Join Us for The JDRE Team Homeowners Fair: A Day of Opportunities and Fun!

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Hood River, Ore, June 18, 2024 — Are you ready for an extraordinary day filled with opportunities and fun? Join us at The JDRE Team Homeowners Fair on Saturday, July 6th, from 10 AM to 4 PM at Jackson Park. Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner, a first-time homebuyer, or just curious about the market, this event is designed to connect you with the best resources in our community.

The JDRE Team, affiliated with Real Broker, LLC, is a highly collaborative and supportive group of real estate agents in the Columbia River Gorge. Committed to forming strong relationships with their clients and utilizing modern marketing techniques, they stand out in The Gorge. Their dedication to excellence and community engagement ensures they exceed the expectations of those they serve.

Jen Dillard, the team lead for The JDRE Team, says this about why she wanted to put on a homeowners fair for the community:

“As a passionate advocate for community growth and homeowner education, I am thrilled to host our upcoming Homeowners Fair. This event is much more than just an opportunity to explore real estate; it's a community gathering designed to empower and educate. Whether you're a current homeowner or considering stepping into homeownership, our fair will offer invaluable insights into home care, home design, and the real estate market, all in a relaxed and family-friendly setting. We understand the importance of making informed decisions about your home environment, which is why we've created a space where you can learn and connect without pressure. Join us for a day filled with expert advice, creative ideas, and the chance to engage with fellow community members who share your interests and concerns. Together, we're building more than houses—we're crafting a community.”

The JDRE Team Homeowners Fair is more than just an event—it’s an experience! Here’s what makes it unmissable:

Engage with Experts

Connect with top industry vendors offering tailored insights and services for your real estate and home improvement needs. Whether you're seeking advice on buying your first home, looking to refinance, or planning a renovation, you'll find knowledgeable professionals ready to assist you. This is your chance to get answers to all your burning questions and learn from the best in the business.

Shop from Vendors

Discover unique home goods and items perfect for enhancing your living space. From innovative home décor to practical household solutions, our vendors offer a variety of products that cater to every taste and need. This is the perfect opportunity to support local businesses and find those special pieces that can transform your house into a home.

Delicious Food

Food lovers rejoice! Savor mouth-watering creations from Stovepipe Sourdough Pizza. Known for their delectable, freshly baked pizzas, this local favorite will be serving up their best pies. It's the perfect fuel for a day of exploration and engagement. Plus, cool down with a refreshing treat from Kona Ice of North Clackamas, offering delicious shaved ice in a variety of flavors. Don’t miss out on these fantastic food options!

Live Music

No event is complete without great music, and DJ Zur will be spinning tunes throughout the day to keep the atmosphere lively and fun. Enjoy a mix of genres that will have you tapping your feet and dancing along as you explore the fair.

Family-Friendly Fun

We haven't forgotten about the little ones. Keep the kids entertained with face painting, a bouncy house from Fairy Godmother’s Events, and a craft booth by Fruit Loop Art Center. These activities are designed to ensure that children have a blast while parents take their time visiting vendors and gathering information.

Community and Connection

The Homeowners Fair is not just about business; it's about building community. Meet your neighbors, make new friends, and enjoy a sense of camaraderie as we come together to celebrate homeownership and the vibrant community we live in. This event is a great way to network and connect with others who share your interests and passions.

This is your chance to gather valuable insights, discover new trends, and enjoy a delightful day out with your family and community. Whether you're planning your next big move or looking to improve your current home, the Homeowners Fair is the place to be.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, July 6th
Time: 10 AM to 4 PM|
Location: Jackson Park, Hood River

Why Attend? Our Homeowners Fair is more than just an event; it’s an experience!

For more information and to see a full list of vendors and activities, visit our event website at https://jdreteamhomeownersfair.squarespace.com We look forward to seeing you there!

Gorge Hunt Announces LIVE Action Adventure Hunt on June 22

By Ivy Carpe

The Dalles Ore., June 17, 2024 — Gorge Hunt is excited to announce its citywide Adventure Hunt, a free event that combines the excitement of an escape room with a citywide scavenger hunt, alongside a host of additional attractions

Participants will solve puzzles, navigate diverse downtown locations, and tackle themed challenges. The adventure is designed for all skill levels, making it perfect for friends, families, and corporate teams.

