🌱 Funds To Help Homeless + Vaccines For Kids + Mall Foreclosed

Happy Wednesday, Portland! It's another fine day in the City of Roses and I'm here to tell you what's going on. Let's talk.

First, today's weather:

It's going to be another grey, cloudy day, but there's no rain forecast until the evening, so there's that. High temp will be around 60.

Here are the top stories in Portland today:

1. In an unusual show of solidarity, both city and county leaders have pledged to pool their resources and invest $38 million in homeless services. Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury said their partnership was “stronger than it’s ever been,” enabling the county to provide an additional 400 shelter beds. Joint Office of Homeless Services director Marc Jolin said that, in total, the county expects to have 1,750 beds, motel rooms and sleeping pods available this winter. (OPB)
2. Now that vaccines have been approved for kids ages 5 to 11 years old, Portland Public Schools are gearing up to administer the jab. Vaccination clinics have already been planned at 8 different locations. The kids will receive child dosages of the Pfizer vaccine. Students will need to have a parent or guardian with them, but those clinics will also have flu shots and booster shots available for the parents and guardians. (Portland Patch)
3. As malls start falling by the wayside, Lloyd Center Mall appears to be the latest casualty as its owners, KKR Real Estate Finance Trust announce foreclosure. In a statement, it said "We plan to take ownership of the property before the end of this year which will enable us to begin working with local partners to prepare for a long-term redevelopment of the site.” (KOIN)
4. Bad news for NW Natural customers. Rates are going up an average of 13%. This is due to an increase in the cost of natural gas. To save money and increase efficiency, the Oregon Public Utility Commission recommends turning down thermostats, updating appliances to higher-efficiency models, fully insulating homes and cleaning or changing the furnace filter once a month during the heating season. Customers who have trouble paying are encouraged to contact NW Natural and ask about payment assistance. (KATU)
5. Multnomah County is investing about $1.5 million from the American Rescue Plan in starting up a Gun Violence Behavioral Health Response Team. The program will include three clinicians that will offer counseling services for families impacted by gun violence. The team of clinicians will work with the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office to reach families who might be in need of help, with the hopes that healing and hope can stop the next round of violence before it starts. (KPTV)

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Today in Portland:

• Celebrate the return of Portland's favorite (only?) live, late-night talk show Who's The Ross? at Dante's in downtown Portland. This will be an evening of hilarious comedy, sensational special guests, exceptional live music, and debaucherous audience contests! Featuring special guests ... TBA. Get your tickets online. Doors open at 7:00 PM.
• Go and get your jitter on at the PDX Coffee Fest Latte Art Throwdown happening at Caffe Vita Alberta in NE Portland. The winner will receive a cash prize and compete in the Latte Art World Championship Open at Coffee Fest! All attendees must show proof of vaccination or proof of negative PCR test within 72 hours. It's happening this evening at 5:00 PM.
• Do you like learning about other cultures? Moishe House invites you to come celebrate and learn about the Ethiopian Jewish holiday of Sigd! Hosted by Metasbiya Habteyes and catered by local Ethiopian vendors, Moishe House will be attending the first half of the event for schmoozing & education before food is served. This will be taking place at The Eastside Jewish Commons in NE Portland. Vaccination is required for attendance. 6:00 - 7:00 PM.
• The Blue Wave Band is hosting a Portland Showcase at recording studio The Hallowed Halls in SE Portland. Watch talented musicians perform live for you (for free!). This showcase offers the opportunity to meet producers, who can answer any questions you may have about booking a band. 8:00 - 9:00 PM.
• The Siren Theater in NW Portland presents An Evening with Lizz Winstead. As co-creator and former head writer of The Daily Show and co-founder of Air America Radio, Lizz Winstead has helped changed the very landscape of how people get their news. Tickets available online. Proof of vaccination required for entry. Doors open at 7:30 PM.

Portland Patch Notebook

• Travel Portland: "Iconic Portland, that's all there is to say about this spot! #ThisIsPortland : @johnbyrnphotography #PDX #PDXNOW #TravelPortland #TravelOregon #PortlandOregon #HereForPortland" (Instagram)
• Portland Trail Blazers: "Happy Native American Heritage Month! We're honored to pay tribute to traditions & immense contributions of the Native Community. Join us in supporting Native-owned small businesses, local artists & recognizing our region's Tribal Nation ..." (Instagram)
• Are we getting back to normal? The popular holiday tradition of ZooLights will be returning to the Oregon Zoo on Nov. 22nd. Visitors can participate in the traditional walk-through experience. The zoo has also set aside 12 midweek evenings for a drive-through experience similar to last year. It has instituted special accommodations due to COVID this year, so if you're planning on going, check on the website to see what measures are in place. (KATU)
• The Portland Trailblazers are getting some fancy new threads. They've just released the first images Monday of the Nike 2021-22 NBA City Edition uniform. The new uniform is described by the organization as a way to celebrate and reflect the NBA’s 75th anniversary. In a release Monday, the Trail Blazer organization said the past was looked to when creating the uniforms diverse styles. “Since 1970, the franchise has been a part of the Pacific Northwest’s heartbeat,” the release read. “These uniforms call back to so many of the highest highs in franchise history, juxtaposing old and new to create a unique look and feel for this milestone season.” (KPTV)
• Who could resist this little guy? Adopets is at it again, showing off the most adorable animals up for adoption. This is Gloppy, a very fun, snuggly, and charming little dude! (Adopets)
• In my search for all things Portland, I've run across an interesting YouTube channel called Klearski the Kreeper. The videos are mostly about the old and abandoned parts of Portland. This video is a wandering through the ghost mall that is the Lloyd Center. (YouTube)

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There's so much going on in our fine city. But that's life in Portland and probably the reason we live here, if we're being honest. So meet me back here tomorrow and I'll let you in on what our busy Thursday is going to be like. 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? Contact me at portland@patch.com.