🌱 Homeless Micro-Villages+Social Media Violence+District Maps OK

Hey, hey, Portland! We've got another Thursday going on. And a First Thursday at that. Does that mean extra fun? Well, that's kind of up to you, but I'm going to say yes! Why don't I tell you about what's going on today and you can decide for yourself.

First, today's weather:

A blustery day of rain with a high of 56 makes for a great day to stay inside with a cup of tea. Just my opinion, of course.

Here are the top stories in Portland today:

1. Portland, like most cities, has rules regarding property maintenance that cover everything from the height of a homeowner’s fence to the condition of their lawn. The enforcement system for these rules is driven entirely by complaints from neighbors and passersby. According to a report out Wednesday from the city Ombudsman’s Office, reviewing over 15,000 complaints filed between 2013 and 2018, complaints were concentrated in neighborhoods that are rapidly gentrifying and have a higher percentage of people of color than the city as a whole. (OPB)

2. The homelessness problem in Portland is impossible for residents to ignore. One group in the Laurelhurst neighborhood hopes that they have a solution. Jan McManus, a retired social worker, began meeting with other concerned Portlanders and they came up with a plan. In an initiative called We Shine, McManus proposes the building and managing of micro-villages in every neighborhood. The low-barrier villages will be clusters of huts with electricity. There will be clean water, toilets, and showers on-site, similar to what you'll find at villages that already exist in Portland. But We Shine will be different; no more than 10 to 12 huts per village, easier to manage with less impact on neighborhoods. (KATU)

3. In looking for causes behind the recent increase in gun violence happening in Portland, could social media be a factor? Lt. Ken Duilio of the Portland Police Bureau certainly thinks so. Duilio explained disputes on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat have triggered some of the recent shootings. In June, an argument on social media between two men and their respective girlfriends led to a late-night car chase and shooting in North Portland’s St. Johns neighborhood, according to court documents. 19-year-old Alexander Martinson died after being shot in the back of the head. (KGW.com)

4. In the recent redrawing of congressional districts in Oregon, the Republicans have cried foul and accused the Democrats of gerrymandering. However retired state Judge Henry Breithaupt has found that the new congressional districts meet all legal criteria. He's not the final word in the matter though. Breithaupt is acting as a “special master” in the case, tasked with making findings of fact for a five-judge panel that will decide the outcome. (KOIN)

5. The City of Portland may soon change the way it designates historical landmarks. The city acknowledges that efforts to protect certain neighborhoods from change have historically served mostly white, affluent communities while leaving out neighborhoods that are significant to people of color, especially Black residents. The new proposal calls for Portland to make its own decisions about properties that are considered “historic.” (The Oregonian)

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Today in Portland:

• Global PDX is celebrating their 6th anniversary and they'd like you to join them for a Happy Watt-Hour fundraiser at Mt. Tabor Brewing in SE Portland! A lot has happened since they last gathered and they're are eager to share what they've been up to and what is next for Twende Solar. COVID safety protocols will be in effect. This event is from 4:00 to 5:00 PM.
• We are coming into the season for giving, so why not kick it off right by going to Impact NW's Give!Guide event at Atlas Pizza in N Portland? Join Impact NW's Ambassador Board for an exciting start to this year's Give!Guide campaign! 4:00 - 10:00 PM.
• It's Game Night at the Oregon Public House in NE Portland. They've partnered with Puddletown Games and The Portland Game Store to bring you weekly board & card game events. Come have a pint, some good food and play some games! Proof of vaccination is required to eat inside the building. The fun starts at 6:30 PM.
• If you want to get a little artsy this evening (it is First Thursday, after all), check out Mother Foucault's Bookshop in SE Portland for a Surrealist Poetry and Art Show. Poetry by Zachary Schomburg, Jon Boisvert and Dan Wiencek. Art from Rachel Mulder and Zachary Schomburg. 6:30 - 8:00 PM.
• Experience an evening of live electronica music at the Mississippi Pizza Pub & Atlantis Lounge in North Portland. Tonight will feature performances by brother vs. robot, onslaught ocelot and Casual Decay. Tickets available online. Proof of vaccination required for entry. The show starts at 7:00 PM.
• For a night of comedy, head on over to the Hawthorne Theater in SE Portland for Niles Abston's Big A$$ Party. Coming from one of the pandemic’s few rising stars, Abston’s 2020 YouTube comedy special blew up, and a recent Dave Chappelle drag garnered him nearly 43,000 likes. Get your tickets online. Doors open at 8:30 PM.

Portland Patch Notebook

• Portland Trail Blazers: "@damianlillard with an inspirational post game message that relates to any industry." (Instagram)
• Portland Audubon: "Join us for our next virtual Nature Night Tuesday, November 9 at 7 p.m.: Restoring Sea Otters to the Oregon Coast - An Ecological and Cultural Imperative with @elakhaalliance. Sea otters were once common along the Oregon coast, a protec..." (Instagram)
• Portland favorite Salt & Straw is at it again, creating wacky flavors that few would have considered. This time they're going seasonal and unveiling a turkey and cranberry ice cream. The turkey and cranberry sauce ice cream is made from roasted turkey bacon, tucked in a brittle with thyme and pepper for what Salt & Straw says is a “salty flavor that joins our house made cranberry sauce.” (KPTV)
• Here is an interesting door sighted in Portland. I would love to hear the story behind this one. (Reddit)
• I've said before that Portland is a skateboarding town and here's Thrasher to prove it. They showcased the Burnside Skate Park and some of the gnarly skaters there. Enjoy! (YouTube)

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So, what do you say? Is that enough fun for you? That's enough fun to get this one on the run, but I'll still be back tomorrow to talk up my favorite day of the week. A Friday in Portland. If you're feeling these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read 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? I'm all ears. You can reach me at portland@patch.com.