Event Highlights

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Engaging Challenges: Enjoy escape room-style puzzles and creative problem-solving throughout the city.

Scenic and Iconic Locations: Explore beautiful and iconic downtown The Dalles, Oregon

Vendors and DJ: Browse local vendors, devour some Indian Tacos or Burgers, then follow up with some Ice Cream or Shaved Ice and enjoy music from our live DJ Animal

Raffles and Games: Participate in raffles and various games for a chance to win exciting prizes. Make-and-Take Stations: Create and take home unique crafts and souvenirs.

The inaugural hunt takes place on June 22nd at Lewis & Clark Festival Park, Registration is free and available now at www.gorgehunt.com click on events. For more information: Contact us in one of the many ways listed below.

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About Gorge Hunt

Gorge Hunt creates immersive outdoor experiences, combining adventure, teamwork, and urban exploration to inspire a sense of community and excitement.

Vendor spots, volunteer and Make ‘N Take Station host spots are still available, check out our website at www.gorgehunt.com for more information or contact Ivy Capre at 541-788-4557 or gorgehunt@outlook.com.

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Tri-County Household Hazardous Waste and Recycling Program

From Tri-County Hazardous Waste & Recycle Program:

By Brittney Sanders

The Dalles Ore. March 19, 2024 — Calling all ag producers, pesticide applicators, and farmers! Do you have agricultural chemical containers you are having trouble disposing of? Attend our special chemical container disposal event held at The Dalles Disposal on Wednesday, May 29th from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 

Registration is required for this event and you can grab an appointment before they are gone at:  tricountyrecycle.com/agcontainer

All agricultural containers are required to be triple washed and caps and pamphlets must be removed prior to attending your appointment time. 

We hope to see you there!

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King Crone and the Empty Nest is a Must Read Poetry Book About the Trans Experience

Keath Silva talks about his second book of poetry TRANSformational poetry for rites of passage.

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Keath Silva poses with his second book of poetry, King Crone and the Empty Nest. He wears a shirt designed by Mars Wright, who makes clothing for nonbinary and trans people. The shirt reads "Your feelings are valid."

By Cole Goodwin

The Dalles, OR, January 20, 2024 – Transgender elder and healing arts practitioner Keath Silva has spent a lifetime transforming pain into healing. 

And nowhere is this more apparent than in his newest poetry book King Crone and the Empty Nest, a collection of TRANSformational poetry for rites of passage which is now available on Bookbaby.com and Amazon.com or at your favorite online bookstore!

In his book, Keath, a Hood River local who has recently moved to Los Angeles, CA, speaks openly about his gender transition, rites of passage as a trans person, bullying, parenting, transformation and embracing authenticity.

Keath says writing King Crone and the Empty Nest “changed what felt like an impossible task and something that felt sad and scary into an epic journey that I could write about while it was happening,” says Keath. 

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Keath’s work reflects his life.

And what a life it is, with its tall trees full of liberating intuition, claustrophobic high school hallways full of bullies and expectations, and the wisdom gained from living a trans experience. Keath’s poetry is a great companion to other older trans people who may be entering their King Cronehood, grieving the end of full time parenthood or other passionate focuses and reflecting on their lives and their identities. 

“In our society, it’s often looked down upon to be older. But, in any culture that still has its wisdom intact, the elders are who you go to for guidance. They are revered and honored,” says Keath. 

Keath himself has been a part of restoring the practice of honoring elders by leading crone initiation and honoring ceremonies.

So what does it mean to be a King Crone?

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Coming into one’s King Crone-hood is a rite of passage.

It is the embodiment of both the masculine and feminine aspects of stepping into wisdom, self-knowledge, and a call to leadership and community service that comes with growing older.. 

“Croning is also a time to shift attention from caretaking into a time of tending to your own inspired vision. It’s a time for looking within and discovering what that calling is deep inside and asking, what did I really come here to do? What is my spirit asking for? How can I nourish my creativity and come to a service that might have a wider reach? And the Crone is also related to learning to say no, and cultivating compassionate fierceness.”

