‘STILL PORTLAND?’ A PHOTO ESSAY

Is it still Portland?

Is it safe to go downtown?

Yes, dears, it’s still Portland, but you’d never know it if you never see it.

“You’re going downtown? You’d better pack heat.”

I’ve heard this and not packed heat, worn body armor, or stayed in my car with the doors locked.

But then I’m not looking for anything to stir up.

It’s possible to walk around, but do it with a cautious eye.

Look up the block. If things look sketchy, cross the street.

But why deny the city of your presence? It’s still Portland.

Some old timer said, “Good citizens are the riches of a city.”

Good citizens make the rounds their city.

Be a good citizen?

A promotional effort produced for the chamber of commerce to attract tourists and businesses. Portrays a city in which all the streets are clean and uncrowded; everyone is prosperous, polite, and happy; the buildings are all either shiny new or tastefully restored; the scenery is always breathtaking; the sun always shines except at night when everyone keeps welcoming lights on. 

Sounds like a good place to take a walk around?

Inside or out, make it fun, not fearful.

Chances are good something will catch your eye, not put it out.

It’s still Portland, but it’s still a city. Not everyone knows how to behave themselves.

They’ll leave the lights on for you.