Heatwave Task Force+OR Hospitals Full+South Park Blocks Remodel

It's Friday, Peoples, and you know how much I love Fridays! Let me talk about some of the things happening today.

First, today's weather: Things are starting to heat up in Portland, with sunny, sunny skies and a high of 85.

Here are the top stories today in Portland:

1. Two people were hospitalized following a head-on collision in NE Portland. Police are looking for a third car that may have caused the accident, by pushing one of the cars into the oncoming lane of the other. (KOIN.com)
2. The scorching heatwave that the Pacific Northwest experienced left its mark on Multnomah County, leaving over 70 people dead in the aftermath. In response, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler is forming a new task force to make sure the city is ready to survive another one. (KATU)
3. Portland area hospitals are packed, with medical centers around the state seeing record high numbers of patients visiting emergency rooms. These aren't COVID patients filling the halls, however, but people who delayed seeking care during the pandemic. (KPTV)
4. Despite intense opposition from the public, the Portland City Council has announced that it intend to move forward with the South Park Blocks remodeling plan. One major point of contention is what will happen to the elm trees that line the blocks. Portland Parks & Recreation says the plan is necessary to replace aging trees and accommodate a Portland population that is both increasing and growing more diverse. (KOIN)
5. The Portland Street Response team is designed to be a viable alternative to calling the police on people in crisis. The city, however, seems to be dragging its feet in delaying its expansion and withholding vital funding. Even with the public demand for these types of services, it's unclear when the city will pledge more support. (Street Roots News)

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Today in Portland

• The Rosetta Project, a folk-rock musical, will be playing at the Bridgetown Conservatory of Musical Theatre in North Portland. It tells the story of of Sarah Rosetta Wakeman, a young woman who presented herself as a man and joined the Union Army during the Civil War. Get your tickets online. Show is at 7:00 PM.
• What could be more delightful than an easy stroll through Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge on a pleasant summer afternoon? How about doing it with some fellow Portlanders and maybe getting dinner afterwards. Join the Into the Wonder: Nature Play and Adventure group for this fun and easy ramble. 5:00 - 10:00 PM.
• It's a Wizard Weekend at the McMenamin's Kennedy School! In celebration of Harry Potter's birthday, the Kennedy School is transforming into Hogwart's, featuring costume contests, games, trivia and even a Diagon Alley. And, of course, they'll be showing all eight Harry Potter movies. Get tickets online. The fun begins at 5:00 PM.
• Epicenter in North Portland presents Housewarming, an epic evening of deep house music. Featuring two different stages, each with multiple DJ's and a cashless bar. Get your tickets online. 9:00 PM to 3:00 AM.
• From the folks that brought you Portland Flea, Roux Portland and the Portland Bazaar, they now present Street Bazaar at the Electric Blocks in SE Portland. There's a Bollywood and Bhangra dance party with DJ Prashant and performances by the Jai Ho! Dance Troupe. And enough food, drink and art to keep revelers happy. 5:00 - 9:00 PM.

Portland Patch Notebook

• Willamette Week has just released the results from their annual Best of Portland poll. After a year of pandemic lockdown (and protests and wildfires and heatwaves and ice storms), find out what readers say got them through the rough times. The winners may surprise you! (Willamette Week)
• Now that the state is opening back up, the City of Portland wants to welcome you back to downtown and they're throwing party to help convince you that Portland is back! Tonight it kicks off with a drag show at SW 10th Ave., but there'll be stuff going on all weekend. Check out their list of events. (Here For Portland)

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I'd talk even more, but there's so much going on today that I'd better get started having fun. But I wouldn't just leave you empty handed, so I give you cows. Cows eating bread. If you're feeling 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? You can contact me at portland@patch.com.