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Know Your Como: Knock on Wood
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By Sonjie Johnson
On a recent sunny morning, when the north wind had taken a rare day off, I was startled to notice the bright red berries on a crabapple tree shining in the sun. Like most winter walkers, I’d soldiered along, head down, shoulders hunched, eager to get in out of the cold. Not today. Spring was in the air. Read More...
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D10 Meeting Schedule Change Starting in June
Starting in June D10 Community Meetings will be held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7pm. Meetings will still be hybrid via zoom with an in-person option available at the Como Streetcar Station (1224 Lexington Pkwy).
Our "Halftime" Community Socials will continue to be held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. We will continue to post agendas and reminders in this newsletter.
The board decided on this change to keep things consistent and make scheduling and communication clearer. Let's be honest, even longtime board members, staff, and their families were having trouble keeping the Wed-Tues thing straight.
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Saint Paul Art Crawl - COMO
Como Community Council Pop-Up Locations
Join us on Sat, May 3, Noon-4pm at two sites we're hosting for the Saint Paul Art Crawl.
D10 is hosting the work of 23(!) local artists at two locations: Sat, May 3, Noon-4pm
📍 Como Lakside Pavilion (360 Lexington Pkwy)
Start your Art Crawl at Dock & Paddle, where you can grab lunch and enjoy food and drink specials created just for this event. Then, head to the third-floor Waterfall Room to explore the work of 16 local artists while listening to live music from Ken Takata.
📍 Como Streetcar Station (1224 Lexington Pkwy)
Follow the Lake Como walking trail to our second pop-up location at the historic Como Streetcar Station. Here, you’ll discover artwork from 8 additional artists while enjoying light refreshments.
See more about the artists on the D10 website
Other Como Locations
Front Avenue Pottery (895 Front) Fri 5-9pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am- 4pm
FIRING IT UP IN SOUTH COMO! Front Avenue Pottery invites you to their annual invitational Spring exhibit! 4 potters & a jeweler. Join us in creativity & community, meet the artists & see their latest work! Fun to be had by all!
Are you a Como artist hosting an Art Crawl Location this Spring? Reach out to info@district10comopark.org, we’d love to include you in our communications!
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Get Involved: Lake Como Cleanup - May 13
Tue, May 13 5-8pm, sign-in at Como Pavilion Lakeside (down by the docks)
THANK YOU to everyone who showed up to last weekend's Como Park Cleanup event!
We're planning our first 2025 LAKE Cleanup for Tuesday, May 13, 5-8pm. These events, in partnership with the Capitol Region Watershed District, focus on the shoreline and Lake Como itself.
District 10 provides trash-grabbers, rakes, buckets, nets, trash bags, and nitrile gloves for those who need them. Or, feel free to provide your own gear. Registration (before May 12) is not required, but it helps us plan and communicate if changes come up.
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Sign up: 2025 Como Garage Sale
May 15-18, Various Times all over the neighborhood!
Sign up here!
D10 Como Community Council is once again coordinating a community sale weekend from Thursday to Sunday, May 15-18. If you would like to be included in our map, please fill out the Como Community Sale Form with your information before May 12.
We will be promoting this effort in our Weekly Newsletter, Facebook, and flyering some local community spaces, directing people to find the map on this page, District10ComoPark.org/GarageSale. You can also download and print this flyer to post in your community spaces.
We're again offering this coordination without the barrier of charging a fee for participation. If you happen to find value in participating, or any of the other work we do in the community, we welcome you to consider a donation to support D10's work.
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Project Home Program Coming to Bandana Square
Recently it was announced that Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul is the new owner of 1010 Bandana Blvd (the former Best Western).
Interfaith Action's update mentions a plan to "establish a permanent hub in Saint Paul to address ever-growing community need, providing emergency shelter, food, clothing, rapid exit housing case management, tutoring and job coaching, and more. Plans for the new location include an expanded space for Project Home (one of only two emergency family shelters in Ramsey County’s Coordinated Entry System), other programming fostering economic stability and mobility, and administrative operations."
Read more here on their website.
Opportunities to Engage
Interfaith Action Leadership has been busy coordinating a number of upcoming opportunities for community members to connect, learn more about their programs, and ask questions.
Learn about Project Home and other programs that will be housed at Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul's new home in the Como neighborhood! There will be ample time for Q and A as part of the presentations.
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Interfaith Action: Project Home Neighborhood Meeting (East Como) Thursday May 1, 7pm Saint Timothy Lutheran Church (1465 N Victoria St.)