“There’s often some element of spending more time alone in our older years and really getting to know ourselves and valuing that solitude; it's often a call to a bigger community service and holding space for those who are now walking in the steps that we walked in,” says Keath.

“For me, the King is an elder man who is really stepping into his wisdom, who is fierce for justice, for protection, and has a healthy divine masculine energy that supports and provides and nourishes. He is honoring his calling. And he may be tapping into his more intuitive side,” says Keath.

While the book is titled King Crone and reflects on Keath’s wisdom gained from the trans experience, his book is not just for older trans people. Anyone can pick up his book and find a window into the trans experience. 

It is also a book for young trans people. 

For in this book, Keath steps into his role as King Crone, to light a lantern of hope for today’s trans youth, letting them know that there are trans elders in the world that stand beside them in their fight for their futures. 

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Indeed, young people have resonated with Keath’s poetry, and several have read his poems at school board meetings where anti-trans bathroom and locker room policies are being discussed. 

“I’ve gotten so much feedback that my poetry resonates with people…If you can hear someone else describing an experience that you’re also having, there’s a relief that you’re not alone,” says Keath. “And there's a realization that there’s nothing wrong with me, there’s something wrong going on in the social structure around me.” 

“Sometimes emotions can just be bottled up and we don’t know what they are, we just know we don’t feel quite right. Poetry names feelings in a way that our whole body, mind and spirit can receive. Comparing a feeling that we have, to something like a volcano, gives it an image and a name, describes it in a visceral way, so we can embrace it and move on” says Keath.

Keath also shared that while he hopes his book can help others, he ultimately writes because he enjoys creative expression as a healing modality and he wants to share that enjoyment and healing with others. 

To learn more about Keath’s healing practice and writing visit KeathSilva.org.
King Crone and the Empty Nest is now available on Bookbaby.com and on Amazon.com. 

To read about Keath’s first book of poetry check out: This Poetry Book is a Must Read for Trans Day of Visibility, and Five Must Read Poems for Trans Day of Visibility.

Unlock Homeownership with Columbia Cascade Housing Corp's In-Depth Homebuyer Classes

Learn how to turn your dream of owning a home into a reality with homebuyer education classes.

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By Cole Goodwin

The Dalles, Ore., Decemeber 6, 2023 –For many, the American dream of homeownership seems just out of reach. However, Columbia Cascade Housing Corp (CCHC) in partnership with Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is shining a light on the path to purchasing a home with their comprehensive Homebuyer Education Classes. Established in 2008, these classes have been key in empowering countless residents with the tools and knowledge to navigate the real estate market with confidence.

Classes That Build Confidence and Clarity

CCHC’s newly announced 2024 schedule continues their mission of offering resources for homeowners and renters by educating the community on the nuances of homebuying. From budgeting to closing, participants gain insights into every step of the process, making the dream of owning a home an attainable reality.

Taught by certified CCHC staff in both English and in Spanish and available on zoom through Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC), the classes are designed to educate and instill confidence in potential homeowners. The courses cover a comprehensive range of topics, including financial preparation, understanding mortgages, and navigating the home purchase process.

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Salvador Cruz Perez is proud of this local effort to get clients connected to the housing resources they need to be successful.

"One of the largest hurdles to homeownership is often a lack of knowledge," said David Peters, Housing Center Manager. "Our classes provide a road map for what can be an intimidating journey, breaking down the steps into manageable and understandable segments."

"Understanding the homebuying process demystifies and reduces the anxiety of purchasing a home," said Salvador Cruz Perez, Housing Resource Center Associate. "We're proud to offer this roadmap to homeownership, transforming uncertainty into empowerment in Spanish as well as English."

The Advantages of Homeownership

Homeownership comes with tangible benefits: building equity, having personal control of your own space, and enjoying the stability and tax advantages it provides. Yet, CCHC is candid about the responsibilities that accompany owning a home, emphasizing a realistic approach to this significant life decision. After all, owning a home is not a possibility for everyone. Generally mortgage payments cost more than rent and if something breaks in the home, the homeowner is responsible for getting it fixed. Homebuyer education classes can help you weigh the benefits, and limitations, and determine  if buying a home is right for you.

Why Enroll?

The reasons to enroll in these classes are clear and impactful:

You'll gain a deep understanding of the homebuying landscape.

