Kitchen Heat + Forestry Fire Ban + Taxing Space Tourism

There's a song in my heart, which is strange, because there's usually blood in there. I'm still doing fine and dandy anyway, so let's chat about today.

First, today's weather: It's a fine summer's day today, with lots of sun and a high of 80!

Here are the top stories in Portland today:

1. While the Portland Police does have a staffing problem, it also has a lower percentage of sworn officers on patrol. Data shows that Tigard, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, Beaverton, and Salem all have a larger portion of officers on patrol than Portland. (KATU)
2. Few were hit harder by Portland's record-breaking heatwave than local restaurant workers. One McDonald's employee reported workplace temperatures as high as 125 degrees and they are far from alone. Of approximately 40 Portland-area complaints alleging excessive heat while working, 14 were filed by food service workers, including three employees at McDonald’s and two at Chipotle Mexican Grill. (Willamette Week)
3. Faced with a particularly bad season for wildfires, the Oregon Department of Forestry has announced that no campfires will be allowed in state parks or in state-managed forest east of Interstate 5. This ban includes includes charcoal fires, cooking fires, warming fires, charcoal briquettes, pellet grills, candles, tiki torches and other devices that emit flames or embers. (KGW)
4. Now that the ultra-rich, such as Jeff Bezos, are trying out space tourism, Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer is suggesting that these ventures should be taxed. He says he doesn't want to hinder or interfere in scientific research or space exploration, but rather tax voyages that are merely luxury tourism. (KATU)
5. The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and its sister organization, The Leadership Conference Education Fund, published police use of force data from nine new cities, including Portland, on Accountable Now, a national repository that collects use of force statistics from law enforcement agencies across the United States. (The Skanner)

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Today in Portland

• Eclectic indie musician Alec Ounsworth, AKA Clap Hands Say Yeah, is playing at North Portland venue Mississippi Studios tonight. Get your tickets online. Doors open at 7:00 PM.
• If you love cooking, get yourself over to FINEX's NW Portland location. They're featuring local chefs Han Hwang from Kim Jong Grillin, Lyf Gildersleeve from Flying Fish and Lauro Romano from Republica for cooking demos, food samples and even drinks from Widmer Brothers Brewing. 12:00 - 6:00 PM.
• Local brewer Von Ebert is releasing its latest creation, Maid of the Mist, tonight. It's a modern tropical Pilzner that's perfect for summer. Swing by its NW Portland location and pick up a 4-pack. (Instagram)
• Enjoy a relaxed summer evening in the garden with good wine, sweet music, delicious charcuterie and Laurelhurst neighbors and friends. Meet the winemakers from Southeast Portland's own Division Wine Company and learn about their varietals. Listen to the jazz guitar sounds of musician and guitar maker, Mike Doolin, and friend John Stowell. Alex Morrow, of Archival Spirits, will also be sampling his Vin d’Orange aperitif. 5:00 - 8:00 PM.
• The jazz band Mixtape will be playing at North Portland pizza spot 1905. Join them for an evening of dinner, drinks and sweet, sweet music. Get your tickets online. Early show at 7:00 PM, late show at 9:00 PM.

Portland Patch Notebook

• Of all the things that go towards keeping Portland weird, few places do it better than the Peculiarium. It's been in operation for over a decade, and just reopened after a year long hiatus, so for a true taste of Portland give it a visit. (KPTV)
• Portland Art Museum: "Thanks to @ralenj for sharing this great photo by @jasonhill.photo with Black Excellence, who have been a big part of..." (Instagram)

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Events:

• Free Family Mini Photo Sessions (July 31)

And that's your Thursday! Take care, my friends, and meet me back here tomorrow for my own personal take on 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 email me at portland@patch.com.