Picnic with a viewAs an avid walker and hiker, I was completely surprised about 2 weeks ago to learn about a wonderful trail not too far from my house. It’s called the Iron Mountain Trail.
The trail head starts at the top of Iron Mountain along Glen Eagles Rd. I don’t know the exact distance, but I would guess it at close to a mile long. It has an easy grade across the side of Iron Mountain and ends at Lake Oswego Country Club.
The trail is groomed with packed gravel and wide enough for a couple of friends to walk side by side. It is such a gentle slope because it was originally a rail road bed for the Oregon Iron Company.
Back in 1865 Iron was discovered in what is now Iron Mountain. There are still mine shafts in the mountain, although the entrance to the mine has been cemented over to prevent kids and animals from mishap.
About halfway along the trail there is a junction that you can also take that goes the opposite direction along Iron Mountain but down to the The Hunt Club. The views that direction are lovely as well. You get a birds eye view of the horses and the arenas.
One of the great things that makes Lake Oswego a great place to live is the ability to take nice walks and hikes. This trail is now one of the options that I will make regular use of.
Earthquake faultCascadia Subduction ZoneWhile not as famous as our neighbor to the South, Oregon is very much earthquake country.
Some background
When recently visiting LO City Hall, I found a wealth of interesting information on a variety of topics, one of which is a handy little magazine called “Living on Shaky Ground“. It’s published by Oregon Emergency Management and is available for free.
We happen to live right on top of the Cascadia Subduction Zone. This zone has a history of 8.0 and 9.0 (we are talking HUGE earthquakes) that goes back 10,000 years with these big quakes happening on average every 250 years. It’s now been 312 years since the last big quake. So it’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when.
So, what can you do? In particular, when it comes to your home and buying a house.
When buying a home inspect, inspect, inspect
A good home inspector will look at the house from a perspective of its structural soundness. If the inspector has concerns, he or she should recommend further inspection be done by a seismic engineer.
I was recently involved in the potential sale of a home that was partially built on stilts with a very sloped lot. I was representing the buyer. Our home inspector determined that the substructure of the stilts provided for East and West support (or shaking) but not for North and South. Basically the Nouthern stilts all sat on the same retaining wall with no lateral bracing. In an earthquake, any shaking from the North to the South would cause that retaining wall to fall over and, yep, the house would go down the hill. Needless to say, my buyer chose to end that transaction and ended up purchasing an entirely different home.
If a more in-depth inspection is required by a seismic engineer, expect to spend about $250 for a sight visit. At this visit you will be able to walk the property and get a naration of what the engineer thinks. If you want to proceed and you want specific observation put into writing, that would include corrective measures to create a secur home, expect to spend several thousand dollars.
Consider getting earthquake insurance
There are limitations to what homes can qualify for earthquake insurance. Most insurance companies will not issue it to older homes. But if your home was built in the last 50 or so years, it may be eligible. And if it is, it is not that expensive to add as a rider to your home owner’s policy. Look into it.
Consider getting your home retrofitted
Newer homes are built to modern codes and standards that do take earthquakes into consideration. So newer homes are going to be more seismicly sound. However, older homes can be retro-fitted. Strapping the house to the foundation, installing cripple walls in the crawlspace, bolting the mudsills to the foundations: these are just a few of the possible corrective measures to make an older home more seismicly worthy.
Some thoughts
In 1993, Oregon had 3 strong earthquakes. I was awoken from sleep by the “Springbreak Quake”, a 5.6 magnitude quake centered about 25 miles South of Lake Oswego in Scotts Mills. That same year Klamath Falls in Southern Oregon had 5.9 and 6.0 earthquakes. Being awoken from sleep by an earthquake makes you feel like you have been through something quite extraordinary. I can not even imagine the shock and destruction of experiencing an 8.0 or 9.0 quake.
Preparedness is the key. Do some research, think about preparing your family and your home for living through an earthquake.
I have recently read quite a bit that the way to react to an earthquake is to get into what is called “The Triangle of Life”. This involves laying against furniture or large objects so that your body is contained in the triangle created between the top of the object and the floor. According to the Oregon Emergency Management Office this is NOT the best response. They recommend DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON. Get underneath a sturdy object, on your knees and crouching on the floor, tuck your head between your arms, and hold onto the object that is protecting you. Almost all scientific, government, and relief organizations, including the Red Cross, are now recommending this method.
Let’s hope it doesn’t happen. Proper Prior Planning being one of my favority policies, do take earthquakes seriously. For a copy of “Living on Shaky Ground”, click here.
Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, or any of a number of faith celebrations, Linda and I want to extend our good wishes to you this season.
