Boot Leg Fire Contained + Recycling Upgrade + Lower Macleay Trail

What's up, Portland? Cooler weather is back and I'm giddier than a child full of ice cream. Now let's talk about what's going on in Portland.

First, today's weather: Did I mention it's going to be cooler? Oh, the glorious clouds are back and our high temp is going to be 75. So much joy!

Here are the top stories today in Portland:

1. As if things weren't bad enough for restaurant owners, now food supply shortages are impacting Portland businesses. Both labor and supply chain issues have made some products inaccessible and others taking much longer than usual to be delivered. (KPTV.com)
2. In times like these, I'll take all the good news I can get, which is why it brings me joy to announce the Bootleg Fire is now 100% contained. What was once the largest wildfire in the country, covering nearly 650 square miles, is now contained as per a Forest Service NW tweet on Sunday. (KATU)
3. Oregon's recycling system is getting an upgrade! The Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act was signed into law earlier this month. One of the biggest changes is a requirement that companies pay part of the cost of recycling the packaging they produce, making Oregon the second state to impose such a mandate. Packaging producers will also be required to provide recycling services for hard to recycle materials. (OPB)
4. If you hike through Forest Park, you may have to change your route. Starting today, the Lower Macleay Trail will be closing and will remain closed for the rest of the year. Portland Bureau of Environmental Services is closing the trail because of “critical work” currently underway to replace the Balch Creek trash rack in Lower Macleay Park. (KOIN)
5. With thieves becoming more brazen in their thefts of catalytic converters, Oregonians anxiously await a new law set to take effect next year. Senate Bill 803 aims to ensure that scrap metal businesses only buy or receive catalytic converters from commercial sellers, not thieves. (KGW)

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Today in Portland

• Have you ever wanted to identify birds just by hearing their songs? If so, you'll want to sign up for the Audubon Society's class Birding by Ear - Shorebirds. Brodie Cass Talbot is the instructor for this online course, bringing his birding experience from across five continents. 6:00 - 7:00 PM
• The folk rock band This Frontier Needs Heroes will be playing at North Portland bar Lombard House this evening. Channeling the spirit of Woody Guthrie, they'll have your toes tapping while you sip on a fine Portland microbrew. 7:00 PM.
• The group Meaningful Conversations Portland is hosting a free online discussion about the spiritual quality of art. The Arts as Divine Inspiration asks the question, is art solely a product of the material world, or is it sometimes also somehow connected to something greater than us, to a higher power, able not only to entertain us, but to drive us to be better? Register online. 7:00 - 9:00 PM.
• The high energy, two-woman band Camped Under Cover will be playing at the St. John's Beer Porch in North Portland. Immerse yourself in good vibes as they present songs by some of the great women of rock music. 6:30 PM.
• The Sword Society XXXIII, the Battle of Endor Edition, will be at Rainbow City in SE Portland. Featuring DJs Vitamin D and DRUCCii, come swing a sword at this stellar style nerdcore dance dojo. Duel friends and make new ones. Gain real world experience points. 7:00 - 11:00 PM.

Portland Patch Notebook

• Travel Portland: "This Sunday, check out the Portland Flea Market in SE Portland, where you're guaranteed to discover some uniquely Por..." (Instagram)
• Portland Art Museum: "Théo Van Rysselberghe’s painting beautifully captures the summertime: a beach at sunset. Step into this scene with us..." (Instagram)
• If you're the parent of school aged children, you may have concerns about how the up coming school year will go. The Oregon Department of Education is hosting a live, online Q&A session to discuss face covering requirements for K-12 schools. They will be held this evening (8/17), from 6:00 - 7:00 PM, with a second one happening tomorrow (8/18) for the Spanish speaking community. (Facebook)
• I made some Jason references in my Friday the 13th newsletter, but there are some serious horror fans in Portland. Among them are Oregon native Jason Sweet who has just released his fan-made, crowdfunded homage to Friday the 13th, Jason Rising. It's on YouTube right now, if you want to watch it! Here's an interview that the Willamette Week did with Sweet before the film's screening at the Hollywood Theater. (Willamette Week)
• Last week OHSU released its COVID Forecast. As you might guess, it's not filled with sunshine and rainbows. Some key take away points: Oregon hospitals are nearing full capacity
  • By Sept. 7, Oregon will be short 400-500 needed staffed hospital beds. • Currently no policies are in place that significantly change projections. So, for the good of all Oregonians, get your vaccination and wear a mask. (OHSU)

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That's your Tuesday, Peeps. As Tuesdays go, it's not too shabby. But after it's done, rest up and I'll see you back here tomorrow for another day of fun. If you're enjoying these newsletters, consider bringing some more friends and neighbors along for the ride. 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? Reach out anytime to portland@patch.com.