Police Accountability+Freeway Toll+Dangerous Portland Streets

Good day to you all, my fine, fellow Portlanders! It’s almost the weekend, so let’s see what’s cooking for Friday.

Weather

Partly cloudy today, with a high of 69. There’s the teeniest chance of rain in the AM, so take that into consideration.

Top news stories for Portland

• As Mayor Ted Wheeler talks about the lack of accountability in the Portland Police Bureau, the state legislature considers passing a bill that would by pass the police. SB 621 would allow for the implementation of an oversight board without negotiating with the police. (KATU)
• Lawmakers are considering new amendments to House Bill 3065 which would set aside funds for the renovation of the Rose Quarter stretch of I-5. If passed, this would establish a tolling system on all the freeways in the Portland area. A number of activists oppose this bill due to environmental concerns. (OPB)

• 7 individuals have been displaced after a fire broke out at a residential care facility in Northeast Portland. These individuals were able to evacuate safely, but the home was heavily damaged by the fire. (KPTV)
• Be careful on those streets out there, Portland. Police release data that shows that traffic fatalities are continuing to rise, as speeders and street racers abound on the roads of Stumptown. (KOIN6 News)
• Just because Multnomah county has moved to low risk, doesn’t mean that COVID-19 has gone away. Oregon reports 399 new cases and 11 more deaths. The Oregon Health Authority issues a new report regarding how the state is doing during the pandemic. (KGW)

Today’s events in Portland

• A Haitian pop-up, Creole Me Up is happening today, from 6 to 8 PM. Veganizer PDX is teaming up with Chef Elsy Dinvil for this vegan food event to support Compassion First, a non-profit committed to helping the survivors of child sex trafficking and exploitation. Tickets are required.

• You can still find quality entertainment in the comfort of your own home with The Portland Social Distance Ensemble. Brought to you by the musical collective, 45th Parallel, this is a free, streaming even that happens every Friday at 6:00 PM.
• Won’t settle for anything less than live music? Well, the Botanist has you covered. Tonight they feature The Gold Experience, playing blues, jazz and old-school soul. They offer both an early show, at 5:00 PM, and a later one at 6:45 PM. Tickets through Ticket Tomato.
• More interested in social justice than entertainment? Remembering George Floyd will take place at Revolution Hall tonight. Hosted by Halospace and Dez Media, it will be an observation of the anniversary of Floyd’s death and a year of fighting of justice and Black liberation. 7:00 PM

Portland Patch Notebook

• Portland is a great city to walk around. And now the Portland Bureau of Transportation has come up with a new way to improv walking conditions in some of the less developed parts of the city, without the expense of building a full-fledged sidewalk. Called an “alternative pedestrian walkway”, the first one has already been placed in the Cully neighborhood. (Bike Portland)

• Dinner and a show? How about brunch and a drag show. Local Lounge presents Double Dipped, a weekly event featuring renowned local drag performer, Blondie, as well as Anne J. Tifah, the amateur winner of Local Lounge’s Lavish Pucker Pageant. Make your reservations today!

Whew, that a lot of stuff and the weekend hasn’t even begun yet. Have fun and I’ll be back tomorrow with a whole new bunch of stuff to do.