanging stickers with the bartender, we spoke about his next trip to Portland. I extended an invitation to come to Montavilla to sample our local brews and introduce him to the diverse culinary creations offered by our food carts, which pair perfectly with the City’s brewing culture. People traveling to Tokyo can visit PDX Taproom at 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae, 5 Chome−30−2 2F. Let them know you are from Portland, and they will offer you a special sticker to document your trip to Portland’s Japanese taproom outpost.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Community, Entertainment October 12, 2025October 12, 2025

New Ocean Mural Brightens SE Division

A new mural by artist Jeremy Nichols adds an underwater view to the side of Ocean Blue Seafood on SE Division Street. This colorful presentation at 8335 SE Division Street transformed a blank and often tagged wall at the seafood distributor into a vibrant coral reef with aquatic life navigating the blue waters lapping at the top of the building’s parapet.

A vibrant mural featuring an underwater scene on the side of Ocean Blue Seafood, showcasing colorful coral, fish, and aquatic plants. — *_{Mural at at 8335 SE Division St. (Sara Sjol and Tiffany Conklin)}*

APANO commissioned this mural, capturing the underwater landscape through spray paint, with funding from a Venture Portland grant. The Portland Street Art Alliance (PSAA) managed the project and supported the renowned Asian American artist, working under the name “Plastic Birdie.” The business owner, Bing Chan, is a longtime supporter of the Jade District and APANO’s efforts in the area. He is excited to have this artwork adorn his building, enhancing the streetscape along the busy roadway.

A vibrant underwater mural by artist Jeremy Nichols on the Ocean Blue Seafood building, featuring colorful coral and fish, with a worker applying finishing touches on scaffolding. — *_{Jeremy Nichols, “Plastic Birdie,” working on mural at at 8335 SE Division St. (Sara Sjol and Tiffany Conklin)}*

The Ocean Blue Seafood building is on the same block as the long-anticipated Jade Lofts development. Its project leaders anticipate the four-story multifamily apartment building will bring just under 150 units of housing to the area, driving increased activity along this section of SE Division Street. Creating an inviting pedestrian zone is an essential component to cultivating a safe space for patrons of local businesses, as well as future and current residents navigating the Jade District. APANO representatives believe this mural is a significant step toward creating a more walkable environment. The new mural is complete, and all users of SE Division Street can now enjoy the ocean view as they pass by the building.

Jacob Loeb

Neighborhood news site focused on buildings and changing businesses

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