Inbox: Numbers Don't Lie

The Year in Numbers

They say that liars figure but figures don't lie ["The Year in Numbers," WW, Dec. 30, 2015]. Assuming that to be the case, let's take a look at what some of these figures actually reveal:

• We know that the $1,175 per month that the average one-bedroom apartment rents for here puts Portland on the list of cities in America where rents are rising the fastest, placing it ahead of Seattle.

• We also know that the $2,039 that the average one-bedroom apartment rents for in the Pearl District means that the redevelopment of Portland's central business district has created a playground for the wealthy in and around downtown, while the average working stiff has been largely ignored and relegated to the hinterlands.

• We also know that NONE of the 1,357 refugees who arrived in Oregon in 2015 will be able to purchase a home and most probably won't be able to afford to rent one either.

• We also know that a significant number of the students at David Douglas High School need to be transferred to Jefferson High School, where the average number of square feet per enrolled student (692) is at least equal to the size of that overpriced one-bedroom apartment you can rent in Portland.

—Carson Horton

10,100: Naked riders at the 2015 Portland World Naked Bike Ride.

—"BC"

Portland Police Snitch

It appears George Taylor is still getting some stateside love ["Ratted Out," WW, Dec. 30, 2015].

A new felony domestic violence conviction for a guy with his record, and he's serving only from September 2015 to May 2016? And that's a firm release date, not an "eligible for parole" date.

—"Inkberrow"

Crooked cops and DAs are as crooked as ever. Expect more of the exact same in 2016—unless someone stops them.

—"Vladamir Muhammud"

Providence Park Expansion

This starts with the Portland Timbers wanting more seats, then a bigger/newer stadium [Murmurs: "Save a Seat for Chip Kelly," WW, Dec. 30, 2015].

Before long, they will threaten to leave to another city that will do what they ask. It's time for the city to demand that Merritt Paulson sell the "Timbers" name to the city of Portland to ensure we can at least maintain the team name.

—Sean Miller

If the Timbers need more seating, then tear down Veterans Memorial Coliseum and build a new stadium there.

—"skatr"

Book Critic

If The Guardian's Bad Sex writing award included nonfiction, Carrie Brownstein would win in a landslide ["The Year in Fred & Carrie, Illustrated," WW, Dec. 30, 2015].

—David Richards

Letters to the editor must include the author's street address and phone number for verification. Letters must be 250 or fewer words.

Submit to: 2220 NW Quimby St., Portland, OR 97210.

Email: mzusman@wweek.com.

Willamette Week