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Interfaith Action: Project Home Neighborhood Meeting (Online) Monday May 5, 12pm (Link to join on May 5, 12pm) Passcode: 980254
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District 10 Como Community Meeting Wednesday May 7, 7pm, Hybrid via Zoom and @ 1224 Lexington Pkwy N
This presentation/Q&A, within the regular D10 meeting agenda, will be a shorter format.
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Interfaith Action: Project Home Neighborhood Meeting (Hamline Midway) Tuesday May 13, 7pm Hamline Church (1514 Englewood)
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Interfaith Action is also planning on tabling at D10's Pick-Up and Party Saturday, May 17 4:30-6:30pm Orchard Rec Center
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Help Bring Parkrun to Como Park!
Parkrun is a free, weekly, timed 5k walk/run that takes place in hundreds of parks around the world every Saturday morning. It is inclusive and open to all -- from leisurely dog walkers to elite runners and everyone in between.
City of Saint Paul Fitness in the Parks is working with community volunteers to establish a Parkrun location in Como Park beginning this summer. We're still figuring out the details (stay tuned!), meanwhile we're seeking volunteers to help run these events. These are fun, easy positions and volunteering is a great way to connect with members of our new parkrun community. We will gather for conversation at a local coffee shop after each event.
Interested in volunteering? Contact Jeremy Wight at comoparkparkrun@gmail.com.
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Get At 'Em: Baby Creeping Bell Flower!
NOW is the very best time time to dig out Creeping Bell Flower (CBF), when they are just emerging and after a rain!
Here are pictures of CBF growing between the roots of our pine trees which I am digging carefully, being respectful to the tree roots. I will dig for 15-20 min at a time and put the long, tangly roots and anything that might be CBF in a bucket which I will dispose of in trash.
Gloves reserved for CBF, a 4-tined fork, hand spade and something for knees is highly recommended. Scraping all dirt from tools into bucket is highly recommended to minimize spread. Scrape off anything that may be one of the 3 parts of a CBF. Purplish stem and heart-shaped leaves are ways to identify above ground.
"Forms extensive root systems with a combination of large, tuber-like storage roots, horizontal rhizomes, and small, thin roots. New plants can form from small root pieces in the soil."(https://extension.umn.edu/weeds/creeping-bellflower). CBF also likes starting again in disturbed soil. Marking soil spots with a stick, post, colored plastic spoons and flags is one to easily recognize where to keep checking weekly.
If you eliminate weeds in the first 4 weeks of life, you’ll also stop weeds from removing vital nutrients from the soil. Plus, think of how much time you’ll save over the gardening season! Here are 12 ways to kill weeds naturally in your garden.
Thanks to Julie Ann Wegscheid for sharing this for the newsletter
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Como Farmers’ Market in 2025
Thursdays 2-6pm May 15-Oct. 30 @ 1545 Hamline Ave (Como Park Lutheran Lot)
Como Park Lutheran is partnering with the St. Paul Growers Association to bring a farmers’ market to our Como Park neighborhood!
This new market will take place in the Como Park Lutheran Church parking lot located at 1545 Hamline Avenue, and will be held every Thursday afternoon from 2:00 – 6:00 pm from May 15 - October 30, 2025.
There will be a variety of locally grown and produced food items for sale. This market accepts and provides matching dollars to SNAP/EBT customers.
We look forward to seeing you at the market.
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Save the Date: Garden Volunteer Nights at Churchill Gardens
Upcoming! Monday, May 19 | 5-7pm
Come help us care for Churchill Gardens- a set of rain gardens in Como Park, full of native plants that support pollinators and manage stormwater. We’ll be pulling invasives, plus doing some light garden work like the Chelsea chop for our first garden night on May 19.
No experience or commitment needed- drop by anytime between 5pm-7pm on the 3rd Monday of each month. Tools and gloves are provided. Bring a friend, bring some water, and help us keep this space blooming! Register here. Contact eva.goetzman@gmail.com with questions.
Mark your calendars: May 19 | June 16 | July 21 | August 18 | September 15 | October 20
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Como Parks & Rec Programming
2025 Summer Camp and Activity Registration now open!
2025 Camp Como registration is open (and filling up!).
ExploraTots @ Como Streetcar Station - Every second Saturday and third Wednesday of the month through May 14. Children must be supervised by an accompanying adult. Please make sure to register all attendees.
North Dale Rec Center (9am-9pm Mon-Thu, 9am-6pm Fri)
Ongoing Drop-In Programming
Northwest Como Rec Center (2-9pm Mon-Thu, 2-6pm Fri)
*Registration Required
D10 finds this info here in the Parks and Rec registration system, you can often find events further in advance than we have room here in the newsletter for!
