Crowd Control Recommendations + Traffic Control + Hypoxia Season

Yay! It's the weekend and I'm living free and easy! But this being Portland, there's plenty of interesting things to fill my time. Let me tell you about some of them.

First, today's weather: The sun will be in full effect all day long and the high will be 90. Wow, now that's summer for you!

Here are the top stories today in Portland:

1. Many Portland protesters complained about the brutal treatment they received from Portland Police Officers, but what to do about it is not a simple solution. That's why the The Citizen Review Committee Crowd Control & Use of Force Workgroup was formed to look at the problem. After about a year of seeking community input on the issue, they have now released a set of recommendations on how to change the police response to protests in Portland. (KOIN)
2. Data suggests that BIPOC communities are more vulnerable to COVID-19 and local health leaders are getting the word out to fight vaccine hesitancy. To incentivize vaccinations, $50 to $150 Visa gift cards are being given to those who go get shots at Multnomah County vaccine clinics – and you even get one for taking someone to get a shot too. (KPTV)
3. Many have complained about dangerous drivers on Portland streets, but, at the moment, there's not much the police can do about it. The current staffing shortage has led to some deep cuts to the Portland Police Bureau, leaving the city with only 1 full-time designated traffic officer. (KGW.com)
4. The waters off the Oregon coast have a hypoxia season and that's bad news for a state in which seafood is a significant part of the economy. This years hypoxia season has started earlier than normal and it's already affecting Dungeness crabs. (OPB)
5. With all the discussion surrounding the proposed widening of I-5 in the Rose Quarter area, it's easy to forget that 16 years ago ODOT had a much grander plan for freeways that run through the Portland Metro area. (BikePortland.org)

Today in Portland

• Portland Democratic Socialists of America, Jobs with Justice, and a host of community organizations are holding a rally today at Shemanski Park in downtown Portland to demand Medicare for All. Join fellow progressive as they fight for universal healthcare. Masks are required for this event. Event starts at noon.
• Do you love cocktails, but are trying to cut back on the booze? Then you should check out For Bitter For Worse makers of phenomenal non-alcoholic cocktails. And today is a perfect time to discover them, because they're hosting a patio party in NE Portland. Get your tickets online and check out some new drinks! 7:00 - 10:00 PM.
• If summer in Portland means one thing, it's outdoor music concerts. Tonight, the Sellwood Moreland Improvement League (AKA SMILE) free concert series continues with Terry Robb and Lauren Sheehan. They'll be playing their brand of Americana and rhythm & blues in the Windermere Building parking lot, so you should probably bring a chair. 6:30 - 8:30 PM.
• Art lovers might like to know that the St. John's Art Walk is happening today. There will be live music, local food, raffles and, of course, art by local artists. COVID guidelines will be in effect. 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
• The DRIP FEST is happening today in downtown Portland. This is a music and fashion event hosted by Serendipity @THENUMBERZFM that highlights local Portland BIPOC musical talents and clothing brands. Music by Portland’s own Bon Wavi, DaRoyal and Scooty. The clothing brands Philanthropy Phabrics, Nevere Evern, Psychedelic Baddie, Sinical, Produce and Portland Gear will feature items at the fashion show. 12:00 - 4:00 PM

Portland Patch Notebook

• Did you know that there is a stargazing club in Portland? Neither did I, but the Rose City Astronomers are a thing and they want you to know that it is peak stargazing season for Portland. They spoke with Portland Monthly to get the word out, including the fact that they've got a freakin' telescope library! I guess you learn something new every day. Or in this case, every night. (Portland Monthly)
• Thinking about getting out into nature, but not sure exactly where to go? Portland couple Sarah Smith and Kevin Long want to help with that. They've created a Portland-based company called The Dyrt and created an app to help people find free camping sites in their area. (KGW)
• If you're a dog lover, you may be interested in the Portland Kennel Club: Stumptown Cluster Dog Show. It's going on all weekend at the Portland Expo Center. Admission is free, but parking is $12, so think about taking Tri-Met there. (Portland Expo Center)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Free Family Mini Photo Sessions (July 31)

Now go out and enjoy the weekend. If you don't like my suggestions, then find your own brand of fun, but let's meet back up next week to celebrate all things Portland! If you're into these newsletters, consider bringing some of your 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? You can email me at portland@patch.com.