Participants are statistically less likely to default on their mortgages.

Completion is a prerequisite for many affordable housing programs.

You'll discover potential financial assistance and special loan programs.

Participants of the program can look forward to learning how to identifying their housing needs,, understanding lenders and get mortgage-ready, understanding mortgage terms, types of mortgages and shopping for loans, assessing housing stock, selecting the right home, and working with a real estate agents, the closing process, and how to protect your home investment.

"Owning a home is part of the American Dream, but it's not without its challenges," said Peters "This is why our classes not only raise interest in homeownership but also help potential buyers to critically evaluate if it's the right choice for them."

Inclusive and Accessible Education
CCHC’s classes are designed to be as inclusive as possible, with classes available in English and in Spanish. And in the spirit of fostering accessibility, the classes are priced at just $30 per household, with full scholarship opportunities available to those in need.

Support Both In and Outside of the Classroom
The CHCC also provides additional personalized assistance, acknowledging that every home buyer's journey is unique. Their staff offers support throughout the buying process, including referrals to agencies offering further assistance.

The 2024 Class Schedule: A Year of Opportunities

The 2024 class schedule promises a year of opportunities to delve into the critical aspects of homebuying. Sessions are held at various CGCC campuses and each class is a full-day session, that runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., ensuring an in-depth exploration of all pertinent topics. Pre-registration is required, and all classes are available online to accommodate various needs.

January 13th TD (The Dalles) Campus

* February 10th- HR (Hood River) Campus

*March 16th-TD Campus

April 13th-HR Campus

May 11th-TD Campus

*May 18th-HR Campus

*June 8th-TD Campus

June 15th-HR Campus

July 13th-TD Campus

*August 10th-HR Campus

*September 14th-TD Campus

October 19th-HR Campus

November 16th-TD Campus

* December 7th-TD Campus

*Classes taught in Spanish.

With the motto "What We Do Matters!" CCHC hopes to make 2024 another year of equipping potential homeowners with the knowledge they need to pursue their dreams.

Prospective homebuyers in The Dalles, Oregon, and beyond are encouraged to seize this valuable opportunity to turn their homeownership aspirations into reality.

For more information visit https://www.columbiacascadehousingcorp.org/home-buyer-classes  or to register for the next class, please visit CGCC's registration page or contact the Columbia Gorge Community College by calling 541-506-6011.

Beautiful Office Space Available at 12th and Dry Hollow

Location, Location, Location - Office space at 12th and Dry Hollow is now available on this well-trafficked corner in east The Dalles. This business location self markets as it is a hub for local health care providers and soon a nearby grocery store. A business here will surely gain some notice.

For Lease

Triple W Properties is offering 1,500 square feet of newly refurbished office space at the well-trafficked corner of 12th Street and Dry Hollow Road in The Dalles.

The office, at 1210 Dry Hollow, has numerous possibilities with seven different office spaces and two different front entrances. Don’t waste time on having to do costly repairs and upgrades - this is turn-key for those seeking to get their business up and running.

The facility would be perfect for an accountant or health care provider needing multiple rooms.

This space features a waiting room, reception, large closet, 7 different offices or exam rooms, a kitchen, and two bathrooms. This space could also be split up into two separate spaces for a partnership or businesses needing separation. It has two entrance doors.

New floors, a tasteful decor, including updated bathrooms and kitchen, give this a professional look that will welcome clients and growth in your endeavors.

• $2,500 per month which includes, water, electricity, and garbage service.

For more information, contact Wally Wolf at Triple W Properties, 541-296-5754. Cell: 541 980-3967

Updated bathroom

Large closet space

Waiting room and reception area

Newly remodeled Kitchen

Office space or exam room

Office space or exam room

Office space or exam room

Second updated bathroom

Office space or exam room with door to exterior of the back of building

Office space or exam room

Office space or exam room and second entrance door

Office space or exam room

…

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Dog Mountain Shuttle Celebrates 7 Years of Learning, Growth, and Success

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Riders in matching blue shirts exiting the CAT bus at the Dog Mountain trailhead. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin

Sponsored Content By Cole Goodwin

Stevenson, WA – The Dog Mountain Shuttle celebrated the successful conclusion of its 7th season, providing a safe and accessible transportation option for outdoor enthusiasts visiting Dog Mountain Trailhead to admire the wildflowers. This shuttle service, made possible through a collaborative effort between various organizations and agencies, aims to enhance the visitor experience, address safety concerns along the SR 14 corridor, and mitigate environmental impacts.

