🌱 Another Portland Homicide + Record Number Of Traffic Accidents

Brrr, it's cold out there. We've got a chilly end to 2021 and the ice and snow to prove it. So bundle up and make yourself a hot toddy, because I've got some news to tell you.

First, today's weather:

Clouds and early morning snow will turn into rain as the day warms up to a balmy 40 degrees.

Here are the top five stories today in Portland:

1. If people decide to head out to celebrate New Year's Eve on Friday, Multnomah County Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Vines said they should assume they'll be exposed to COVID-19. Vines said more and more cases of COVID are popping up every day because of the highly transmissible omicron variant. Being vaccinated and getting a booster shot is crucial. "If you're going to go and have a party for New Year's, keep a low profile," Vines said. (KGW.com)
2. The city of Portland racked up yet another homicide as the year comes to an end. A man found dead inside a tent last week died just a dozen blocks away from the home where he grew up in North Portland, a family member said. Michael Johnson, 53, was fatally shot in a homicide, according to the state Medical Examiner’s Office. Portland police publicly identified him Tuesday. Police began investigating around 10 a.m. Dec. 23 after a 9-1-1 caller reported a shooting in the Piedmont neighborhood. Officers established a crime scene near Farragut City Park, where about a dozen tents are crowded beneath the Vancouver Avenue bridge. (OregonLive)
3. As temperatures plunge, first responders want area residents to know about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Micah Shelton, a public information officer for Clackamas Fire District, said carbon monoxide, a byproduct of burning, is created when heating or combustion devices such as a generator, automobiles and even fireplaces don’t have an adequate supply of oxygen. Shelton said the fire department often sees carbon monoxide poisoning incidents when people lose power and the weather is cold. (KOIN)
4. Oregon recorded a stunning number of traffic accidents on roads throughout the state this holiday season. State police and transportation officials say winter weather and a return to pre-pandemic levels of traffic are to blame. According to Oregon State Police, there were 915 traffic accidents between Thursday, Dec. 23, and Tuesday, Dec. 28. Oregon saw 365 accidents during that same period last year, and some 237 in 2019. David House, a spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Transportation, said that the high number of accidents over the last week is a reminder to travelers to use caution and prepare for slick conditions. (OPB)
5. It's going to be a crazy and crowded race for the governor's seat next year. Just Wednesday, we heard that two of Oregon’s top political consultants have officially signed on to help former state Sen. Betsy Johnson launch an independent bid for governor. The pair, Dan Lavey and Kevin Looper, more recently worked together on People for Portland, an anonymous, well-funded advocacy campaign. Today comes the news that Democratic candidate and former New York Times reporter Nicholas Kristof has now raised more than $2.5 million, far more than his two more established competitors in the Democratic primary, House Speaker Tina Kotek (D-Portland) and State Treasurer Tobias Read. When do we get our voters' pamphlets? (Willamette Week)

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Today in Portland:

• Have some end of year fun at The High Dive in SE Portland as it presents Sweet N' Juicy, The Braxmatics and Proud & Nasty. Sweet N' Juicy plays fruity funk, so prepare to dance and get loose. The Braxmatics play deliciously organic Seattle-based funk. Proud & Nasty are known for entertaining and free-flowing keyboard magic. 8:00 - 11:00 PM.
• The Funhouse Lounge boldly brings you The Next Generation in comedy! This fan-favorite show returns this winter for live, unscripted "episodes" of Star Trek, the Next Generation! Get ready to see all your favorite Next Gen characters like you've never seen them before, along with fully improvised songs! Get your tickets online. Doors open at 6:30 PM.
• For some danceable, post-punk music, have a listen to Ten-Speed Music at No Fun in SE Portland. Sun on drums and Isaac on baritone guitar & acoustic/vocal meditation-like songs with Lauren Joyce. Proof of vaccination or negative COVID test are required for venue entry. Masks required by state law. The show starts at 8:00 PM.
• Tonight is the closing reception to the Bone Goddess show at EARTH Space PDX in SE Portland. This event will feature local DJs curated by the Bone Goddess. Expect sexy dark vibes. There will be some space dedicated to art making. Bring your works in progress! All mediums welcome. 6:00 - 10:00 PM.
• End the year with a fun night of stand-up comedy with Pussyfoot at The Siren Theater. Bring your vax card and your mask and enjoy smart and fresh stand-up comedy in the HEPA filtered Siren Theater! Featuring Sean Jordan, Milan Patel, Kirsten Kuppenbender, Julia Corral and Shelly McLendon. Showtime is 8:00 PM.

From my notebook:

• Portland Trail Blazers: "Season high 20 points to go with 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals & 3 blocks for @nassir" (Instagram)
• Travel Portland: "❄️ ❄️ ❄️ Walking in a winter wonderland! ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ 📷: @n1ck_on #PDX #PDXNOW #TravelPortland #TravelOregon #PortlandOregon #HereForPortland #ThisIsPortland" (Instagram)
• Portland Audubon: "Dark-eyed Juncos are living up to their “snowbirds” nickname and haven’t missed a beat with the winter wonderland that’s descended on our region the last few days. They are one of the most abundant forest birds in North America but their..." (Instagram)
• Oregon Historical Society: "The Oregon Historical Society was delighted when the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) Chapter 31 reached out in 2019 about the possible donation of two clocks that were once located in the flagship Meier & Frank..." (Facebook)
• Portland Audubon: "Start the new year by improving your birding skills! We have great field trips and birding days scheduled for January, from the coast to right here in Portland." (Facebook)
• Friends of the Children - Portland: "Together, we can create generational change for the youth in our community. You have until Friday, December 31, 2021, to make your gift have double the impact thanks to donors matching up to $75,000 this holiday season for our Year End A..." (Facebook)

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That's your Thursday. This time of year is often hectic, so take some time to slow down and smell the roses. I know that many will be happy to see 2021 in their rear-view mirror, but as we count down the last few days of the year, it's still nice to savor every one of them. I'll be back tomorrow to fill you in on another day in Portland.

— 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.