http://www.theoutlookonline.com/opinion/index.php Portland and surrounding area community news and information http://www.theoutlookonline.com/opinion/story.php?story_id=121496400122070500 1918 – The Daughters of the American Revolution marched out to the Multnomah County Poor Farm (now McMenamins Edgefield) 90 years ago presenting residents of the farm with a 9-by-4 foot American flag to hang in the chapel. Eleven cows died at the Zimmerman Farm (the home and six acres of the ... http://www.theoutlookonline.com/opinion/story.php?story_id=121496399472059200 Long before Roslyn Lake’s demise in May, we realized that the lake’s disappearance would be more than just the tragic loss of a century-old landmark; it could prove dangerous for locals. The lake itself was a dangerous attraction – as there rarely was a summer without a terrible ... http://www.theoutlookonline.com/opinion/story.php?story_id=121496368839616900 Council demonstrates financial irresponsibility Well folks, I am so pleased we won’t be asked to pass a levy for the Police Department. The Gresham City Council has made it perfectly clear we have an abundance of money to spend on anything we want and will want in the future. Why, look at ... http://www.theoutlookonline.com/opinion/story.php?story_id=121496343274711200 How sad that polling numbers indicate such a large divide among Reynolds School District residents over a proposal to replace Wilkes Elementary School with a new building and to create more classroom space at the overcrowded Reynolds High School. But what with worry over the flagging economy, ... http://www.theoutlookonline.com/opinion/story.php?story_id=121493206811528800 Each year at this time, thousands of Portland-area residents celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence by exercising their inalienable right to set off small explosives in their yards and neighborhoods. This annual onslaught of noise, smoke and general mayhem is torture to animals, ... http://www.theoutlookonline.com/opinion/story.php?story_id=121461917689758800 As a city of Gresham councilor I have to confess I have attended more than one community meeting and wondered exactly why I was there. Not so, a few Tuesdays back, when I attended the first (and I sincerely hope not the last) non-denominational Faith Leaders Breakfast hosted at Springwater ... http://www.theoutlookonline.com/opinion/story.php?story_id=121461925880621300 How many psychological evaluations does the Oregon Board of Parole need to hear before it reaches the logical conclusion? Richard T. Gillmore, 48, known as the “Jogger Rapist,” is likely to re-offend, and the best place for him is inside the walls of the Oregon State Correctional ... http://www.theoutlookonline.com/opinion/story.php?story_id=121461908186550600 It turns out that Rep. Patti Smith isn’t the only local legislator being terrorized by a black bear. After reading my Wednesday column about Smith’s struggles with a 200-pound bear at her Corbett home, fellow Republican Karen Minnis called to say she, too, had a recent unpleasant ... http://www.theoutlookonline.com/opinion/story.php?story_id=121461890769669400 A large fare increase from TriMet won’t be popular at a time when a growing number of people are depending on buses and light-rail trains for their daily transportation. But given the financial pressures at work on the transit agency, TriMet directors have little choice but to raise rates ...