This year the shuttle service celebrated a 60% increase in ridership compared to last year.

Amy Schlappi, Executive Director of Columbia Area Transit said that the season had gone “wonderfully.”

So, CCCNews journalist Cole Goodwin went to check it out.

It’s June 10th and the early morning air is cool and breezy. I’m sitting in my car eating the breakfast I’d picked up in Stevenson when the shuttle pulls up in the gravel parking lot at Skamania County Fairgrounds at 7:30 on the dot. The driver gets out to put up signage directing people to the pick up location.

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The pickup location in Stevenson, WA. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin

We chat and he tells me that on Memorial Day weekend this lot was already packed with at least thirty cars by the time he’d arrived. 

“The ridership was consistently high,” says Jim, the shuttle driver. 

He guessed he’d transported over 250 to and from the trail on one of those days. 

As riders arrived, I introduced myself and chatted with them about the shuttle.

Shuttle riders Katie and Chris from Vancouver were the first to arrive. They laugh and give each other knowing looks. 

They  tell me that they’d tried to hike the trail the weekend before. But they hadn’t known about the reserved parking permit system or the shuttle bus and had ended up having to hike elsewhere. So, today they’d made the trip again. Only to end up at Skamania Lodge instead of the Fairgrounds. Staff had redirected them and they’d eventually made it to where they were supposed to be.

Despite their mishaps they’re still excited for wildflowers and soon other hikers arrive and we all pile on the bus. 

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Dog Mountain Shuttle riders, having traveled from Vancouver, the Tri-Cities and beyond, are all smiles as they wait to board on June 10, 2023. Katie and Chris are pictured at the center. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin

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Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin

Riders marvel at the gorge scenery through the bus windows on the short trip over. A few riders note the signs on the bus reminding them that the last shuttle back to Stevenson leaves at 5 p.m.

When the shuttle arrives at the trail every rider receives a hand stamp which serves as their day use pass and their return ticket for the day. At the trailhead Forest Service personnel at the trailhead help to direct hikers to the trail and restroom facilities. 

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USFS offering guidance to a hiker at the trailhead. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin

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Don’t forget your stamp! Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin

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The adventure begins… Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin

I look around the trailhead and I barely recognize the scene compared to when I worked at the forest service years ago. 

In the past, the popularity of Dog Mountain trail led to overcrowding, causing the parking area to overflow with vehicles. Hikers resorted to parking along SR 14 and the BNSF railroad tracks, resulting in congestion, traffic accidents, and increased safety risks. Sheriff Summer Scheyer of Skamania County vividly described the chaotic conditions that existed before the shuttle service, permit system, and fixed parking spaces.

A crash history report from the 2022 SR 14 Safety Study.

“It was sheer chaos,” said Scheyer. 

During peak visitation, the parking area often accommodated over 200 cars, leading to hazardous situations. In response to escalating safety incidents, Skamania County Community Transit partnered with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), Skamania County, and other stakeholders launched the Dog Mountain permitting and shuttle system in 2018. And in 2023, the USFS revised the parking reservation system to encourage carpooling, implementing per-vehicle reservations during the peak wildflower season from late April to mid-June. 

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The parking lot at Dog Mountain is now much more orderly then in past years. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin

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More hikers arrive to embark on an outdoor adventure. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin

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Hikers planning their route. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin

The free shuttle service, in conjunction with the permit system, has significantly transformed the situation, improving public safety, fostering economic development, and benefiting the environment. The reduction in pedestrian traffic along SR 14 has resulted in fewer collisions, trespassing violations, and search and rescue incidents. Skamania County Sheriff Summer Scheyer commended the program, emphasizing the positive impact it has had on safety and emergency response.

“The difference now is night and day,” said Scheyer.

Even Katie and Chris, who had some initial difficulties navigating the new system felt that it was well worth the extra effort.