Faith is a very personal consideration. I have had a client moving in from out of the area ask me if there is a prevalent church in Lake Oswego, and I honestly told her that there is not. I consider LO to be extremely diverse. While we do have 19 Christian Churches (including the Mormon Temple, a Korean United Methodist and a Chinese Faith Baptist) there are also 2 Buddhist Centers, a Synagogue, and the New Thought Center for Spiritual Living. Close by in Tigard is the Baps Hindu Temple, and not much further away in SW Portland is a Mosque. And if you find no need for formal worship, that’s OK too. Really, we are a very open community.
With Christmas Day falling on Sunday this year, there will not be an Open House report. Even Realtors need a Day off once in awhile.
May your holidays be blessed with happiness, may the New Year bring you prosperity, and may you find contentment and satisfaction in each and every day of your life.
People's Choice 2011, "August Trunk" The community of Lake Oswego loves art in a big way. In 1999 the Arts Council of Lake Oswego was founded as a non-profit to ensure the continuing support of art in the town, and one of their big accomplishments has been the Gallery Without Walls. The Gallery Without Walls consists of sculpture that is loaned to the community for a 2-year period. While it is on display it is offered for sale. At the end of the 2-year period the community votes on their favorite sculpture and the “People’s Choice” sculpture is purchased and added to the city’s permanent collection.
"Vincent" by Keith JellumOver the years this has allowed the city to acquire some wonderful art work that is displayed throughout town. There are currently about 60 sculptures that make up the art work on loan as well as the permanent collection. In driving around town, I have been enjoying the 15 new sculptures that were installed in July.
"Zen Beacon" by Thor MyhreIf you would like a tour of the pieces with the aid of a knowledgeable guide, private tours can be arranged by calling the Arts Council at 503.675.3738. You can also get a free phone app for your iphone by going to the Apple App Store and searching for L.O. Art tour. For your Smartphone go to www.artscouncillo.org/tour
And if you love art and want to get involved with the Arts Council, they are always looking for volunteers. Please call Cheryl Brock at 503.675.3738.
To view the “People’s Choice” collection, click here.
"Jazz Drummer" by Mary Ann BakerI really do believe that art enriches our lives in both subtle and profound ways. Even on one of those more difficult days, a piece of art will bring a smile to my face. And on glorious days, it just makes the day all the more enjoyable. I love art. I am so happy to live in a community that shares that love.
One of the perceptions that I work to address here at the blotter is that Lake Oswego is a community of the wealthy and the rich. Yes, we have more than the average number of million dollar houses. But we also have homes that are less expensive and even people who are struggling with homelessness. We are a diverse community with diverse needs.
In 1998 six churches in Lake Oswego formed the Lake Oswego Transitional Shelter Ministry to address homelessness. The first shelter was opened in 2001 at the Lake Oswego United Church of Christ, and a second shelter was opened a few years later at the United Methodist Church. Both shelters are supported by all of the churches involved which also includes Church of Christ, Scientist, Our Lady of the Lake Catholic, Christ Episcopal, Lake Grove Presbyterian, and Our Savior’s Lutheran.
The shelters provide housing to families for 3 to 6 months while they get on their feet after whatever brought them to homelessness. Families are pre-screened by Clackamas County Social Services and the Annie Ross House Outreach Program. They are aided by counselors who help them to find employment and break the cycle of homelessness. Volunteers from the churches involved drop in daily to provide a ride, a listening ear, and when needed, advice.
Over the years that I have lived in Lake Oswego I have known people who struggled to keep food on the table and who lived economically on the edge. This community is not just a community of the wealthy. It really is a cross section of humanity. I am proud that within the community there are programs to aid those in need.
The City of Lake Oswego is in the final stages of completing the city’s newest park, Sundeleaf Plaza. The park is centrally located on State Street between the Lake Theatre and Millennium Plaza Park.
Only just a few years ago the lake could not be seen from downtown. In fact, there were no public access points at all. With the construction of Millennium Plaza Park in 2000, and now Sundeleaf Plaza in 2011, the lake is accessible to the public and views of the lake can be enjoyed by those passing through town on Hwy 43.
The plaza is named in honor of Richard Sundeleaf, a prominent Oregon Architect. Mr. Sundeleaf lived in Lake Oswego for a number of years and 9 homes that he built are listed on the City of Lake Oswego’s landmark designation list, including his own home on Phantom Bluff.
Mr. Sundeleaf also built a number of commercial buildings in Lake Oswego including the Lakewood Center, the Lake House Restaurant, the Lake Theatre, and the Murphy real estate building (currrently home to Starbuck’s). His style combined Arts and Crafts with Tudor to create a charming style that had a huge influence on the “village” atmosphere so prominent in Lake Oswego.
