For this issue, we spoke with Board member David Whitaker. A native of Portland, David is a civil engineer and has had his own engineering practice for the last 12 years. David specializes in hydrologic and hydraulic analyses of creeks and rivers, as well as urban storm water and sewer systems. David received his Bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University (he’s a huge Beavers fan and has high hopes for its new football coach!) and a Master’s degree from Portland State. David also enjoys gardening and landscaping with native plants that help to entice birds into his yard.
David, how long have you lived in the neighborhood and what’s your favorite part of living in the neighborhood?
I have lived in the neighborhood for 20 years. My favorite part of living in the neighborhood is the scale of it and ease of getting around. My wife Kristin, our dog Zouba, and I walk a lot and it is easy to get to so many destinations in a relatively short time. We are fortunate to have sidewalks on most streets, not a lot of traffic, and the busy streets are only two lanes wide, so it’s easy to cross. There are 15 restaurants or bars within a 10-minute walk from our home. So cool!
What’s your favorite neighborhood store, and why?
My favorite neighborhood store is Patti Smith West. This is a resale shop that always has really excellent, reasonably priced items, and Patti is one of the nicest people I know. We have bought a couple of wonderful paintings there, everyday soup bowls, clothing, and some great gifts. In fact, the coat that I’m wearing in my photo is a Pendleton that I bought at Patti’s and then had tailored by Julia at Silhouette. Patti always has a treat for our pal Zouba, and it is our “go-to” place for Missionary Chocolates.
What are you excited about as far as participating on the Board? What are the issues you’re looking to help address as a member?
I am excited to be involved with a group of folks that are really interested in improving our neighborhood. I believe that the neighborhood associations in Portland are an important part of our civic structure, providing a mechanism to build community and help maintain and improve the livability of our neighborhood. I am hoping to become more involved on land use issues, but my main focus at this time is cleaning up and re-planting the planting beds of the stairways along Alameda Ridge. I believe that the stairways are hidden gems in our neighborhood, and I would like for folks to really enjoy and appreciate them. This fall, a group of neighbors cleaned up the stairways at NE 42nd and NE 43rd (linking Wistaria Dr. to Alameda St.) and planted some spring blooming bulbs in the beds.
Thank you so much for your service, David!