COVID Hospitalizations+Wildfires+Census Results

It's Saturday, my peeps! That means the weekend and that means fun. That's my wheelhouse, so let's talk about the day.

First, today's weather: Wow, it's sunny today. So, so sunny. But so much cooler, with a high of "only" 95. Yes, that's sarcasm.

Here are the top stories today in Portland:

1. One of the more striking photos from the violence that happened downtown last weekend was a man pointing what appeared to be an AR-15 rifle at another person. Police said 23-year-old Mark A. Lee was seen carrying a realistic-looking airsoft rifle while wearing camouflage and a military-style tactical vest following an event at Tom McCall Waterfront Park on Sunday afternoon. He was later booked at the Multnomah County Detention Center on three counts of menacing and 2nd-degree disorderly conduct.(KOIN.com)
2. Between the heatwave, wildfires and COVID, these are not easy times for Portland, but it's good to know that some of us are looking out for each other. Transition Projects street outreach team has been checking in on homeless individuals and providing supplies like food and water. (KGW.com)
3. COVID cases continue to ravage the state as the Oregon Health Authority announces record-breaking hospitalizations for the third day in a row. David Zonies, associate chief medical officer and professor of surgery at OHSU, said, “Our hospitals are full. Patients are boarding and being cared for in emergency departments when they should be admitted to hospital beds. Our ICUs are full. Our doctors and nurses are exhausted and rightfully frustrated because this crisis is avoidable. It is like watching a train wreck coming and knowing that there’s an opportunity to switch tracks, yet we feel helpless while we watch unnecessary loss of life.”(KPTV)
4. Wildfire season continues as a combination of high temperatures and lightning has Oregon fire officials bracing for what could be a challenging few days. This fire season has been longer and more severe than usual in Oregon and across the West, which has stretched resources thin. (OPB)
5. The 2020 Census results are in and that means that Oregon lawmakers have begun the once-a-decade process of redrawing electoral maps that will determine how voters pick state representatives, state senators and members of Congress for the next five election cycles. Steady population growth — driven by newcomers from other states — is giving Oregon greater national political clout. U.S. Census Bureau figures released in April showed the state's population increased by 10% over the past decade, and as a result, Oregon got an additional congressional district for the first time in 40 years. (KGW)

Today in Portland

• Do you work in the gig economy? Would you like to meet others that know what that's like? Then come to the PDX Gig Worker Meet and Greet. It's happening at SW Portland's Gabriel Park. Noon to 2:00 PM.
• When Mimi comes to town, she makes sure to bring all her friends. Especially ones she’s never met! Join us for an evening of stand-up comedy by a stellar line-up of local Portland comedians that Mimi has never met, but is pretty sure they’re going to do just fine. Comedy is back, so let’s party! That party is at Kelly's Olympian in downtown Portland. 8:00 PM.
• Do you like riding bikes? Do you like standing up against hate groups? Then come to the Pedalpalooza Ride to the Rally Against Hate. Food Not Bombs PDX will be leading a Pedalpalooza ride to a Rally Against Hate organized by RAF at Peninsula Park. Love rock, art, zines, skill sharing and free food? This event is for you! 2:30 - 4:00 PM.
• Cruzin’ in the Pines hosted by Shady Pines Radio at the Cruzroom Annex on Alberta St. will take place on August 14th! It will be broadcasting LIVE from The Cruzroom’s new outdoor space! Music starts at 3 and will be hoppin’ all day and into the night! In between sets will be SPR DJs chatting and spinning some tunes. 3:00 - 10:00 PM.
• Immersed Music welcomes you to its pop-up at the Big Legrowlski. DJ's spinning House/Techno/NuDisco. This is a COVID safe event, vaccination cards needed for entry. They are going to be vibing outside at the Dude's Beer Garden & The music room. Please make sure to wear your mask at all times unless you are completely vaccinated. 7:00 - 11:59 PM.

Portland Patch Notebook

• Travel Portland: "When the Portland heat gets HOT, wouldn't it be nice to have an exclusive outdoor pool party in the West Hills li..." (Instagram)
• Portland Audubon: "No matter what kind of raptor is shown on screen, Hollywood directors usually opt to play the cry of a Red-tailed Haw..." (Instagram)
• I haven't got much for today, so here are the Werewolves of Portland. (YouTube)
• 5 spots keeping Portland weird. (YouTube)
• And then I found this KPTV spot on Portland street murals. (YouTube)

And that's the weekend, my friends. No, not the singer/song writer who has called himself The Weekend. I mean, who calls themselves The Weekend? Should I call myself The Sick Day? I'm so confused. If you're loving these newsletters, consider bringing some more friends and neighbors into the fold. 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? I'm all ears. You can reach me at portland@patch.com.