911 Slow To Answer+Police Oversight+More COVID

Happy Friday, Portland! It's the end of a week and the start of a warm weekend. Here's what you should know.

First, today's weather: I hope you like hot weather, because that's what we're getting today. A few clouds, but you'll barely notice them with a high temp of 96.

Here are the top stories in Portland today:

1. If we need help in an emergency, calling 911 is the first thing that comes to mind, but here in Portland, help might not come so fast. The average wait time for 911 callers in June was 63 seconds. That's more than 4 times the national average. In June alone, Portland's Bureau of Emergency Communication answered only 30% of its 911 calls within 15 seconds. (KGW.com)
2. The York bust that appeared mysteriously in Mt. Tabor Park has been toppled and damaged. York was the only Black member of the Lewis and Clark expedition and was William Clark's slave. Last month, a woman was caught on camera spray-painting graffiti over the bust. (KPTV)
3. It's been a long and rocky road but Portland has moved one step closer to a new police oversight board. Portland residents voted for it last year. City Council unanimously voted for it. But it took legislation from state lawmakers and an amendment from the U.S. Department of Justice to clear the way for the 20 member commission to come together. Looking ahead, the commission is scheduled to spend 18 months doing its work before the new oversight board can take over for the Independent Police Review, the group currently charged with police oversight. (OPB)
4. Fear of wildfires has Oregon cities taking extra precautions with hot, dry conditions already increasing the risk. To that end, Portland City Council has approved a new rule that would prohibit people from camping in forested areas of the city. (KATU)
5. In light of surging COVID-19 cases, Mayor Ted Wheeler is now calling for city workers to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or submit to weekly coronavirus tests. He's asking for City Council's help in drafting an order similar to those showing up in other cities, such as Los Angeles and New York. (KOIN)
6. In related news, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced it will require COVID-19 vaccinations for its front-line health care employees, including doctors, nurses, and dentists. It makes the VA the first health care system in Oregon to require the vaccination; state law generally prevents such mandates for health care workers. (OPB)

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Today in Portland

• With the surge of COVID-19 cases I mentioned, I would feel remiss were I not to mention the Pfizer COVID Vaccine Event at the PCC Cascade Campus in North Portland today. The vaccine is free, no insurance information is required and no ID is necessary. Go get your jab! 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• Of course, if you prefer to live a bit dangerously, consider going to the sexy, scary 80's Slasher Slumber Party. Marilyn is leaving in August and her friends are throwing a farewell party. I don't know who Marylin is, but evidently they're inviting everyone. Get your tickets online. 4:30 PM to 9:00 AM Saturday.
• MadgesdiqCEG will be playing tonight at the Alberta Street Pub in NE Portland. They'll be joined by The Everyday Mystics and Justin Chittams. Get your tickets online and enjoy some vibrant and eclectic hip-hop sounds. 6:00 - 8:00 PM.
• Bad Camper is coming to Portland for their Bad Camper Road Trip Tour 2021. Their will be both music and a drag show as they perform at this SW Portland location. This is an all ages show. Suggested donation $5 - 20. Doors open at 7:30 PM, Show at 8:30 PM.
• Get on down at the Black Bulb Magazine launch party in NW Portland! Backyard Blam will be spinning on vinyl, free custom Black Bulb Magazine T-Shirts will be made on the spot, and you will be leaving feeling all warm and fuzzy. Register online. 7:00 - 10:00 PM.

Portland Patch Notebook

• It's going to get hot here in Portland over the weekend and we have to look out for each other. If you know someone who is at risk during this heatwave, check up on them. For anyone who may need to go to a cooling center, here is a list of them in the Portland area. (KPTV)
• Have you ever thought about paddling a kayak? Portland is the perfect place for it and summer is the perfect time for it. This article gives some tips to those new to kayaking. (Portland Monthly)
• Not sure how many horror fans read this newsletter, but the Portland Horror Film Festival is going on at the Hollywood Theater. The festival is 9 days of independent horror shorts and feature films. Still not ready to go back into a theater quite yet (Believe me, I understand completely), the festival is also streaming online. Get your tickets online and start getting chills during a heatwave!
• Travel Portland: Wow, the Hawthorne Theater is back! "Live music returning to Portland delights us so much, it makes us want to sing! If you're a live music fan, ch..." (Instagram)
• Portland Flea: "That’s right, we are giving you FLEAS in August (15+29) and September (12+26), because it’s summer and why the hel..." (Instagram)
• Portland Art Museum: "Free screening of Faith E. Briggs’ short film, This Land. Presented by @faithevebee and @mobileprojectionunit" (Instagram)
• Nonprofit Association Oregon: "It has been such a sweet treat connecting with our members face-to-face at our events this week! We’ve got some reall..." (Instagram)

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Events:

• Free Family Mini Photo Sessions (July 31)
• What is PDP? Women's Connections & Collaborations (August 3)

Stay safe my friends. I want to see you out there having fun, but I also want to see you back here tomorrow, so I can talk even more about the great city of Portland. If you're loving these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Dominic Anaya

About me: Doctor, educator and now a writer/artist, I'm just chillin' in Portland, OR with my wife, our ferrets, our chickens and our goats.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Portland Daily? Email me at portland@patch.com.