“The views of the gorge were great. The wildflowers were pretty nice and worth the whole trip,” 

Emily Reed, Network Director of Columbia Gorge Tourism Alliance, also applauded the multi-agency effort and pointed out the potential for tourism to be a force of good that has a positive impact on local economies.

The success of the shuttle service can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of multiple partners, including  Skamania County Senior Services, Skamania County Board of Commissioners, Skamania County Chamber of Commerce, Skamania County Sheriff's Department and EMS, Washington State Police, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), United States Forest Service (USFS), Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD), Friends of the Columbia Gorge, Columbia Gorge Tourism Alliance, Columbia Area Transit, Greyline of Portland, and the City of Stevenson.

Moving Forward

The CAT bus on it’s way to pick up another group of hikers. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin

While the shuttle service has been successful, partners remain dedicated to identifying issues and improving upon the service. One area of improvement that has been identified is a need for consistent up to date information across multiple platforms.

Amy Schlappi, CAT Executive Director said this is something they hope to address before the 2024 Dog Mountain Shuttle starts up next season. 

“It seems like there is some conflicting information out there which we are working with our partners to reduce – since it is a seasonal service there is sometimes historical information that has not been updated,” said Schlappi. 

More information about public transportation in the Columbia River Gorge is available at gorgetranslink.com.

More information about recreation in the gorge is available at www.fs.usda.gov/crgnsa.

Want to explore the Gorge  without your car?  https://columbiagorgecarfree.com/

Information about where to stay, eat, and play in Stevenson, WA is also available at skamania.org.

Indian Food Cart to spice up TD at 6th Street Station; Opens tomorrow, March 10

Babita Kainth and Atana Das point to a pretty good lunch or dinner choice - their new food cart at the 6th Street Station, 2638 W. Sixth Street in TD. Their cart in Biggs Junction was getting rave reviews so they expanded to The Dalles.

Now, this is a map of India! It adorns the new Tadka food cart. It also makes you hungry.

By Tom Peterson 

There’s happiness in this food.

So much so, people from The Dalles and Hood River have been driving to Biggs Junction to get it. 

Well, they don’t have to anymore. 

Babita Kainth and Atanu Das are opening their Indian Food Cart called Tadka at the 6th Street Station, 2638 W. Sixth Street on Friday, March 10 for lunch.

“In our culture, our mothers cook and they are always happy,” said Kainth on Wednesday, March 8. “And that mood transfers that good energy into the food and to us.”

Mutton Rogan Josh

“And I have the best cook,” the 38-year-old said.  Atanu Das is bringing the love in the kitchen. “He cooks that food with a lot of happiness. People like it very well.”

It looks outstanding on the menu and one of the favorites is Mutton Rogan Josh. It’s an aromatic curried dish flavored with alkanet flowers and Kashmiri chilies.  Savorific. 

And the Garlic, onion coconut milk or the Prawn Masala or a spinach gravy over the delicious Indian Cheese in a Palak Paneer are tempting. And, of course, there is the Butter Chicken.

Decisions, decisions. 

Happy problem. 

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Click to expand. But no drooling.

Sucess of Tabka has been built on the shoulders of teamwork from these three, front to back, Samir Makhal, Babita Kainth and Atana Das

The flavors are all made from scratch by Atanu

Kainth has been operating the Indian Food Cart in Biggs Junction across from Bishop Towing and Repair just east of Circle K. It opened in November.  And she has another in Portland. 

Aaron Jalen

Aaron Jalen said he had visited the cart in Biggs with maximum success. “It’s so good you end up eating too much. But it’s so good. I’ve tried to make some of these dishes on my own, they never turn out the same.”

“We are blessed,” Kainth said of the success they have had. It could not be done without her team as they provide the talent in the kitchen and she brings the business savvy and organization.

But it all comes down to the food. 

“It’s healthy home made food. Our goal is to always satisfy the customer,” she said.

Cameron McKeown and Matt Bennett Joke around earlier this year. The two are seeing their vision come to life as they are diversifying the 6th Street Station food cart pod after starting during the pandemic in March of 2021. Photo by Cole Goodwin

Matt Bennett with a Dirty Shirley Pineapple Lemonade, a local favorite. Might go well with the Prawn Masala. Photo by Cole Goodwin

6th Street Station’s Cameron Mckeown said it was fantastic to be adding Indian food to the mix at the food cart pod near Coastal Farm and Ranch.