St. Paul Parks & Rec Fee Assistance Program
The City of Saint Paul operates a special program that helps families pay for Parks & Recreation youth classes and activities. Fee Assistance can be requested by families who meet program requirements when registering for youth activities. To be eligible for the program, youth must live in Saint Paul, be 18 years old or younger, and qualify for free and reduced lunches.
Fee Assistance can be used toward most recreational sports or activities offered by Saint Paul Parks and Recreation. To view the online catalog of all available activities offered, click here.
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Neighborhood Notes
Save the Date: Hmong International Freedom Festival has subitted their sound level variance request for their annual event from Friday June 27 - Sunday June 29, 2025
Upcoming License Renewals*
- Como Lakeside Pavilion (1360 Lexington Pkwy): Liquor and Entertainment licenses are up for renewal June 4. Anyone with input should contact the Ward 5 City Council office: ward5@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
*While license notifications serve as community reminders, feedback on a business license can be submitted at any time.
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Tenant Protections & Rent Stabilization New Build Exemption: Public Hearing
Last week, the City Council held a robust public hearing on tenant protections and rent stabilization exemptions, hearing from residents, experts, and housing advocates. The discussion will continues—the hearing is laid over to May 7.
Presentations from April 9 City Council Meeting:
UPDATE: Wards 4 & 7 are hosting a Community Conversation about Tenant Protections & Rent Stabilization on Thursday May 1 from 6-7:30pm @ Hancock Rec (1610 Hubbard Ave)
Do you have comments? In addition to addending public hearings, Community members can submit comments in writing or voicemail.
You can Contact-Council@ci.stpaul.mn.us OR CouncilHearing@ci.stpaul.mn.us, mail your comments, or leave a voicemail at 651-266-6805. All information provided in the email or voicemail will be added to the public record. (For your information, e-mails will be attached as written, voicemails will be transcribed and attached in writing.)
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Ramsey County's Environmental Center Now Open
Ramsey County’s Environmental Center is opened April 1! This new facility should make it easier for residents to reduce, reuse, repair, and recycle.
The Environmental Center is located at 1700 Kent Street in Roseville. It will be open year-round, Tuesdays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on county holidays.
All are invited to join the county’s celebrations during Earth week:
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2025 STAR Grant Applications DUE May 2
The 2025 grant applications for the City of Saint Paul’s Neighborhood STAR and Cultural STAR programs are now open.
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Neighborhood STAR grants fund capital projects in Saint Paul neighborhoods.
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Cultural STAR grants support arts and cultural organizations and events in Saint Paul.
Online applications for both programs will be due Friday, May 2 at 4 p.m.
Visit the program websites linked for more information on this year’s STAR programs.
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2025 PCIARC Annual Summit RSVP
Thur, May 8, 6-7:30pm @ Rondo Community Library (461 Dale St N)
Community members are invited to learn more about the civilian oversight of Saint Paul Police Department and how community members are involved in the filing and review of complaints regarding misconduct of sworn officers of the Saint Paul Police Department. They'll discuss the complaint review process and data from the 2024 Police Civilian Internal Affairs Review Commission (PCIARC) Annual Report. To RSVP today - CLICK HERE
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Traditional Neighborhood District Zoning Study - Info Session
The City of Saint Paul Planning and Economic Development Department (PED) expects the Planning Commission to release the Traditional Neighborhood (T) District Zoning Study for public review in mid-May 2025. The T Districts support mixed-use, pedestrian- and transit-oriented development along many of Saint Paul's corridors and neighborhood nodes. The Zoning Study proposes text amendments to the Zoning Code that intend to:
- Increase development flexibility and provide opportunities for greater intensity,
- Improve predictability related to design, and
- Create incentives for affordable housing.
PED Staff will be hosting two virtual informational sessions on May 13th and 14th prior to the public release to provide an overview of the Zoning Study, discuss proposed text amendments, and answer questions. Both workshops will provide the same information, so you are welcome to attend either.
The Planning Commission Public Hearing is anticipated for Friday, July 11th, 8:30am in City Hall. You may provide verbal testimony at the public hearing and/or submit written comments (deadline 4:30pm on July 14th) via email to Spencer.Miller-Johnson@ci.stpaul.mn.us or at this address:
Saint Paul Planning Commission
c/o Spencer Miller-Johnson
1400 City Hall Annex
25 West Fourth Street
Saint Paul, MN 55102
More information on the Zoning Study can be found online here.
Note: Very little of Como is zoned as "Traditional Neighborhood" despite perceptions of that language, we're almost entirely "Residential". You can view the zoning map in the link above.
