Great job on "The Yoga Issue" [WW, March 19, 2014]. One thing, though, is that Portland stands out in other ways too—karma yoga (the path of service).

Portland has several yoga service organizations that work to bring the healing power of yoga to marginalized and vulnerable populations. Right here in town, we have two nationally recognized nonprofits that bring trauma-informed yoga to youth on the streets and in mental health facilities (Street Yoga), and also to youth and adults in prisons, and drug and alcohol treatment centers (Living Yoga).

Living Yoga also offers several free classes in the community for people recovering from addictions. It would be great if you could share those resources with folks, too.

Community addiction/recovery classes:

Living Yoga recovery yoga, 8:30-9:30 am Sundays at the People's Yoga, 3016 NE Killingsworth St., 877-9644.

Living Yoga recovery yoga, 8:30-9:45 am Saturdays at Unfold Studios, 3249 SE Division St., 349-8883.

Michael Faith

Executive director, Living Yoga


AIRBNB CLIENTS FACE FINES

Residential zones are residential zones. Commercial zones are commercial zones. This activity shouldn't be allowed at all ["Suite Surrender," WW, March 19, 2014].

I bought my home in the center of a residential area, well separated from commercial zones so I wouldn't have things like hotels operating next door. The expectations of the other taxpaying Portlanders on a block far outweigh the selfish needs of one property owner like Sheila Baraga.

Sheila, if you want to run a bed and breakfast, go find a property with appropriate zoning, register your business, and pay your fees and taxes.

—"Phinny"


Not all Airbnb guests are out-of-towners looking for a cool place to party. A few years ago, I used Airbnb when my home was undergoing extensive repair for a few days. This allowed my family to stay in our neighborhood and walk to our school and playground, something that would have been impossible had we stayed in a hotel.

—"Lily F."


THE CITY'S WATER SYSTEM

The work of the Bureau of Environmental Services and the Water Bureau is essential and often complicated ["Hotseat: Nick Fish," WW, March 19, 2014]. The initiative to take over these bureaus is ill-conceived and, yes, fueled with corporate money.

The investments the BES makes to enable the city to comply with the federal Clean Water Act are essential. Their work on storm water is essential. The existing processes in city government allow people to air their grievances.

While I do not support this initiative, I certainly do not agree with everything the city has done. That is how life works, and the democratic process.

—"Travis Williams"

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