Cool! I didn't know you were in that neck of the woods FC! Yeah, there is something about Portland that I have never seen in any other city. I have a friend that lives there, sounds like it is close to you. She was from LA originally, she says Portland is a dream in comparison. She lives just off of Division St., between 26th and 32nd.
I live in Calgary, and it does have a bad rep for big box stores, chains, etc. But, where I live kind of reminds me of Hawthorne, but with less nightlife. I am close to Kensington in the inner city. Lots of cool coffee shops, (indie coffee shops too), great pubs, record shops (vinyl), hemp shops, etc.
Sounds good, if I am down that way, I will write you a PE. I am kind of past my nightlife age, but still love a good pub and a cold brew..or 4..or more..Last September, I camped along the Oregon coast, very beautiful! Also, if you are ever around Calgary, feel free to contact me. Some of the best skiing in N. America is within 1.5 - 2 hours from my house.