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Community Corner

🌱Beaverton Couple Dies In Murder-Suicide + Rent Help In WashCo

Find out the most important things happening today in Beaverton while you sip your morning smoothie.

Ash DeMello, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Good morning, Beaverton! Go into this Thursday prepared with the main things that are happening around town.

First, today's weather:

Cooler; areas of morning fog. High: 50 Low: 35.

Here are the top stories today in Beaverton:

  1. The Washington County Sheriff's Office reports that the two individuals found dead near Banks was an apparent murder-suicide. Deputies investigated a car that was stopped alongside Highway 26 early Wednesday morning and discovered the bodies. Officials later released the names of the deceased: Alejandro Gomez-Blanco and his wife, Yolanda Constantino, both of Beaverton. Deputies say it seems Gomez-Blanco shot his wife before turning a gun on himself. (Twitter)
  2. Applications for rental assistance were due Wednesday, with nearly 11,000 Oregonians facing eviction. And while state agencies are overwhelmed, Washington County's local Emergency Rental Assistance Program is continuing to plug away. Working with the local non-profit Community Action, WashCo has cut about 20 days from its processing time for determining who is eligible for federal funds. Board of County Commissioners Chair Kathryn Harrington says this issue is a priority; however, applicants should still expect to wait several weeks before seeing any disbursement. (KOIN)
  3. Two teen figure skaters from Beaverton are heading to Nashville, Tennessee, to compete in the National Championships. Fifteen-year-old Tia Hilbelink and 17-year-old Andriy Kratyuk will participate in a high-level, three-day training camp in January with the possibility of being selected for advanced competitions. Kratyuk says the opportunity is especially exciting this year because it's Olympic season. (KATU)
  4. The Washington County district attorney's office confirmed to KATU that the Beaverton rideshare sex assault suspect has been released on bail. Omar al Naser was arrested last week after a victim came forward, alleging the former Lyft driver kidnapped and raped her. Lyft has issued a statement condemning al Naser's actions and has removed him from their system permanently.
  5. On a lighter note, consider what $450,000 can buy you when it comes to houses in PDX, Vancouver and Beaverton over at Portland Monthly. Check out the "vintage charmer" in outer Southeast Portland, complete with neon yellow carpet. Alternatively, there's a `Couv cutie featuring concrete floors and lots of updates (hope buyers don't mind the commute). Finally, in our neck-of-the-woods, there's a fresh-looking townhome in the Mountainside High neighborhood. Click over to the article to see for yourself!

Today's Beaverton Daily is brought to you in part by Newrez, a leading nationwide mortgage lender. Make a smart move for your future and refinance with Newrez today. Call 844-979-1707 to connect with a Newrez loan officer. Newrez, LLC (NMLS #3013)

Today in Beaverton:

  • Toastmasters - Join the Downtown Beaverton Association for an opportunity to learn public speaking and leadership skills. (8:30 AM)
  • Washington County Green Business Leaders Symposium - Learn more about solutions to food waste, including prevention tips and tools, donation and composting. Free; register now to get the link. (8:30 AM - 10:00 AM)
  • Preschool Storytime - Beaverton City Library invites kids ages 3-6 (and their grown-ups) to fun times online. Register for the link. (10:15 AM)
  • Board Games and Beer - Join the Beervana Experience at the Pacific Growlers Taphouse for a chance to meet new folks and try new games. (7:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
  • AT-HOME: Radovan Vlatković: Transcendent Horn Trios — with Soovin Kim & Gloria Chien - Tualatin Valley Creates and Chamber Music Northwest host a performer who has been called "the Croatian messenger of the gods of the valve horn." (That sure piques my interest!) Tickets start at $20. (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

  • Beaverton City Library has some recommendations for winter reading: "Do you like cats, chocolate, knitting, coffee, Scrabble, baked goods or noodles? Then there's a cozy mystery series for you! What a great time of year to dive into something cozy." (Facebook)
  • Beaverton School District issued a message of condolence for those affected by the Michigan school shooting that occurred on Monday along with a list of safety measures the district has in place. (BSD)

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You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update! If you're into these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Ash DeMello

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Beaverton Daily? Reach out anytime to ash.the.copyartist@gmail.com.

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