The new plaza has views of Lakewood Bay, and a lakeside promenade. The Lake Theatre next door is remodeling to allow for lakeside dining and use of an outdoor fireplace that faces the plaza.
This plaza is a great addition to the many outdoor spaces to be enjoyed in Lake Oswego. It’s another great reason that Lake Oswego stands out as a wonderful community to live in.
* Lake Oswego is alive with music and festival fun this summer. To get more info on the Summer Splash Concerts, Moonlight and Music Concerts and Sounds of Summer Concerts, CLICK HERE.
* Friends of Tryon Creek are leading groups on free guided hikes through the park and forest on Wednesday evenings through August 31st. Topics will include frogs, bats, owls and salamanders. Learn more HERE.
* Lake Oswego is holding its 3rd Annual Photo Contest. Send in your best photos for a chance to win $25., $50., and $100. gift cards! For contest categories and details CLICK HERE.
* Average Sales Price declined 7.8% in the Portland Metro area in June 2011 as compared to June 2010.
* Comparing month to month 2011 Sales Prices, the average went up 1/8% in Portland Metro from May to June 2011.
* In Lake Oswego and West Linn, the Average Sales Price in June 2011 was $458,200. The Average Sales Price in the Portland Metro area was $267,100.
* In Lake Oswego and West Linn the average “time on the market” in June 2011 was 197 days, whereas the average time on the market in Portland Metro was 134 days.
* Portland Metro saw 1,958 Closed Sales in June 2011, and of those, 104 of them were in Lake Oswego and West Linn. ***This was a 12.4% increase from May 2011.
* Portland Metro generated 3,143 New Listings in June 2011, and of those, 861 were in Lake Oswego and West Linn.
(***Market data derived from RMLS Market Action Report, June 2011)
Bill Korach, Superintendent of Lake Oswego Schools since 1987; respected & beloved administrator known for arriving at the office at around 6:15AM and not leaving till the last meeting of the evening, announced his retirement. There is a catch however… he is planning to continue working in his position for the next year, and very possibly beyond.. just one stipulation: no pay. That’s right, he is planning to donate his time, expertise and energies to the school district with the aim of saving teachers’ jobs. At a time when the treasured Lake Oswego school system is, like most all of them these days, looking at making cuts, re-working and restructuring the schools themselves, this is truly a novel and selfless act that will have a real bottom-line effect. Hats off to Bill Korach! Here’s an article for more info if you’re interested: Oregon Live Article (photo from Lake Oswego Review)
The three leading causes of traffic crash injuries are: Safety Restraint Use, Speed and Impaired Drivers. Lake Oswego Police are conducting their “3 Flags Safety Campaign until February 20th. To learn more, check out this article: 3 Flags Safety Campaign
Commercial Food Waste Program – Allied Waste which services Lake Oswego residents, is conducting a special program reducing the amount of waste going into the landfills and sewer system. The basic gist of this program is that customers are able to separate their garbage into waste & general garbage so that the waste can be composted. If you are interested in participating or learning more, you may call: 503 636 3011
The holiday season is in full swing! It also means we are nearing year’s end, and the City of Lake Oswego is busy on many fronts related to planning in various areas, and of course there are toy drives, food drives and blood drives as well. Here are a few activities and events coming up in the next few weeks:
* Lake Oswego is hosting a Blood Drive at City Hall on Friday, December 10th from 10:00AM till 3:00PM. They say that walk-ins are welcome, and/but making an appointment in advance helps them to keep things moving along smoothly. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, please call 503 675 6394.
* The discussion and debate on new codes relating to “Sensitive Lands” is entering a new phase. The City Council is holding a hearing to discuss the code changes, and says that the changes have been designed to “…maintain legal compliance while decreasing regulations on sensitive lands.” The hearing is set for December 13th at 6:30PM in Council Chambers.
* Lake Oswego is exploring the possibilities for enhanced public transit between Lake Oswego and Portland. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement can be viewed here: DEIS A public hearing before the Project Steering Committee is scheduled for January 24th from 5:00PM – 8:00PM at the Lakewood Center.
* It’s Free Shred Day again!!! Bring your shred-ables to the West End Building at 4101 Kruse Way on Saturday, December 11th from 10:00Am till 1:00PM or until the truck is full.. For more information/guidelines etc, click HERE.
* Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation has a Questionnaire for your input. The purpose is to solicit feedback that will help them determine the way the park system will look in the next 10 – 15 years. To participate, click HERE.
