Homicides Pile Up+Unvaccinated Medical Workers+Winterhawks Logo

I know there's a song about hating Mondays, but is there a song about how much we love Fridays? Oh, there is! Well, let's talk about this glorious Friday.

First, today's weather: The clouds are back and a high of 74 today. It's starting to feel like Portland again.

Here are the top stories in Portland today:

1. Affordable housing is on the way for agricultural workers in Southeast Portland. Amanda Court will be a 38-unit apartment complex that will include energy efficient appliances, as well as heating and cooling. The project is a partnership between Stewardship Development, Oregon Housing and Community Services and other agencies. (KATU)
2. So many people have been murdered in Portland this year that homicide detectives can't keep up. In 2021, there have been 48 homicides and more than 600 shootings. The Portland Police Bureau said that the average number of homicides in the city is less than 30. (KPTV.com)
3. Vaccination rates for many of Oregon's licensed medical workers are shockingly low. According to newly released data, 43% of certified nursing assistants and 40% of licensed practical nurses in Oregon haven’t received even the first shot of a COVID-19 vaccine. Also, 41% of emergency medical technicians haven't had the shot. (Willamette Week)
4. Hundreds of free bikes were handed out to kids in NE Portland this week. The non-profit organization Free Bikes 4 Kids accepts donated bikes, repairs them and then gives them away. Dozens of children at the Multnomah Early Childhood program got to pick out a new ride and get fitted for helmets. (KOIN.com)
5. Local hockey team the Portland Winterhawks have ditched their old Native American logo and updated to the head of a red-tailed hawk. Their webpage currently displays the new logo, with the message: "It's time to take a step forward. To define our own identity - our own look, our own feel, our own experience. It's time to build community. It's time for the future." (KGW)

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Today in Portland

• Three For Silver and Hot Damn Scandal will be playing at Mississippi Pizza in North Portland. Three For Silver is a trio that plays jazz, folk and world music, while Hot Damn Scandal does Whiskey Bottle Yodeler Folk. 9:00 - 11:30 PM.
• Akasha Lawrence-Spence has announced her candidacy for Oregon Senate District 18 and she's inviting everyone to a party to celebrate. The event is co-hosted by the likes of Gov. Kate Brown, Sen. Jeff Merkley and many others who support Lawrence-Spencer's run. The party will be held outside, but bring a mask in case you need to go indoors. 6:30 - 8:00 PM
• After being closed for the pandemic, Wilf's Restaurant and Jazz Bar at Union Station is reopening. Tonight they feature the Jenny Moriarty Experience playing stylized jazz for the next Roaring 20's. $10 cover. Reservations and proof of vaccinations are required. Call Wilf's at 503-223-0070 to reserve your table. 7:00- -9:30 PM.
• Pedalpalooza and the World Famous Kenton Club team up to bring you a Ride of 1000 Stevies. The meet up point is at Oregon Park in NE Portland, as early as 4:30 PM. The ride ultimately leads to the World Famous Kenton Club to see the Fleetwood Mac cover band Gold Dust. Cover for the show is $7. 7:30 PM.
• Join Maya Elise and the Good Dream for a backyard concert at The Tower in SE Portland. Bring a chair or blanket at enjoy the sounds of this Oakland-based dream folk trio. Reserve online. 8:00 PM.

Portland Patch Notebook

• Not content with just one night of art a month, the Urban Art Network follows up First Thursday with Phoenix Fridays. Every Friday from now until the end of August, there will be art walks along NW 13th Ave. Art, food, drink and music; just what a summer evening needs. 5:00 - 9:00 PM.
• I'm not sure I need to remind anyone, but the 41st Annual Cathedral Park Jazz Festival is going on this weekend. This will be a live, in-person event but all guests will be asked to wear masks when they enter and leave the area or are visiting common areas like the restroom or food booths. Bring a chair or a blanket. Dogs are not allowed unless they are service animals. Starts today at 4:30 PM.
• Portland, Oregon: "Today the Portland @winterhawks unveiled their new identity and logo designed by local apparel brand @portlandgear! C..." (Instagram)

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Events:

• Free 30 Min Photoshoots in Camas! (July 18)

That's a lot, even for a Friday, but I wouldn't have it any other way! Ta ta for now, but you know I'll be coming at you tomorrow with another awesome day in Portland. 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? Email me at portland@patch.com.