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Community Participation Requested
Seeking Applicants to TISH Board
The Truth-in-Sale of Housing (TISH) Board is the policy maker for the TISH program and oversees the establishment of all program components. This includes evaluator testing and licensing, continuing education requirements, setting all fees, and conducting hearings on disciplinary actions against evaluator licenses. The board is also responsible for reviewing and updating the following as necessary: board bylaws; evaluator code of ethics, evaluator guidelines, and the disclosure form utilized by evaluators.
The TISH Board is currently seeking to fill vacancies for the following positions:
- legal profession;
- architectural or engineering profession; and
- contracting business.
Length of term is three years. These positions do not require Saint Paul residency.
The board meets quarterly with meetings scheduled for the second Wednesday in January, April, July, and October from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. All meetings are held at 375 Jackson St, Conference Room 2E.
If you are interested in applying to become a member of the TISH Board, please fill out the online application.
Weigh-In: 2050 All-Abilities Transportation Plan Draft
Ramsey County has shared their 2050 All-Abilities Transportation Plan draft, and would appreciate your feedback! Visit the plan webpage to view the document.
The plan is a visioning document that outlines how transportation investments will be guided over the coming decades. The document also includes an overview of how the plan was created, vision and goals for the county system, a look at other relevant county plans, an existing condition analysis, project prioritization, and next steps.
Please reach out via email at askpw@ramseycounty.us or via phone at 651-266-7100 with your comments or questions.
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Immigrant and Refugee Resources for St Paul Residents immigration services
City of Saint Paul Resources and Relevant Policies
The City of Saint Paul has immigration-related resources for community members through the Saint Paul City Attorney’s Office Immigrant and Refugee Program. The Immigrant and Refugee Program can connect constituents with resources for shelter, food, becoming a citizen, legal help and more. stpaul.gov/immigration-resources
The City of Saint Paul abides by its separation ordinance that makes clear local law enforcement officers are only to uphold local laws in the course of their duties, not federal immigration policies. SPPD cannot and does not cooperate with ICE.
Congressional offices representing Saint Paul
Immigration is a matter of federal policy, and congressional offices are often best positioned to help constituents:
- Office of Congresswoman Betty McCollum
- Saint Paul office (651) 224-9191
- Office of Senator Amy Klobuchar
- Main office in Minneapolis (612) 727-5220
- Office of Senator Tina Smith
- Main office in Saint Paul (651) 221-1016
Key organizations supporting Saint Paul constituents with immigration needs
Volunteer Opportunity: Mentor a New American
Are you a welcoming person looking for ways to help immigrants and refugees in the Twin Cities? International Institute of Minnesota (IIMN) has an opportunity for one-to-one interaction and relationship-building with a refugee or immigrant who is new to the community. Mentors will provide their mentees with opportunities to attend community events, practice English and explore community resources. IIMN will provide a two-hour training prior to your match and you can set your own volunteer schedule. All you need is a willingness to help and patience with cross-cultural communication! Learn more and apply.
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Yard Waste Collection Service Now Available
Weekly Yard waste pick up is available for Saint Paul residents at properties with 1-4 units. For an additional annual fee of $119.06, your garbage hauler will make weekly pickups between April 1 and November 30.
Yard waste subscriptions from 2024 automatically renew for 2025. Carts will be delivered this month.
To sign up for new service or cancel existing service, call 651-266-6101 or submit an online form.
| | What's Happening at the Fairgrounds | | |
DESCRIPTION
The Minnesota Youth Horse Association holds an annual tack swap to raise funds to support the Minnesota 4-H Horse Project. Proceeds from the tack swap help fund programs like Hippology, Horse Bowl, and the State Horse show.
LOCATION
Dairy Building
HOURS
Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday: 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
ADMISSION
Free
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Natural Strongman Midwest World Qualifier
April 26
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DESCRIPTION
At Natural Strongman, their mission is to cultivate and expand the sport of Natural Strongman globally, offering athletes a transparent and drug-tested pathway from regional competitions all the way to the prestigious Natural Worlds stage.
LOCATION
Education Building
HOURS
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ADMISSION
$10
| | Have something you'd like us to consider sharing in our newsletter? Email us at district10@district10comopark.org | |  | |
Support Community Engagement
Do you appreciate the work D10 Como Park does in the community? Consider supporting D10's work by making a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!
| | | Please note that this newsletter aims to inform and publicize local events and activities in our community. The inclusion of any event or activity does not imply endorsement by the District 10 Como Community Council. | | | | |