The pod already offers Mexican Food at Lonchería Jalisco and Bobablastic offers Bubble teas, Japanese, Chinese and American Food. 

The diversity is growing.

“Were also going to have Vietnamese food cart and a breakfast food cart,” he added noting Pho Saigon would be moving in shortly, McKeown said. 

Matt Bennett added that some new things for the summer were also on tap. “Be watching, we got some great stuff coming,” he said.  

The two are seeing their vision come to life as locals will be able to choose from a variety of different ethnic foods and then go into the 6th Street Station for a beer or cocktail listen to music and and enjoy their food. 

“It’s a nice arrangement,” Kainth said. “Our kabobs go really well with a beer.”

Chicken Tika Kabob and a beer. Oh dear! Better get two.

The cart is open six days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. It’s closed on Tuesdays. They also cater and take orders to go. Call them at 503-935-6950

Check out this Data: You can get paid to make your home more comfortable

From Energy Trust of Oregon:  

PORTLAND, Ore. – Starting this year, more resources are available to help people cut their energy use and lower their energy bills. New federal tax credits became available as of Jan. 1st for energy upgrades that could make homes more energy efficient and comfortable.  

Check below for rebates and tax credits

 The credits are part of the Inflation Reduction Act, which makes it easier for people to cut their energy use. The new tax credits, together with cash incentives already offered by Energy Trust of Oregon for both electric and natural gas upgrades, mean utility customers in Oregon and Southwest Washington can save more on items and equipment that may lead to a significant reduction in energy costs.  

“We’ve been helping people save energy for more than 20 years, and we know that using less energy does more than save money. It makes our communities more resilient,” said Michael Colgrove, executive director of Energy Trust of Oregon. “We’re glad to see this historic investment in energy efficiency that benefits families and communities here in the Pacific Northwest.”

 In addition to the energy efficiency tax credits, the Inflation Reduction Act also updated and extended tax credits for investments in renewable energy and battery storage systems.  

 As of January 1, federal tax credits are available for the following upgrades, which can also be combined with incentives from Energy Trust for customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista.  

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Up to $700 instant discount on select models of heat pump water heater at participating retailers

Solar incentives vary. Find the most up-to-date incentive criteria here.  

Requirements for federal tax credits and Energy Trust incentives may differ. 

*There is an annual cap on federal tax credits of $1,200, with sub-caps on individual items. Homeowners can also receive up to $2,000 (not under the $1,200 cap) for a heat pump or a heat pump water heater. 
*Some solar projects may also quality for state rebates.   here to enlarge data box above. P.S. Data Box was a character in Star Treck, Second Gen… Not ;)

Customers making these upgrades in 2023 can receive Energy Trust incentives when purchasing qualified equipment from a retailer or through an Energy Trust trade ally – trusted, qualified contractors in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Customers can then claim the corresponding tax credits when filing their 2023 tax return in 2024.

  To determine which energy upgrades may be most helpful for your home, Energy Trust provides a free online home assessment. You can also connect with a home energy advisor who can answer questions about specific upgrades or can talk through how to prioritize which upgrades to make. Energy Trust can also connect you to its network of experienced contractors who can guide you through the installation process. 

 Rebates, greater support for families with lower incomes 

 In addition to these tax credits, the Inflation Reduction Act includes the development of rebate programs for energy-efficient products and investments. In Oregon, these rebates will be developed and administered by the Oregon Department of Energy. Several of those rebates will go toward greater support for households with low to moderate incomes.  

 The rebates, which will become available later this year or in 2024, may include up to $8,000 toward heat pumps, which can reduce energy costs by as much as 50% depending on the home’s current heating system and can also cool spaces during warmer weather. Families with lower incomes will also be eligible to receive higher rebates for heat pump water heaters and installing insulation.  

 "On top of earning less money, families with lower incomes end up spending a higher share of their income on energy bills,” said Tracy Scott, director of energy programs at Energy Trust. “By reducing the cost of upgrades, these investments will help bring the benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy to far more people.”  

 Energy Trust also offers greater support for people and families with lower to moderate incomes including larger cash incentives for home energy upgrades including solar installations.