Heatwave Casualties+COVID Still A Thing+911 In Trouble

It's the weekend, Party People, and have we got a day in store for you. Some good, some bad, but always interesting. Let's talk about Portland!

First, today's weather: Oh, glorious clouds, defending us from the sun! A high of 78 has never sounded so good.

Here are the top stories in Portland today:

1. With a record breaking heatwave behind us and maybe another on the way, the death toll of such extreme weather is disturbing. Portland saw more heat-related deaths in June than all of Oregon over 20 years. Can the Pacific Northwest adapt in the face of climate change? (Newsweek)
2. I'm sick of writing about COVID, but with the current surge in cases going on right now, I kind of have to write about COVID. The Oregon Health Authority reported 1,318 new and presumptive cases of COVID-19 in its daily report Thursday. Providence Portland ICU nurse Sabra Bederka talks about her experiences with unvaccinated patients. (KGW.com)
3. Gentrification has been a Portland problem for a while now, but at least City Council is trying to do something about it. Last week they voted to continue support for its Anti-Displacement Action Plan in an effort to mitigate gentrification across the city. This is taking the form of grant money to the organization formerly known as the Portland African American Leadership Forum (PAALF), now known as Imagine Black. These organizations and their work is more necessary than ever in the face of ever rising Portland home price increases. (The Skanner)
4. 911 is in trouble. Over the past year, it's seen an unprecedented rise in the number of calls received, sometimes up to a 45% increase per day. This is not surprising, given the type of year Portland has experienced. Commissioner Mingus Mapps, the commissioner in charge of the Bureau of Emergency Communications is hoping for 2 things that may address these issues — more funding to hire more staff and educating the public on when not to call 911. (KOMO News)
5. Just when it looked like we were getting the pandemic under control, the delta variant had to come and ruin it all. Many companies who had return-to-office plans in place are pushing the pause button. Companies like The Standard and U.S. Bank had planned to reopen after Labor Day, but now are pushing those plans back to October or later. (OPB)

Today in Portland

• The Hoyt Arboretum is combining classical music with the beauty of nature. IN A LANDSCAPE presents the music of Hunter Noack. Bring your own chairs or a blanket and some comfy shoes. You are also welcome to bring your own picnic. With the help of wireless headphones, attendees can enjoy the sounds of IN A LANDSCAPE while exploring the landscape! Get your tickets online. 6:00 - 7:00 PM
• The Dirt Lunch Band will be playing at SE Portland drinking establishment No Fun. They'll be joined by The Quality and The Mawlee Jones Band. Show starts at 8:00 PM.
• While there are many great cocktails here in Portland, it's hard to beat a good Bloody Mary. Finally the drink is getting the celebration it deserves at The Bloody Mary Festival at the Redd in SE Portland. Tickets include food and beverage tastes from local companies, one vote for The People's Choice Award, temporary tattoos, photo ops and more. Session 1 is from 11:15 AM to 1:30 PM. Session 2 is from 3:45 to 6:00 PM.
• Have you been concerned about climate change and want to rebel against it? Join the Pacific Region, Extinction Rebellion America XR for their Summer Rebellion downtown at Shemanski Park. There will be plant-based food, music and work shops, later followed by a march and occupation. The workshops are at noon, march starts at 3:00 PM.
• Wow, I guess today is the day to be downtown! The PDX Chinese Festival will be in Pioneer Courthouse Square, bringing back the spectacular performances, delicious Chinese food, music and arts from local artists and more. Don't want to risk the crowds? They'll be live streaming the event on Instagram. Noon - 7:00 PM.
• Drive-ins seem to be all the rage this summer and North Clackamas Parks & Recreation District is getting in on the fun by showing Night at the Museum. Space is limited for cars and pre-registration is required. A goodie bag is included with entry fee. Movies begin at dusk, around 8:30 - 9:00 PM.

Portland Patch Notebook

• Travel Portland: "They say that you are what you eat, but when it comes to sinking our teeth into one of these puppies, we totally don'..." (Instagram)
• Portland Audubon: "Have you heard of blue carbon? Most people are aware that trees absorb carbon dioxide. But did you know that tidal ..." (Instagram)
• Recently the Portland Bureau of Transportation released the final report of their East Portland Arterial Streets Strategy (EPASS). The importance of a coordinating document like this should not be underestimated, especially in an area like east Portland which is benefitting from over $200 million in safety projects under several different programs, including Vision Zero, Neighborhood Greenways, Transportation Demand Management and the East Portland Action Plan. If you use East Portland streets, particularly as a cyclist, you should take a look. (Bike Portland)
• In the wake of the pandemic, many gatherings and festivals had to change the way they did things. The Montavilla Jazz Festival did so by bringing music right to people's front doors. Jazz Night talks to Charlie Porter, one of the participating musicians. (OPB)
• You may wish to go back to bars and restaurants, but are concerned about who around you is vaccinated or unvaccinated. The kind folks at Eater PDX has compiled a list of establishments that are checking vaccination status at the door. You're welcome! (Eater PDX)
• I did mention that we may have another heatwave looming on the horizon, but I'm no weatherman. Here's the one, the only, Frankie McDonald with own brand of forecast. (YouTube)
• Oh, I almost forgot, you should know that the Providence Bridge Pedal is going on this Sunday. The pluses to this are that the Bridge Pedal is a great 23 mile ride, with hundreds of other cyclists, that cross 9 different bridges. Shorter routes are also available. The downside is that, if you're not in the Bridge Pedal, getting around town is going to be a little difficult. Plan accordingly. (Providence Bridge Pedal)

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Events:

• Legacy Emanuel Pop-Up Donor Center (August 14)

That's enough stuff to tire out the Energizer Bunny. Remember to pace yourself, because we're going to do it all again next week. Since I don't want to leave you empty handed, here is the world's smallest monkey. If you're enjoying these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. 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.