Homeless Lawsuit+Downtown Reopening+Income Tax Challenge

Whether you’re an early riser or wake at noon, I hope I’m the part of the routine to start your day. And we’ve quite a day ahead, so let’s get started!

Weather

It’s going to be cloudy, but dry, with a high of 72 today. There’s a small chance of rain in the evening, so keep that in mind if you’re headed out.

The top news stories in Portland today

• Crews are quickly trying to clear out homeless camp, but maybe a little too quick. A group of homeless individuals are filing a class action lawsuit accusing both police and Rapid Response of discarding or disposing of their property, when they’re supposed to document and catalog items. (Oregon Live)
• There’s been gloom and doom regarding the current state of downtown Portland, but it looks like it may be making a come back. Downtown business have started to reopen in preparation for Multnomah County’s low risk status and new business have started signing leases for downtown properties. (KATU News)

• Even with the state giving renters until February 2022 to pay back rent, the eviction moratorium is set to expire on July 1st of this year. That means that renters will need to start paying full rent or face homelessness, a risk that is even greater for low income families and BIPOC communities. (The Skanner)
• Multnomah County Judge Steffan Alexander is reviewing the legality of a new 1% income tax that would fund homeless services. Voters in 3 counties approved it in 2020, but a coalition ofbusinesses and business services are challenging it. (KXL 101 FM)
• Police accountability has been front and center for a while now. Currently, the negotiations between the Portland Police Association and the state’s Employment Relations Board has taken center stage, as the legislature considers a bill that would remove the police union from oversight. (KATU News)

Today in Portland

• The Super Moon Eclipse is happening tonight. Will it be visible from Portland? That really depends on how cloudy it is, so I’m not holding out much hope, but, just in case, here’s the deets.
• The Polka Dot Downtown music series continues, downtown in Pioneer Courthouse Square, with singer-songwriter, JoAnna Lee, followed by Naomi Danae, performing during the lunch hour. How long has it been since you’ve experienced live music? Check it out. (The Square)
• If you’re concerned with the environment, why not check out Clark County’s Master Composter Recycler program series, offering a webinar tonight about preventing food waste. See it here.
• If you’re a musician, or just interested in music, Sellwood Park has been having Wednesday evening jams, every Wednesday from 5 – 7:30 PM. So if you’re in the neighborhood and have a hankering for live music, why don’t you stop on by. (Sellwood Park)

Portland Patch Notebook

• Looking for outdoor, educational opportunities? Topaz Farm on Sauvie Island is hosting family field trips this summer. Take your family to better learn where your food comes from. Registration is required. (Topaz Farms)
• Are you part of the people who are still pro-gluten? If so, think about learning more about Portland bread heads, Starter Breads. A subscription program that gives some subscribers a secret pick up site for delicious, homemade bread. And they may do a pop-up or two in the future. (PDX Monthly)

Portland continues to reopen and warm weather is on the way. I’ll be here every day tell you about the exciting events that will be happening around town. Take care of yourself and be well!