PSU Professor Resigns + Forest Drought + Bus Driver Shortage

I normally like to be upbeat and peppy, but on the anniversary of one of the most devastating attacks on American soil, that vibe seems wrong. It's 9/11 today and I'm going to talk about what's going on in Portland, but we should also remember the people who lost their lives in the Twin Towers attack that occurred 20 years ago.

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First, today's weather:

There'll be some clouds, some sun, but no rain and a high of 75. Classic Portland.

Here are the top stories today in Portland:

1. Six people, all represented by the Freedom Foundation, have filed a lawsuit over the governor’s order that requires all state, healthcare and school employees to be fully vaccinated by October 18 — or risk termination. The complaint claims all plaintiffs have previously been infected with COVID-19 and are therefore naturally immune to the virus that has killed over 650,000 people in the United States alone. (KOIN)
2. Peter Boghossian, an associate professor who taught philosophy at Portland State University for the past decade, resigned Wednesday. In his resignation letter, published online, Boghossian said university administrators had continuously limited free speech, and favored viewpoints focused on racial equity, social justice and similar ideologies. (OPB)
3. The Oregon Department of Forestry is hoping the public can help them understand how this year’s historic drought conditions and heat wave impacted our forests. They are using a new survey that anyone can fill out to help collect that data. You do not need to have a serious knowledge of forestry or droughts. The Department of Forestry is looking for people who have trees nearby to answer questions about those trees. (KPTV)
4. Portland Public Schools (PPS) is one of the many school districts nationwide facing a bus driver shortage. Less than two weeks into the 2020-21 school year, the shortage is already posing challenges with getting kids to school. PPS and its partner organization, First Student, are down a total of 86 drivers as of Thursday. About 50 drivers in training, but it typically takes about a month for a driver to be fully trained. The training process has been slightly delayed because some PPS trainers have taken shifts as drivers, the district said. (KGW)
5. A recent report featured prominently in The New York Times suggested breakthrough infections of COVID-19 are much more rare than current statistics show. Dr. Scott Lindquist, Washington's State Epidemiologist cast some doubt on the reliability of the Times' calculations. "I think those are numbers that are manipulated that don't take into the context of everyone who's asymptomatic," said Lindquist. (KPTV)

Today in Portland:

• I can't remember when I first heard the term "catio", but, as a fan of wordplay and cats, I immediately loved it. Today the Portland Audubon Society will be hosting its Catio Tour 2021. This year’s tour will offer both an in-person and virtual option, with each of the catios professionally filmed to showcase their creative and unique designs, from efficient to expansive. Funds from the Catio Tour support the Portland Audubon’s and Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon’s “Cats Safe at Home”™ campaign, which seeks to reduce free-roaming cats in the Portland metropolitan area with solutions that are good for cats and wildlife. Get your tickets online. 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.
• Today marks the 5th Annual Kennedy School Oktoberfest Brewfest. Raise a handcrafted ale as you dance the polka! Indulge in German fare while you celebrate with 20 German-style craft beers. Music from Thomas Mudrick and Howlin' Waters. Get your tickets online. 2:00 - 8:00 PM.
• The Belmont Street Fair is happening today! The Belmont Street Fair, held annually on the 2nd Saturday of September, is one of the largest-attended street fairs in Portland. With food and retail vendors of all kinds, show-stopping performances, and activities for all ages, the Belmont Street Fair is fun for everyone! 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
• The Great American Tiny House Show starts today at the Portland Expo Center in North Portland. Attendees will be able to see the latest trends in tiny living. Learning from builders, project experts and lifestyle authors at the educational conferences or panel discussions. Explore options on real estate developments for alternative housing locations around the United States and enjoy great exhibits with accessories to compliment the “going small” experience. Tickets available online. 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
• In commemoration of 9/11, Eastside Bar & Grill in NE Portland is holding a fundraiser for first responders. There will be live music from the Seth Myzel Band, Harrah's Void, Six Gun Quota and Skulburger. There will be raffles as well. All proceeds will go to benefit Superheroes Foundation to treat the mental health of our first responders. Show starts at 8:00 PM.

Portland Patch Notebook

• Travel Portland: "Truly one of the most iconic shots in all of Portland ... This beloved maple tree at the @PortlandJapaneseGarden is about to pop with fall color. Don't you dare miss it! #ThisIsPortland 📷: @elliotmcgucken #PDX #PDXNOW #TravelPortland ..." (Instagram)
• Portland Audubon: "Can you imagine if what you ingested impacted the color of your hair? 🤔 Male Cassin’s Finches have colorful foods like the orange berries of firethorn plants to thank for their red crown feathers, due to the carotenoid pigments in the ..." (Instagram)
• In a move that shows Portland’s trademark weirdness is still intact, City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty announced at a press conference this morning that the Flanders Crossing Bridge that opened back in June will henceforth be known as the Ned Flanders Crossing. “When people think of bridges, roads, sidewalks and bike lanes, they don’t usually think of fun. They don’t usually smile as they’re sitting at a traffic signal or heading down a street. But why not?” Hardesty said prior to revealing the new name. “Well, who doesn’t need something to smile about right now? While we are hard at work on recovering from this severe pandemic? There’s nothing that says our infrastructure shouldn’t add a little joy to life as well.” (Bike Portland)
• Ralph Bloemers was looking for the right place to put a wildlife camera in the burned forest surrounding the former mining camp at Jawbone Flats. The area is closed to the public, but the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center invited Bloemers to document wildlife and forest recovery around its educational facility after the area burned in the Beachie Creek Fire last year. (OPB)
• Though I feel a bit stupid that I didn't realize it, but, of course the Portland Trail Blazers have a podcast. Here is their 43rd episode. This one is packed with off-season goodness as co-hosts Dave Deckard and Dia Miller talk about Larry Nance, Jr. complimenting Portland, Damian Lillard getting married, and CJ McCollum and his wife expecting their first child. (Blazers Edge)
• Here in the City of Roses, not everything has been very rosy, so it's always nice to see our city in a good light. The YouTube channel Keep Going Places posted a nice little video that tours several places around town. Hopefully it will put a smile on your face. (YouTube)

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There's your Saturday, Portland. Stay safe out there and remind your people that you love them. That's what it's all about. I'll be back next week to talk more about my love for everyone in this great city, Portland. If you're loving 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? I'm all ears. You can contact me at portland@patch.com.