* Lake Oswego’s Toy and Food Drives are nearing their deadlines. There are stockings that can be picked up and returned filled for needy families in Clackamas County. Drop off sites include City Hall, The West End Building and the Adult Community Center, but time is running out. Also, the Oregon Food Bank is in dire need of more donations this year. You may make a non-perishable food donation at any of the same drop-off locations. For more information please call 503 635 0257.
In this month’s Hello LO (the monthly newsletter mailed to the residents of this fine city) there is an excellent Winter Preparedness Guide. In the interest of helping you to protect your real estate investment, I thought I’d share with you some of the important suggestions.
The City is asking you
* To be sure your address is clearly visible and not covered with snow or ice
* To keep a path clear from your street to your front door
* To have an emergency supply kit
* To use flashlights instead of candles to help prevent fires
* To be aware of carbon monoxide hazards from outdoor heating devices used indoors
Make sure your smoke alarm is in good working order
Now is the time of year to check the batteries in your alarm and be certain that they are working. Current Oregon law requires that homes that are bought or sold have smoke alarms with a hush button feature, and either a 10-year lithium battery or be hard-wired with a back-up battery. There should be a working smoke detector on every level of the house with special attention paid to areas with bedrooms.
Food Safety
In a power outage, if your freezer is full, food will stay frozen for about 2 days. If it is less than half full food will stay frozen for about 1 day. Cover the freezer with blankets or sleeping bags to help food stay frozen longer. When the power comes back on, examine all of the food for spoilage and if in doubt, throw it out.
For food in the refrigerator, be especially careful of meat, fish, milk, mayo, and eggs. Again, if in doubt, throw it out.
Gas Shutoff
If you need to have your gas shut off, contact NW Natural at 503-226-4211 and they will send a technician to assist you. If, however, an emergency arises where you need to shut the gas off immediately, follow this simple procedure:
1) Locate the shutoff valve on the riser pipe (the pipe running from the ground or through the foundation wall to your meter). To turn the valve you will need a crescent or pipe wrench. A wonderful home inspector I use suggests every home owner buy a simple wrench that fits this valve and hang it on a nail behind the riser pipe. This way in a true emergency you aren’t fumbling around in the garage looking for the right tool. When the valve head is parallel to the riser pipe, it is in the OPEN position.
2) Turn the valve head crosswise (perpendicular) to the pipe and it will be in the CLOSED position. There are also natural gas shutoff valves on the lines fueling individual gas fireplaces. Once the gas is off, LEAVE IT OFF.
3) Call NW Natural, 503-226-4211, when you are ready to have the gas restarted.
Storm Clean Up and the Tree Code
A permit is not required to remove downed trees. However, pictures are encouraged for documentation.
An Emergency Tree Permit or a Hazard Tree Permit needs to be issued for trees that present an immediate danger of collapse or present a danger to either people or property. Again, be sure to take pictures. Both permits are obtained thru the City and may require a Hazard Evaluation Form completed by a Certified Arborist, along with photos. For more information, call the Community Development Department at 503-635-0290 or click here.
Photo courtesy of Cornell UniversityDon’t Forget Your Pet
OK, I know this isn’t about your real estate investment, but it is about an entirely important emotional investment.
* Consider inviting your outdoor dog or cat inside when the temperatures dip to freezing.
* More dogs are lost in the winter than any other time of year. In snow or ice dogs loose their scent and more easily become lost. Keep them on a leash or in their fenced yard, and be sure that they are wearing an ID tag and/or an ID chip.
* Cats will seek warmth and have been known to crawl under the hoods of cars. Get in the habit of banging on your car hood before starting your engine to give a cat the chance to escape.
* Thoroughly wipe your pet’s legs and stomach when you bring them inside out of the snow. They can ingest anti-freeze and other chemicals when licking their paws and grooming after they come indoors.
* Don’t leave your cat or dog alone in a car. They can freeze to death in January just as easily as they can die of heat exposure in July.
* Don’t let your dog run loose on a pond or lake where ice could break and they could drown. And this year, with the lake drawn down, keep them out of the murky mud in which they could become stuck.
It is really hard to know what to expect from Old Man Winter. Some years we get next to no snow or ice. Other years we get hammered. But in any case, we need to be prepared. I hope you have found this guide useful.
The trail is groomed with packed gravel and wide enough for a couple of friends to walk side by side. It is such a gentle slope because it was originally a rail road bed for the Oregon Iron Company.
One of the great things that makes Lake Oswego a great place to live is the ability to take nice walks and hikes. This trail is now one of the options that I will make regular use of.
